Ong checking out one of the tools on display at the Metaltech Malaysia 2005 exhibition at the PWTC in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

KUALA LUMPUR: All physical and structural plans in Peninsular Malaysia will now have to conform to guidelines under the National Physical Plan to optimise land usage and ensure balanced development. 

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said the plan, which had been approved by the Cabinet and National Physical Planning Council chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, would be the basis for physical reconstruction in the peninsula. 

“The plan, based on the Town and Country Planning Act, has provided a direction for the restoration of land and its usage in the peninsula. 

“Previously, every state had its own development plan; efforts were not coordinated with other states; nor was there consultation with local authorities,” he said.  

He said the plan had given state and federal government agencies a guideline on development of town centres, suburban areas and forest reserves.  

“This will ensure that the states will not over-concentrate on one area, and prevent unnecessary competition between states,” he said after the opening ceremony of Metaltech Malaysia 2005 at Putra World Trade Centre here yesterday. 

Metaltech Malaysia 2005 is a metalworking and machine tool exhibition.  

Earlier in his speech, Ong said there had been positive development in the metalworking industry since the introduction of special incentives for the sector.  

He said total investment commitment in the industry amounted to RM406mil involving 81 projects last year with domestic investment accounting for 71% of the total. 

“The implementation of these projects will not only reduce Malaysia's dependence on imported machinery and equipment but will also strengthen the local engineering support industry,” he said.