Kedah plans to create its second duty-free zone after Langkawi by developing 6,000 hectares of land owned by the Kedah State Development Corporation (PKNK) and the private sector in Bukit Kayu Hitam for the purpose.

Menteri Besar Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah said the matter was raised at the 17th Meeting of the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) recently, chaired by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and also attended by Ahmad Bashah.

"At the meeting, the prime minister had instructed the NCIA together with PKNK to implement the plan," he said after attending the state Gerakan Chinese New Year open house, in Alor Setar, today.

Ahmad Bashah said the area would be developed with various facilities and infrastructure such as hotels, housing, shopping complex and schools, thus attracting more tourists.

"Residents in the area will enjoy duty-free goods, and we hope this plan can be developed soon as besides Langkawi Island we want another duty-free zone, which is on the mainland," he added.

- Bernama