HUTAN MELINTANG, PERAK, MALAYSIA January 25, 2026 – Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, today officiated the Groundbreaking Ceremony for QL Innofood Park at the site of QL Foods Sdn Bhd in Hutan Melintang, Bagan Datuk.
He, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bagan Datuk and Minister of Rural and Regional Development, described the project as a strategic move by QL Foods to advance from its leadership in fish-based food products such as fish balls and surimi, to developing a high-technology halal food ecosystem.
In his statement on platform X, Ahmad Zahid emphasised that QL Innofood Park will have a significant impact on national food security, strengthening the halal industry, and creating approximately **3,000 high-skilled job opportunities**.
The project also opens new opportunities for local youth in fields such as food technology, automation, cold chain logistics, and halal assurance – in line with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agenda and future industry needs.
As a native of Bagan Datuk, he expressed pride in seeing the district evolve from its traditional strengths in agriculture and fisheries to becoming a high-technology halal food industry hub.
“Insya-Allah, with close cooperation between the government, industry, and local community, initiatives like this will serve as a catalyst for more balanced, sustainable, and future-oriented rural development,” he said.
The groundbreaking ceremony was enlivened by a lion dance performance and attended by local leaders and representatives from QL Foods. It symbolised the official start of construction for the industrial park, which is expected to boost the economy of the Bagan Datuk district.
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