Job market remains positive

PENANG continues to attract multi-national companies (MNCs) to invest in the state as news of Fairchild Semiconductor ceasing operation hit the headlines.
The job market in the state remains positive with 11,759 jobs available in Penang as of July 31.
Datuk Lee Kah Choon, special adviser to the Chief Minister and director of investPenang, issued a press statement on Aug 26 following the news that Fairchild Semiconductor plans to consolidate its operations and close its facilities in West Jordan, Utah, Bucheon, Korea and Penang.

“It is regrettable. However, investPenang is in constant contact with Fairchild to offer job placement options for affected staff, job counselling and other assistance,” Lee said.
“As Penang continues to attract other MNCs to invest here, investPenang will also be assisting SMEs and local vendors affected by the expected disruption in Fairchild’s supply chain via opening of new market opportunities. This will be carried out through the Penang SME Market Advisory, Research and Training (SMART) Centre,” he added.
Already two MNCs (SanDisk and Haemonetics) are in the midst of completing their facilities in the Batu Kawan Industrial Park and Seagate has also recently informed that they will be building their multimillion ringgit facility in the same park.
“Additionally, investPenang will also be working with Fairchild to ensure that the existing factory land will be effectively used for higher value manufacturing which is in line with the redevelopment plan of the Bayan Lepas Industrial Park,” Lee said.
In the meantime, investPenang will continue to work with federal government agencies to enhance Malaysia as the location of choice for investments.

At a press conference on Aug 27, members of the press asked Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to comment on the matter.
“The closure is a Fairchild problem and not an industry matter. The industry is going through a healthy growth with double digit growth for Penang. Fairchild has a fair chance for recovery,” he said.

“There is no problem absorbing the staff from Fairchild as there are plenty of jobs. We have new companies opening. When Fairchild recovers, they will be welcomed back to Penang. We also have another major investor coming and we will announce that soon,” he added.