"The government will provide some assistance in the infrastructure development and the amount is being worked out by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU)", he told reporters after Senai High-Tech Park Sdn Bhd signed a memorandum of understanding with EQ Solar and MOX-Linde Gases Sdn Bhd here Friday.

Mustapa said the government would finalise the amount of funding required under the 10th Malaysia Plan to ensure the success of Malaysia's second hi-tech park.

The five-year 10th Malaysia Plan is scheduled to be announced in June.

The minister said the financial support was important to ensure the Senai High-Tech Park mirrored the success of the Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kedah.

Sprawled over 1,600 hectares in the north-west of Peninsular Malaysia, the first high-tech industrial park was opened in 1996.

About RM800 million was spent to develop infrastructure at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park which, todate, has attracted RM23 billion in investments from several multinational companies.

"Moving forward, the government's next focus is to continue capitalising on the success of the Kulim Hi-Tech Park by approving, acknowledging and supporting the Senai Hi-Tech Park," Mustapa said.

The Senai Hi-Tech Park has been identified by the government as the key driver in Malaysia's thrust in high technology manufacturing as well as research and development.

"Senai Hi-Tech Park holds the advantage of being located close to Singapore and in Iskandar region to become a sustainable renowned region of international standing that would realise Malaysia's global potential," added Mustapa.

The minister said several American, European and Chinese solar companies have expressed interest to invest in Malaysia, adding that the government was planning to develop a cluster of solar companies including those involved in raw material supplies.

Currently, there were five solar companies in Malaysia, including EQ Solar, with operates in Kulim Hi-Tech Park, Selangor Science Park 2, Malacca and Sabah.

-- BERNAMA