Perak has played a vital role in the industrial development of Malaysia, beginning with the tin mining industry in the 19th century. Its strategic location, established infrastructure, and abundant natural resources have made it an attractive destination for businesses looking to develop their operations in the country, ranging from traditional to modern industries. Over time, Perak has evolved from a rural-based economy to an industrial powerhouse, thanks to its well-developed infrastructure and skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a fast-changing global economy. As a result, the state’s success in the industrial sector has made it a hub for foreign and domestic investment, driving economic growth and generating job opportunities for its people.
Looking through various of Perak’s industrial development, one is amazed at the establishment of the Sultan Azlan Shah Power Station by TNB Janamanjung Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Malaysia’s largest electricity utility company. The power station is in Manjung District and covers a total land area of 325 hectares, which includes plant facilities, a coal yard, 25 years of ash pond, and reserve land. The construction of the power station was completed in 2003 and has since been generating electricity to supply the national grid. The power station of TNB Janamanjung is among the largest in Southeast Asia, with a total installed capacity of 4,100 MW, generated by its three units, each with a capacity of 700 MW and one team of 1,000 MW from a coal-fired power plant. Therefore, it is one of the primary sources of electricity for Peninsular Malaysia.
Another power station recognized for providing electricity to the region is the Segari Power Plant, coupled with the GB3 Power Plant. These power plants are owned and operated by Malakoff Corporation Berhad. Both power plants are combined cycle gas turbines (CCGT) with a total capacity of 1,950 MW. These power plants use natural gas supplied by PETRONAS as their primary fuel source and utilize advanced CCGT technology that meets and exceeds strict emissions and effluent standards. This is achieved by installing an additional block to the existing plant, resulting in a more environmentally friendly and sustainable energy source. The Segari Power Plant generates 1,303 MW, while the GB3 Power Plant generates 640 MW to the national grid, making them Malaysia’s largest gas-fired power plants.
Not to mention, providing the needs of TNB Janamanjung power plant, Lekir Bulk Terminal (LBT), managed and operated by LMTSB (Integrax Bhd/TNB), was established as a part of a larger project to expand LMTSB’s capacity in handling bulk cargo. This terminal can accommodate a diverse selection of ships, including Panamax and Capemax vessels weighing up to 180,000 DWT. LBT is a dedicated terminal for managing coal for the TNB Janamanjung power plant. The airport is blessed with deep-water approaches and anchorage with a natural water depth of 20 meters, which allows it to accommodate vessels carrying dry bulk cargo such as iron ore, coal and other minerals. While having 25 hectares of open storage for bulk loads of up to two million tons, it also has a bulk unloading capacity of up to 45 metric tons daily. It can handle 12 million metric tons annually. Thus, it should be no surprise that LBT is arguably Southeast Asia’s largest dry bulk unloading facility.
