1. How long would it take to develop the ECER?
• The Master Plan will be implemented over 12 years until 2020, covering three Malaysia Plans:

i. 9th Malaysia Plan : 2006-2010 (mid-term review)
ii. 10th Malaysia Plan : 2011-2015
iii. 11th Malaysia Plan : 2016-2020

2. What key impact can we expect from the successful implementation of the Master Plan?

• GDP growth of 7.2%.

• Per Capita Growth of RM7,650 from RM5,860 to RM13, 510.

• Increase in employment by 2.3%.

• Creation of 560,000 new jobs.

• The government will establish the ECER Development Council to drive the implementation of the projects and programmes identified in the  ECER Master Plan.

• The Council will be presided over by the YAB Prime Minister.

• Other members of the council are:

1. the Deputy Prime Minister
2. the Menteri Besar-Menteri Besar of the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor
3. two Federal Ministers
4. a representative of the civil service
5. two members from the private sectors with suitable experience and qualifications

The appointment of the members in para iii-v will be determined by the YAB Prime Minister for a particular period and in accordance with stipulated terms.

4. What is the role of the ECER Development Council?

• The ECER Development Council is the main coordinating agent in coordinating the implementation of activities carried out by the government entities in the ECER.

• Acts as coordinator to manage all projects and programmes under the ECER Master Plan.

• It will be formed by an Act of Parliament and will have all the necessary powers and authority to ensure the developments are carried out according to the plan.

5. What are the important elements required to ensure success in the ECER?

• The Government will provide support and infrastructure in this region and at the same time, the private sector will be the main investors in the identified clusters in order to promote economic development.

• However, commitment and support from all parties are important to ensure that the mission and vision of the ECER is achieved.

• Most importantly, the local populace need to participate actively in order to play an important role towards the efforts of reducing poverty and increasing their quality of life.

• The ECER has large expanses of forests, wetlands and rich marine ecosystems, much of which are within the Environmental Sensitive Areas.

• The ECER also has a rich cultural heritage, which is unique to the area.

• All developments therefore will be carried out taking this rich cultural heritage into consideration.

• Several provisions and programmes have been developed in the Master Plan to ensure that these cultural and natural heritage will not only be protected, but also promoted.