PUTRAJAYA, 20 JANUARY 2026 – The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) marked the successful conclusion of the ECER Master Plan 2.0 (EMP 2.0), which was implemented from 2018 to 2025, recording strong investment performance, timely project delivery, and consistent progress in strengthening the socio-economic foundations of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), while preparing the Region for its next phase of development under the ECER Development Plan 2026–2030 (EDP 2026–2030).

Under EMP 2.0, ECERDC exceeded its targets, securing RM75 billion in committed investments and RM55 billion in realised investments, surpassing the original targets of RM70 billion and RM49 billion respectively. Throughout this time, more than 79,000 jobs and over 25,000 entrepreneurship opportunities were created, supporting income growth, industrial expansion, and community involvement across Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and the districts of Mersing and Segamat in Johor.

This period of development also coincided with a positive shift in population and migration patterns in the East Coast, reflecting improving liveability and employment prospects in the region. After years of net out-migration, ECER recorded a migration inflow in 2024. While multiple factors contribute to this turnaround, the expansion of jobs, improved connectivity, and the realisation of key development projects under EMP 2.0 have played a supporting role, with more than half of the migration comprising intra-state movement an indication of stronger local workforce retention.

This turnaround was driven by expanding job opportunities, improved connectivity, and the realisation of key development projects. More than half of this migration consisted of intra-state movement, indicating stronger local workforce retention.

In 2025, ECERDC secured RM10.01 billion in realised investments, meeting its annual target of RM10 billion. This realised investment generated 5,300 job opportunities, reinforcing ECER’s role as a key contributor to balanced national growth despite a challenging global economic environment.

Manufacturing remained the primary sectors for realised investments in 2025, accounting for RM6.2 billion or 61.9% of the total, followed by oil and gas at RM2.2 billion (22.2%), tourism at RM1.1 billion (10.8%), agriculture at RM471 million (4.7%), and services at RM37 million (0.4%). This distribution reflects a broadening economic base supported by both high-value industrial activities and community-oriented sectors.

Pahang continued to lead regional investment growth with RM7.35 billion in realised investments, followed by Terengganu (RM1.41 billion), Kelantan (RM1.13 billion), and Johor’s districts of Mersing and Segamat (RM121 million). Among the key projects began to be realised during the year were a RM1.5 billion petrochemical plant in Pahang, a RM638.6 million pulverised quartz manufacturing plant in Terengganu, and an RM1 billion, 84-megawatt mini hydro power project in Kelantan.

Additionally, the commencement of operations at the RM91 million Jemaluang Dairy Valley in Johor marked a significant milestone in strengthening national food security and the domestic dairy value chain.

The strong realised performance was complemented by RM12.4 billion in committed investments, indicating a robust pipeline for future realisation. Manufacturing accounted for RM9.7 billion, followed by services and agriculture at RM1.1 billion each, tourism at RM500 million and oil and gas at RM1.5 million. Renewable energy projects, including mini hydro, floating solar and large-scale solar developments, featured prominently in the investment pipeline, underscoring ECER’s growing role in supporting Malaysia’s energy transition.

In line with its development mandate, ECERDC completed several key catalytic projects in 2025, including the full completion of the Jemaluang Dairy Valley in Mersing, Phase 1B of the Kerteh Biopolymer Park SME Complex, the road linking Kuala Terengganu Airport to the Kuala Terengganu City Centre, and upgrading works at the Cerating Turtle Conservation and Information Centre. These projects enhanced industrial readiness, food security, tourism infrastructure and regional connectivity.

Progress also continued on major initiatives under implementation. Infrastructure and earthworks at Malaysia–China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) 3 advanced steadily, while the first phase of the Kuala Terengganu City Centre Promenade moved closer to completion. In Johor, upgrading works on the access road to Taman Negara Johor Endau-Rompin from Kahang to Sungai Emas are nearing completion, improving access to key eco-tourism destinations. Meanwhile, construction of the Palekbang–Kota Bharu Bridge in Kelantan remains on track for completion in 2027.

With the successful completion of EMP 2.0, ECERDC will transition into the next development phase guided by the EDP 2026–2030, which will provide strategic direction for investment promotion, infrastructure delivery and socio-economic upliftment. The plan will emphasise high-value industries, food security, sustainable tourism, renewable energy and logistics connectivity, while ensuring growth remains inclusive and aligned with national priorities.

“ECERDC has continued to make steady strides in developing the ECER, with progress across investment, infrastructure, and employment initiatives. This demonstrate that our strategies are translating into real outcomes for the rakyat,” said Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat, Chief Executive Officer of ECERDC.

“As we move into EDP 2026–2030, our focus will be on sustaining investment momentum while deepening development impact across the ECER. ECERDC remains committed to building a resilient, future-ready regional economy that generates long-term value for investors and lasting benefits for local communities,” he added.