The manufacturing sector is the main contributor, accounting for 59% of total investments. Pahang led with realised investments worth RM4 billion, followed by Terengganu with RM1.3 billion and Kelantan with RM1.1 billion, while Johor saw investments in agriculture amounting to RM13.3 million from the development of a biocompost facility in Mersing.  

The manufacturing sector is the main contributor, accounting for 59% of total investments. Pahang led with realised investments worth RM4 billion, followed by Terengganu with RM1.3 billion and Kelantan with RM1.1 billion, while Johor saw investments in agriculture amounting to RM13.3 million from the development of a biocompost facility in Mersing.  

Key realised investments in the first six months of 2025 include a RM1 billion integrated oil refinery plant, a RM950 million tourism development, and a RM667 million facility to produce Maleic Anhydride in Pahang. In Kelantan, a RM1 billion 84-megawatt mini hydroelectric plant is being developed, while Terengganu secured a RM638 million investment for the processing of pulverised quartz. 

“ECERDC continues to play a vital role in accelerating inclusive growth across the East Coast region. The investments secured signal that ECER remains a high-potential growth corridor for Malaysia. These efforts are aligned with our national commitment to balanced regional development, ensuring that all Malaysians benefit from economic progress,” said YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, after chairing the first ECER Council Meeting for 2025 in Putrajaya today. 

In tandem with its investment success, ECERDC is completing eight strategic and impactful projects in 2025, in line with the strategic thrusts outlined under the ECER Development Plan. 

Under the development plan, to enhance food security, ECERDC has completed the Goat Milk Collection Centres in Ketereh and Pasir Puteh, Kelantan (April 2025) and is undertaking the final stages of the Jemaluang Dairy Valley in Johor to strengthen the region’s agro-based value chains. Supporting the development of new tourism destinations, several projects are on track for delivery, including the Cherating Turtle Information and Conservation Centre in Pahang (April 2025), the Kuala Terengganu City Centre (KTCC) Promenade Phase 1, the Pulau Pemanggil Jetty in Mersing, and upgrading works on the access road to Johor’s Endau Rompin National Park from Kahang to Sungai Emas. 

Under the high-value manufacturing and hard-to-abate thrust, ECERDC is strengthening the industrial ecosystem through the expansion of Kerteh Biopolymer Park (KBP) in Terengganu, supporting industries such as biopolymer, petrochemical, and advanced materials. Phase 4A Package 1 was completed in 2024, while the SME Complex Phase 1B is nearing completion by mid-2025, and Phase 4A Package 2 is currently underway. The project is expected to attract RM4.4 billion in investments by 2029. In enhancing regional connectivity, the Kuala Terengganu Airport Road (Package 2) is under development to improve access and support the region’s tourism and logistics ecosystems.  

ECERDC’s Chief Executive Officer, YBhg. Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat said, “These strategic developments are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth across ECER. By strengthening key industrial ecosystems, improving accessibility, and supporting community-focused initiatives, we are enhancing the region’s appeal to investors while delivering meaningful improvements to local communities.”  

Meanwhile, the construction of the Palekbang–Kota Bharu Bridge, a catalytic project that will improve cross-river connectivity and unlock economic opportunities in Kelantan, has begun early this year and is progressing well. 

Key realised investments in the first six months of 2025 include a RM1 billion integrated oil refinery plant, a RM950 million tourism development, and a RM667 million facility to produce Maleic Anhydride in Pahang. In Kelantan, a RM1 billion 84-megawatt mini hydroelectric plant is being developed, while Terengganu secured a RM638 million investment for the processing of pulverised quartz. 

“ECERDC continues to play a vital role in accelerating inclusive growth across the East Coast region. The investments secured signal that ECER remains a high-potential growth corridor for Malaysia. These efforts are aligned with our national commitment to balanced regional development, ensuring that all Malaysians benefit from economic progress,” said YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, after chairing the first ECER Council Meeting for 2025 in Putrajaya today. 

In tandem with its investment success, ECERDC is completing eight strategic and impactful projects in 2025, in line with the strategic thrusts outlined under the ECER Development Plan. 

Under the development plan, to enhance food security, ECERDC has completed the Goat Milk Collection Centres in Ketereh and Pasir Puteh, Kelantan (April 2025) and is undertaking the final stages of the Jemaluang Dairy Valley in Johor to strengthen the region’s agro-based value chains. Supporting the development of new tourism destinations, several projects are on track for delivery, including the Cherating Turtle Information and Conservation Centre in Pahang (April 2025), the Kuala Terengganu City Centre (KTCC) Promenade Phase 1, the Pulau Pemanggil Jetty in Mersing, and upgrading works on the access road to Johor’s Endau Rompin National Park from Kahang to Sungai Emas. 

Under the high-value manufacturing and hard-to-abate thrust, ECERDC is strengthening the industrial ecosystem through the expansion of Kerteh Biopolymer Park (KBP) in Terengganu, supporting industries such as biopolymer, petrochemical, and advanced materials. Phase 4A Package 1 was completed in 2024, while the SME Complex Phase 1B is nearing completion by mid-2025, and Phase 4A Package 2 is currently underway. The project is expected to attract RM4.4 billion in investments by 2029. In enhancing regional connectivity, the Kuala Terengganu Airport Road (Package 2) is under development to improve access and support the region’s tourism and logistics ecosystems.  

ECERDC’s Chief Executive Officer, YBhg. Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat said, “These strategic developments are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth across ECER. By strengthening key industrial ecosystems, improving accessibility, and supporting community-focused initiatives, we are enhancing the region’s appeal to investors while delivering meaningful improvements to local communities.”  

Meanwhile, the construction of the Palekbang–Kota Bharu Bridge, a catalytic project that will improve cross-river connectivity and unlock economic opportunities in Kelantan, has begun early this year and is progressing well.