ECERDC AND KELANTAN GOVERNMENT COLLABORATE TO EXPAND DAIRY GOAT INDUSTRY, TAPPING INTO EMERGING MARKET POTENTIAL
PUTRAJAYA, 14 OCTOBER 2024 – The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) and the Kelantan State Government today signed a collaboration agreement to strengthen the dairy goat industry in Kelantan. This partnership will focus on establishing dedicated Goat Milk Collection Centres (GMCC) in Ketereh and Pasir Puteh, marking a significant milestone in advancing the region’s agricultural sector and tapping into growing market demand. The GMCC will serve as a central hub for dairy goat production, ensuring better quality control, efficient distribution channels, and enhanced market competitiveness.
In conjunction with the ECER Implementation and Coordination Committee (ICC) Kelantan meeting today, a significant agreement was officially exchanged, representing the next phase of ECERDC’s efforts to elevate Kelantan’s agro-based industries, particularly in the livestock sector. The GMCC is projected to produce 730,000 litres of fresh goat’s milk by 2029. This essential output may not only meet the growing demand for goat’s milk in both domestic and international markets but also contribute to the overall expansion of the dairy sector in Kelantan.
The increased production capacity of the GMCC is expected to bolster the local agricultural economy by providing a reliable source of income for goat farmers, enhancing supply chain efficiency, and creating new opportunities for businesses, especially within the halal and dairy industries.
“Kelantan has vast agricultural potential, and this collaboration with ECERDC to establish the GMCC marks a pivotal step in realizing that potential. The GMCC will not only create economic opportunities for local farmers but will also position Kelantan as a key player in Malaysia’s halal and dairy sectors. We are committed to working with ECERDC to ensure the success of this project and look forward to future collaborations that benefit the people of Kelantan,” said YAB Dato’ Panglima Perang Ustaz Dato’ Haji Mohd Nassuruddin Bin Haji Daud, Menteri Besar of Kelantan, who witnessed the agreement exchange.
The Collaboration Agreement was signed by Kelantan State Government’s representative, YM Dato’ Tuan Zainal Abidin bin Tuan Yusuf, Deputy Kelantan State Secretary (Development) and YBrs. Encik Mohamad Nazwan bin Ismail, Director of Kelantan Economic Planning Unit. ECERDC was presented by ECERDC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), YBhg. Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat and YBrs. Encik Fakrul Nizam bin Baharum, Acting General Manager of the Agribusiness Division.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Kelantan Menteri Besar, YAB Dato’ Panglima Perang Ustaz Dato’ Haji Mohd Nassuruddin Bin Haji Daud, YB Dato’ Kaya Setia Dato’ Haji Nazran bin Muhammad, Kelantan State Secretary, YBrs. Encik Ravikumar A/L Suppiah, Deputy Director, (Corridor Development), Regional Development Division, Ministry of Economy, YBrs. Encik Shahiran bin Sha’ari, Deputy Director (Management), Kelantan State of Department of Veterinary Services, and YBhg. Dato’ Ragu Sampasivam, Chief Operating Officer of ECERDC.
“The establishment of the GMCC marks a significant milestone for Kelantan’s livestock sector. The anchor company is scheduled to be appointed by January 2025 by the State Government while the facilities are expected to be completed by February 2025. This collaboration with the Kelantan State Government will modernize the dairy goat industry, improve supply chain efficiency, and elevate the regions a competitive player in the national dairy market,” said YBhg. Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat, Chief Executive Officer of ECERDC.
During the meeting with ICC Kelantan members, ECERDC presented the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) Master Plan under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13). The plan outlined a strategic five-year roadmap for Kelantan’s development through 2030. It prioritizes four key areas—Food Basket, Destination Creation, Manufacturing (particularly Hard-to-Abate sectors), and the Marine Industry—supported by advancements in logistics and renewable energy. Leveraging Kelantan’s strengths in agriculture, tourism, and marine industries, the initiative aims to drive sustainable economic growth in the state.
ECERDC also highlighted that RM153 million in investments had been realized in Kelantan as of September 2024, surpassing the RM100 million target for the year. These investments are expected to create 879 job opportunities and 69 entrepreneurship prospects across the manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism sectors, further contributing to Kelantan’s economic growth.
At the same time, the members of ICC Kelantan were updated on several ongoing projects, including the Tok Bali Industrial Park and the Palekbang-Kota Bharu Bridge, both of which are progressing well. The Tok Bali Industrial Park is expected to attract RM400 million in private investment by November 2026, boosting regional economic development. Furthermore, the Geting Integrated Tourism Zone (GITZ) in Tumpat was identified as one of the key project to position Kelantan as a premier tourism destination in Malaysia.
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ABOUT ECER AND ECERDC
ECER, which covers the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and the districts of Mersing and Segamat in Johor, is a rapidly transforming region that is steadily positioning itself as a distinctive, dynamic, and competitive destination for investments.
The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) is a statutory body established to spearhead the execution and implementation of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) Master Plan. ECERDC plays a lead role in setting the directions, policies and strategies for the socio-economic development of ECER by promoting and facilitating investments into the Region.
Geographically, it covers a total area of over 69,000 sq km or 52% of Peninsular Malaysia. It is home to more than 5 million people, or about 15% of the total national population. The economic growth in the Region is driven by six key economic clusters, namely Tourism, Oil, Gas & Petrochemical, Manufacturing, Agribusiness, Human Capital and Entrepreneurship Development as well as Logistics and Services. These clusters are supported by developments in Transportation, Infrastructure, Property and Environment to make the Region an ideal destination for business, investments, and quality living.
For media inquiries, kindly contact:
Nadhirah Naaim
Senior Executive, Media Relations
East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC)
Tel: 03-8885 0166 / 017-230 3924
Email: nadhirahn@ecerdc.com.my