ECERDC EXCEEDS REALISED INVESTMENT TARGET FOR 2024

 ECERDC to focus on four key strategic development thrusts under 13thMalaysia Plan 

 PUTRAJAYA, 20 January 2025: The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) has achieved a record RM13.4 billion in realised investments for 2024, a 56% leap from RM8.6 billion in the previous year, marking the highest annual investment value recorded to date for the East Coast Economic Region (ECER). 

Cumulatively, private investments between 2018 to 2024 have reached RM44.7 billion, leaving ECERDC just RM4.3 billion shy of its RM49 billion target under the ECER Master Plan 2.0 (EMP2.0) that concludes in 2025. These impressive feats align with the objectives of EMP2.0 and set a strong foundation for the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan, where ECERDC will focus on four key strategic development thrusts namely, Food Basket, Creating Destinations, Manufacturing of Hard-to-Abate Industries, and the Marine Industry. 

“The year 2024 has been remarkable for ECERDC as we continued to drive transformative initiatives that attracted investments, built a sustainable future for the ECER and uplifted communities. Exceeding our realised investment targets, along with completing strategic initiatives and infrastructure projects through the collective efforts of ECERDC’s team, stakeholders and partners, were the significant highlights of our 2024 achievements,” said Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat, Chief Executive Officer of ECERDC. 

The RM7.7 billion facility expansion of Alliance Steel (M) Sdn. Bhd. at the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park was a standout investment in 2024, reinforcing the ECER as a manufacturing hub. Additionally, ECER also saw the realisation of investments from the expansion of Eastern Steel Sdn. Bhd.’s steel plant, the development of an integrated waste management facility by Greenverse Sdn. Bhd and the construction of a luxury hotel in Pulau Perhentian Kecil from Ikhasas Land Transit Sdn. Bhd. 

To further support industrial growth, ECERDC successfully completed the Kemaman-Gebeng Water Distribution Pipeline, which delivers 90 million litres of treated water daily to industries in the Gebeng Industrial Park. 

ECERDC’s investment initiatives created 3,305 jobs and facilitated 641 entrepreneurial opportunities, showcasing its commitment to socioeconomic empowerment and community upliftment. The IPR-INTAN poverty eradication program played a key role, introducing modern farming techniques that boosted chili yields, reduced import dependency and improved income for participants. These efforts align with national goals to enhance food self-sufficiency and sustainable agricultural practices. 

In the fisheries sector, the completion of the Endau-Mersing Fish Processing Park positioned Mersing as a vital fisheries hub. The downstream facility supports seafood processing and packaging, creating high-value fishery products and increasing the competitiveness and marketability of Endau-Mersing fishery produce. 

“As ECERDC strive to deliver its goals and targets for 2025, the focus is now firmly on setting the foundation for 2026-2030 investment realisation target of RM55 billion under the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan. Moving forward, we remain committed to advancing inclusive growth, enhancing regional competitiveness, and delivering sustainable economic impact,” added Dato Baidzawi. 

ECERDC’s 2025 initiatives include the ECER Islands Master Plan and recreational vehicle (RV) tourism development. This includes plans to develop 17 RV parks along scenic routes which integrates eco-tourism with cultural preservation to position the region as a premier destination for sustainable leisure travel. 

ECERDC plans to strengthen agri-based industries, enhancing food security and rural incomes. The Jemaluang Dairy Valley in Mersing is to be completed by mid-2025, with milk production set to begin in early 2026. Expansion plans for the livestock value chain, including dairy and meat production, will include locations such as Segamat, Setiu, Dungun, and Hulu Terengganu. 

To ensure sustainable industrial development, ECERDC will continue its advancements in renewable energy zones and advanced technologies such as Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage facilities to drive low-carbon industrial growth in the region. These efforts align with Malaysia’s climate action goals, positioning the ECER as a hub for green innovation and sustainable industrial practices. 

Looking ahead, ECERDC targets RM55 billion in private investments from 2026 to 2030. Collaboration with federal and state governments, private investors, and local communities will be crucial to realising these goals. By fostering partnerships that prioritise inclusivity and sustainability, ECERDC aims to unlock the region’s full economic potential, ensuring balanced development and bringing greater prosperity to the rakyat in the region. 

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ABOUT ECER AND ECERDC 

The East Coast Economic Region (ECER), encompassing Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and the districts of Mersing and Segamat in Johor, is a rapidly transforming region positioned as a distinctive, dynamic, and competitive destination for investments. 

The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) is a statutory body established to drive the implementation of the ECER Master Plan. ECERDC leads the socio-economic development of the ECER by setting strategic directions, policies, and facilitating investments to unlock the region’s potential. 

Spanning over 69,000 square kilometres or 52% of Peninsular Malaysia, the ECER is home to more than 5 million people, representing approximately 15% of the national population. Economic growth in the region is propelled by four strategic thrusts—Food Basket, Tourism Destinations, Manufacturing, and the Marine Industry—complemented by advancements in logistics, infrastructure, property, and environmental sustainability, making the ECER an ideal destination for business, investment, and quality living. 

For further details, please refer to our website at www.ecerdc.com.my. 

For media inquiries, kindly contact: 
Fatin Rasyiqah Mustaza
Manager, Media Relations 
East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) 
Tel: 03-8885 0166 / 012-5881127 
Email: fatinrasyiqah@ecerdc.com.my