KOTA BHARU, 23 OCTOBER 2025 – Kelantan’s development momentum continues to strengthen under the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC), with key infrastructure projects progressing alongside a sharp rise in committed investments, signalling growing investor confidence in the state’s long-term economic potential.

As of September 2025, ECERDC has successfully realised RM1.12 billion in investments for Kelantan, driven primarily by the manufacturing sector. These investments have created over 200 employment opportunities for local residents. Meanwhile, committed investments total RM736 million, contributed by the agriculture, services, and industrial sectors, with the potential to generate more than 1,300 new jobs.

The Palekbang–Kota Bharu Bridge remains one of Kelantan’s most transformative projects under ECERDC. Once completed, it will enhance connectivity between Kota Bharu and Tumpat, ease congestion in the capital, and open new investment corridors across northern Kelantan. This strategic infrastructure will catalyse local trade, logistics, and tourism activities, serving as a major enabler of Kelantan’s next phase of economic expansion within the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).

“The State Government’s collaboration with ECERDC plays a vital role in driving Kelantan’s long-term economic planning and regional development. Together, we are ensuring that every initiative, from infrastructure enhancement to investment facilitation, is strategically aligned with the state’s growth priorities. This partnership enables us to accelerate high-impact projects that strengthen key economic sectors, create quality employment, and improve living standards for our people. Through coordinated planning and sustainable development, we are charting a clear path toward a more competitive and resilient Kelantan,” said YAB Dato’ Panglima Perang Ustaz Dato’ Haji Mohd Nassuruddin Haji Daud, Menteri Besar of Kelantan, after chairing the Implementation and Coordination Committee (ICC) ECER Kelantan Meeting.

“Kelantan’s development momentum reflects the growing confidence of investors and stakeholders in the state’s long-term potential. The progress of key infrastructure projects such as the Palekbang–Kota Bharu Bridge, which has reached 22%, and major federal connectivity initiatives like the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) network will significantly enhance connectivity and strengthen Kelantan’s role within the regional economic corridor. These catalytic projects will open new investment corridors, spur industrial and tourism growth, and improve the overall quality of life for local communities. ECERDC remains committed to working closely with the State Government and federal agencies to ensure that these developments deliver inclusive and sustainable impact for the people of Kelantan.” said Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat, Chief Executive Officer of ECERDC.

Recent developments in Kelantan continue to underscore the importance of enhancing infrastructure connectivity. With major works such as the Kota Bharu–Kuala Krai Highway, Lingkaran Tengah Utama (LTU) Expressway, and the upgrading of feeder roads improving accessibility across the state, ECERDC’s initiatives will complement and accelerate these developments, unlocking new opportunities for investment, industrial expansion, and inclusive growth throughout Kelantan.

Building on these efforts, ECERDC is advancing several projects that directly support Kelantan’s industrial ecosystem and cross-border economy, including:

• Tok Bali Industrial Park (TBIP) – Enhancing industrial infrastructure to attract investors in marine-based and logistics sectors.
• Expansion of the Tok Bali Jetty and facilities – Boosting port capacity and strengthening Tok Bali’s role as a logistics hub.
• Upgrading public amenities and border-town infrastructure in Rantau Panjang – Supporting border trade and tourism growth through improved accessibility and facilities.

Complementing these efforts, ECERDC is progressing on the Kelar Water Treatment Plant (Phase 2) to expand water supply capacity for Pasir Mas and surrounding areas. At the same time, the Geting Integrated Tourism Zone in Tumpat is being developed to support Kelantan’s tourism diversification strategy and local entrepreneurship.

In the agro-based sector, ECERDC recently completed the Goat Milk Collection Centre (GMCC) in Pasir Puteh, which was handed over to the State Government on 27 August 2025. Scheduled to begin operations in January 2026, the GMCC will help smallholder farmers access stable markets, promote value-added dairy production, and strengthen income sustainability.

The ICC meeting also featured the Tripartite Agreement Signing Ceremony between ECERDC, the Kelantan State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN Kelantan), and the Kelantan State Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPNK), as well as a Commercial Agreement between PKPNK and the Bukit Awang Area Farmers’ Organisation (PPK Bukit Awang).

These agreements formalise the IPR-INTAN Machang Project, a 50-acre initiative under the Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat (IPR) framework involving 100 B40 participants in IoT-based chilli fertigation farming. The project aims to enable participants to earn a minimum monthly income of RM2,000 while promoting modern agropreneurship and food security.

Also present at the ICC Kelantan meeting were YBM Tengku Kaya Perkasa Dato’ Dr. Tengku Mohamed Faziharudean Tengku Feissal, Kelantan State Secretary; Dato’ Haji Nik Raisnan Haji Daud, Kelantan State Director of Lands and Mines; Encik Wan Zulfadhli Syahman Wan Yusof, Director of the State Economic Planning Unit; Puan Mazillah Azleen Mat Nor, Director of PLANMalaysia@Kelantan; Encik Jasri Kasim, Director of Kelantan State Development; Dr. Ravikumar Suppiah, Deputy Director (Corridor Development), Regional Development Division, Ministry of Economy; Dato’ Indera Ikmalrudin Ishak, Deputy Secretary General; Finance and Development Division, Prime Minister’s Department; and Encik Mohd Rafizal Rahim, Director of Investment Policy & Trade Facilitation Division, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).