ECERDC SECURES RM3.1 BILLION IN REALISED INVESTMENTS FOR TERENGGANU, CREATING 5,000 NEW JOBS

 Strategic Investments in Manufacturing and Tourism to Drive Accelerated Economic Growth 

 KUALA TERENGGANU, 3 OCTOBER 2024: The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) has realised investment totalling RM3.1 billion across Terengganu, with 98% directed towards the manufacturing sector and the remainder in tourism, creating up to 5,356 job opportunities and 102 entrepreneurship prospects, setting the state on the fast track to achieving its 2024 investment target of RM4.2 billion, further boosting economic growth and development in the region. 

ECERDC has also secured and additional RM1.7 billion in committed investments from the targeted RM5.8 billion, with 59% of these investments coming from the oil and gas industry. As of August 2024, ECERDC is working to realise another RM12 billion in potential investments, with RM5 billion facilitated by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). The diversification of these investments includes 77% in manufacturing, 13% in tourism, and 10% in oil and gas, ensuring Terengganu’s continued growth. 

“It is essential for the Federal Government, State Government, and relevant agencies to work in tandem to attract new investments. Projects like the Economic Accelerator Projects (EAP) play a strategic role in connecting ministries, agencies, and the private sector, creating a strong economic ecosystem. With rail infrastructure as a key growth driver for the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), the EAP is set to enhance local economies by increasing passenger and freight traffic along the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) route. Smaller towns such as Jertih, Dungun, and Kerteh are set to benefit significantly from this enhanced connectivity,” said YAB Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, Menteri Besar of Terengganu, after chairing the Terengganu Implementation and Coordination Committee (ICC) Meeting. 

“ECERDC’s efforts have been crucial in maintaining Terengganu’s competitiveness as a prime investment destination. The strong collaboration between Federal Government, State Government and agencies has bolstered investor confidence, driving sustained economic growth in the region. Key infrastructure projects, such as the ECRL and Central Spine Road, are vital in linking Terengganu to other regions, significantly enhancing the logistics and economic ecosystems on both national and international levels,” said YBhg. Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat, Chief Executive Officer of ECERDC. 

Also present at the Terengganu ICC meeting were key officials including YBM Tengku Seri Bijaya Raja, Terengganu State Secretary; YBhg. Dato’ Haji Ishamudin bin Hashim, Director of Lands and Mines Terengganu, YBhg. Dato’ Haji Tun Ahmad Faisal bin Tun Abdul Razak, Deputy State Secretary (Development), YBrs. Tuan Haji Abdul Kahar bin Abdul Latif, Director of Terengganu State Development, YBrs. Dr. Abu Bakar bin Mat, Director of PLANMalaysia Terengganu, YBhg. Datin Rosni binti Mohd Yusoff, Secretary of Statutory Body Strategic Management Division, Ministry of Finance, YBrs En. Ravikumar a/l Suppiah, Deputy Director (Corridor Development), Regional Development Division, Ministry of Economy and YBhg. Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat, Chief Executive Officer of ECERDC. 

ECERDC also reported on the completion of four artificial headlands at Pantai Teluk Lipat, Dungun in April 2024. These coastal protection projects have the potential to spur tourism and business development. In addition, the completion of a water distribution pipeline from Kemaman, Terengganu to Gebeng, Pahang, in September 2024 will support industrial growth by ensuring a reliable water supply for key industrial areas, benefiting Terengganu’s water operator, Syarikat Air Terengganu (SATU). 

During the meeting, members of ICC Terengganu were briefed on various projects including the upgrading of the Sultan Mahmud Airport to Kuala Terengganu City Centre (KTCC) road (KTAR 2), which will enhance connectivity and increase Terengganu’s attractiveness to investors. The expansion of the Kerteh Biopolymer Park (KBP) SME Complex to Phase 1B was also highlighted as a key initiative to drive Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) growth and create more employment opportunities. 

In addition to infrastructure projects, ECERDC also reported on the status of their Reskilling & Upskilling (Train & Place) programme where 220 participants have successfully completed 13 technical courses, with 97% securing employment, and 52% of those employed are now earning above RM2,000 per month. These programs are critical in equipping local talent with the skills needed to support incoming investments, further reinforcing Terengganu’s path towards sustainable economic growth. 

ECERDC is committed towards advancing Terengganu’s economic landscape through strategic investments and collaborations with state, federal, and private sector partners. These efforts, supported by key infrastructure projects and a skilled workforce, are set to sustain the state’s momentum toward becoming a competitive and attractive investment 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