PUTRAJAYA, 24 APRIL 2025 – The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) has secured RM2.6 billion in committed investments for the Johor districts of Segamat and Mersing in the first quarter of 2025. Driven by strategic developments in the manufacturing sector, particularly in renewable energy, the investments reflect growing investor confidence in the economic potential of both districts. 

ECERDC is also advancing efforts to develop Segamat and Mersing into key food production hubs by attracting investments and implementing targeted initiatives in agriculture, fisheries and dairy, strengthening Johor’s role in Malaysia’s food security agenda. Mersing continues to be developed as a gateway for nature-based and island tourism, supported by ongoing infrastructure upgrades and eco-tourism initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility and visitor experience. 

A major highlight for Segamat is the development of an 860MW hybrid solar power plant on a 1,700-acre site, making it one of the largest renewable energy projects in the region. Aligned with the National Energy Transition Roadmap, the project represents a significant step in advancing Malaysia’s decarbonisation agenda. In addition, Segamat will house a biomass facility that converts empty fruit bunches (EFB) into palm pellet fuel, supporting the sustainable use of agricultural waste and contributing to the circular economy. 

In Mersing, the Jemaluang Dairy Valley (JDV) project continues to support Malaysia’s food security agenda. As of March 2025, the modern integrated dairy hub has reached 93% completion and remains on track for full completion by June. Once operational, JDV is expected to strengthen domestic milk production, reduce import dependency, and generate new job opportunities. 

Tourism-linked infrastructure in both districts is also progressing well. Key projects include the Peta Rainforest Discovery Centre, road upgrades to Johor Endau-Rompin National Park, completion of the Pulau Pemanggil jetty, and the development of an Information and Service Centre at Sultan Iskandar Marine Park on Pulau Besar. These efforts are set to enhance accessibility, create new tourism opportunities and support local economic diversification. 

Additional investments in Segamat include a plastic product and packaging facility, an integrated coconut processing mill, and a smart broiler poultry farm equipped with precision farming technology. These ventures are expected to create job opportunities and enhance rural-based supply chains that support both national food and energy security. 

“This achievement is highly encouraging for Segamat and Mersing. With continued collaboration between the State Government, MIDA, and ECERDC, we are confident that more high-impact investments can be secured to accelerate growth. This is aligned with the ECER Development Roadmap under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13), which targets a combined GDP of RM13 billion for both districts by 2030,” said YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Johor Menteri Besar, after chairing the first 2025 Implementation and Coordination Committee (ICC) East Coast Economic Region (ECER) Johor meeting in Putrajaya. 

He added that the State Government remains committed to driving innovation and sustainable growth in the districts of Segamat and Mersing across all investment sectors, with the aim of creating quality job opportunities, stimulating long-term economic development, and strengthening the state’s industrial landscape. 

“Agriculture remains a key pillar of ECERDC’s strategy in driving sustainable and inclusive development in Mersing and Segamat. Initiatives such as the Jemaluang Dairy Valley (JDV) in Mersing and the Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat – Program Usahawan Tani (IPR-INTAN) which is driven by Ministry of Economy in Segamat reflect our commitment to strengthening the national agro-food ecosystem, empowering rural communities and creating new economic opportunities. By integrating modern farming infrastructure, value-added downstream activities and smart agricultural practices, we aim to build resilient, future-ready rural economies that contribute to Malaysia’s food security agenda,” said YBhg. Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat, Chief Executive Officer of ECERDC. 

As part of these efforts, ECERDC has formalised a strategic partnership with the Segamat District Office and CSC Plantation Sdn. Bhd. to implement a 10-year smart fertigation project under the IPR-INTAN programme. Located at Agro Mix Farm 3, the 20-acre site will involve 42 B40 participants in the cultivation of chillies and rock melons using Internet of Things (IoT)-powered systems. The project aims to enhance rural productivity and generate a stable monthly income of RM2,000 per participant. 

The ICC ECER Johor meeting was attended by senior state and federal officials including YB Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Haji Azmi Rohani, Johor State Secretary; YB Dato’ Haji Asman Shah Abd. Rahman, Deputy State Secretary (Development) of Johor State; YBrs Encik Mohd Khalid Abdul Samad, Director of the Johor State Development; YBrs Encik Jamil Hasni Abdullah, Mersing District Officer; YBrs Haji Mohd Ezzudin Sanusi, Segamat District Officer and YBhg. Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, Deputy Secretary General (Finance and Development) at the Prime Minister’s Department. 

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