KUALA LUMPUR, 7 OCTOBER 2024: The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) continues to drive economic growth in Pahang, surpassing its 2024 investment target with RM10.2 billion in realised investments, significantly exceeding the RM5.7 billion target for the year. Notably, 80% of these investments come from the manufacturing sector followed by oil and gas, and property sector generating 3,342 job opportunities, and fostering 158 entrepreneurial prospects. This diverse portfolio reflects Pahang’s ongoing efforts to broaden its economic base while maintaining its industrial strength. 

“The completion of the 29km interstate water supply project from Kemaman in Terengganu to Gebeng, Pahang marks a significant milestone for the region, ensuring a reliable water source that will drive industrial expansion, attract further investments, and improve business operations in the surrounding industrial parks in Gebeng. As we look ahead, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), set for operations in 2027, will further enhance connectivity, positioning Gebeng as a beacon of economic development on the East Coast and establishing it as a major hub for future industrial growth.” said YAB Dato’ Sri Diraja Haji Wan Rosdy bin Wan Ismail, Menteri Besar Pahang, during the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) Implementation and Coordination Committee (ICC) Pahang meeting today. 

“Pahang is fully committed to enhancing its appeal to investors, and ECERDC’s efforts have been pivotal in facilitating this. We are implementing proactive measures to streamline investment processes, enabling quicker approvals, and driving the growth of industries that benefit the people of Pahang,” added YAB Dato’ Sri Diraja Haji Wan Rosdy bin Wan Ismail. 

Also present at the meeting were ICC Pahang members, including YB Dato’ Sri Haji Zulkifli bin Haji Yaacob, Pahang State Government Secretary; YH Dato’ Fadzilla bin Salleh, Director of Pahang State Development; YH Dato’ Ali Syahbana bin Sabaruddin, Deputy State Secretary (Development), YBrs. TPr. Nik Noraisu binti Nik Ibrahim, Director of PLANMalaysia Pahang, YBhg. Datuk Bahria binti Mohd Tamil, Deputy Secretary General (Investment & Management) MITI, YBrs. Dr. Mohd Shaharin bin Umar, Director of Regional Development Division, Ministry of Economy, YBrs. Dr. Nik Adi Sukiman bin Nik Ahmad Fauzi, Principal Assistant Secretary, Section for Project Monitoring and Budgeting, Development Division, Prime Minister’s Department (Project 1), YBrs. Cik Nor Aisyah binti M. Taifor, Principal Assistant Director of National Budget, Economy Unit, Ministry of Finance and YBhg. Dato’ Baidzawi bin Che Mat, Chief Executive Officer of ECERDC. 

“As we continue to drive economic growth in Pahang, ECERDC is committed to intensifying our reskilling and upskilling programs to ensure that the local workforce is well-equipped with the technical skills required by industries. These initiatives are crucial to enhancing the employability of our people, while also aligning with the needs of potential investors who are looking for a skilled and adaptable talent pool. By doing so, we are not only creating sustainable career opportunities for locals but also attracting high-value investments into the region,” said YBhg. Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat, CEO of ECERDC. 

“We believe that by empowering the local workforce with the right skills and knowledge, Pahang will become an even more attractive destination for investors, particularly in high-tech and advanced manufacturing sectors. The focus on upskilling and reskilling will contribute to the long-term economic resilience of the region and ensure that Pahang remains competitive on a global scale,” added YBhg. Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat. 

Several key infrastructure and industrial projects are underway, further bolstering economic activity in Pahang. Among them is the ongoing development of Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) Phase 3, with the earthworks and infrastructure upgrades scheduled for completion by 10 July 2025. This project is expected to attract RM1.5 billion in investments by 2027. 

Additionally, the revitalisation of the historic royal town of Pekan project, including the restoration of old buildings and surrounding areas, is set for completion by 14 November 2024, with tourism to Pekan expected to increase to 400,000 visitors by 2025. Meanwhile, the upgrading of Cherating’s Turtle Conservation Centre (TCIC), expected to be completed by April 2025, aims to raise awareness about turtle conservation and attract 120,000 visitors to the complex by 2025. 

Members of the ICC Pahang were also briefed on the planned infrastructure improvements for recreational vehicles (RV) to be undertaken at Pantai Hiburan Rompin, which includes external roadworks and utility connections. These efforts aim to enhance Pahang’s tourism sector and improve accessibility to its destinations. The RV Park at Pantai Hiburan Rompin will add value to support annual events such as the Rompin Festival and the Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge and is expected to become a key destination among the RV parks being developed across ECER. 

-END- 

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