ECERDC Exceeds 2024 Investment Target With RM10.2 Bln Realised Investments In Pahang

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) has realised investments totalling RM10.2 billion in Pahang year-to-date, far exceeding its initial target of RM5.7 billion.

In a statement today, ECERDC said that 80 per cent of these investments came from the manufacturing sector, followed by oil and gas and the property sector, generating 3,342 job opportunities and fostering 158 entrepreneurial ventures.

Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail expressed the state’s commitment to enhancing its attractiveness to investors, acknowledging that ECERDC’s efforts have been instrumental in this progress.

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"We are implementing proactive measures to streamline investment processes, enabling quicker approvals, and driving the growth of industries that benefit the people," he said.

He also noted that the completion of the 29km interstate water supply project from Kemaman, Terengganu, to Gebeng, Pahang, will ensure a reliable water source for industrial growth, attracting more investments and enhancing business operations in Gebeng's industrial parks.

"Looking ahead, the East Coast Rail Link, set to begin 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," he said.

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Meanwhile, ECERDC chief executive officer Datuk Baidzawi Che Mat emphasised ECERDC’s commitment to intensifying its reskilling and upskilling programmes to ensure the local workforce is equipped with the technical skills required by industries.

These initiatives are crucial to enhancing employability, aligning with the needs of investors seeking skilled and adaptable talents, he noted.

“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 region's long-term economic resilience and ensure that Pahang remains competitive on a global scale," he added.

According to ECERDC, several key infrastructure and industrial projects are currently underway.

These include Phase 3 of the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park, scheduled for completion by July 10, 2025, which is expected to attract RM1.5 billion in investments by 2027.

The ECERDC is also currently overseeing the revitalisation of Pekan, the historic royal town, which includes restoring old buildings and their surroundings.

This project is set for completion by Nov 14, 2024, with tourism to Pekan expected to reach 400,000 visitors by 2025.

Meanwhile, the upgrading of Cherating's Turtle Conservation Centre, expected to be completed by April 2025, aims to raise awareness about turtle conservation and attract 120,000 visitors to the complex by 2025, it added.

-- BERNAMA