KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) secured RM13.4 billion in realised investments for 2024, a 56 per cent growth from 2023’s RM8.6 billion.
In a statement today, ECERDC said this marks the highest annual investment value recorded for the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).
Cumulative private investments from 2018 to 2024 amounted to RM44.7 billion, leaving ECERDC with a remaining RM4.3 billion to achieve its RM49 billion target under the ECER Master Plan 2.0 (EMP2.0), which concludes in 2025.
“These impressive feats align with the objectives of EMP2.0 and set a strong foundation for the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan, where ECERDC will focus on four key strategic development thrusts, namely, food basket, creating destinations, manufacturing of hard-to-abate industries, and the marine industry,” the council said.
ECERDC said the RM7.7 billion facility expansion of Alliance Steel (M) Sdn Bhd at the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park was a standout investment in 2024, reinforcing the ECER as a manufacturing hub.
Additionally, ECER also saw the realisation of investments from the expansion of Eastern Steel Sdn Bhd’s steel plant, the development of an integrated waste management facility by Greenverse Sdn Bhd and the construction of a luxury hotel in Pulau Perhentian Kecil from Ikhasas Land Transit Sdn Bhd.
“To further support industrial growth, ECERDC completed the Kemaman-Gebeng Water Distribution Pipeline, which delivers 90 million litres of treated water daily to industries in the Gebeng Industrial Park,” it said.
ECERDC’s investment initiatives created 3,305 jobs and facilitated 641 entrepreneurial opportunities, showcasing its commitment to socioeconomic empowerment and community upliftment.
The IPR-INTAN poverty eradication programme played a key role, introducing modern farming techniques that boosted chilli yields, reduced import dependency and improved income for participants, said the statement.
These efforts align with national goals to enhance food self-sufficiency and sustainable agricultural practices, it added.
In the fisheries sector, the completion of the Endau-Mersing Fish Processing Park positioned Mersing as a vital fisheries hub.
Meanwhile, the downstream facility supports seafood processing and packaging, creating high-value fishery products and increasing the competitiveness and marketability of Endau-Mersing fishery produce.
ECERDC chief executive officer Datuk Baidzawi Che Mat said 2024 has been remarkable for ECERDC as it continued to drive transformative initiatives that attracted investments and built a sustainable future for the ECER and uplifted communities.
“As ECERDC strive to deliver its goals and targets for 2025, the focus is now firmly on setting the foundation for the 2026-2030 investment realisation target of RM55 billion under the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan.
“Moving forward, we remain committed to advancing inclusive growth, enhancing regional competitiveness, and delivering sustainable economic impact,” he said.
ECERDC’s 2025 initiatives include the ECER Islands Master Plan and recreational vehicle (RV) tourism development.
It said this includes plans to develop 17 RV parks along scenic routes which integrates eco-tourism with cultural preservation to position the region as a premier destination for sustainable leisure travel.
ECERDC plans to strengthen agri-based industries, enhancing food security and rural incomes.
The Jemaluang Dairy Valley in Mersing is to be completed by mid-2025, with milk production set to begin in early 2026.
Expansion plans for the livestock value chain, including dairy and meat production, will include locations such as Segamat, Setiu, Dungun, and Hulu Terengganu.
Looking ahead, ECERDC targets RM55 billion in private investments from 2026 to 2030, with collaboration among federal and state governments, private investors and local communities being crucial to achieving this goal.
“By fostering partnerships that prioritise inclusivity and sustainability, ECERDC aims to unlock the region’s full economic potential, ensuring balanced development and bringing greater prosperity to the rakyat in the region,” the council added.
-- BERNAMA
