ECERDC beats target with RM10.3bil investments in 10 months [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) has exceeded its 2026 investment target, recording RM10.3 billion in realised investments in the first 10 months, or 104 per cent of its RM10 billion annual goal.

The investments across Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor's Mersing and Segamat districts are expected to create about 8,000 jobs, double the target of 4,000.

ECERDC also secured RM13.2 billion in committed investments, above its RM10 billion target.

These commitments are a pipeline of future investments that still depend on how projects are implemented.

ECERDC chief executive officer Syamsul Farizz Nadzeri said the jobs created reflect the economic opportunities opening up across the region.

He added that the council will keep working with investors, government partners and industry players to turn investments into real opportunities for local communities.

Terengganu led all states with RM4.8 billion in realised investments.

The biggest contributors were the RM2 billion expansion of Kemaman Port by Eastern Pacific Industrial Corporation Bhd and a RM1.9 billion floating solar farm by TNB Power Generation Sdn Bhd.

Manufacturing added another RM600 million, including coated and plated steel, automotive components and other activities.

In Segamat, Johor, realised investments reached RM3.3 billion, driven by a hybrid solar plant developed by Lestra Hexa JV Sdn Bhd.

Pahang followed with RM1.7 billion, including a RM568 million integrated tourism centre by King's Park Development Sdn Bhd, a RM400 million sucralose manufacturing facility by Jinhe Nutrition (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and a RM274 million durian farm by Upayapadu Resources Sdn Bhd.

Kelantan brought in RM600 million, meeting its state target.

Major projects there include a RM294.5 million large-scale solar project by Samaiden Legasi Timur Sdn Bhd, an RM88.5 million plantation project by DXN Biogreen Sdn Bhd and a RM48 million fruit and vegetable processing facility by Song Lin Fresh Fruit Hub Sdn Bhd.

Beyond the investment figures, ECERDC signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen industrial and logistics development.

The first, with TGA Solutions Sdn Bhd, aims to promote investments in the Tanjung Agas Industrial Area in Pahang.

The second, with Infinity Landbridge Express Sdn Bhd, will explore investment and transport opportunities at Segamat Inland Port.

Infinity is investing RM30 million to reactivate the port as a rail-based logistics hub in southern Peninsular Malaysia.

It is expected to handle up to 6,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of cargo a month, making freight movement more efficient and reducing reliance on road transport.

Several infrastructure projects have also made progress.

In Kelantan, the Palekbang-Kota Bharu Bridge and Tok Bali Industrial Park are 47 per cent and 54 per cent complete respectively, and both are on schedule.

In Pahang, the Kuantan Port Interchange was handed over on Sept 3, 2026, while main infrastructure works for Phase One, Package One of the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park 3 are complete.

According to ECERDC, the park could attract up to RM1.2 billion in investments.

In Terengganu, Phase One of the Kuala Terengganu City Centre Promenade received its Certificate of Completion and Compliance in June 2026, meaning it is ready for public use.

"Moving forward, our focus is to turn investment commitments into realised investments while advancing projects that strengthen the region's long-term competitiveness," Syamsul said.

"Through closer collaboration with investors and our development partners, we aim to accelerate implementation and expand sustainable economic opportunities across the East Coast."