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New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Pahang tipped to become key national agri-food hub under 13MP
KUANTAN: Pahang is poised to become a significant national agri-food hub under the proposed East Coast Food Production Hub announced in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), leveraging its strategic location and potential to drive growth in the sector. East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) chief executive officer Datuk Baidzawi Che Mat said Pahang, which covers more than half of the East Coast, is ideally positioned to spearhead national food production initiatives. He said the development of the hub would attract domestic and foreign investment, create job opportunities and strengthen the agri-food value chain from farm to market. "As an example, the Netherlands, a country roughly the size of Pahang, has become the world's second-largest agricultural exporter. "With strategic planning and sustainable approaches, Pahang has the potential to become Malaysia's leading agri-food hub," he told Bernama recently. Baidzawi said the hub would feature Collection, Processing and Packaging Centres (CPPCs), which would provide direct benefits to local farmers, in line with the aspirations of the National Agro-Food Policy 2.0. He added that the CPPCs' proximity to the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) would speed up the delivery of agricultural produce to domestic and international markets, boosting competitiveness and farmers' income. "With increased local food production and a focus on high-value crops such as durian, the hub will also help reduce the country's dependence on food imports," he said. Baidzawi noted that flood mitigation projects under 13MP would enable agri-food projects to be developed on previously flood-prone land. As part of this, ECERDC is collaborating with the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) to map flood-prone areas and identify flood-free agricultural zones using data-driven and satellite technology, supporting safer and more resilient food production zones. Meanwhile, Prof Dr Mohd Faizal Jamlos from the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology Faculty at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) recommended the use of geospatial technology such as drones to produce Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) or Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) for precision mapping of agricultural land. "These models provide valuable information to differentiate between high and low-lying areas easily. UMPSA has the technology and capability to carry out the data acquisition and processing required," he said. Faizal noted that the food production hub represents a strategic government investment to stimulate the local economy and ensure national food security. However, he stressed that attracting industry players and agropreneurs would require a well-developed ecosystem. Among the proposed incentives are competitive Temporary Occupation Licences (TOLs), access to basic infrastructure such as electricity, water and alternative energy sources, as well as relevant advisory services on market demand and crop suitability. He added that tax incentives, soft loans and grants, whether in cash or kind, could further encourage private sector participation. Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in tabling 13MP last Thursday, announced that the East Coast states of Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu would be developed through the creation of integrated, competitive national food production hubs, aimed at generating new economic opportunities, particularly for rural communities.
The Sun
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
ECERDC facilitates RM1 billion committed investments in Terengganu
PETALING JAYA: The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) has facilitated RM1 billion in committed investments in Terengganu in the first quarter of 2025, achieving 43% of the RM2.4 billion investment target set for the state this year. These investments are driven largely by the tourism sector and will reinforce Terengganu's position as a strategic hub for high-value tourism initiatives. In addition to tourism, the investments span key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and services, reflecting strong investor confidence in Terengganu's dynamic and diversified economy. These committed investments represent a significant step forward in the East Coast Economic Region's (ECER) tourism and agricultural transformation, the council said in a statement. Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said that realised investments stood at RM729.7 million as of March, creating over 1,000 new jobs in the state. The manufacturing sector remained the key driver, followed by tourism, agriculture, and services. 'Terengganu continues to position itself as a strategic destination for investors, supported by strong collaboration between the state government, ECERDC, and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority. 'We are committed to advancing innovation and sustainable growth across key sectors, from agriculture to high-tech manufacturing, to create quality employment, spur long-term economic progress and strengthen the state's economic foundation,' he said. Among the commitments are a 60MW photovoltaic solar farm integrated into an agricultural project, an ammonium paratungstate processing facility and a waste collection and treatment centre. Others include a dairy farm supported by a Napier grass plantation and biodigester system, and a calcined kaolin production facility. A key development highlighted at an ECER Terengganu Implementation Coordination Committee meeting in Kuala Terengganu recently was the completion of infrastructure expansion works at the Kerteh Biopolymer Park (KBP). Delivered under Phase 4A, the upgrade strengthens KBP's role as a national platform for advanced materials, clean technologies, and biopolymer production. Since KBP commenced operations in June 2015, the industrial park has recorded RM5.1 billion in realised investments, with demand for industrial space continuing to grow. To support this demand, the KBP SME Complex Phase 1B is currently under construction and scheduled for completion next month. Once operational, the facility will offer purpose-built units tailored for SMEs in the energy sector and support services, helping nurture a resilient and innovation-led industrial ecosystem in Terengganu. ECERDC CEO Datuk Baidzawi Che Mat said the delivery of strategic infrastructure such as KBP and the successful attraction of quality investments speak to the ECERDC's long-term commitment to building a high-performing, sustainable economy. 'These achievements are more than physical developments; they represent an enabling ecosystem for innovation, inclusive growth, and global investor confidence,' he added. In tandem with investment growth, ECERDC is progressing several key infrastructure projects. The Kuala Terengganu airport road upgrade is on track for completion and will significantly enhance connectivity between Sultan Mahmud Airport and the city centre. The project includes an 'Executive Drive' route to facilitate logistics and improve investor access. The KTCC Promenade Phase 1 is 56% complete. The project is designed to boost tourism and urban vibrancy. In addition to industrial projects, the council highlighted the ongoing rollout of the Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat – Program Usahawan Tani, which is equipping B40 communities with modern and sustainable farming practices. The fertigation chilli project in Bukit Bidong is poised to become the largest in Malaysia by the end of 2025, driven by precision farming systems and community-led management. Complementary initiatives include sweet potato cultivation in Kampung Banggol and Kampung Saujana, as well as an integrated agriculture project in Taman Rahmat, Marang. To scale up the programme, ECERDC is facilitating up to 400 acres across nine Terengganu locations for agro-based projects, benefiting over 400 participants. These efforts will further embed Terengganu's reputation as an inclusive and sustainable agriculture pioneer.
