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- In a statement, SD Guthrie group managing director Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha said industrial development is set to become an important pillar of the group’s future growth.
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 2): SD Guthrie Bhd (KL:SDG), the world’s largest palm oil producer by acreage, is increasing its stake in a planned integrated industrial park in Johor, becoming an equal partner with Eco World Development Group Bhd (KL:ECOWLD) after EcoWorld reduces its share.
Under an amended shareholding agreement signed on Tuesday, SD Guthrie—via its wholly owned subsidiary SD Guthrie Land Ventures Sdn Bhd (SDGLV)—will increase its interest in Eco Business Park 8 Sdn Bhd (EBP8) to 45% from 25% previously.
EcoWorld will reduce its stake to 45% from 65%, while Permodalan Darul Ta’zim Sdn Bhd (PDT) will retain its 10% interest in the joint venture.
Under the revised agreement, the EBP8 board will comprise up to seven directors: three representatives each from SDGLV and EcoWorld, and one from PDT.
In a statement, SD Guthrie group managing director Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha said industrial development is set to become an important pillar of the group’s future growth.
“With the increase in stake to 45%, SD Guthrie will play a more strategic role in the joint venture. We are pleased to work closely with PDT and EcoWorld. This is a strategic move that will enable us to deliver sustainable returns to our shareholders,” he said. “Considering the scale of our strategic land bank, it makes perfect sense for us to create more value where possible”.
The industrial park is strategically positioned to tap the “longer-term growth potential of Iskandar Malaysia”, which sits within the upcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.
The development—with an estimated gross development value of RM3.75 billion—will feature industrial lots, ready-built facilities and supporting commercial components. It is targeted at high-value, innovation-led sectors including high-tech and artificial intelligence supply chains, advanced electrical and electronics, biotechnology and medical technologies, food technologies and logistics.
As of the third quarter of 2025, Johor had achieved RM91.1 billion worth of approved investments, the highest in Malaysia, surpassing the RM48.5 billion it secured in 2024.
Shares of SD Guthrie closed up eight sen or 1.53% at RM5.32 on Tuesday, giving the group a market capitalisation of RM36.79 billion.
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