ECERDC championing East Coast transformation—from exotic charms to economic pivots

For the longest time, the country’s East Coast has been a choice destination for exotic escapades—beckoning with pristine beaches, teeming marine phenomena, traditional fishing villages, keropok lekor, salted fish, batik crafts, and more. Yes, the serene, rural charm has always been East Coast’s signature.

Today, however, another beeline is forming, drawn by a new wave of economic revolution.

Under a collective banner branded as the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Mersing and Segamat in Johor are becoming a driving force in strengthening the country’s industrial base to attract high-value investments.

Covering a total area of over 69,000 sq km or 52% of Peninsular Malaysia, and a population of over 5 million people, ECER’s transformation is driven by the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC).

Established in 2008 and mandated to set directions, policies and strategies for the socio-economic development of ECER, the Council has shown impressive investment momentum, recording a total of RM44.4 billion in realised investments for ECER from 2018 to 2024, representing 90% of the RM49 billion target set until end-2025.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted that the secured investments signal that ECER remains a high-potential growth corridor for Malaysia.

“These efforts are aligned with our national commitment towards a balanced regional development, ensuring that all Malaysians benefit from economic progress,” he said.

The investments have created up to 69,000 job opportunities and 23,000 entrepreneurial ventures in the region, boosting its economy significantly. The highest annual investment value recorded for the year 2024, with RM13.4 billion in realised investments, and a strong first half of 2025 with RM6.4 billion investments, shows ECERDC is on the right track.

The core strategy: Seven thematic industrial hub

Progressing beyond traditional resource extraction, ECERDC’s strategic master plan aspires towards building a seamless, integrated industrial ecosystem focusing on high-impact investments.

This coordinated, holistic approach positions ECERDC not merely as an

investment promoter, but as the chief architect of a modern, resilient, and inclusive economic landscape designed for the next generation of global manufacturing and sustainable developments.

The strategy is steered by a series of seven thematic industrial parks, each designed as dedicated hubs to attract cluster-specific and high-value industries.

Every park is fitted with comprehensive integrated infrastructure and an industrial ecosystem purpose-built for specialised manufacturing.

These parks collectively form the backbone of the ECERDC’s strategy in powering a stronger East Coast and transform it into a competitive and specialised industrial investment destination.

Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP)—Pahang

Located in the Gebeng Industrial Area in Kuantan, the 4,280-acre flagship project is Malaysia’s first “National Industrial Park,” jointly developed by the governments of Malaysia and China. MCKIP is part of the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” initiative and is modelled after its sister park, the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park (CMQIP) in China.

MCKIP is strategically located adjacent to Kuantan Port. This prime positioning enables efficient access to major shipping routes and facilitates large-scale cargo movements. MCKIP serves as a key engine for heavy and advanced manufacturing, supporting industries such as steel, non-metal products, electrical and electronic components, resource-based manufacturing, petrochemical, specialty chemical, advanced materials and renewable energy components.

Attracting large-scale foreign direct investments, MCKIP is set to propel ECER as a major trade gateway to the Asia-Pacific region.

The park comprises MCKIP 1 covering 2,000 acres, MCKIP 2 covering 1,000 acres, Malaysia-China Kuantan International Logistics Park (MCKILP) spanning 620 acres, and MCKIP 3 spanning 630 acres. MCKIP 1 is fully occupied with all key facilities operational, while the majority of parcels in MCKIP 2 have been allocated to prospective investors.

MCKILP and MCKIP 3 currently offer opportunities for the acquisition or commercial lease of industrial land, complete with connectivity, utilities, and infrastructure.

Pekan Automotive Park (PAP)—Pahang

PAP caters specifically for the automotive industry, focusing on assembly, parts manufacturing, and related logistics for several major international brands. Established in line with the National Automotive Policy, PAP serves as a fully integrated automotive ecosystem designed to support the entire value chain from vehicle assembly to research and development. By clustering these activities, ECERDC fosters an efficient supply chain and creates a localised ecosystem that nurtures specialised skill development for the transportation sector.

Completed in 2013 and covering a land area of 237 acres, PAP is home to world-class assembly lines for marques like Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Isuzu, and Mitsubishi, serving as a key driver of Malaysia’s automotive industry by offering investment opportunities in parts manufacturing, electric and hybrid vehicles, commercial vehicles, and R&D, while leveraging strong academic linkages with Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah and DRB-HICOM University to support the industry.

Gambang Halal Park (GHP)—Pahang

Equipped with complete infrastructure, GHP leverages Malaysia’s global reputation in halal certification and standards.

The 169-acre HALMAS-status integrated industrial park is targeted for corporations involved in manufacturing, processing, and distribution of highvalue halal products, including F&B, non-food consumer goods as well as logistics activities.

Completed in 2016, the park is strategically located next to the upcoming Paya Besar East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) station, providing seamless logistics connectivity and trade facilitation onwards to Asia Pacific and western markets.

Pahang Technology Park (PTP)—Pahang

Positioned as the ECER’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre, PTP is set to lead the development of the ICT industry in the region and to act as the digital gateway to Asia Pacific.

The 149-acre PTP features the Cybercentre, a fully equipped office facility available for rent. PTP offers excellent connectivity and competitive rates, making it ideal for light to medium industries and digital sector businesses such as data centers, fulfilment hubs, and medical device manufacturers. The park provides essential infrastructure and a plug-and-play environment, supporting technology companies seeking modern facilities and readily available industrial land.

With state-of-the-art infrastructure and proximity to key logistics nodes such as Kuantan Port and the ECRL, PTP offers an ideal environment for technology-driven businesses and innovation, fostering growth in smart technologies and high-value industries.

Tok Bali Industrial Park (TBIP)—Kelantan

The 200-acre TBIP focuses on general manufacturing and high value-added products, with specific clusters in construction and building materials, metal fabrication, edible oil, and marine related activities.

Expected to be completed in November 2026, TBIP will be a multi-sector industrial zone leveraging on its strategic location near Tok Bali Fisheries Park and Tok Bali Port with easy access to markets in southern Thailand and the Greater Mekong Region.

Pasir Mas Halal Park (PMHP)—Kelantan

Strategically located to support cross-border trade with Thailand, the 108-acre PMHP complements the halal industrial ecosystem, catering particularlyto the agro-based and general manufacturing industries in Kelantan and Southern Thailand.

On top of its primary focus on halal F&B and non-food consumer goods, PMHP also provides investment opportunities for companies for establishment of warehousing and logistics centres to facilitate movement of goods to and from surrounding areas including southern Thailand.

Kerteh Biopolymer Park (KBP)—Terengganu

Malaysia’s first dedicated biopolymer industrial park, KBP is the primary bio-economy hub in the ECER, dedicated to specialty chemicals and bio-based products. The 683-acre park is strategically positioned to support the growth of specialty chemicals, bio-based products, and other high-value down-stream industries.

KBP features a purpose-built SME Complex offering modern shop lots, office suites, and bungalow and semi-detached factory units designed specifically for small and medium enterprises. These facilities cater to businesses across the bio-based and green chemical sectors, specialty chemicals, downstream oil & gas services, logistics, utilities, engineering services, and renewable energy.

Located adjacent to Kerteh Integrated Petrochemical Complex (KIPC), KBP benefits from direct proximity to essential petrochemical feedstock and raw materials, creating a seamless value chain from raw chemical production to high-value bio-economy products.

Developed on a plug-and-play model, to provide investors with rapid setup capabilities, reliable utilities, and access to critical industrial infrastructure.

Connectivity is further enhanced by the upcoming ECRL cargo spur-line located nearby, which will significantly improve freight movement, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen regional and national supply-chain linkages.

Forging a seamless value chain

These seven thematic industrial parks form the backbone of ECERDC’s integrated development strategy, forging a seamless value chain that connects up-stream production to downstream processing and manufacturing, and creating dynamic synergies across all sectors.

Through strategic planning and cohesive execution, ECERDC is successfully transforming Malaysia’s East Coast into a competitive investment destination for local and global players, and the progress momentum is translating into long-term prosperity for the nation.

Now, the East Coast bids you come, not just to explore its rich marine splendour, but also the enriching investment opportunities.

Check out ECER today—email us at [email protected] or tap on www.ecerdc.com.my.

Unlock Malaysia’s shifting industrial map. Track where new housing is emerging as talents converge around I4.0 industrial parks across Peninsular Malaysia. Download the Industrial Special Report now.