KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 18): SD Guthrie Bhd (KL:SDG), in collaboration with Eco World Development Group Bhd (KL:ECOWLD) and Negeri Sembilan's state investment arm NS Corporation, will jointly develop a 1,166-acre industrial park in Bukit Pelanduk, Negeri Sembilan, that will have an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM2.95 billion.
To be developed over eight years, the project will have industrial lots, ready-built factories and commercial properties that will cater to high-growth sectors such as aerospace, electrical and electronics, logistics and biotechnology, according to the parties in a joint statement.
The parties have signed a memorandum of understanding for the collaboration. The industrial park will be situated within the Malaysia Vision Valley 2.0 (MVV2.0) economic corridor and form part of a larger initiative to advance sustainable development in Negeri Sembilan.
SD Guthrie, formerly known as Sime Darby Plantation Bhd and the world’s largest palm oil producer by acreage, is also one of the largest landowners in Malaysia. It is now unlocking the potential of its landbank across Malaysia via collaborations. In Negeri Sembilan alone, the group operates 16 estates, three palm oil mills and two biogas plants.
“With our strong presence and rich history in Negeri Sembilan, coupled with our proven track record in sustainable practices, we are well positioned to support Negeri Sembilan’s development ambitions,” said SD Guthrie managing director Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha.
EcoWorld, meanwhile, holds close to 9,000 acres of landbank across the Klang Valley, Penang and Iskandar Malaysia, with an estimated GDV of RM86 billion. A significant portion of EcoWorld’s landbank — 2,415 acres — is dedicated to industrial parks, including four in Iskandar Malaysia and one in the Klang Valley. These parks are home to over 1,400 local and international industrial operators under the Eco Business Parks umbrella.
“We have a dedicated team of industrial park specialists whose expertise will play a key role in the success of this project. We cater to a diverse range of industries and offer tailored solutions to meet the evolving demands of today’s dynamic industrial landscape, and we are confident that this initiative will bring new business opportunities to Negeri Sembilan,” said EcoWorld president and chief executive officer Datuk Chang Khim Wah.
Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the Bukit Pelanduk project reflects Negeri Sembilan’s vision to become a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable state by 2045.
“Through strategic land use planning, enhanced infrastructure and utilities, and improved community amenities, we will elevate the quality of life for the people of Negeri Sembilan. As the state government’s strategic development agency, NS Corp is proud to collaborate with SD Guthrie and EcoWorld to make this vision a reality,” said Aminuddin, who is also NS Corp chairman.
Shares of SD Guthrie closed one sen higher at RM4.92 on Wednesday, giving the group a market capitalisation of RM33.96 billion, while EcoWorld slipped one sen to close at RM1.99, valuing the property developer at RM5.9 billion.