KUALA LUMPUR (April 24): The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) says Segamat, Johor has secured RM2.6 billion in committed investments for manufacturing and agriculture projects in the first quarter of 2025 (1Q2025).
The investments secured involved the development of an 860MW hybrid solar power plant on a 1,700-acre site — one of the largest renewable energy projects in the region — marking a significant step forward in Malaysia’s decarbonisation agenda.
Other projects include a plastic product and packaging facility, an integrated coconut processing mill and a smart broiler poultry farm equipped with precision farming technology. These investments are expected to generate job opportunities and strengthen rural-based supply chains that contribute to both national food and energy security.
“In addition, Segamat will house a biomass facility that converts empty fruit bunches (EFB) into palm pellet fuel, supporting the sustainable use of agricultural waste,” the ECERDC said in a statement on Thursday.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi also reaffirmed the state government's commitment to driving innovation and sustainable growth in Segamat and Mersing across all investment sectors. The goal, he said, is to create quality employment opportunities, catalyse long-term economic development and strengthen Johor’s industrial ecosystem.
“With continued collaboration between the state government, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida), and ECERDC, we are confident that more high-impact investments can be secured to accelerate growth. This is aligned with the ECER Development Roadmap under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13), which targets a combined GDP of RM13 billion for both districts by 2030,” he said.
ECERDC chief executive officer Datuk Baidzawi Che Mat said agriculture remains a cornerstone of the council’s strategy for promoting sustainable and inclusive development in Mersing and Segamat.
“Initiatives such as the Jemaluang Dairy Valley (JDV) in Mersing and Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat — Program Usahawan Tani (IPR-INTAN) in Segamat reflect our commitment to strengthening the national agro-food ecosystem, empowering rural communities and creating new economic opportunities.
“By integrating modern farming infrastructure, value-added downstream activities and smart agricultural practices, we aim to build resilient, future-ready rural economies that contribute to Malaysia’s food security agenda,” Baidzawi added.
Johor was the third-largest investment destination in 2024, attracting RM48.5 billion in approved investments, accounting for 12.8% of the nation’s total approved investments of RM378.5 billion.
The state trailed behind Selangor, which led with RM101.1 billion, and Kuala Lumpur, which attracted RM91.5 billion, data from Mida showed.