MANUFACTURING SECTOR POWERS KELANTAN’S ECONOMIC PROGRESS AS ECERDC SPURS RM1.21 BLN IN INVESTMENTS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 (Bernama) -- Kelantan’s transformation into an emerging industrial hub continues to gain momentum as the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) secures RM1.21 billion in realised investments, driven primarily by the manufacturing sector.

Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud said the progress surpassed the annual investment target, reflecting the strong commitment of the state government with the federal government through ECERDC.

"The RM1.21 billion in realised investments, driven largely by the renewable energy sector, signals Kelantan’s readiness for high-impact development.

"With an additional RM290 million in committed investments projected to create over 650 new jobs, investor confidence in Kelantan’s long-term potential continues to grow," he said after chairing the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) Implementation and Coordination Committee Kelantan meeting in Kota Bahru today.

In a statement, ECERDC said the achievement reaffirms Kelantan’s growing appeal as a competitive investment destination within the ECER.

ECERDC said key contributors to this milestone include the 84 megawatt (MW) mini hydro power plant project in Kuala Krai, which has begun groundwork, and the development of an automotive 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centre at the Halal Park in Pasir Mas, which is expected to commence operations in the fourth quarter of 2025. 

According to the statement, major progress has been recorded in the construction of the Palekbang–Kota Bharu Bridge. 

It also noted that the works on the cable-stayed section across Sungai Kelantan began in April 2025, and the overall project remains on track for completion.

Meanwhile, ECERDC has formalised a collaboration agreement with Perbadanan Kemajuan Pertanian Negeri Kelantan and Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan Bukit Awang today.

The agreement is to set in motion the Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat – Program Usahawan Tani (IPR-INTAN).

The programme aims to improve the income of Malaysians, particularly the B40 group, by introducing modern agricultural technologies and developing agro-based entrepreneurs.

"This 23-hectare smart chilli fertigation project is scheduled to begin operations in the third quarter of 2025 and aims to generate sustainable monthly income of up to RM2,000 for 100 participants through modernised farming techniques," ECERDC said. 

Under the Kelantan Dairy Goat Industry Strengthening Project, ECERDC said it has established Goat Milk Collection Centres in Ketereh and Pasir Puteh, supported by dedicated fodder production facilities to enhance feed quality and availability. 

This initiative is expected to increase fresh milk output, strengthen the self-sufficiency of the local dairy industry, and reduce reliance on imports, it added.         

-- BERNAMA