^^ they're developing the whole length of the beach?? then which part of the beach gonna be reserved to local Terengganuan public?? aiyak.. so pity.. such a beautiful rare gem..

ECER terima pelaburan RM38 bilion: PM
2011/03/30
http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/articles/ECERterimapelaburanRM38bilion_PM/Article/index_html

KUALA LUMPUR: Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, berkata Wilayah Ekonomi Pantai Timur (ECER) telah menarik sejumlah pelaburan RM38 bilion pada akhir Februari 2011, berbanding dengan RM36.5 bilion pada akhir November 2010.

Katanya, projek utama di ECER seperti projek sosio-ekonomi Agropolitan, Taman Industri Automatif Pekan dan Taman Halal Gambang kini sedang giat dilaksanakan.

"Buat masa ini, ECERDC sedang mempertingkatkan lagi usahanya bagi menarik lebih banyak pelabur ke rantau ini, baik tempatan mahu pun antarabangsa," katanya dalam satu kenyataan ECERDC selepas mempengerusikan Mesyuarat Majlis ECERDC yang pertama bagi 2011 di sini hari ini.

Menurut kenyataan itu, Kompleks Pemasaran Setempat (CMC) di Taman Industri Automotif Pekan, yang terletak di dalam Zon Ekonomi Khas ECER (ECER SEZ), sudah siap dibina dan bakal dirasmikan Perdana Menteri pada 9 April ini.

CMC akan bertindak sebagai sebuah pusat sehenti untuk memenuhi keperluan para pelabur di Taman Automotif Pekan.

Kerja-kerja infrastruktur bagi Fasa 2 Taman Industri Automotif Pekan sedang giat dilaksanakan dan dijangka selesai pada Jun 2012.

Antara komponen penting dalam perluasan taman berkenaan adalah Taman Vendor yang akan menempatkan para pengeluar komponen, pembekal dan penyedia perkhidmatan automotif di satu lokasi bagi mewujudkan sinergi dan kelebihan dari segi kos.

Mengenai Agropolitan Pekan, 100 keluarga miskin telah berpindah ke rumah baru yang dibina oleh ECERDC di Batu 8, Mukim Bebar, Pekan.

"Sebanyak 30 Unit Penternakan Haiwan (APU) bagi tujuan ternakan biri-biri Dorper telah siap dibina pada Februari tahun ini," katanya.

Sementara itu, 30 APU lagi bakal siap menjelang Mei 2011.

Peserta Agropolitan Pekan dijangka menjana pendapatan bulanan antara RM1,000 dan RM2,000 dalam tempoh tiga tahun pertama pelaksanaan projek itu dan angka tersebut dijangka meningkat kepada RM5,000 dalam tempoh jangka panjang.

Bagi Taman Halal Gambang, Kelompok Perindustrian Minyak Sawit (POIC) dan Taman Polimer Kertih, menurut kenyataan itu, kerja-kerja infrastruktur sedang giat dijalankan dan dijadualkan selesai pada suku pertama 2012, kecuali Fasa 1C Taman Polimer Kertih yang dijangka selesai pada Februari 2013.

Bandar Pantai Timur Kuala Terengganu (KTCC) pula, bersedia untuk melalui satu transformasi utama di bawah projek pembangunan Pusat Bandar Kuala Terengganu (KTCC).

Pembangunan projek KTCC akan menyaksikan ibu negeri Terengganu itu dibangunkan sebagai sebuah Bandar Warisan Pesisir Air dan pintu gerbang pelancongan antarabangsa bagi Pantai Timur.

Pelan Induk bagi pembangunan KTCC telah selesai pada bulan Februari 2011 dan kerja-kerja pembinaan dijadualkan bermula pada bulan Ogos 2011.

ECER merangkumi negeri Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang dan daerah Mersing di Johor, meliputi kawasan seluas lebih 66,000km persegi atau 51 peratus daripada kawasan keseluruhan Semenanjung Malaysia.

Ia didiami kira-kira 3.9 juta penduduk atau lebih kurang 14 peratus daripada jumlah keseluruhan penduduk negara.

Selaras dengan wawasannya, ECER bermatlamat membasmi kemiskinan tegar di Wilayah iti, dengan menjana pendapatan isi rumah yang lebih tinggi untuk penduduknya melalui sumber mata pencarian yang mampan, dan meningkatkan peluang pekerjaan dan keusahawanan melalui projek pelaburan yang dirancang untuk wilayah itu.

Pertumbuhan ekonomi di ECER akan dipacu oleh lima kelompok aktiviti utama iaitu Pelancongan, Minyak, Gas & Petrokimia, Pembuatan, Pertanian, dan Pendidikan.

Kelima-lima kelompok itu disokong oleh pembangunan Sosial dan Modal Insan, Pengangkutan, Infrastruktur, Hartanah dan Alam Sekitar. - BERNAMA

ECER aims to pull in RM2b investments
Published: 2011/05/11
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110511144859/Article/index_html

The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) aims to attract RM2 billion in investments through its participation in the inaugural Annual Investment Meeting 2011 (AIM 2011) in Dubai.

"Through ECERDC's participation in AIM, we aim to increase the awareness of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) and the investment opportunities available in it among global investors, especially from the Gulf Cooperation Council nations," said ECERDC Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Jebasingam Issace John.

The three-day AIM 2011, starting May 10, is organised by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Foreign Trade. It is expected to attract over 1,000 participants.

He said the Council led projects in ECER are a unique type of public-private partnership.

"Both the public and private sectors collaborate, to implement the economic projects.

"ECER's key strengths lie in its strong resources endowment, competitive land cost, incentives and cost of doing business, strong potential for property development and lower cost of living," said Issace.

He said the projects in ECER are formulated to tap into opportunities in the Halal New Growth Clusters which have a total estimated value of US$274 billion worldwide.

"ECER's strategic location enables investors to tap the Asia Pacific market with a total population of two billion," he added.

Between 2007 and end-February 2011, ECER attracted RM38 billion worth of investments from both locally and overseas, of which RM23 billion has been received. - Bernama

i suggest this thread be made STICKY>...

agree?

Mitrajaya unit to undertake Tasik Chini job
Published: 2011/07/19
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110719193355/Article/index_html

Mitrajaya Holdings Bhd (MHB)'s subsidiary, Pembinaan Mitrajaya Sdn Bhd, has agreed to undertake the RM13.50 million Freshwater Laboratory Complex in Tasik Chini, Pahang.

In a filing to Bursa Malaysia today, Mitrajaya said the letter of acceptance was received from the East Coast Economic Region Development Council.

Mitrajaya said that the contract, for 65 weeks, commencing July 25, was expected to contribute positively to MHB future earnings.
-- Bernama

i suggest this thread be made STICKY>...

agree?

yup..totally agree..

ECER gets RM2bil boost

PUTRAJAYA: South Korea's CJ CheilJedang Corp and France's Arkema SA have announced a RM2bil joint venture (JV) to build the world's first bio-methionine plant to produce animal feed in Malaysia.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/8/13/business/9292054&sec=business

RM900mil for ECER from China
By JOSEPH KAOS JR Sunday September 11, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/9/11/nation/9468429&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: China has pledged to invest RM900mil in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), which is expected to generate 30,000 jobs.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said he hoped the investment would further spur growth in the east coast.

“As you know, the east coast is an area we are working very hard to develop.

“There are many developments in west coast states like Selangor and Johor but the east coast states are still lagging behind,” he said after witnessing the exchange of documents between ECER Development Council and China-based Wenzhou Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau here yesterday.

Mustapa said he hoped that with the signing of the deal, more Chinese companies would invest in the east coast region.

“This investment will not only help create employment opportunities in the region but will also result in closer co-operation between China and Malaysia,” he said.

Mustapa also said he was currently discussing with Wenzhou city officials on a joint venture between Malaysian and Chinese companies to develop a 55 sq km industrial park in Wenzhou.

“They (Wenzhou officials) are going to submit a written proposal to me on the project, detailing the model they are suggesting for this park.

“Next week, my ministry officials will be visiting their counterparts in Beijing to discuss this matter,” he said.

ECER officials said with China's pledge, it was expected to surpass its annual investment target of RM5bil by October, bringing the total since its launch in 2007 to RM48bil.

They said an estimated 30,000 jobs in the service, manufacturing and logistics sectors would be generated by the investment.

The pledge will also see the establishment of an integrated industrial park comprising logistic and warehousing facilities at ECER's Special Economic Zone in Kuantan, Pahang.

ECER Development Council chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said the construction of the industrial park was expected to begin mid-next year and would take 18 months to complete.

“We are in the midst of discussing details with our Wenzhou counterparts on the project model,” he said.

Located in the southeast of Zhejiang district, Wenzhou produces 60% of China's shoes and also has a strong presence in apparel manufacturing.

It is also a major manufacturing centre for electrical appliances, electronic items and light machinery.

Also present at the signing were Wenzhou City Foreign Trade Deputy Director Zhou Zheng and Wenzhou Municipal People's Government vice mayor Xu Yufei.

ECER eyes RM10b investments
By Rupa DamodaranPublished: 2012/02/07
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20120207005316/Article/index_html#ixzz1ldYy1Uge

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20120207005316/pix_bottom

The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) has targeted to double its investments to RM10 billion this year, underpinned by interest from top Asian communities like China.

Its industrial parks located within the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) are expected to drive these billion-ringgit investments.

The SEZ will be “our jewel in the crown” in Malaysia, says ECER Council (ECERC) chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John.

“We expect the investments to come on board by the third quarter,” he disclosed in an interview with the Business Times.

The risks of the slowing investment flow from Europe may impact Malaysia as a whole in 2012, but John says the ECER has the added advantage of having caught the attention of the Chinese, Koreans and Japanese, who are also being encouraged to look abroad.

Read more: ECER eyes RM10b investments http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20120207005316/Article/index_html#ixzz1ldZ8ZbtT

ECER attracts over RM9b investments in Q1
Updated: Tuesday February 28, 2012 MYT 7:54:29 PM
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/2/28/nation/20120228171729&sec=nation#13304348565851&if_height=426

PUTRAJAYA: The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) successfully attracted investments worth RM9bil in tourism, aquaculture, manufacturing and education in the first quarter of the year.

ECER Development Council Chief Executive Officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said the nine new projects comprise two projects worth RM5.5bil in Mersing, Johor, five projects worth RM2bil in Pahang, one project worth RM1bil in Terengganu and another one project worth RM500mil in Kelantan.

"The new investments will enhance resource-based economic activities in ECER and help create better economic opportunities for the local populace by generating new jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities," he said at the document exchange ceremony between the ECER and the investors.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin witnessed the exchanging document ceremony.

Also present were Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said, Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.

The nine investors include Radiant Starfish Development Sdn Bhd, Damansara Assets Sdn Bhd, Encorp Bhd, Ocean Aquatic Marine (M) Sdn Bhd and Zhanjiang Guolian Aquatic Products Co Ltd; Andaman Sea Foods (M) Sdn Bhd; Gelnas Sdn Bhd; Nilai Mahir (M) Sdn Bhd and Johnson Controls Automotive Holdings (M) Sdn Bhd and Hicom University College Sdn Bhd.

Jebasingam said the three investments already approved in the ECER are Tioxide (M) Sdn Bhd (RM275mil), East Coast Universe Smelting & Mining (M) Sdn Bhd (RM80.3mil) and Q-Porcelain Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (RM7.8mil).

In Johor, Radiant Starfish Development Bhd plans to invest RM4.2bil to develop a fully integrated eco-tourism resort known as Mersing Laguna while Damansara Assets Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Johor Corporation, will develop a resort town known as the Tanjung Leman Integrated Resort and Coastal Township in Mersing with total investment value of RM1bil.

Both investments are expected to see the transformation of Mersing into a vibrant tourism hub with upgraded facilities and amenities.

In Pahang, Encorp Bhd will develop an integrated tourism resort and international golf course in Cherating with gross development value of RM1.3bil, Andaman Sea Foods Sdn Bhd will invest RM225mil in an integrated shrimp farm in Kampung Kasing, Rompin, and Gelnas Sdn Bhd will invest RM130mil in building a halal gelatine plant in the Gambang Halal Park.

Also Nilai Mahir (M) Sdn Bhd and Johnson Controls Automotive Holdings (M) Sdn Bhd will see a total investment of RM90mil in an automotive project in the Pekan Automotive Park and HICOM University College Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Bhd, will invest RM592.5mil to set up an automotive university college within the DRB-HICOM Automotive Hub in Pekan.

In Terengganu, Ocean Aquatic Marine (M) Sdn Bhd together with its joint venture partner, Zhanjiang Guolian Aquatic Products Co Ltd, will invest RM1bil over a five-year period in an integrated shrimp farm in Kampung Pasir Putih, Marang.

In Kelantan, Hongkew Holdings (M) Sdn Bhd will invest RM500mil to set up an integrated cement plant in Gua Musang.

Jebasingam told reporters later that more than 80 percent of the new investments announced day were from domestic investors.

"All nine investments will commence this year. The investors are ready to invest in the ECER in their respectively areas," he said.

Jebasingam said the ECERDC was set to revise upward its investment target to RM15bil this year as the investment for the first quarter had almost hit the RM10bil investment target.

"Within the first quarter of this year, we are able to get more than RM9bil. We have almost achieved our target. I have already discussed with my investment team to set RM15bil as our annual target," he said.

To date, the government has invested some RM2bil for infrastructure development in the ECER to support private sector investments.

just wondering kelantan is part of ecer but i never heard any investment for kelantan.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qsLCvanofaw/T1Dy3cvGIcI/AAAAAAAAAqA/96CVlL-8nYg/s660/KUANTAN%2BAERIAL%2BVIEW.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qsLCvanofaw/T1Dy3cvGIcI/AAAAAAAAAqA/96CVlL-8nYg/s660/KUANTAN%2BAERIAL%2BVIEW.jpg


ECER tawar 76,580 pekerjaan
Oleh Abdul Razak Raaff dan Irwan Shafrizan Ismail
bhnews@bharian.com.my

KUANTAN: Pelan Induk Wilayah Ekonomi Pantai Timur (ECER) yang bakal meletakkan Pahang sebagai Hab Pembuatan dan Logistik utama di wilayah berkenaan akan menyediakan kira-kira 76,580 peluang pekerjaan apabila siap sepenuhnya.

Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, berkata antara inisiatif pembangunan yang dirancang, termasuk Taman Industri Automotif di Peramu, Pekan (AIP), Taman Industri Halal Gambang, Taman Industri Bercampur Bentong dan Bandar Pelabuhan Kuantan.

Katanya, AIP merangkumi zon industri, pusat pentadbiran dan pengurusan taman industri, taman vendor bersepadu dan Pusat Ujian Automotif Nasional (NATC) yang akan dilaksanakan dalam tiga fasa dan akan mewujudkan 10,580 peluang pekerjaan.

Beliau berkata, antara pembangunan yang akan dilaksanakan ialah menambah baik infrastruktur fizikal bagi meningkatkan imej taman industri itu, menyediakan Pusat Pengurusan Bersepadu (CMC) sebagai pusat sehenti untuk pelabur dan membangunkan kawasan industri baru seluas 84 hektar.

“Taman Industri Halal Gambang pula dibangunkan sebagai pusat tumpuan industri halal utama untuk pasaran tempatan dan antarabangsa. Projek dijangka bermula pada Februari tahun depan dan apabila dibangunkan sepenuhnya ia akan mewujudkan kira-kira 1,500 peluang pekerjaan.

“Taman Industri Bercampur Bentong dibangunkan sebagai taman industri bersepadu lengkap dengan kemudahan dan perkhidmatan sokongan seperti pusat penyelidikan dan pembangunan (R&D) dan pusat logistik dan pergudangan.

“Pelaksanaan fasa satu akan bermula awal tahun depan dengan menyediakan infrastruktur asa tapak dan aktiviti pemasaran dan promosi. Taman ini dijangka mewujudkan 19,800 peluang pekerjaan,” katanya menjawab soalan Choong Siew Onn (DAP-Tras) pada sidang Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) di sini, semalam.

Adnan berkata, projek pembangunan Bandar Pelabuhan Kuantan pula membabitkan komponen kawasan peluasan pelabuhan, kelompok perindustrian seperti petrokimia, bio-fuel, minyak sawit, industri berat, zon bebas, kawasan kediaman, komersial, pelancongan dan rekreasi.

Beliau berkata, Pelan Induk Bersepadu Pelabuhan Kuantan juga mengenal pasti beberapa projek infrastruktur untuk pelaksanaan segera bagi mengatasi masalah bekalan air dan trafik termasuk menaik taraf jalan sepanjang 12 kilometer dari persimpangan Jabor-Jerangau ke Persimpangan Sungai Ular, pembinaan loji rawatan air di Felda Panching Timur dan pemasangan paip bekalan air sepanjang dua kilometer di kawasan perindustrian Gebeng.

“Pelabuhan Kuantan ini akan memainkan fungsi penting sebagai pintu masuk bagi perdagangan antara Malaysia dan negeri di Asia Pasifik dan usaha menaik taraf yang dilakukan termasuk pembinaan pemecah ombak, melebar serta mendalamkan laluan navigasi.

“Apa yang penting ialah pembangunan ini bakal membuka peluang pekerjaan berjumlah 44,700 apabila siap sepenuhnya menjelang tahun 2020,” katanya.

Menjawab soalan Leong Ngah Ngah (DAP-Triang) berhubung perkembangan pembangunan pusat kecemerlangan ECER di Pahang berkata, pusat kecemerlangan itu adalah projek bersama Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) dan Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Jengka.

“Satu daripada projek yang akan dirancang bersempena ECER ialah Taman Industri Perabot Kayu Getah dalam Rancangan Malaysia Ke-10 (RMK-10) dan ia memerlukan kira-kira 13,000 pekerja mahir. Oleh itu, Pusat Penyelidikan Untuk Akreditasi dan Pensijilan Produk Berasaskan Kayu dan Pusat Latihan Produk Berasaskan Kayu sudah diwujudkan di UiTM Jengka,” katanya.

RM22bil plan to turn Mersing into the likes of Bali and Hawaii
By ZAZALI MUSA Friday March 9, 2012
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/3/9/business/10884205&sec=business

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2012/3/9/business/b_pg05safian.jpg

Ambitious plan: Ungku Safian (left) briefing Ghani on the Mersing Laguna project.

JOHOR BARU: Radiant Starfish Development Bhd plans to position Mersing town into an international tourist destination on par with Gold Coast, Bali, Caribbean and Hawaii.

Chief executive officer Ungku Safian Abdullah said the town had all the ingredients to become a tourist hotspot and its potential had yet to be exploited.

“I can guarantee you that Mersing town will no longer look like what it is seven years from now,'' he said at a press conference yesterday.

Ungku Safian said Mersing, which was located on the north east of Johor, was sandwiched between 40 unspoiled islands and the 200-million-year old Endau-Rompin National Park.

He was speaking after the signing of memorandum of agreements with YPJ Holdings Sdn Bhd, Sinohydro Corp (M) Sdn Bhd, Shengrong International Group Co Ltd and CIMB Insurance Brokers Sdn Bhd witnessed by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman.

The agreements entail the development of the RM22bil Mersing Laguna, which involves the building of hotels and villas, land reclamation, a water theme park and provide insurance coverage for the project.

Ungku Safian said the reclamation works and related infrastructure would cost RM4.2bil and RM1bil respectively, adding that some RM17bil was required for develop the rest of project which would take seven years to complete.

The components of the project will consists 22 blocks of five-storey boutique hotels with 3,000 rooms, 4,000 villas and service apartments, marina facilities and commercial development

“Mersing Laguna is aimed at attracting tourists with high spending power and travellers who would love nature and eco-tourism,'' he said.

Mersing Laguna is one of the nine projects announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in Putrajaya on Feb 28 under the East Coast Economic Region.

Putting Johor on the tourist map
Published: 2012/03/17
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/laguna/Article/#ixzz1pMBdXVds

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/laguna/pix_middle

THE development of Mersing Laguna will be carried out with strict guidelines to ensure the district's idyllic coastline and natural marine attractions is protected and preserved despite the massive dredging and reclamation work involving 809ha for the proposed project.

Sinohydro Group Ltd's chairman Fan Jixiang, who gave this assurance said his company appreciates the natural ambiance and attraction of Mersing and will adhere to the strict local and international laws in regards to environmental conservation.

"We respect Malaysia's laws and will do everything necessary for the care of the environment as Mersing Laguna is all about eco-paradise tourist destination," Fan said in an interview after witnessing the signing agreement of the RM4.2 billion contract between Synohydro Corp (M) Sdn Bhd and Radiant Starfish Marine Development Bhd in Johor Baru recently.

Also present during the ceremony were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman and Radiant Starfish Development Bhd's president and chief executive officer Ungku Safian Abdullah.

Fan said Sinohydro will ensure the reclamation work will be timely delivered and enable the full-scale development on the man-made islands to be carried out as planned, enabling Radiant Starfish to realise its dream in making Mersing Laguna an eco-paradise destination.

He said Sinohydro, a state-owned conglomerate and is ranked among the world's top 15 international contractors by the engineering news record, decided to take part in this mammoth project due to the strong ties between the Malaysian and Chinese governments.

Sinohydro is actively involved in major contracts and business interests in 70 countries involving architectural projects, electric power investment, property and real estate as well as design and manufacture of construction equipment.

The company's current book order is estimated at RM86.72 billion (US$D27.1 billion), is also engaged in the manufacture and installation of mechanical and electrical plants, power generation, expressways, railways, harbours, airports, municipal public utilities and building industries.

"We will consciously work towards environmental sustainability through our advanced technologies and execute the work strictly in accordance with strict regulations," Fan said adding that local talents and resources would be maximised throughout the duration of the project.

He added the company's 10-year experience in Malaysia, in projects such as the building of the Bakun dam in Sarawak has encouraged it to participate in other large-scale projects such as Mersing Laguna.

He thanked Radiant Starfish for its confidence in awarding the design and built contract to his company.

Mersing Laguna, a RM22 billion high-end development is set to transform the once sleepy-town into an international class eco-tourism destination involving three man-made islands and a 36km stretch of beachfront between the Endau-Rompin and marine parks off the coast of Mersing.

The project was among the nine announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to be implemented in the East Coast Economic Region that straddles Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan and Mersing in Johor on February 28 in Putrajaya.

This ambitious development will involve the construction of 25 international-class hotels, 4,000 villas, a marina withyachting facilities and several commercial developments

It is also understood that several world-renowned architects have been penned to be involved which will see Malaysia, particularly Johor, establishing itself as an eco-tourism hub similar to that of the Gold Coast in Australia.

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/laguna/pix_middleJohor Sultan hopes laguna project will help Mersing draw tourists
Posted on April 15, 2012, Sunday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/04/15/johor-sultan-hopes-laguna-project-will-help-mersing-draw-tourists/

MERSING: Sultan Ibrahim of Johor has expressed the hope that the RM22-million Mersing Laguna project will turn Mersing into a world famous tourist destination.

Sultan Ibrahim said despite having many precious natural resources and beautiful islands, Mersing, which was founded in 1892, had yet to experience rapid development as compared to other towns in Johor.

“Today, Mersing is a mere transit town for tourists heading to the islands. Most of the people of Mersing still depend on seasonal fishery activities and sources of income that are not very stable.

“Hence, the time has come for the people of Mersing to make changes for a better future and higher income,” he said at the ground-breaking ceremony for the Mersing Laguna project at Dataran Pulau here yesterday.

Present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, Mersing Member of Parliament Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad and Radiant Starfish Bhd chief executive officer Ungku Safian Abdullah.

Sultan Ibrahim said as the Mersing Laguna project would definitely benefit the people in the constituency, they should prepare themselves to grab any available opportunities to work in the tourism industry so that they would not have to continue living as fishermen and depend on government aid.

The Sultan said the developer and the government had carried out in-depth study on the project and had taken into account all factors and impact of the project to the residents and the environment.

“I would also like to give a little reminder to those it may concern. Do not take advantage by staging protests or making unreasonable demands for your own personal or political interests.

“As you know, I visit Mersing on a very regular basis because this town has been my playground ever since I was young.” — Bernama

EXCLUSIVE: ECER Projects & Construction
Johor

http://wikitravel.org/upload/en/0/07/MalaysiaJohor.png

Mersing to be RM22b tourist haven
09 March 2012 | Last updated at 01:30AM
http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnist/mersing-to-be-rm22b-tourist-haven-1.57943

http://www.nst.com.my/polopoly_fs/1.57999.1331227791!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_454/image.jpg

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman (centre) and Radiant Starfish
Development Bhd president and chief executive officer Ungku Safian Abdullah
(second from left) looking at model of Mersing Laguna project at an
agreement signing ceremony yesterday. With them is one of the company’s
partners, Chinese construction conglomerate Sinohydro Corporation (M) Sdn
Bhd chairman Fan Jixiang (right). Pix by Roslan Khamis

ECO-TOURISM: Laguna project to be developed on 809ha reclaimed land

THE once sleepy district of Mersing in the northeast of Johor is set to be transformed into a RM22 billion high-end international eco-tourism destination in seven years.

Called Mersing Laguna, the resort will see a new wave of exciting developments that include boutique hotels, service apartments and waterfront villas on 809ha of reclaimed land, touted to be the country's biggest land reclamation project.

The project was launched yesterday with the signing of agreements by master developer Radiant Starfish Development Bhd and four partners -- Chinese construction conglomerate Sinohydro Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd, China-based theme park developers Shengrong International Group Co Ltd, Johor education foundation YPJ Holding Sdn Bhd and CIMB Insurance Brokers Sdn Bhd.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, who launched the event, also witnessed the signing ceremony.

Present were Johor state secretary Datuk Obet Tawil, East Coast Economic Region (ECER) chief executive officer Datuk John Isaace and Radiant Starfish Development Bhd president and chief executive officer Ungku Safian Abdullah.

Mersing Laguna, which started its three-year reclamation work, is located between the Endau-Rompin and the Marine Parks off the coast of Mersing.

The reclamation project will involve a 36km stretch of the beach. The project was one of the nine announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to be implemented in the ECER region that straddles Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan and Mersing in Johor on Feb 28.

Ungku Safian said the project took years of detailed hydrographic, environmental impact and socio-economic studies before it could take off.

"We will consciously work towards environmental sustainability by adapting green and advanced technologies in the provision of energy and waste management."

Ungku Safian was confident that the project had the potential to be a high-niche global tourist resort similar to the Gold Coast in Australia and Bali in Indonesia.

"We want to turn Mersing into a premier tourism product and use it to leverage on eco-tourism."

The reclamation work alone would cost RM4.2 billion, while related infrastructure would cost a further RM1 billion.

Another RM17 billion will be required to complete the entire development of 22 hotels, 4,000 villas, marina facilities and other commercial development, including a 80ha theme park.

On the livelihood of traditional coastal fishermen in the area, Ungku Safian said the development would not in any way hamper them, adding that the project was also expected to provide jobs for the people of Mersing.

Ungku Safian also assured Johoreans that they would be able to see for themselves the first hotel under Mersing Laguna in two years.

Ghani said Mersing now had a huge potential to develop into an international tourist destination.

"Johor is the only state with two economic growth corridors with Mersing Laguna coming under the ECER in the east and Iskandar Malaysia in the west of the state," he said, adding that Johor had a good mix of investment assets.

Ghani also said the government would improve the infrastructure connectivity between Mersing and other parts of Johor as well as the rest of the east coast.

Terengganu

http://wikitravel.org/upload/en/c/cc/MalaysiaTerengganu.png


RM5bil project set to be a major boost for Terengganu’s economy
Tuesday October 25, 2011
BY FARIK ZOLKEPLI Photo by ZABIDI TUSIN
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/10/25/southneast/9758523&sec=southneast

http://starstorage.blob.core.windows.net/archives/2011/10/25/southneast/ms_pg03arizan.jpg

Huge project: Ahmad (second left) listening to Jebasinggam (left) while
State secretary Datuk Mazlan Ngah (second right) and ECERDC General
Manager (Infrastructure) Arizan Arifin look on during the ground breaking
and launching ceremony.

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Kuala Terengganu City Centre (KTCC) project is expected to draw some RM5bil in domestic and foreign investments upon its completion in 2018.

Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said said the project, with a gross development value of RM5bil, would also improve the state’s economy.

“At present, the state’s yearly economic growth is between 5% and 5.5%. However, we expect economic growth to reach 7.7% by 2020 due to this mega-project,” he told reporters after officiating the ground-breaking ceremony at the project site here recently.

Ahmad said the project, which covers a 7km area from the Terengganu river estuary, would expand and link the city to its waterfront and is expected to enhance Kuala Terengganu as a Heritage Waterfront City.

“Terengganu is set for exciting times. The KTCC project is a game-changer and will establish new economic parameters for the state.

“There will be multiple spin-offs for the local population as businesses will flourish riding on increased tourist arrivals as well as enhanced opportunities in trade, retail services, recreation, food and beverage,” he said.

He added the project would lead to new domestic and foreign investments, attracting private-sector participation that would eventually elevate Terengganu’s economy.

Ahmad said the project is centred around five key development areas: Muara Utara, Muara Selatan, Pulau Warisan, Kampung Ladang/Tanjung and the Corniche Waterfront.

“In total, the development is estimated to create jobs for more than 82,000 people by 2020.

“The project, facilitated by the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC), will serve as a catalyst in transforming socio-economic growth in Terengganu,” he said.

According to Ahmad, three major elements in KTCC — an integrated lifestyle enclave, a learning quarter, and a health and wellness village — would essentially move Terengganu up the value chain and place the state firmly in the New Economy.

“The project will be beneficial to all, with value of real estate going up.

“On the socio-economic front, KTCC will be a factor in encouraging more youths to stay back to work in the state as Kuala Terengganu changes to become a hub for living, working and recreational activities,” he said.

He added the completion of the East Coast Highway (LPT2) by 2013, would also reduce travel time between Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Terengganu from seven hours to only four hours.

ECERDC chief executive officer, Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said the landmark project would boost Terengganu’s economic potential. He added that ECERDC had already received expressions of interest from various parties, including Middle Eastern investors, who were keen to take part in the KTCC’s development projects.

“So far, feedback and the response to the project has been very encouraging.

“Our vision is to introduce new state-of-the-art facilities while preserving Terengganu’s unique cultural heritage, while coming up with a balanced and sustainable development,” he said.


Pahang

http://wikitravel.org/upload/en/3/32/MalaysiaPahang.png

MCKIP to turn Kuantan into regional gateway
By M. HAMZAH JAMALUDIN Published: 2012/04/20
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/pimo/Article/

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/pimo/pix_bottom

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced the setting up of an industrial park in Gebeng here, at the opening of the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park (QIP) in southwest China early this month.

Mooted as the sister project of QIP, the setting up of the 600ha Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) is an important step to help turn Kuantan into a strategic gateway to the Asean and Asia-Pacific region, which has a population of four billion and a combined gross domestic product of US$17 trillion (RM52 trillion).

The people here, especially the business community, are excited with the announcement as they believe that MCKIP will expedite the process to make Kuantan part of the first conurbation in the east coast and turn Pahang into a developed state by 2020.

Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) Pahang chairman Datuk Seri Lim Sing said the business community in the state was eager to participate in the project as they saw vast potential in MCKIP.

"We are confident that the new industrial park will attract local and foreign investors, especially those in the oil and gas, rubber and automotive industries," said Lim, who is also ACCCIM's vice-president.

He also urged the government to expedite the plan to upgrade the Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport and Kuantan Port to support the growing export and import activities and the increasing number of people using the facilities in the next few years.

"The airport and seaport should have the facilities of international standards that can cater to bigger aircraft and ships. We also hope that direct flights to China can be introduced at Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport soon," he said.

Kuantan's proximity to China will provide synergies between QIP and MCKIP, he added.

Lim said the government had made the right decision when it chose Kuantan for the project because it has a port that faces the South China Sea, offering a direct link to the deepwater Qinzhou port and others in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

The sea trip between Kuantan and Qinzhou takes about three days, and journey by air takes only about three hours.

"Local companies can form a partnership with those from China and they can either invest in QIP or MCKIP, or both," said Lim, who will be meeting a group of investors from China this week.

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) vice-chancellor Profesor Datuk Dr Daing Nasir Ibrahim said the establishment of MCKIP was timely as it would bring various benefits to the people, apart from creating more jobs as the park would be within the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).

As a leading university in ECER, he said UMP could also play its role effectively, not only in the technical fields but also through its Mandarin Language and Cultural Centre (MLCC), which was set up under a collaboration with Hebei University of China last year.

He said Hebei University had sent three lecturers to MLCC and the collaboration between the two universities also covered the placement of students in the Chinese companies, apart from joint research and cultural activities.

Pahang Youth Council secretary-general Azrul Khairi Muhamad said the setting up of the twin industrial parks was the result of excellent ties between Chinese and Malaysian leaders.

MCKIP will provide opportunities to young entrepreneurs to forge a partnership with Chinese companies and penetrate the vast market in the republic, he said.

Azrul said that support given by the Chinese government to MCKIP also proved that the negative publicity on Lynas rare earth refinery in the same area had failed to scare investors away.

ECER Development Council chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said Kuantan was the best location for MCKIP as it was located in the ECER Special Economic Zone and was well connected by highways to the leading airports and seaports in the country.

"Kuantan Port will also serve as the regional hub and collection centre for containers in Southeast Asia to support the development of the logistic facilities in Qinzhou, as well as its manufacturing and automotive industries," he said.

Kaneka: RM300m investment for Gebeng new plant
Published: 2012/04/23
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/kanarek/Article/

KANEKA Corp has clarified that the expected investment for its new polyimide film plant in Gebeng, Pahang, should be around RM300 million and not RM94 million as reported in the Business Times last Saturday. The error is regretted.

MCKIP to turn Kuantan into regional gateway
By M. HAMZAH JAMALUDIN Published: 2012/04/20
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/pimo/Article/

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/pimo/pix_bottom

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced the setting up of an industrial park in Gebeng here, at the opening of the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park (QIP) in southwest China early this month.

Mooted as the sister project of QIP, the setting up of the 600ha Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) is an important step to help turn Kuantan into a strategic gateway to the Asean and Asia-Pacific region, which has a population of four billion and a combined gross domestic product of US$17 trillion (RM52 trillion).

The people here, especially the business community, are excited with the announcement as they believe that MCKIP will expedite the process to make Kuantan part of the first conurbation in the east coast and turn Pahang into a developed state by 2020.

Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) Pahang chairman Datuk Seri Lim Sing said the business community in the state was eager to participate in the project as they saw vast potential in MCKIP.

"We are confident that the new industrial park will attract local and foreign investors, especially those in the oil and gas, rubber and automotive industries," said Lim, who is also ACCCIM's vice-president.

He also urged the government to expedite the plan to upgrade the Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport and Kuantan Port to support the growing export and import activities and the increasing number of people using the facilities in the next few years.

"The airport and seaport should have the facilities of international standards that can cater to bigger aircraft and ships. We also hope that direct flights to China can be introduced at Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport soon," he said.

Kuantan's proximity to China will provide synergies between QIP and MCKIP, he added.

Lim said the government had made the right decision when it chose Kuantan for the project because it has a port that faces the South China Sea, offering a direct link to the deepwater Qinzhou port and others in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

The sea trip between Kuantan and Qinzhou takes about three days, and journey by air takes only about three hours.

"Local companies can form a partnership with those from China and they can either invest in QIP or MCKIP, or both," said Lim, who will be meeting a group of investors from China this week.

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) vice-chancellor Profesor Datuk Dr Daing Nasir Ibrahim said the establishment of MCKIP was timely as it would bring various benefits to the people, apart from creating more jobs as the park would be within the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).

As a leading university in ECER, he said UMP could also play its role effectively, not only in the technical fields but also through its Mandarin Language and Cultural Centre (MLCC), which was set up under a collaboration with Hebei University of China last year.

He said Hebei University had sent three lecturers to MLCC and the collaboration between the two universities also covered the placement of students in the Chinese companies, apart from joint research and cultural activities.

Pahang Youth Council secretary-general Azrul Khairi Muhamad said the setting up of the twin industrial parks was the result of excellent ties between Chinese and Malaysian leaders.

MCKIP will provide opportunities to young entrepreneurs to forge a partnership with Chinese companies and penetrate the vast market in the republic, he said.

Azrul said that support given by the Chinese government to MCKIP also proved that the negative publicity on Lynas rare earth refinery in the same area had failed to scare investors away.

ECER Development Council chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said Kuantan was the best location for MCKIP as it was located in the ECER Special Economic Zone and was well connected by highways to the leading airports and seaports in the country.

"Kuantan Port will also serve as the regional hub and collection centre for containers in Southeast Asia to support the development of the logistic facilities in Qinzhou, as well as its manufacturing and automotive industries," he said.

ECER: Lynas has no negative impact on MCKIP
Monday, May 07, 2012 - 15:40 by Bernama
http://www.mmail.com.my/story/ecer-lynas-has-no-negative-impact-mckip

KUALA LUMPUR: The controversial Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP), will not have a negative impact on the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), says the East Coast Economic Region's (ECER) Chief
Executive Officer, Datuk Jebasingam Issace John.

"Lynas is a good idea, a good project. We don't want to have a negative impression of it right from the beginning," he told Bernama.

He also said that the government is working to resolve issues surrounding Lynas.

He said this in response to whether the RM1.5 billion rare earth refinery located at the Gebeng Industrial Estate, would have a negative impact on the MCKIP.

The LAMP is located close to the proposed 607-hectare MCKIP which is also sited at Gebeng town in Kuantan, Pahang, and within the ECER.

Jebasingam said the MCKIP, which is expected to take off within the next six months, will enhance bilateral trade between Malaysia and China.

The key components of the MCKIP include plastic, metal, electric and electronics, consumer products and renewable energy he added.

"Malaysian businesses and businessmen from the area will be able now to enter into joint ventures with Chinese partners to develop these industries," he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak had announced last Sunday that Kuantan has been identified as a suitable location to house a sister industrial park between China and Malaysia.

He said the move was to reciprocate China's efforts to set aside a 55 sq km piece of land in Qinzhou, Nanning, as the Qinzhou Industrial Park, as a joint venture project with Malaysia.

In announcing it, Najib said the government was carrying out detailed studies on the implementation of MCKIP and has had meetings with investors from China on it.

"Give us a little bit more time to finalise it and if eventually realised, we will see a higher level of investments, especially in Kuantan," he added.

Terengganu home for refinery
By Satiman Jamin and Cheryl Yvonne Achu Published: 2012/06/14
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/GANUKITE/Article/

MALAYSIA will house Asia's largest biorefinery complex in Terengganu.

The complex, which the government has allocated RM170 million for its infrastructure, is expected to generate a cumulative gross national income of RM20.4 billion by 2020 and produce 2,500 green-jobs.

The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) has teamed up with the Terengganu government and Malaysian Biotechnology Corp Sdn Bhd (BiotechCorp) to facilitate the project.

ECERDC chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said with the biorefinery project, ECER now had secured more than RM10 billion in investments.

From the total, RM2.1 billion investments were from Pahang, RM5 billion from Johor and RM500 million from Kelantan. Terengganu makes up the balance.

ECERDC expects total investments to hit RM15 billion this year.

Jebasingam said the complex would be the first in Malaysia to use cellulosic feedstock to produce bioderivatives such as advanced carbohydrates, biochemicals, biomaterials, biofertilisers and active feed ingredient.

He was speaking after the signing ceremony, which was witnessed by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said, here yesterday.

BiotechCorp CEO Datuk Mohd Nazlee Kamal said the 1,000ha complex was expected to be occupied by eight global industrial biotechnology players by 2015, with estimated RM6.8 billion in foreign direct investment.

"To ensure uninterrupted downstream operations, 30,000ha have been set aside as dedicated feedstock plantations that will produce 10.5 million tonnes of wood chips annually from Acacia mangium and Leucaena leucocephala," he said.

Construction of the complex, located at the Kertih Biopolymer Park, is slated to begin in August, with operations starting early 2014.

BiotechCorp and ECERDC have already secured RM2 billion investment from a joint-venture between Korea's CJ CheilJedang and France's Arkema to build the world's first bio-methionine facility there.

RM7bil project in Kertih
By FARIK ZOLKEPLI Thursday June 14, 2012
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/6/14/business/11474172&sec=business#13396603069278044&if_height=202

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2012/6/14/business/b_6mazlan.jpg

From left: Mohd Nazlee, Ahmad, state secretary Datuk Mazlan Ngah, state
executive council member Datuk Toh Chin Yaw and Jebasingam at the
signing ceremony. - Zabidi Tusin/The Star

Asia’s largest bio-refinery complex to be fully operational by 2014

KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu is set to house Asia's largest bio-refinery complex at the Kertih Biopolymer Park.

The project is expected to attract about RM7bil investments.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said announced that the project was a strategic collaboration between the state government, Malaysian Biotechnology Corp (BiotechCorp) and the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC).

“The complex is slated to be fully operational by 2014. It will utilise renewable energy from biomass as opposed to natural gas.

“The total project is expected to generate a cumulative gross national income of RM20.4bil by 2020 and produce 2,500 green-jobs for Malaysia,” he told a press conference after witnessing the signing of a strategic collaboration agreement between the three entities here yesterday.

Ahmad said the complex would be a major landmark as it was the first in Malaysia to utilise cellulosic feedstock to produce bioderivatives such as advanced carbohydrates, biochemical, biomaterial, biofertiliser and active feed ingredient.

“Terengganu is rapidly becoming recognised as the state that attracts big bio-businesses. The establishment of the complex is ideal for attracting other bio-product technologies that will benefit the local people,” he said.

Ahmad said the project, covering an area of 1,000ha, was expected to attract foreign direct investments amounting to RM6.8bil.

“The construction will begin in July this year and operations will commence early 2014.

“The state government has allocated RM170mil to prepare the infrastructure for the project as we believe it will benefit all Malaysians,” he said.

He added that 30,000ha had been dedicated to feedstock plantations, which would produce 10.5 million tonnes of wood chips annually.

BiotechCorp chief executive officer Datuk Dr Mohd Nazlee Kamal said the company was working with ECERDC in engaging several global industry biotechnology players, especially from the United States, Europe and Japan, to set-up their bio-based chemical manufacturing facility in Kertih Biopolymer Park.

“We are confident the project will be able to cater to the global market,” he said.

ECERDC chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said the East Coast Economic Region had been able to attract more than RM30bil in investment.

“This latest project will definitely bring more investments into the economic region,” he said.

Pahang

http://wikitravel.org/upload/en/3/32/MalaysiaPahang.png

MCKIP to turn Kuantan into regional gateway
By M. HAMZAH JAMALUDIN Published: 2012/04/20
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/pimo/Article/

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/1784/planmckip.jpg

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced the setting up of an industrial park in Gebeng here, at the opening of the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park (QIP) in southwest China early this month.

Mooted as the sister project of QIP, the setting up of the 600ha Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) is an important step to help turn Kuantan into a strategic gateway to the Asean and Asia-Pacific region, which has a population of four billion and a combined gross domestic product of US$17 trillion (RM52 trillion).

The people here, especially the business community, are excited with the announcement as they believe that MCKIP will expedite the process to make Kuantan part of the first conurbation in the east coast and turn Pahang into a developed state by 2020.

Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) Pahang chairman Datuk Seri Lim Sing said the business community in the state was eager to participate in the project as they saw vast potential in MCKIP.

"We are confident that the new industrial park will attract local and foreign investors, especially those in the oil and gas, rubber and automotive industries," said Lim, who is also ACCCIM's vice-president.

He also urged the government to expedite the plan to upgrade the Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport and Kuantan Port to support the growing export and import activities and the increasing number of people using the facilities in the next few years.

"The airport and seaport should have the facilities of international standards that can cater to bigger aircraft and ships. We also hope that direct flights to China can be introduced at Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport soon," he said.

Kuantan's proximity to China will provide synergies between QIP and MCKIP, he added.

Lim said the government had made the right decision when it chose Kuantan for the project because it has a port that faces the South China Sea, offering a direct link to the deepwater Qinzhou port and others in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

The sea trip between Kuantan and Qinzhou takes about three days, and journey by air takes only about three hours.

"Local companies can form a partnership with those from China and they can either invest in QIP or MCKIP, or both," said Lim, who will be meeting a group of investors from China this week.

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) vice-chancellor Profesor Datuk Dr Daing Nasir Ibrahim said the establishment of MCKIP was timely as it would bring various benefits to the people, apart from creating more jobs as the park would be within the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).

As a leading university in ECER, he said UMP could also play its role effectively, not only in the technical fields but also through its Mandarin Language and Cultural Centre (MLCC), which was set up under a collaboration with Hebei University of China last year.

He said Hebei University had sent three lecturers to MLCC and the collaboration between the two universities also covered the placement of students in the Chinese companies, apart from joint research and cultural activities.

Pahang Youth Council secretary-general Azrul Khairi Muhamad said the setting up of the twin industrial parks was the result of excellent ties between Chinese and Malaysian leaders.

MCKIP will provide opportunities to young entrepreneurs to forge a partnership with Chinese companies and penetrate the vast market in the republic, he said.

Azrul said that support given by the Chinese government to MCKIP also proved that the negative publicity on Lynas rare earth refinery in the same area had failed to scare investors away.

ECER Development Council chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said Kuantan was the best location for MCKIP as it was located in the ECER Special Economic Zone and was well connected by highways to the leading airports and seaports in the country.

"Kuantan Port will also serve as the regional hub and collection centre for containers in Southeast Asia to support the development of the logistic facilities in Qinzhou, as well as its manufacturing and automotive industries," he said.

China, Malaysia to start up twin industrial parks
By Zaidi Isham Ismail Published: 2012/08/30
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/siyam/Article/

MALAYSIAN and China companies are set to start operations at twin industrial parks in their respective countries to bolster trade between the two countries.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said China has reaffirmed its commitment to see the successful operations of the twin industrial parks - one each in Kuantan, Pahang, as well as in Qinzhou, China.

China has already identified Chinese companies that are keen to participate in the development of the industrial park.

"This is the first time that China has established such parks," Mustapa told Business Times here yesterday on the sidelines of the 44th Asean Economic Ministers meeting.

Meanwhile, Chen expressed satisfaction with the level of economic engagement between Malaysia and China.

In the last two years, there have been several exchanges of official visits at the highest level between the two countries.

Chen welcomed Malaysia's strong participation at the forth-coming 9th China-Asean Expo, which will be held in Nanning, China, from September 21-25 2012 where many senior Chinese leaders from various provinces will be present.

Malaysian mission will be led by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The ministers said there is good co-operation between Asean and China, especially efforts taken to facilitate trade and investments through the implementation of the Asean-China Free Trade Agreement.

In 2011, China was Malaysia's largest trading partner with total trade amounting to US$54.53 billion (RM170 billion).

ECER attracts Japanese interest
Published: 2012/09/07
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/ecerjap/Article/

KUALA LUMPUR: The East Coast Economic Region (ECER), which encompasses Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and the district of Mersing in Johor, continues to attract foreign investors, with the latest interest being shown by a group of Japanese entrepreneurs who visited several key projects there recently.

ECER development Council (ECERDC) chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said Malaysia has always been one of the top investment destinations for Japanese companies and the recent visit reflected Japanese confidence in the region.

Last Tuesday, ECERDC hosted a delegation of 22 businessmen from Japanese Chamber of Trade and Industry Malaysia (Jactim), headed by its chairman for reseach, Joji Ikeshita.

They visited various ECER industrial parks in Pahang and Terengganu, including Gebeng Industrial Park, Palm Oil Industrial Cluster, Kuantan Port, Gambang Halal Park, Pekan Automotive Park (PAP), Kemaman Heavy Industrial Park and Kertih Biopolymer Park.

Among those in the delegation were top officials from Kaneka (M) Sdn Bhd, Tokyo Gas Co Ltd, Chudenko (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Organo (Asia) Sdn Bhd, Marubeni Corp, Mitsubishi Corp, Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding Co Ltd, NHK Manufacturing (M) Sdn Bhd, JICA Malaysia and Fuji Xerox.

Ikeshita said Kaneka's success in Gebeng Industrial Park had prompted the visit by Jactim to ECER.

"Kuantan Port is also a big attraction to Japanese investors," he said in a statement issued by ECERDC.

Kaneka Malaysia, which is a subsidiary of Kaneka Corp of Japan, is investing nearly RM1 billion in the Gebeng Industrial Park, a chemical and petrochemical hub.

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/1784/planmckip.jpg

ECER upbeat in attracting potential investors to MCKIP
Posted on September 18, 2012, Tuesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/09/18/ecer-upbeat-in-attracting-potential-investors-to-mckip/

KUALA LUMPUR: A high-profile delegation from Malaysia’s East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) will pull all the stops at the 9th China-Asean Expo in Nanning, China, to woo potential international investors, especially from China, to the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP).

Recognising the huge attraction of the show, which has been drawing increasing visitors and trade volume over the years since its inception in 2004, the ECERDC would set up a stand-alone booth to tout primarily the merits of MCKIP.

The expo, which upholds the objectives of promoting the China-Asean Free Trade Area and sharing opportunities for cooperation and development, would be held between Sept 21 and Sept 25 at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Nanning, the capital of South China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region.

Asean leaders expected to attend the trade fair include, among others, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Myanmar President U Thein Sein.

ECERDC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John, who will lead a 10-member delegation to the trade show, was reported as saying that among incentives for investors could come in the form of tax holidays of up to 10 years and competitive land pricing by the state government.

“The whole idea is that we want investors to have an effective cost of doing business at the early stage,” he was quoted as saying in a media report.

The MCKIP was a government-to-government initiative, announced to reciprocate the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on April 1.

The 607 hectare MCKIP is located within ECER in Gebeng, Kuantan.

Industries targeted for establishment in the industrial park would, among others, be involved in the manufacture of equipment for plastic and metal, automotive components, fibre cement board, stainless steel products, food processing, carbon fibre, electric and electronics products, information communication technology (ICT) and consumer products.

The MCKIP would leverage on Kuantan’s strategic location as it has a port facing the South China Sea, the most direct link to the deepwater Qinzhou port and others in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

Launched in 2007, the ECER covers the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and the district of Mersing in Johor and is among several regional development corridors introduced in Malaysia to fuel economic development and boost growth. — Bernama

Work on Kuantan Industrial Park to start in December
By ROY GOH 20 September 2012 | last updated at 09:04PM
http://www.nst.com.my/latest/work-on-kuantan-industrial-park-to-start-in-december-1.146294#

NANNING, CHINA: Malaysia will start development of a Malaysia-China industrial park in Kuantan by December this year, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.

The industrial area in Pahang is to reciprocate China’s move to build the Qinzhou Industrial Park, a joint venture project between the two countries.

The Kuantan Industrial Park is expected to attract investment commitments of up to RM7 billion and create 5,000 jobs, Muhyiddin said after meeting the Guangxi Autonomous Region vice Governor Lan Tianli here.

Also present were deputy International Trade and Industry minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, Qinzhou Party Secretary Zhang Xiaoqin and Qinzhou Mayor Xiao Yingzi.

The idea to develop the twin parks was envisioned following a meeting between Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his counterpart Wen Jia Bao in Kuala Lumpur last year.

Work at the Qinzhou Industrial Park was officially launched in April this year. The first phase covering about 17 sq km is projected to be completed by 2015 while full completion by 2020.

Thus far five companies have made commitments in Qinzhou with investments estimated at about RM10 billion.

Muhyiddin had also launched the Malaysia Pavilion at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Centre (NINEC) where the 9th China-Asean Expo will be held from Sept 21-25.

In the expo coordinated by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), a total of 136 exhibitors, 128 companies, six government agencies and two state agencies from Malaysia has taken up 143 booths at NINEC.

Kerteh BioPolymer Park to draw RM7b
Published: 2012/09/27
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20120927173954/Article/index_html

The 1,000-hectare Kerteh BioPolymer Park (KBP) in Kemaman is expected to attract several global biotechnology players with anticipated foreign direct investment worth around RM7 billion by 2015.

East Coast Economic Region (ECER) Development Council Chief Executive Officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John cited a RM2 billion project by South Korea's CJ CheilJedang Corporation and France's Arkema to produce the world's first green biotechnology based L-methionine.

"Physical works for their plant in KBP have already started and operations are expected to come on-stream by 2014," he told reporters.

Earlier, he attended the planting of 40,000 'petai belalang' (Leucaena leucocephala) seedlings, officiated by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said, at Merchang here today.

Besides CJ and Arkema, US-based biochemical company Gevo Inc, which develops bio-based alternatives to petroleum-based products, will invest RM1.96 billion to develop a bio-isobutanol plant in KBP.

Jebasingam said ECER, the state government and Biotech Corp are also looking to build a biorefinery complex slated to be operational by 2014.

"The project is expected to generate a cumulative GNI (Gross National Income) of RM20.4 billion by 2020 and produce 2,500 green jobs in Malaysia.

"The implimentation of these project in KBP will help strenghten Malaysia's position as a choice destination for biotech industry development in this region.

"We will use petai belalang to fuel the biotechnology demand in KBP, the trunks can be used to make wood board while the leaves and fruits can be used as biomass-based feedstock," he said. -- Bernama

PKT plans US$20m warehouse hub in ECER
By Ooi Tee Ching Published: 2012/10/08
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/pkt7/Article/

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/pkt7/pix_topright

PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd is investing around US$20 million (RM61 million) to develop a warehousing hub on an 8ha plot within the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).

The Shah Alam-based group's core business is automotive logistics, which accounts for 80 per cent of the total revenue. Its other clients are from the fast-moving consumer goods sector.

PKT Logistics group managing director and group chief executive officer Datuk Michael Tio said the company is setting up a new hub in Gebeng, Pahang.

Known as "One Eastern Hub" (OEH), it will have a built up of 450,000 sq ft of modern warehousing space. The design is concep-tualised and inspired by the Hukawai Glacier Centre in New Zealand.

"This facility in ECER will cater to the staff's welfare. There will be a built-in gym and lounge, similar to that of our corporate headquarters in Shah Alam.

"The security systems will be of international standards to ensure that customers have absolute peace of mind," he told Business Times in a recent interview.

Over the weekend, PKT Logistics and Politeknik Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (Polisas) signed a memorandum of understanding for Polisas students to do internship at the logistics warehouses. Polisas was represented by its director Datuk Abu Bakar Ahmad.

Tio said the tie-up is partly due to PKT Logistics's active engagement on Facebook.

PKT Logistics Facebook fan page has more than 12,000 fans to date with majority being university students. Students can request for industrial visit through the fan page.

Tio said PKT Logistics' exposure in the social media world has raised the group's branding profile among young adults.

"Once this hub in Gebeng is complete, we hope some of the Polisas students, who are already familiar with the logistics business, would apply to work with us," he said.

Pahang set to be leading halal hub
By Fahirul N.RamliPublished: 2013/01/05
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/ese/Article/#ixzz2H4MqU6XT

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/ese/pix_middle

KUANTAN: Pahang is set to be a leading regional halal hub under a collaboration between the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) and China's Ningxia Light and Textile Industrial Bureau (NLTIB).

Ningxia autonomous region in north-central China, with a large concentration of Muslims, has been designated as the production centre for manufacturing halal food products by its government.

NLTIB is the regional authority entrusted with the socio-economic development and industrial monitoring.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said the scope of cooperation will cover manufacturing, business matching, halal certification, warehouse and logistics, information sharing policies and research and development.

"Targeted industries include halal meat, biological products, pharmaceuticals and Muslim garments.

"Pahang is well positioned to step-up the development of the halal industry since the focus is on agricultural products.

"We have various commercial agriculture and smallholdings that can benefit from the project," he said after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between ECERDC and NLTIB here yesterday.

Adnan said the cooperation will strategically contribute towards higher employment and entrepreneur development apart from eradicating poverty.

ECERDC chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said the MOU will boost trade between both nations and enable ECER and Ningxia Province to strengthen positions along the lucrative international halal superhighway.

"According to the World Fair Trade Organisation, the global halal market is estimated to grow at US$2.13 trillion (RM6.49 trillion) annually," he said.

The seven-member Chinese delegation led by Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region bureau of investment promotion director-general Wang Jing also visited the 80ha Gambang Halal Park (GHP) in the ECER special economic zone near here.

Infrastructure-ready with warehousing, transport and logistics services and amenities, GHP carries the internationally-recognised HALMAS accreditation by Malaysia's Halal Development Corp to parks that manufacture halal products according to certified standards of quality, integrity and safety.

The latest collaboration followed previous efforts to strengthen ties between both countries which had resulted in the setting up of the Malaysia China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) near here.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had announced the establishment of MCKIP last year to reciprocate China's efforts in setting aside a 55 sq km piece of land in Qinzhou, Nanning, as a joint venture project with Malaysia.

Both GHP and MCKIP are scheduled to be launched by March.

So sad...look like pahang get a lot while other...emm i dont know...even there is special economy zone under ecer in pahang..all ecer all about pahang

So sad...look like pahang get a lot while other...emm i dont know...even there is special economy zone under ecer in pahang..all ecer all about pahang

All of ncer is about penang. All of sdc is about kk.

Just because your city isn't the centre and just a feeder to the "planned" regional city does not meant you could not do anything about it.

Business opportunities open to them once MCKIP in Gebeng begins operation
By ONG HAN SEAN Saturday January 26, 2013
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2013/1/26/southneast/12617418&sec=southneast

http://starstorage.blob.core.windows.net/archives/2013/1/26/southneast/horse-disable-Adnan-se05.jpg

Showing he cares: Adnan (right) speaking to Riding for the Disabled
Association volunteers and a special needs rider after launching the event.

KUANTAN: Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob has assured local businessmen that there will be plenty of business opportunities in store for them once the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) in Gebeng begins operation.

He said he had stressed to East Coast Economic Region Dev- elopment Council (ECERDC) officials that emphasis and opportunities should be made available to local businessmen.

“I have representatives from the Pahang Chinese Chamber of Commerce who wants to know how they are going to benefit from this project and I am sure in the Prime Minister’s launching speech, he will highlight this.

“There will be opportunities for local businessmen. A lot of business opportunities. Do not worry,” said Adnan after launching the Pahang Riding for the Disabled programme here recently.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and a representative of China’s Prime Minister are expected to launch the MCKIP on Feb 5.

MCKIP was the sister-park to the China-Malaysia Qingzhou Industrial Park in Qingzhou, China, which was launched by Najib and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in April last year.

To a question on whether the issues surrounding the Lynas rare earth refinery, which was located nearby, would affect the success of the MCKIP project, Adnan said he did not think it would as the anti-Lynas groups were losing support.

“The last activity organised by Himpunan Hijau was only attended by about 400 people. It is a dwindling figure and it is getting smaller and smaller.

He added that most of them came from outside, not Kuantan.

“Yet we have to give due respect to them. They want to express their opinion so we let them, as long as the majority of the people are with us,” he said in reference to the anti-Lynas protest outside the plant on New Year’s Eve.

On the upcoming general election, Adnan said he did not deny the possibility that some party figures might carry out sabotage if they were not picked as candidates.

“But as humans, we have to accept reality and face it. There may be sabotage but more importantly is how we manage it,” he said, adding that Barisan Nasional was not the only one afflicted as Pakatan Rakyat was also facing the same problem.

Adnan also said he had submitted the list of potential candidates for Pahang about seven to eight months ago but it had yet to be finalised.

“The final choice will be determined by the party leadership, in this case the Prime Minister himself. There may even be changes at the eleventh hour,” he said.