Kuantan: Malaysia's East Coast region is on track to become a pivotal hub for national food security and a leader in the green economy through strategic investments in renewable energy. Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chief executive officer, Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, highlighted the potential for smart farming, food processing, cold-chain infrastructure, and logistics to enhance productivity and fortify the nation's food supply chain.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim underscored the role of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) in enhancing connectivity and market access for agrofood products by improving the movement of raw materials and finished products to broader markets. "Connectivity through the ECRL will also expand market access for agrofood products, while facilitating the movement of raw materials and products to wider markets," he stated at the 2026 East Coast Region Investment Seminar.
Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim pointed out the significant renewable energy potential in Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan, focusing on solar, biomass, and hydropower, including innovative floating solar-hydro hybrid projects. This development aligns with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the Green Investment Strategy, fostering opportunities for high-tech, sustainable, and eco-friendly investments.
The East Coast region has already seen RM61.4 billion in approved investments from 2021 to June 2026, encompassing 1,746 projects anticipated to generate over 30,000 jobs, as mentioned by Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim. He encouraged Bumiputera companies, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and mid-tier companies to explore the capital market for alternative financing, such as initial public offerings (IPOs), to become industry leaders amid intensifying global supply-chain competition.
He further stated that the New Incentive Framework (NIF) would prioritize high-impact, high-tech, and sustainable investments to meet future economic demands. MIDA's Incentives Coordination and Collaboration Office (ICCO) and i-Incentives Portal facilitate local companies' access to government support and incentives, especially for SMEs and Bumiputera firms.
Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim urged companies to leverage the 84 active incentive schemes offered by 10 ministries via the i-Incentives Portal to bolster their business capabilities. MIDA, alongside federal and state agencies, is ready to expedite approvals and tackle project implementation challenges through the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre (IMFC).
Pahang state Business and Investment Officer Datuk Kamarul 'Arifin Ahmad @ Abd Rahman, representing the state government, conveyed gratitude to MIDA for organizing the seminar in Kuantan. He expressed optimism that the event would unlock new investment opportunities and drive economic growth in the East Coast region.
The seminar attracted over 400 participants and included an appreciation and pre-listing showcase recognizing Pahang-based aquaculture firm FDI Group and Terengganu-based oil and gas engineering company Upstream Downstream Process and Services Sdn Bhd.