ECERDC SHIFTS TO TARGETED DEVELOPMENT PHASE UNDER EDP 2026-2030

By Siti Noor Afera Abu & Fatin Umairah Abd Hamid

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) is now entering a more focused phase of targeted development, with the rollout of the East Coast Development Plan (EDP) 2026-2030, after surpassing its investment and job creation targets under the East Coast Economic Region Master Plan (EMP 2.0).

Chief executive officer Datuk Baidzawi Che Mat said with this transition, the ECERDC is positioning EDP 2026-2030 not just as a continuation of past efforts, but as a more targeted growth strategy built on clearer priorities, stronger data and sharper accountability.

“We now have trust. We have the track record and the numbers to back it up,” he told Bernama.

Between 2018 and 2025, ECERDC secured RM75 billion in committed investments and RM55 billion in realised investments, exceeding the original targets of RM70 billion and RM49 billion, respectively. 

Over the same period, more than 79,000 jobs were created across the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), underscoring investors’ growing confidence in the region’s long-term prospects.

Meanwhile, Baidzawi said food security has emerged as one of the core pillars of the new plan, and to support agriculture, livestock and crop-based projects, the ECERDC has identified around 20,000 hectares of land for development, alongside the identification of anchor companies to lead large-scale projects.

Furthermore, the completion of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is expected to reshape travel patterns on the East Coast, while the ECERDC is also promoting new segments such as recreational vehicle (RV) tourism and island-based experiences.

“We want tourists to stay longer. We want higher-quality hotels, better experiences, and more substantial value for money.

“The islands along the east coast, such as Redang, Perhentian, Tioman, and Rawa, are world-class. With the right coordination, management and promotion, investment will follow,” he added.

-- BERNAMA