KUANTAN, Sept 8, 2026 — The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) is stepping up efforts to attract and facilitate quality, high-value investments in the East Coast region through strategic cooperation with the state governments of Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu, as well as more than 10 government agencies.

The initiative was highlighted at the 2026 East Coast Regional Investment Seminar, themed “Driving Investment and Bumiputera Development in the East Coast Corridor”, held here today.

The seminar, hosted at AC Hotel by Marriott, Kuantan, brought together more than 400 participants, including local companies, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Bumiputera businesses, mid-tier companies, investors, industry players, financial institutions and government agencies.

The participation of various strategic agencies in the seminar and Business Clinic sessions reflects a whole-of-government approach to providing more comprehensive facilitation for businesses, including assistance with approvals, project implementation, business operations, utilities, manpower and taxation.

MIDA chief executive officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said the strong participation demonstrated a shared commitment to identifying and realising investment opportunities while strengthening the region’s industrial ecosystem.

“From 2021 to June 2026, Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu recorded RM61.4 billion in approved investments involving 1,746 projects, which are expected to create more than 30,000 jobs,” he said in his keynote address.

He said the figures reflected the wide range of opportunities available to both foreign and domestic investors in the East Coast.

“MIDA will continue to intensify efforts to promote investment opportunities in the East Coast, with the continued support of government agencies to turn investment interest and aspirations into reality,” he said.

He added that the efforts were aimed at ensuring the region continued to contribute to more inclusive and balanced national economic growth in line with the aspirations of the MADANI Economy framework.

Terengganu Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Ir Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, who also chairs the state’s Economic, Finance, Investment, Land and Natural Resources Committee, said the East Coast had significant potential to attract new investments, particularly in high-value sectors.

He said the region could develop into a more competitive economic and investment corridor, supported by strategic infrastructure development including the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).

“Terengganu will continue to strengthen cooperation with MIDA to attract quality investments in high-value sectors while ensuring that the benefits of economic growth reach the people and create more opportunities for local companies and entrepreneurs,” he said.

In Pahang, state Investment, Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman Dato’ Mohamad Nizar Dato’ Sri Mohamad Najib said the state’s established industrial ecosystem and infrastructure provided a strong foundation for attracting high-value investments.

He highlighted the presence of Port of Kuantan and existing industrial areas, adding that InvestPahang was continuously working to improve processes and expedite approvals to enhance the ease of doing business.

Meanwhile, Kelantan state Investment, Industry, Human Resources, Trade and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Dato’ Mejar (B) Md Anizam Ab Rahman said the state’s strategic location offered opportunities to strengthen regional trade and investment.

He said Kelantan’s position as a trade gateway to Thailand, combined with its strengths in the halal sector, resource-based industries and logistics, could create new opportunities for investors.

ECRL seen as catalyst for East Coast investment

A key focus of the seminar was the role of the ECRL as a catalyst for investment growth across the East Coast.

The rail link, which is expected to begin operations in January 2027, is set to improve connectivity and logistics efficiency while providing better access to markets and supply chains.

The development is expected to stimulate new activities along the ECRL corridor, including logistics hubs, transit- and cargo-oriented developments, as well as industrial and related economic projects.

MIDA said it would continue working with the state governments and relevant agencies to identify and facilitate investment opportunities arising from the ECRL while expanding the participation of local companies in regional supply chains.

Expanding opportunities for local companies

MIDA also emphasised the importance of ensuring that foreign and domestic investments generate spillover benefits for the local business ecosystem.

These opportunities include supply, logistics, maintenance, technical services, processing and component manufacturing.

The seminar also featured an Appreciation and Pre-Listing Showcase recognising two local companies — Pahang-based FDI Group and Terengganu-based Upstream Downstream Process & Services Sdn Bhd.

The initiative aims to encourage SMEs and mid-tier companies to explore initial public offerings (IPOs), raise awareness of capital markets as a source of business growth and provide role models for other companies in the East Coast region.

MIDA also highlighted its #investlokal initiative, which seeks to strengthen domestic investment and retain local talent so that people in the region can continue contributing to economic growth in the East Coast states.

During an Inspiration Talk session, Kelantan-based Ain Medicare Sdn Bhd and Terengganu-based Elektro Serve (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd were showcased as examples of local companies with the potential to expand into higher-value sectors and broader markets.

More than 10 government agencies also participated in the Business Clinic, providing businesses and investors with direct access to assistance on approvals, operations, utilities, manpower, taxation and project implementation.

More than 70 companies received facilitation services through the sessions.

MIDA said it would continue strengthening cooperation with the governments of Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu, along with strategic agencies, to position the East Coast as a competitive, inclusive and high-value investment destination while expanding growth opportunities for local companies and Bumiputera entrepreneurs.