KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27, 2026 – Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Perlis must maximise their economic potential through value-added industries, commercial agriculture and stronger regional trade, while ensuring that economic growth translates into tangible benefits for the people, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said.

He conveyed his appreciation to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for his address at the SG4 Business & Economic Forum 2026, which was delivered on his behalf by his son, Tan Sri Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir.

Ahmad Samsuri said the message underscored the need for the four states, collectively known as SG4, to harness their economic strengths and avoid being left behind in the country’s development.

With a combined population of 5.7 million, extensive land resources and valuable natural assets, he said the four states had a strong foundation for building a competitive regional economy.

However, he stressed that natural resources alone would not guarantee prosperity.

Rare earth elements should support the development of value-added industries, while agriculture needed to become more commercially driven. Manufacturing, downstream industries and cross-border trade should also be strengthened to create new avenues for economic growth.

Ahmad Samsuri said the greatest asset of SG4 was its people rather than the resources beneath its land, noting that residents from the four states had demonstrated their entrepreneurial capabilities throughout Malaysia.

He said the priority was to establish an economic ecosystem that would enable local entrepreneurs to succeed in their home states, creating more opportunities and retaining economic value within the region.

He also highlighted the importance of honesty, integrity and hard work in driving sustainable economic progress, warning that corruption, shortcuts and a get-rich-quick mentality could undermine development efforts.

According to him, SG4 required bold leadership, professional management, innovation and a firm commitment to change to realise its economic ambitions.

He added that the success of development initiatives should ultimately be measured by their impact on the people’s quality of life.

“The potential is there. The resources are there. The people are there. Now is the time to turn potential into prosperity,” he said.

Ahmad Samsuri also thanked Mahathir for his guidance and continued concern for the country’s future, expressing hope that the former prime minister would be blessed with good health, longevity and continued strength to serve the nation and the wider community.