The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) is leading efforts to develop Mersing and Segamat into key food
production hubs, strengthening Johor’s role as a major contributor to Malaysia’s agricultural growth and food security. Through strategic projects and investments in agriculture, fisheries, and dairy production, ECERDC is unlocking the potential of these districts to boost the nation’s food supply chain.
During the Implementation and Coordination Committee (ICC) Johor meeting, ECERDC outlined the ECER Development Plan under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) for 2026 to 2030, positioning Mersing and Segamat as important contributors to Malaysia’s ‘Food Basket’ initiative. With projects like the Jemaluang Dairy Valley (JDV) and the Endau Mersing Fish Processing Park (EMFPP), Mersing is poised to become a major hub for dairy and fisheries, while Segamat will focus on sustainable agriculture and green industries. These initiatives will significantly enhance Johor’s contribution to the national food supply and generate employment opportunities across the districts.
“Through our strategic collaboration with ECERDC, we are capitalizing on Mersing and Segamat’s natural advantages to establish Johor as a significant food production hub, directly contributing to Malaysia’s food security. These initiatives will create jobs and drive agricultural output, ensuring Johor’s role as a key player in national development,” said Dato’ Onn Hafiz bin Ghazi, Menteri Besar Johor, after chairing the second ICC Johor Meeting for 2024.
“Our work in Mersing and Segamat focuses on boosting local economies, attracting investments, creating job opportunities, and ensuring sustainable development. ECERDC’s initiatives are aligned with the Federal Government’s agenda for food security, focusing on sustainable agricultural growth, modern farming technologies, and investment opportunities in these districts. ECERDC is committed to driving Mersing and Segamat’s growth as key contributors to Malaysia’s food production sectors,” said Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat, Chief Executive Officer of ECERDC.
For the year 2024 until September, ECERDC has secured significant investments for the Endau Mersing Fish Processing Park (EMFPP), focusing on frozen fish processing, cold storage, and ice cube production. These projects are expected to drive job creation and strengthen downstream activities by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), aligning with Johor’s broader food security agenda.
ECERDC is also leading the JDV development in Mersing, a major agribusiness project set for completion by September 2025. This initiative, part of agrofood@ECER, is expected to attract RM80 million in private investments over five years, with plans to house 3,200 dairy cattle and produce 7.1 million litres of milk annually. This will boost Johor’s dairy sector, contribute to national food security, and meet the growing demand for fresh milk in local markets.
Segamat is central to ECERDC’s agricultural transformation through the IPR-INTAN Chili Fertigation initiative, currently covering 79 acres across three sites, with plans for further expansion. This initiative provides sustainable income for the B40 community and promotes modern farming technologies. ECERDC’s collaboration with anchor companies and local authorities under the Cluster Contract Farming model has boosted productivity, with 16,800 chili plants yielding successful harvests since August 2024, and creating job opportunities for the B40 community, with participants able to continue with anchor companies or become entrepreneurs.
The ICC Johor members were also briefed on the progress of the access road to Taman Negara Johor Endau Rompin (TNJER), set for completion by October 2025. The road will enhance accessibility to the Peta Rainforest Discovery Centre, boosting eco-tourism and unlocking TNJER’s full potential. ECERDC also highlighted ongoing initiatives to advance tourism in Mersing, including the Strategic Master Plan for Island Development. This plan focuses on six key islands, Pulau Pemanggil, Pulau Rawa, Pulau Besar, Pulau Aur, Pulau Tinggi, and Pulau Sibu and is set for completion by April 2025. The initiative aims to boost eco-tourism, create jobs, and preserve the natural ecosystems of these islands.
Also present at the meeting were ICC Johor members, Dato’ Zahari bin Sarip, EXCO of Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Rural Development of Johor State; Dato’ Haji Asman Shah bin Abd. Rahman, Johor Deputy State Government Secretary (Development), Dr Mohd Khalid bin Abdul Samad, Director of Johor State Federal Development, Jamil Hasni bin Abdullah, Mersing District Officer, Mohd Masni bin Wakiman, Segamat District Officer, Datuk Abdul Halim bin Hamzah, Deputy Secretary General (Finance and Development) Prime Minister’s Department, Dr Shaharin bin Umar, Director of Regional Development Division,
Ministry of Economy, Mohd Rafizal Rahim, Director of Investment Policy and Trade Facilitation Division, MITI and Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat, Chief Executive Officer of ECERDC.
