The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) has delivered two flagship projects in Johor, strengthening the state’s position in food security and sustainable tourism. The handover of the Jemaluang Dairy Valley (JDV) in Mersing and the Peta Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Segamat marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of resilient, inclusive growth and underscores investor confidence in the state’s long-term potential.
ECERDC formally handed over JDV to Jemaluang Dairy Valley Sdn Bhd, following the issuance of its Certificate of Completion and Compliance on 18th September 2025. As Johor’s first modern integrated dairy hub, JDV is designed to enhance national food security by increasing fresh milk production while creating high-value jobs and business opportunities across the value chain in Mersing, Johor.
Concurrently, the completed Peta Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) was handed over to the Johor National Parks Corporation. Completed in 2024 and opened to the public earlier this year, the centre is set to elevate Johor’s international conservation profile and position the state as a premier destination for ecotourism and biodiversity education.
Supporting this initiative, ECERDC is also upgrading the 29.46 km road from Kahang to Sungai Emas, which provides access to Taman Negara Johor Endau-Rompin Peta (TNJER Peta). As of September 2025, the project has achieved 91% completion and is scheduled for full completion by the end of the year. Once ready, the upgraded road will significantly improve accessibility for residents and commuters travelling to TNJER Peta, while also enhancing tourist access. This infrastructure will further catalyse economic growth in surrounding communities and unlock greater potential for the ecotourism sector in TNJER Peta.
The handover ceremonies were followed by the Implementation and Coordination Committee (ICC) ECER Johor meeting, where the projects were highlighted as key milestones driving investment, sustainable growth, and community development in Johor.
In his remarks, Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Menteri Besar Johor, underscored the transformative impact of these initiatives; “The successful completion of JDV is not only about strengthening food security, but also about creating new opportunities for local communities through job creation and value chain development. Together with the improved connectivity such as the upcoming Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Train Service (ETS), districts like Mersing and Segamat will be better positioned to attract trade, tourism and investment.”
During the ICC ECER Johor meeting, it was reported that as of September 2025, ECERDC has secured RM2.6 billion in committed investments for the Johor districts of Segamat and Mersing, surpassing the annual target of RM100 million. Of this, the manufacturing sector contributed 93%, while agriculture contributed 7%, with the projects collectively projected to create 574 new job opportunities for local communities.
Realised investments stood at RM30.2 million, fully contributed by the manufacturing sector. A notable key contributor was the development of a Maokil Processing Plant in Labis. This investment has introduced a bio-compost initiative that processes empty fruit bunches and partially treated palm oil mill effluent through aerobic decomposition. This process reduces industry waste while producing nutrient-rich organic compost marketed as biofertiliser, showcasing the region’s progress in sustainable practices within the palm oil sector.
“The committed investments for Mersing and Segamat highlight the strong confidence investors have in the districts long-term growth potential. These projects not only generate high-value jobs and economic opportunities for local communities but also strengthen the district’s role as a leading hub for sustainable and inclusive development in the ECER,” said Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat, ECERDC’s Chief Executive Officer.
The meeting also highlighted the opportunities arising from the upcoming completion of the ETS, which, together with the seamless connectivity to Singapore via the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS), it is expected to significantly enhance Johor’s accessibility and tourism appeal. Improved mobility will not only boost eco, cultural, agro and coastal tourism across districts such as Segamat and Mersing, but also attract more visitors to Johor’s national parks, heritage towns, traditional markets, fruit orchards, and island destinations. This enhanced connectivity is set to create new economic opportunities for local communities while strengthening Johor’s position as a premier gateway for investment, tourism, and regional growth.
In addition, ECERDC reaffirmed its role in driving inclusive community development. Among the initiatives are the IPR-INTAN programme in Segamat which is being developed as a modern fertigation farm. Land preparation began in April 2025, followed by phased infrastructure development, including the construction of two out of eight rain shelters that began in mid-August 2025. Participant interviews are scheduled for October 2025, with programme operations expected to roll out in stages from the same month. Spanning 20 acres, the project combines open fertigation and rain-shelter cultivation systems that will provide employment for 42 workers. By introducing modern farming practices and providing sustainable income prospects, the programme underscores ECERDC’s commitment to inclusive and equitable growth.
The ICC ECER Johor meeting was attended by senior state and federal officials including Dato’ Haji Asman Shah Abd. Rahman, Secretary to the State of Johor; Tuan Haji Ahmad Nazir Haji Mohd Nasir, Deputy State Secretary (Development) of Johor State; Tuan Haji Mohammed Shakib Haji Ali, Director for Johor Land and Mines; Dr. Mohd Khalid Abdul Samad, Director of the Johor State Development; Dato’ Indera Ikmalrudin Ishak, Deputy Secretary General; Finance and Development Division, Prime Minister’s Department; Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil, Deputy Secretary General (Management & Investment), Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry; Tuan Haji Mohd Ezzudin Sanusi, Segamat District Officer; and Encik Jamil Hasni Abdullah, Mersing District Officer.
