{
  "id": 6272177,
  "title": "East Coast poised to become food security hub, green economy leader – MIDA",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/east-coast-poised-to-become-food-security-hub-green-economy-leader",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-08T11:22:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/business/economy/2026/09/1528470/east-coast-poised-become-food-security-hub-green-economy-leader-%E2%80%93"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: The East Coast region of Malaysia possesses significant potential to emerge as a crucial hub for national food security and a prominent player in the green economy, according to Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chief executive officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid. Speaking at the 2026 East Coast Region Investment Seminar, Mr. Sikh Shamsul highlighted the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) as a key factor in enhancing connectivity and market access for agrofood products, enabling the movement of raw materials and finished goods to broader markets. He also emphasized that Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan boast substantial potential in renewable energy sources, including solar, biomass, and hydropower, such as floating solar-hydro hybrid projects. These developments align with Malaysia's National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and Green Investment Strategy, opening doors for high-technology, sustainable, and environmentally friendly investments. Between 2021 and June 2026, the East Coast region attracted RM61.4 billion in approved investments across 1,746 projects, expected to generate over 30,000 jobs. MIDA encourages Bumiputera companies, SMEs, and mid-tier enterprises in the area to explore the capital market as a financing option, including through initial public offerings (IPOs). Mr. Sikh Shamsul stressed that the New Incentive Framework (NIF) will prioritize high-impact, high-technology, and sustainable investments, aligning with the demands of the future economy. MIDA's Incentives Coordination and Collaboration Office (ICCO) and i-Incentives Portal facilitate access to relevant government support and incentives, particularly for local companies, SMEs, and Bumiputera firms. The seminar, attended by over 400 participants, also showcased success stories like Pahang-based aquaculture firm FDI Group and Terengganu-based oil and gas engineering company Upstream Downstream Process & Services Sdn Bhd.",
  "summary": "KUANTAN: Malaysia’s East Coast region has strong potential to become a key hub for national food security and a leading centre for the green economy through greater investment in renewable energy.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Vibes",
        "title": "Malaysia’s East Coast secures RM61b in approved investments since 2021 - MIDA",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/malaysias-east-coast-secures-rm61b-in-approved-investments-since-2021",
        "published": "2026-09-08T07:45:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}