Petaling Jaya, 21 August 2024 - SD Guthrie Berhad (SD Guthrie), formerly known as Sime Darby Plantation Berhad, plans to develop a HALMAS-certified Managed Industrial Park on 464 acres of prime land in the company’s Bukit Pelandok estate, Negeri Sembilan, in collaboration with TH Properties Sdn. Bhd. (TH Properties). HALMAS or ‘Halal Malaysia’ is an accreditation given to Halal Park Operators which comply with the requirements set out by the Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC), an agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry of Malaysia.

Positioned within the Malaysian Vision Valley 2.0 (MVV 2.0) economic corridor, the estimated market value of land for the development in Bukit Pelandok estate is above RM220 million.

The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today, outlining the intention of both parties to collaborate on the development of the industrial park and the best approaches to maximise the potential of the project. In line with SD Guthrie’s commitment to sustainable development, the MOU partners are also committed to ensuring that the development adheres to stringent environmental standards and sustainable practices.

The first of its kind in Malaysia, the new industrial park will be an extension of TH Properties’ successful techpark@enstek, a renowned international halal hub. Situated adjacent to established Techpark 1 and Techpark 2 in Bandar Enstek, the new development will serve as a natural and complementary expansion to these parks and is expected to attract both local and international companies wanting to leverage on the global recognition of Malaysia’s halal certification. Located in proximity to major highways, airports, and seaports, the development also offers superior connectivity and logistical advantages to businesses seeking much needed additional capacity and new opportunities in a strategic location.

“This collaboration with TH Properties aligns with SD Guthrie’s strategy to unlock the potential of our landbank while enhancing sustainable revenue streams for our shareholders,” said Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha, SD Guthrie’s Group Managing Director. “The proximity of this development to the existing tech parks provides a unique opportunity for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to benefit from facilities and business ecosystems already in place, while contributing meaningfully to the region’s economic growth,” he added.

Both Techparks 1 and 2 are already running at capacity with several local and multinational companies such as Kellogg’s, Ajinomoto, Dutch Lady, Malindo Air, Tyson Foods Malaysia, Farm Fresh, Mahsuri Food and Faiza established within the area. Other organisations and educational institutes that are also present in techpark@enstek include the Malaysia Halal Analysis Center (MyHAC JAKIM), the National Audit Academy, the Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT), Institut Aminuddin Baki and Tunku Kurshiah College. The latest 616-acre Techpark 3 with Gross Development Value of RM1.4 billion was launched in November 2023 and is expected to mirror the robust sales performance of its predecessors.

With strong interest garnered from local and multinational parties, Techpark 3 is expected to register full take up rate this year for its 189-acre first phase.

The new industrial park will feature a range of ready built and built-to-suit factories, including linked, semi-detached, and detached options, along with vacant industrial plots tailored to various business needs.

With Kuala Lumpur International Airport a mere 16 km away and a network of major highways providing access, the new industrial park development will offer seamless connectivity and logistical advantages, making it an ideal location for businesses looking to expand their operations.

Witnessing the event, Dato’ Wan Hashimi Albakri W.A.A Jaffri, a Board Member of TH Properties, said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with SD Guthrie on this landmark project. The strategic location, combined with our expertise in developing HALMAS-certified industrial parks, will create a vibrant industrial ecosystem that attracts diverse businesses. This development will play a key role in supporting MVV 2.0 initiative, driving economic growth, and creating job opportunities.”.

As one of the largest plantation companies in the country, SD Guthrie’s landbank is strategically located in various states throughout Malaysia, and the company is in active discussions with several state agencies and partners to transform select parcels of land into industrial parks. This includes Malaysia’s first-ever 1,069-acre green industrial park development project, the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park (KIGIP) in the state of Perak. The company is expected to make more announcements once it has finalised its collaboration and joint-ventures with other potential partners in developing its land assets.