Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 18 December 2024 - SD Guthrie Berhad (SD Guthrie), formerly known as Sime Darby Plantation Berhad, Eco World Development Group Berhad (EcoWorld) and NS Corporation (NS Corp), representing the Negeri Sembilan state government, have announced plans to jointly develop a 1,166-acre industrial park in Bukit Pelandok, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

Positioned within the Malaysian Vision Valley 2.0 (MVV 2.0) economic corridor, the industrial park carries an estimated Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM2.95 billion and forms part of a larger initiative to advance sustainable development in Negeri Sembilan. The project aims to attract local and foreign investments, create high-value jobs and drive the state’s economic growth agenda. MVV 2.0, launched in December 2018, spans 379,087 acres across the Seremban and Port Dickson districts, and is designed to complement the growth of Greater Kuala Lumpur.

The industrial park, to be developed over eight years, will feature industrial lots, ready-built factories, and commercial properties tailored to high-growth sectors, including those in the aerospace, electrical and electronics, logistics, and biotechnology industries. Bukit Pelandok is in close proximity to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, as well as major highways, and seaports, offering connectivity and logistical advantages that are conducive for business growth.

“This project reflects Negeri Sembilan’s vision to become a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable state by 2045,” said YAB Dato' Seri Aminuddin bin Harun, Chairman of NS Corp. “Through strategic land use planning, enhanced infrastructure and utilities, and improved community amenities, we will elevate the quality of life for the people of Negeri Sembilan. As the state government’s strategic development agency, NS Corp is proud to collaborate with SD Guthrie and EcoWorld to make this vision a reality,” he added.

SD Guthrie is one of the largest landowners in Malaysia, with extensive operations in the palm oil sector, some of which are now proximate to areas of high development value. Through strategic collaborations, SD Guthrie is unlocking the potential of this landbank across Malaysia. In Negeri Sembilan, it has 16 estates, three palm oil mills, and two biogas plants. In May 2024, SD Guthrie announced its entry into new business verticals – industrial parks and renewable energy, to create diversified and sustainable revenue streams.

“With our strong presence and rich history in Negeri Sembilan, coupled with our proven track record in sustainable practices, we are well positioned to support Negeri Sembilan’s development ambitions,” said Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha, SD Guthrie’s Group Managing Director. “ESG principles are core to our new business verticals, guiding us in creating future ready industrial ecosystems that deliver long term value for our shareholders,” he added.

EcoWorld brings a wealth of experience to the table with a diverse portfolio that includes residential, commercial, and industrial real estate. It has close to 9,000 acres of total landbank across the Klang Valley, Penang, and Iskandar Malaysia, with an estimated GDV of RM86 billion. Of these, 2,415 acres are focused on industrial parks with four industrial parks in Iskandar Malaysia and one in Klang Valley. To date more than 1,400 local and international industrialists operate across EcoWorld’s Eco Business Parks. Demonstrating EcoWorld’s commitment to sustainability, nearly 90% of its projects have received green accreditation.

“We have a dedicated team of industrial park specialists whose expertise will play a key role in the success of this project. We cater to diverse range of industries and offer tailored solutions to meet the evolving demands of today’s dynamic industrial landscape, and we are confident that this initiative will bring new business opportunities to Negeri Sembilan,” said Dato’ Chang Khim Wah, EcoWorld’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

This year, SD Guthrie announced joint ventures to develop Malaysia’s first HALMAS-certified managed industrial park, spanning 464 acres, also located in Bukit Pelandok, and a 641-acre green industrial park within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. In May, the company unveiled its plans to co-develop the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park (KIGIP), a 1,000-acre project in Perak that integrates industrial facilities with large-scale solar farms for green energy.

SD Guthrie is in active discussions with state agencies and potential business partners to further develop strategically located land parcels across Malaysia.