Pahang aims for RM100 billion economy by 2030, says Nizar Najib

SHAH ALAM – Pahang is setting an ambitious target of becoming a RM100 billion economy by 2030 through the implementation of high-impact, high-value projects under its economic transformation plan.

Pahang’s Investment, Industries, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee state exco Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib said the state’s current economic value stands at RM65 billion as of 2023.

Speaking during a Top News Podcast session titled Politics Meets Progress: Interview with Datuk Nizar Najib, he said the state government was in the final stages of formulating its economic blueprint, known as the Pahang Economic Transformation (PET) 2030 plan.

“We are in the midst of crafting our economic blueprint, due to be unveiled in a few months. There are still some matters to finalise with the state government and other stakeholders.

“But generally, this blueprint will determine our priorities for the next five years, what we aim to do, and how we allocate our resources accordingly,” he said.

Nizar said the focus was on drawing in high-impact, high-value industries such as electric vehicle (EV) technology, space tech, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturing.

The state was currently reviewing a list of potential projects where if at least 70 of them materialise, he believes will create significant job opportunities, raise wages and help Malaysia climb up the economic value chain.

“These are the kinds of projects that can get us to the RM100 billion mark,” he added.

Nizar during Sinar Daily's "Politics Meets Progress: Interview with Datuk Nizar Najib" podcast recently. (Photo by ROSLI TALIB)

Nizar also pointed to the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project as a key advantage when engaging with potential investors. The rail line was set for completion by end-2026 and expected to be fully operational by January 2027 following a testing period.

“It will be game-changing for us. Investors tend to focus on industrial parks with strong connectivity. Right now, Gebeng in Kuantan is the preferred industrial hub due to its logistical advantages,” he said.

He noted that the upcoming ECRL station and a proposed new airport in Gebeng, near the Kemaman border, were strong selling points.

He said the improved connectivity was expected to benefit surrounding industrial parks in Gambang, Temerloh, Bentong and even Marang.

“The ECRL is designed to handle 70 per cent cargo, so it’s a major boost for logistics,” he said, citing Perodua’s plan to export 30,000 vehicles to Sabah and Sarawak via Kuantan using roll-on/roll-off carriers from the Klang Valley and other West Coast factories.

Nizar also stressed the importance of balanced growth across Pahang’s 14 districts.

“The Menteri Besar (Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail) is keen to ensure we don’t concentrate all economic spillovers in Kuantan alone. Other districts must also benefit,” he said.

This, he said, includes maximising the potential of projects like the Central Spine Road (CSR) and the ECRL as well as encouraging investors to explore districts beyond Kuantan for factory and business development, thus spreading job creation more evenly.

He highlighted that ease of doing business and efficient facilitation were vital in attracting investors.

Citing a recent workshop with agencies like Kulim Hi-Tech and Majlis Perbandaran Kurau, Nizar said the key takeaway was clear: “Facilitation is everything.”

“Investors want fast processes, quick approvals, and decisive action. Some agencies in other states go as far as accompanying investors to open bank accounts or meet federal ministries if needed.

“That level of support—rolling out the red carpet—matters. Investors truly appreciate that kind of thought and service,” he added.

When it comes to evaluating new investments, Nizar said priority will be given to high-tech proposals that create higher-paying jobs and move the state up the economic ladder.

He cited a few recent proposals including a nanotech fertiliser facility in Gebeng aimed at boosting crop yields, and a UAV facility in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA).

“The UAV and drone sector is growing. In agriculture, drones can be used to spray pesticides more efficiently.

"Meanwhile, UAVs, which are even faster, can help patrol coastlines and maritime borders.

“We’re facing continued encroachment from foreign fishermen, so beyond using APM ships, we could deploy UAVs for coastal surveillance,” he said.