The government prioritises chemical, automotive, heavy industry and food manufacturing sectors to boost Pahang’s economy through strategic initiatives.
KUANTAN: The government is strategically focusing on developing four key industrial subsectors in Pahang to drive the state’s economic growth.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim identified these priority areas as the chemical and petrochemical industry, automotive sector, heavy and medium industries, and food manufacturing.
He stated that this emphasis will be implemented through various master plans and initiatives that have been or will be launched.
“For example, under the Chemical and Petrochemical subsector, the Chemical Industry Roadmap 2030 outlines aspirations to drive the development of the chemical and chemical products industry towards a competitive, high-technology and sustainable industrial ecosystem,” he said.
The prime minister delivered this message during a meet-and-greet session with Kuantan industry players at the Department of Human Resources’ Advanced Technology Training Centre Kuantan campus.
His speech was read by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail due to his absence from the event.
Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, revealed that the chemical and chemical products sector ranks among Malaysia’s top five products with the highest trade value.
This sector represents 12.15% of the country’s total trade as of June 2025 within the manufacturing industry.
He announced that Pahang had recorded total investments worth RM17.43 billion as of September, surpassing this year’s target of RM14.09 billion.
These investments have created more than 11,000 job opportunities for the local population.
Regarding water supply issues in the Gebeng Industrial Area, the prime minister confirmed the Federal Government has implemented a long-term solution.
This involves constructing a seawater treatment plant in Pantai Gebeng through collaboration with the state government.
“The project began under the 12th Malaysia Plan and will continue under the 13th Malaysia Plan, implemented through the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation,” he stated.
He emphasised that this demonstrates the government’s commitment to maintaining a competitive business environment in Gebeng without utility disruptions.
Anwar highlighted Gebeng’s strategic location next to Kuantan Port as a significant advantage for industrial development.
He expressed appreciation to the Gebeng Industrial Support Group for its active role as a key liaison between the industrial community and government agencies.
“The close cooperation between the government, industry players, companies and workers ensures that local issues can be addressed promptly,” he added.
This collaborative approach creates a productive and harmonious working environment for all stakeholders involved in Pahang’s industrial growth. – Bernama
