Mersing Attracts RM1.6 Bln In Private Investments

KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 (Bernama) -- Mersing has attracted RM1.6 billion in private investments between 2007 and January 2018, resulting in 1,710 jobs created for locals. East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) Chief Executive Officer Jebasingam Issace John said 63 per cent of the investments in Mersing to date were contributed by the tourism sector. “While tourism continues to be a vital economic contributor, the agribusiness sector is seen as the next growth driver, particularly in the fisheries and livestock industries. “As we embark on Mersing’s next phase of socio-economic transformation, we will leverage on the solid foundation built over the decade by strengthening Mersing’s position as the tourism hub for Johor, supported by the new growth opportunities in the agribusiness sector,” he said in a statement Tuesday. Jebasingam said agribusiness ventures in Mersing would also be diversified to offer agro-tourism products, in line with its increasing popularity for family retreats and educational purposes. Furthermore, he said the development of the Endau-Mersing Integrated Fish Processing Park was expected to strengthen the fisheries industry in Mersing and once completed, the park would benefit more than 3,000 people involved. Another growth catalyst for Mersing's agribusiness is the development of the Dairy Valley in Jemaluang, a commercial dairy farm on a 275-hectare area in Sungai Ambat. Driven by private investments, the project is expected to produce four million litres of fresh milk by 2021 and create 60 jobs. -- BERNAMA