SHAH ALAM - Pahang could overtake Selangor and Penang in economic development within the next decade, driven by the expansion of Kuantan Port and major infrastructure projects, says Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
He said the state’s economic growth had gained momentum, with Pahang recording the fourth-highest gross domestic product (GDP) growth among Malaysian states, surpassing the national rate.
“Penang came first, followed by Selangor, Johor and Pahang. Pahang’s growth was 5.3 per cent, above the national rate of 5.1 per cent,” he said.
Wan Rosdy was speaking at the Sinar Harian Town Hall Rakyat (THR) programme held at Dewan Jubli Perak Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah on Monday.
He said Pahang had achieved the progress despite lacking some of the advantages enjoyed by other states, such as Penang and Selangor’s established industrial bases and Johor’s proximity to Singapore.
“Pahang did not have much to begin with, but we managed to move up from being among the bottom states to fourth place,” he said.
Wan Rosdy said the state’s prospects would improve further with the expansion of Kuantan Port, which he expected to attract more investors by reducing shipping time and transportation costs.
He said he had been informed that the port was preparing to handle its first cargo shipment to Sarawak, marking a new development in the state’s shipping sector.
With the port’s expansion, he said businesses could benefit from improved shipping connections rather than relying on Port Klang for certain cargo movements.
“Once Kuantan Port expands, I believe more investors will come to Pahang because it can save them time and costs,” he said.
Wan Rosdy said the state was also preparing for the full operation of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), which he expected to further strengthen its economic and logistics capabilities.
Another major project in the pipeline is an aerospace city, estimated to cost between RM30 billion and RM40 billion and cover 10,000 acres.
He said the development, which is currently being planned, could create about 12,000 jobs upon completion.
The project is also expected to feature an advanced airport with a runway longer than that of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Wan Rosdy said these developments could transform Pahang’s economic position over the next 10 years.
“God willing, within the next 10 years, Pahang may be able to take over the positions of Selangor and Penang,” he said.