SD Guthrie Bhd and Menteri Besar Incorporated Negeri Sembilan (MBINS) have formalised a strategic collaboration to develop the Port Dickson Free Zone (PDFZ), a major industrial development spanning 242.8 hectares in Pasir Panjang, Port Dickson. The project, which carries a projected gross development value (GDV) exceeding RM1 billion, marks a significant milestone in Negeri Sembilan’s long-term industrial and economic agenda.
Situated in Ladang Sengkang on land owned by SD Guthrie, PDFZ is expected to serve as a critical component in the region’s transformation into a high-tech industrial and logistics hub. Infrastructure works are anticipated to commence in the second quarter of 2026, following the establishment of a joint venture entity and the finalisation of the master plan in the first quarter of the same year.
Negeri Sembilan Mentri Besar, Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, stated that the free zone will be constructed directly opposite the upcoming Midport Smart Artificial Intelligence Container Port, acting as a catalyst for its growth. The integration between the two developments is set to create strong synergies in logistics, light processing, and manufacturing activities, enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening the region’s supply chain capabilities.
The PDFZ master plan will include warehousing facilities, high-technology factories, and essential support infrastructure, pending approvals from the relevant authorities. According to Aminuddin, the initiative is expected to significantly enhance the state’s industrial sector and investment landscape, attracting global strategic investors and reinforcing Port Dickson’s position within the international maritime and logistics network.
“This integration will not only support Midport’s operations but will also optimise container transportation and maritime services,” he said during the signing ceremony for the land sale agreement and memorandum of understanding between MBINS and SD Guthrie.
Also in attendance was SD Guthrie Group Managing Director, Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha.
In the project’s initial phase, emphasis will be placed on the transfer of land for basic infrastructure development and investor engagement. Over the longer term, PDFZ is envisioned to evolve into a high-technology industrial hub underpinning the region’s broader economic ambitions.
Construction of the Midport terminal is scheduled to begin imminently and is projected to take several years to complete. The port is targeted to commence operations as early as 2027, with the first phase of PDFZ to be ready in time to support its launch.
Looking further ahead, Aminuddin expressed confidence that Port Dickson could emerge as a “new port city” by 2035, in line with the state government’s target of achieving an annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 8.1% until 2045.
-Bernama
