SD Guthrie Berhad has entered into a joint venture agreement with Sime Darby Property Berhad to spearhead the development of up to 2,000 acres on Carey Island, Selangor. The initiative aims to create a high-impact industrial and logistics hub, strategically positioned to capitalise on the island’s connectivity and economic potential.
SD Guthrie, which holds ownership of approximately 79% of Carey Island—equivalent to 28,646 acres—announced that the joint development will be formalised via a special purpose vehicle. Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), which is the common shareholder in both SD Guthrie and Sime Darby Property, will appoint the chairman of the venture.
The proposed development seeks to position Carey Island as a prominent logistics and industrial destination, complementing its existing integrated palm oil operations and the nearby Westport and Northport in Port Klang. Its proximity to major transportation corridors, including the South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE) and the North-South Expressway, will significantly enhance the island’s logistical appeal.
According to a joint statement, the new port-oriented development is expected to bolster Malaysia’s ambition to emerge as a regional logistics powerhouse, enabling it to compete more effectively with established port locations in Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
SD Guthrie highlighted that the project offers scalability for large-scale industrial facilities and aligns with national economic development goals under the Ekonomi Madani Framework. The initiative is set to drive economic activity, create job opportunities and elevate the local economy, all while conserving the island’s ecological and cultural heritage.
PNB President and Group Chief Executive, Datuk Abdul Rahman Ahmad, expressed his support for the collaboration, describing it as a strategic alignment with the Government’s GEAR-uP initiatives and national development agenda. He noted that the venture will accelerate domestic investment while advancing sustainable growth in a high-potential area.
Carey Island is currently home to two palm oil estates and processing mills operated by SD Guthrie, all of which adhere to globally recognised sustainability standards. The island also houses a kernel crushing plant, biodiesel facility, research and development centres, and a robotics innovation hub. Its palm oil is processed in major refineries in Langat and Port Klang, serving international markets.
Additionally, the island is noted for its environmental and cultural significance. It includes 14 heritage buildings registered with Jabatan Warisan Negara, a biodiversity park, and protected mangrove ecosystems, all maintained under SD Guthrie’s stewardship.
Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha, Group Managing Director of SD Guthrie, affirmed the group’s support for the Government’s vision to expand international trade and meet the rising demand for advanced industrial infrastructure. He remarked that Carey Island has been identified as a potential site for a world-class port due to its advantageous location near Pulau Indah and existing connectivity to the Klang Valley via the SKVE.
Echoing the sentiment, Datuk Seri Azmir Merican, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Property, described the collaboration as a pivotal move towards unlocking Carey Island’s latent potential. He stated that the partnership will enable the creation of a master-planned, future-ready industrial ecosystem aligned with the company’s Purpose to serve people, businesses, economies, and the environment.
Further announcements will be made as key developments unfold.
-The Star
