THE state government is looking to unlock the agricultural and agro-based economic potential of Tangkak and Segamat through the Johor Economic Transformation Plan.
State agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development committee chairman Md Israk Abdullah said both districts had significant potential in high-value agriculture, agro-industry and food security.
“Tangkak, located in northern Johor, could be further developed as a strategic transit centre and ecotourism hub, supported by industrial areas, infrastructure and public amenities.
“The district’s strengths include Gunung Ledang, which has the potential to be further developed as a premier eco agritourism destination.”
The Kukup assemblyman said the district also had considerable room for growth in agriculture and agro-industry, particularly through development of agro-industrial clusters for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
He said such clusters could focus on areas like food technology, automation and agricultural machinery, creating opportunities for higher-value activities.
“Tangkak also holds an important position in padi production, with five main padi areas – Sawah Ring, Kesang Gate, Kesang Tasek, Pulau Penarik and Telok Rimba,” said Md Israk.
He added that this had led to a proposal to establish the Tangkak Padi Collection and Purchasing Centre to strengthen the supply chain.
Israk said Tangkak’s position as a durian producer also presented opportunities to strengthen collection, post-harvest handling, processing and market access.
“This would allow more value to be created within the district while strengthening downstream activities linked to its agricultural produce.”
Segamat, he said, also had significant potential in high-value crops and the biomass industry, with the district well known for fruit production, particularly durian.
He said freshwater fisheries generating ikan baung (river catfish), had economic potential and also formed part of Segamat’s local identity.
Md Israk said the state government was also focusing on development of Food Security Zones to ensure strategic agricultural land is utilised in a more planned and productive manner.
The initiative is expected to strengthen Segamat’s position as one of Johor’s strategic agricultural hubs while creating more economic opportunities and increasing the income of local communities.
