Primed to elevate Perak as a significant domestic and global investment destination, the definitive findings of the European Union-funded feasibility study on the Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC) will enable Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak (PKNPk) in collaboration with Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI), to now set in motion the project’s development proposal and masterplan aimed at attracting RM72 billion (€15 billion) in investments spanning the next 25 years.
The ambitious vision for LuMIC is expected to accelerate the socio-economic growth of Perak, with the creation of over 50,000 employment opportunities transforming the region into a thriving hub while bolstering Malaysia’s industrial and maritime ambitions.
The comprehensive study, which assessed the state and country’s attractiveness as a participant in the competitive maritime and industrial sectors, concluded several factors including Lumut’s captive industry, abundant natural resources, skilled workforce as well as strong state support are positive indicators for success. Highlights of the findings and masterplan were presented today to key stakeholders, including Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Malaysia, Ambassador of the European Union to Malaysia, Ambassador of Croatia to Malaysia, Ambassador of Spain to Malaysia, Ambassador of Netherlands to Malaysia, Ambassador of France to Malaysia, Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia, Ambassador of Poland to Malaysia, representatives from Federal Ministries, the Perak state government, as well as local and international industry players from maritime, port, logistics and industrial sectors in Kuala Lumpur
The masterplan intends to further harness the port’s strategic location which supports strong connectivity for global trade within the Straits of Malacca and is integral to unlocking significant economic opportunities in the region.
In the pipeline are plans to leverage unique existing assets to establish more than 23,000 acres of industrial clusters across Perak’s Manjung District. Spread out over 7 areas, which comprise various industrial areas optimised for specific activities such as logistics, manufacturing industries and green technologies as well as for land consumption.
YAB Dato’ Seri Haji Saarani bin Mohamad, Menteri Besar of Perak, emphasised the significance of LuMIC in propelling the state forward. “LuMIC perfectly aligns with Flagship 13 of the Perak Sejahtera 2030 vision; and we believe this initiative will be instrumental in generating positive economic impact, as it contributes to talent development and retention, enhances global market access and improves connectivity. The Perak state government is fully committed to supporting the project and look forward to witnessing its evolution.”
Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak, Chief Executive of PKNPk, added: “The findings of this feasibility study mark an important milestone in our collaboration with Port of Antwerp-Bruges, which is not only the second-largest industrial port in Europe, but one that has an established track record in this area. Together, we are preparing a comprehensive and actionable framework that will transform Lumut into a world-class maritime and industrial nerve centre, while ensuring our joint and dedicated efforts spur economic development and uplift communities to build a sustainable future for Perak and the nation as a whole.”
In his address, His Excellency Mr. Peter Van Acker, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Malaysia, remarked: “LuMIC is a testament to what meaningful international collaborations can achieve. This initiative amplifies the strong ties between our two countries and reinforces our shared commitment to future-focused development. With connectivity between Asia and Europe becoming increasingly vital, the LuMIC project is most timely.”
PoABI’s Director, Mr. Mario Lievens, highlighted the strength of the strategic partnership with Perak, stating, “With clear and valuable insights now in hand, this further enhances our confidence in LuMIC and Perak’s potential to become a prominent investment destination in the region. We are most excited about continuing this journey by contributing our wide expertise in full support of this partnership with PKNPk as we jointly develop a dynamic green logistics hub.”
Michiel Heleven, the Consultant for PoABI adds “The Masterplan also identifies strong potential for green ship recycling. The location is highly favourable for an industry of this nature, which is seeing growing demand as more shipping companies seek environmentally responsible ways to recycle their vessels. This could create new employment opportunities and foster synergies across industries in Perak.
Aligned with Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability, LuMIC integrates green technologies across its warehousing and manufacturing sectors while pioneering circular economy clusters to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency. This eco-industrial approach delivers comprehensive SDG impacts:
- SDG 7 (Affordable Clean Energy): Implementation of solar-powered industrial parks and green fuel infrastructure
- SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure): Development of automated smart ports and green logistics hubs
- SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption): Circular economy systems for industrial by-product reuse and near-zero waste targets.
Through human capital development, LuMIC helps to deliver the following SDG effects:
- SDG 4 (Quality Education): Technical certification programs in renewable energy and green manufacturing
- SDG 8 (Decent Work): 55,000 new jobs with 30% reserved for local Perak communities.
- SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Upskilling initiatives for women and B40 groups in adjacent service sectors
Strategic collaborations (SDG 17) with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, EU partners and Malaysian agencies ensure knowledge transfer and scalable solutions for sustainable maritime-industrial development.
Through this dual focus on environmental stewardship and human capital development, LuMIC exemplifies Malaysia’s holistic SDG journey, balancing industrial progress with planetary and social well-being.
Aligned with LuMIC’s long-term vision, the masterplan outlines the establishment of renewable energy clusters by 2030, paving the way for a multi-purpose container port and the integration of advanced industrial technologies by 2050. This phased development underscores LuMIC’s commitment to sustainable growth and innovation-driven economic transformation in Perak.
Special purpose vehicle LuMIC Development Sdn Bhd (LuMIC DevCo), formed as a collaboration between PKNPk and PoABI, will oversee the project’s development and management.
