KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 2): SD Guthrie Bhd (KL:SDG), the world’s largest palm oil producer by acreage, has raised its stake in the planned Eco Business Park 8 (EBP8) integrated industrial park in Johor, achieving parity with Eco World Development Group Bhd (KL:ECOWLD) after EcoWorld reduced its holding.
Under the revised shareholding agreement, SD Guthrie—through its wholly owned subsidiary SD Guthrie Land Ventures Sdn Bhd (SDGLV)—will increase its interest in EBP8 to 45%, up from 25%. EcoWorld’s stake will decrease to 45% from 65%, while Permodalan Darul Ta’zim Sdn Bhd (PDT) retains its 10% share.
The EBP8 board will now comprise up to seven directors: three each from SDGLV and EcoWorld, and one from PDT.
Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha, SD Guthrie group managing director, said, “Industrial development is set to become a key pillar of our future growth. With our increased stake, SD Guthrie will play a more strategic role in the joint venture. This is a strategic move to deliver sustainable returns to shareholders and maximise value from our strategic land bank.”
The RM3.75 billion industrial park is strategically located to capture the growth potential of Iskandar Malaysia, within the upcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. Planned facilities include industrial lots, ready-built factories, and supporting commercial components, targeting high-value, innovation-driven sectors such as AI supply chains, advanced electrical and electronics, biotechnology, medical technologies, food tech, and logistics.
As of Q3 2025, Johor recorded RM91.1 billion in approved investments, the highest in Malaysia, surpassing RM48.5 billion in 2024.
SD Guthrie shares closed up 1.53% at RM5.32, giving the group a market capitalisation of RM36.79 billion.
