OSAKA, Japan, 19 June (Bernama) - In a significant move to boost Malaysia’s agricultural machinery sector, Wide Agro Ventures Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysian company, has signed a strategic partnership with OREC Co. Ltd., a Fukuoka-based Japanese firm, to establish a high-tech production and distribution facility at Seri Iskandar Industrial Park, Perak. The initiative involves an initial investment of RM30 million, officially sealed on 18 June 2025.

The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, witnessed by high-ranking officials from both Malaysia and Japan. The ceremony was held at the Expo’s Business Hall and officiated by YB Dato’ Salbiah Mohamed, representing the Menteri Besar of Perak, YAB Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad. Also present were senior government officials including Dato’ Dr. Roslan bin Mahmood (Ministry of Rural and Regional Development), Mr. Mohamad Hashim Abdul Ghani (CEO, InvestPerak Malaysia), and Mr. Gulam Muszairi Gulam Mustakim (MIDA Osaka Director).

Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad, Menteri Besar of Perak, highlighted,

“Perak is a land of grace with huge agriculture activity consisting of palm oil, rubber and paddy…It plays a vital role in food security and exports, with palm oil being a major export. By producing sophisticated machinery and equipment, it will leapfrog the contribution of this sector by enhancing efficiency and productivity nationwide.”

MIDA CEO, Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, emphasised the broader national significance of the collaboration, stating:

“By complementing Japanese engineering excellence with Malaysian expertise, we are building a resilient and forward-looking value chain. This will enhance productivity in the palm oil sector and beyond, while opening doors for local talents, businesses and the wider community to thrive. Seri Iskandar offers a strategic platform aligned with our national agenda to advance mechanisation and digitalisation in agriculture, and to position Malaysia as a regional hub for high-value machinery manufacturing.”

Mr. Ahmad Fadzil Mustafa, CEO of Wide Agro Ventures, added:

“This investment marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey in Malaysia. By expanding our manufacturing capabilities in Perak, we are not only reinforcing our commitment to local industrial development but also advancing our mission to deliver light and sustainable agriculture solutions across the region. We believe in transforming the agriculture sector with better technology, responsibly, sustainably, innovatively, and collaboratively with our partner from Japan.”

The MoU paves the way for OREC to supply advanced Japanese agricultural technology to Wide Agro Ventures for manufacturing and distributing agricultural equipment within Malaysia and throughout the region. The project is set to enhance production efficiency and support the development of Malaysia’s palm oil industry, while also positioning Seri Iskandar as a strategic hub for high-tech machinery manufacturing.

This collaboration is expected to drive innovation, create skilled job opportunities, and strengthen Malaysia’s role in the global machinery and equipment supply chain.