22/04/2025
𝐑𝐌𝟗𝟖.𝟗 𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐉𝐎𝐇𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐒 𝐀 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐔𝐁
Johor is solidifying its role as a regional economic driver with nearly RM99 billion in ongoing and planned investments under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
In a bold move to future-proof the regional economy, the state unveiled several strategic proposals at the inaugural JS-SEZ Business and Investment Forum.
Menteri Besar Johor, YAB Dato Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced that RM48.5 billion in investments have been approved in 2024, with an additional RM27.4 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2025 reflecting strong investor confidence.
“We are serious, agile, and ready,” he told the 1,000-strong audience, which included Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, Gan Kim Yong.
Among the key announcements were two game-changing initiatives: the Johor Regulatory Sandbox and the ASEAN Industrial Park.
The Regulatory Sandbox will serve as a testing ground for fintech, smart logistics, green tech, and autonomous innovations, under a more flexible regulatory framework.
Meanwhile, the ASEAN Industrial Park will target strategic investments from RCEP member countries, focusing on advanced manufacturing, the digital economy, and green technology.
Incentives will include tax relief, talent mobility, and temporary easing of overseas fund transfer regulations.
“These aren't just ambitious ideas; they are grounded, strategic moves to position JS-SEZ as the region’s most competitive and attractive investment destination,” YAB Dato Onn Hafiz stressed.
To support this investment momentum, Johor also launched the Malaysia Investment Facilitation Centre – Johor (IMFC-J) and the Johor Super Lane (JSL). These reforms have already halved investment processing times from 24 months to just 12.
Companies such as Princeton Digital Group, Wiwynn Technology, Olam/Markono, and Mayora are among the 42 high-impact projects currently benefiting from fast-tracked facilitation.
YAB Dato Onn Hafiz also lauded Singapore’s consistent commitment to the JS-SEZ, quoting Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s vision of Johor and Singapore not as separate hubs, but as a “complementary ecosystem.”
In a lighter moment, he jokingly suggested Singapore poach Malaysia’s Investment Minister Tengku Zafrul, calling him “capable, handsome, hardworking, and smart.”
Yet, shifting to a more serious tone, he warned against political instability, citing Malaysia’s own challenges between 2018 and 2022. He emphasized the need for consistent policies on both sides of the Causeway.
Addressing regional tensions and tariff issues, he argued that such challenges should be seen as catalysts, not roadblocks.
“Let us move forward with one vision, two nations, and shared prosperity,” he concluded.
Johor is taking bold and practical steps to become a leading regional hub, attracting billions in investment and fostering closer ties with Singapore through innovation, policy reform, and strategic collaboration.