Latest news with #IMFC-J
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Johor eyes RCEP firms with Asean Industrial Park plan as investments hit RM30.1bil
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor is planning to establish an Asean Industrial Park within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), targeting companies from Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) countries, Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced today. He said the initiative aims to position Johor as a strategic gateway for RCEP investors seeking high-impact growth in Southeast Asia. The proposal was unveiled at the Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025, where Onn Hafiz also revealed Johor recorded RM30.1 billion in approved investments in the first quarter of this year alone, outpacing its total nine-month performance in 2024. "This is not just about Johor being football champions. Johor is now an investment champion," he said. "RM30.1 billion in Q1, up from RM4.1 billion a year ago, shows deep investor trust and reflects the strength of our fundamentals." Onn Hafiz credited federal support, close cooperation with Singapore and a no-nonsense facilitation approach as key factors behind the surge. Through the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre–Johor (IMFC-J) and the Johor Super Lane (JSL), the state has implemented fast-track approvals for strategic investments, cutting processing time from three months to as little as one day. "In five months, IMFC-J processed 439 enquiries, facilitated 57 potential investments worth RM26.18 billion, and secured RM16.71 billion in committed deals. This is real efficiency. This is Johor redefining facilitation," he said. He also said that mobility and talent development were critical to maintaining momentum. Reiterated that connectivity remains a critical pillar, he said Johor is powering ahead with major projects including the Johor Baru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which is on track for completion by end-2026. Other projects are the Gemas–Johor Baru Electric Train Service (ETS) double-tracking, operational by year-end,the Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (E-ART), and the North-South Expressway expansion and Senai–Desaru Expressway. To ensure human capital keeps pace, the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC) is working to deliver 10,000 job-ready graduates by 2026 in key JS-SEZ sectors, including smart manufacturing, semiconductors, digital infrastructure, and renewable energy. Onn Hafiz said the workforce planning is embedded from the outset of every investor engagement, supported by six public universities and 15 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres. Addressing Japanese investors directly, Onn Hafiz said Japan has long played a starring role in Malaysia's economic development, and called on Japanese and RCEP partners to co-develop the proposed Asean Industrial Park in Johor. He thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his support in elevating Johor's regional profile and championing the JS-SEZ initiative. He also acknowledged Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) and Nikkei Inc. for choosing Johor to host the prestigious global forum. "Johor is making history - and the world is watching," he said. Themed Driving Asia's Innovation Hub, the two-day Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025 gathered more than 800 delegates in person and online, further cementing Johor's emergence as a rising force in the regional economic landscape.
Barnama
09-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
IMFC-J Succesfully Facilitates Five Projects Worth RM16.5 Bln In JS-SEZ To Date
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Bernama) -- Five major investment projects have been fully facilitated through the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFC-J) to date, representing RM16.5 billion in committed investment in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), said Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. He said the IMFC-J is currently in active engagement with 47 more investors, with potential investments totalling RM40.1 billion, across key sectors such as manufacturing, data centres, and energy from key markets such as Singapore, China, and South Korea. "In just over two months since its launch, IMFC-J has received more than 300 investor enquiries, with 100 focused on the Forest City Special Financial Zone alone. "But as a facilitator, the job of the IMFC-J is also to convert the very real interest into actual investments, and that is exactly what it has been delivering on," he said during his opening address at the 'JS-SEZ Partners Dialogue: Advancing Facilitation' forum today. IMFC-J was launched last February in collaboration with federal partners, jointly operated and led by Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Invest Johor, and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to remove bottlenecks and fast-track investor journeys within the JS-SEZ. In the meantime, Onn Hafiz highlighted that Johor has secured RM27.4 billion in total approved investments in the first quarter of 2025 - a record-breaking achievement - as it took the state nine months in 2024 to reach the same milestone. "We currently have an additional RM23 billion in the investment pipeline, expected to materialise by the end of this quarter. If these numbers hold, and we believe they will, Johor will exceed RM50 to RM60 billion in total investments in 2025, surpassing last year's RM48.5 billion - this will position Johor yet again in the top three investment destinations in Malaysia," he added. -- BERNAMA
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Johor eyes over RM50bil in FDI for 2025, driven by JS-SEZ momentum
KUALA LUMPUR: The Johor state government is confident of surpassing RM50 billion in foreign direct investments (FDI) by year-end, exceeding the RM48.5 billion recorded in 2024. Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi credited this positive outlook to the rising prominence of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which he described as a major catalyst for investment inflows and economic transformation in the state. "The JS-SEZ is not just a concept on paper but has proven to be a convincing investment magnet. Investor confidence in Johor's future continues to strengthen," he said. Onn Hafiz revealed that Johor recorded approved investments amounting to RM27.4 billion in the first quarter of 2025—equivalent to what was achieved over the first nine months of the previous year. He added that the state has an additional RM23 billion in potential investments that are expected to be finalised by the end of this quarter. "If this momentum continues, I believe Johor can achieve between RM50 billion and RM60 billion in investments this year, placing the state among the top three investment destinations in the country," he said during the JS-SEZ Strategic Partners' Dialogue: Advancing Facilitation yesterday. "I'm confident that Johor could rival Klang Valley in the next decade," he added. He also highlighted that attracting investments goes beyond opportunities alone, relying heavily on an efficient and strategic facilitation system. "To this end, the state government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) and related agencies, launched the Johor Malaysia Investment Facilitation Centre (IMFC-J) in February this year. "This pioneering initiative serves as a one-stop centre jointly managed by the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Invest Johor, and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to expedite investment processes within the JS-SEZ," he explained. As of now, IMFC-J has received over 300 investor enquiries, including 100 specifically related to the Forest City Special Financial Zone. He further noted that five major investment projects worth RM16.5 billion have been fully facilitated by IMFC-J, with approval processes streamlined from three months to as little as one to 35 days. "Currently, negotiations are actively underway with 47 investors from Singapore, China, and South Korea, involving potential investments worth RM40.1 billion. "IMFC-J is not just about attracting interest but ensuring that this interest materialises into actual investments—and that is precisely what we are achieving now," he added.
New Straits Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Johor clarifies JS-SEZ amid fears of local marginalisation
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor state government is finalising a detailed roadmap for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), following growing calls from business leaders for clearer policy direction, regulatory details and local inclusion. State investment, trade and consumer affairs committee chairman Lee Ting Han said the government welcomes the feedback and is taking concrete steps to enhance transparency and accessibility for investors, including local entrepreneurs. "We recognise the need for greater clarity. A comprehensive JS-SEZ roadmap will be released this year, outlining sectoral focus, regulatory frameworks, infrastructure development and incentives," Lee told the New Straits Times when contacted today. Lee was responding to recent concerns raised by local industry players, including the Johor Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry president, who said many foreign investors remain in the dark over the SEZ's 11 focus areas and their respective industrial applications. Johor has since launched the official Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFC-J) website - to provide up-to-date information and investor guidance. Lee said the IMFC-J office in Forest City has received over 400 investment enquiries since the start of the year, reflecting strong momentum. He also sought to allay fears that local businesses may be sidelined amid rising costs, wage competition and multinational dominance. "We are committed to ensuring local SMEs and entrepreneurs are part of this journey. Targeted programmes are being explored to link local supply chains with global companies," he said, urging for "further engagement to ensure inclusive, broad-based growth." His remarks come after Johor business chambers cautioned that local players risk being left behind if timely information and support mechanisms are not in place. The association president Datuk Jeffrey Lai voiced his concerns to the media. Lai acknowledged that JS-SEZ is a golden opportunity to attract global capital, but emphasised that it must also uplift homegrown businesses - particularly micro and small enterprises, which form the bulk of Malaysia's business ecosystem. He also called for equal support, citing that SMEs are not footloose like multinationals. They are rooted in Johor, and they need guidance, financing and access, he said. Meanwhile, Johor Bumiputera Chambers of Entrepreneurs and Traders vice-president Datuk Abd Latif Bandi echoed Lai's sentiments. He warned that local businesses, especially startups may risk missing out on first-mover advantages. "There are opportunities in logistics, printing, and supply chain support. But clearer guidelines and business matching are needed," he said. Latif also called for regulatory flexibility and swifter updates to financial status records that can affect loan eligibility, saying that unnecessary delays are hurting genuine businesses trying to grow. Lee, however, maintained that competition from foreign entrants should be seen as an opportunity to uplift local standards and incomes. "In the long run, inviting healthy competition may raise wages and create better opportunities for all," he said.
New Straits Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
JS-SEZ Blueprint in the works, Johor vows local support
ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor state government is finalising a detailed roadmap for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), following growing calls from business leaders for clearer policy direction, regulatory details and local inclusion. State Investment, Trade and Consumer Affairs committee chairman Lee Ting Han said the government welcomes the feedback and is taking concrete steps to enhance transparency and accessibility for investors, including local entrepreneurs. "We recognise the need for greater clarity. "A comprehensive JS-SEZ roadmap will be released this year, outlining sectoral focus, regulatory frameworks, infrastructure development and incentives," said Lee when contacted today. Lee was responding to recent concerns raised by local industry players, including Johor Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (JACCI) president Datuk Jeffrey Lai, who said many foreign investors remain in the dark over the SEZ's 11 focus areas and their respective industrial applications. Johor has since launched the official Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFC-J) website, to provide up-to-date information and investor guidance. Lee said the IMFC-J office in Forest City has received over 400 investment enquiries since the start of the year, reflecting strong momentum. He also sought to allay fears that local businesses may be sidelined following rising costs, wage competition and multinational dominance. "We are committed to ensuring local SMEs and entrepreneurs are part of this journey. "Targeted programmes are being explored to link local supply chains with global companies," he said, urging further engagement to ensure inclusive, broad-based growth. His remarks come after Johor business chambers cautioned that local players risk being left behind if timely information and support mechanisms are not in place. Lai said the JS-SEZ is a golden opportunity to attract global capital but emphasised that it must also uplift homegrown businesses, particularly micro and small enterprises, which form the bulk of Malaysia's business ecosystem. He also called for equal support, citing that SMEs are not footloose like multinationals. "They are rooted in Johor, and they need guidance, financing and access," he said. Johor Bumiputera Chambers of Entrepreneurs and Traders vice-president Datuk Abd Latif Bandi echoed Lai's sentiments. He warned that local businesses, especially startups, risk missing out on first-mover advantages. "There are opportunities in logistics, printing and supply chain support. But clearer guidelines and business matching are needed," he said. Latif also called for regulatory flexibility and swifter updates to financial status records that can affect loan eligibility, saying that unnecessary delays are hurting genuine businesses trying to grow. Lee, however, maintained that competition from foreign entrants should be seen as an opportunity to uplift local standards and incomes. "In the long run, inviting healthy competition may raise wages and create better opportunities for all," he said.
