Latest news with #IMFCJ
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Johor MB: IMFC-J records over 400 investment enquiries with RM16.71b in committed investments
ISKANDAR PUTERI, June 19 — The Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre-Johor (IMFC-J) has received a total of 439 investment-related enquiries within just five months since its launch in February this year. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the centre also secured 57 potential investments worth RM26.18 billion, along with six committed investments valued at RM16.71 billion. He said IMFC-J is transforming how investments are executed in the state, particularly through the Johor Super Lane (JSL) initiative, which offers fast-track approvals for priority investments by eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy and accelerating decision-making processes. 'This is because we believe doing business in Johor should be easy, efficient, and investor-friendly,' he said during the closing ceremony of the Nikkei Forum Medini 2025, which was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Onn Hafiz said Johor is also ready to meet talent demands through the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC), which also serves as part of the preparations for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). 'JTDC ensures that from day one of investor engagement, talent planning is already on the table. We align your workforce needs with our talent pipeline. 'By 2026, our goal is clear — 10,000 job-ready graduates in sectors aligned with JS-SEZ focus areas such as smart manufacturing, semiconductors, digital infrastructure, and renewable energy,' he said. He also reiterated that Johor welcomes the participation of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member countries in the planning of the ASEAN Industrial Park. 'We welcome your participation and feedback in all these initiatives. Johor stands ready as a committed partner, a willing collaborator, and a responsible custodian of the opportunities entrusted to us,' he said. Earlier, Onn Hafiz expressed his deep honour over Nikkei's decision to select Medini, Johor, as the venue for its international forum, describing it as a reflection of the strong Japan-Malaysia ties and Johor's growing global prominence. Co-organised by Iskandar Investment Bhd and Japan's Nikkei Inc, the two-day Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025 is hosted by the Johor state government with support from the Johor Economic Planning Division, Invest Johor, and the Iskandar Puteri City Council. — Bernama
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Johor receives RM16.71bil investments through cutting red tape, says MB Onn Hafiz
ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFCJ) has received more than 400 enquiries, including six confirmed investments, within just five months, says Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. He said the IMFCJ, along with the Johor Super Lane (JSL) initiative, is transforming how investments are executed in the state by offering fast-track approvals for priority projects and eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy. 'The IMFCJ is more than a one-stop centre, it is a fully integrated federal-state facilitation platform, the first of its kind, and it is already delivering results. 'In just five months, we have received 439 enquiries, including 57 potential investments valued at RM26.18bil, and six committed investments amounting to RM16.71bil,' he said. He said this in his speech during the closing ceremony of the Nikkei Forum here on Thursday (June 19). Also present at the event here was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Onn Hafiz added that the initiatives offer expedited approval processes for priority investments, significantly cutting down red tape and shortening timelines. 'The processing time has been reduced from three months to as little as one to 35 days. 'This is real efficiency. This is smart governance and this is how Johor is redefining investment facilitation,' he said. Onn Hafiz also said the sharp increase in investments this year compared to last year reflects investors' growing confidence in the state. 'Johor recorded RM30.1bil in investments in the first quarter of 2025, a significant leap from RM4.1bil during the same period last year. 'It took us nine months to reach that figure last year. This year, we achieved it in just three months. 'This reflects the trust that both domestic and international investors place in Johor. They see the state's potential, its stable environment, and the consistent spirit of progress that defines us,' he said. More to come
Malay Mail
23-04-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Two family offices set up in Forest City SFZ as 30 more firms eye Johor investment hub
KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 — Forest City's Special Financial Zone (SFZ) in Johor Baru has welcomed its first two family offices — CMY Capital Family Office and Yow Kee Family Office — and is attracting growing investor interest, with 30 other companies expressing intent to establish operations there. Johor Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Lee Ting Han said both family offices have obtained approval from the Securities Commission Malaysia, according to a report published today in The Edge. To qualify for the zone's 0 per cent tax incentive, family offices must manage a minimum of RM30 million in assets and receive SC approval. In a statement by Forest City developer Country Garden Pacificview Sdn Bhd, Lee revealed that 19 of the interested companies are from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Forest City, developed by Country Garden Pacificview — a joint venture between China's Country Garden Holdings Co Ltd and Esplanade Danga 88 Sdn Bhd — is part of the larger Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) aimed at boosting investment. Incentives for companies in the SFZ include a corporate tax rate of 0 to 5 per cent, and a flat 15 per cent income tax for knowledge-based workers. Lee noted that while the Ministry of Finance is still formalising these incentives, applications are currently being assessed on a case-by-case basis to expedite approvals. Tailored incentive packages are also being offered to major investors. To support businesses, the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFCJ) was launched as a one-stop centre offering coordination between investors and relevant authorities. Since January 2025, the IMFCJ has managed over 250 investment-related enquiries.
New Straits Times
23-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
32 firms queue up for Forest City's billion-ringgit financial zone
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Forest City is fast becoming a magnet for regional investment, with 32 companies expressing interest in setting up operations in its newly minted Special Financial Zone (SFZ), a key component of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Of the 32, at least 19 are looking to establish family offices, with interest pouring in from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Two companies namely CMY Capital and Yow Kee Family Office have secured approvals from the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), marking them as pioneers in the zone. Johor Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs, and Human Resources Committee chairman, Lee Ting Han said the momentum showed that Forest City was firmly on track of becoming a financial services powerhouse. "All agencies are actively driving investor interest, and we are seeing the results. The government's game plan is working," he said, in a statement today. Lee said CMY Capital and Yow Kee Family Office's entry had set a precedent for others to follow, creating a "demonstration effect" expected to attract a wave of family offices and financial institutions by year-end. Incentives under the SFZ include a zero per cent corporate tax for family offices with a zero to five per cent corporate tax range and a flat 15 per cent income tax rate for knowledge-based workers. The Finance Ministry is working to legally enshrine the packages, with current applications handled on a case-by-case basis to fast-track approvals. Lee said more than 250 investor inquiries have been received since January by the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFCJ), the state's newly launched one-stop hub for investors. "The IMFCJ assigns dedicated account managers to assist with regulatory procedures, local authorities, utilities and federal agency dealings, to streamline what the process," he added. Forest City's momentum also gained traction following Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent visit, which culminated in a landmark Malaysia-China visa waiver agreement and renewed bilateral economic cooperation. In a Facebook post on April 16, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, highlighted the potential of Forest City under this enhanced regional connectivity. "There is great potential for Chinese companies and investors to explore opportunities in Malaysia, as it aligns with regional connectivity high-quality development under China's Belt and Road Initiative. "With strong strategic incentives and a favourable location, the Forest City SFZ within the JS-SEZ has emerged as one of the region's prime investment destinations," Sultan Ibrahim posted. Lee said engagement with anchor investors was ongoing, with the government ready to offer pre-packaged, tailored incentives to suit strategic investment needs. "With strategic location, investor-friendly incentives and political support, Forest City is emerging as Southeast Asia's next frontier for high-value financial investments," he added.
