logo
Johor tops Malaysia's investment charts with RM30.1b in Q1 2025

Johor tops Malaysia's investment charts with RM30.1b in Q1 2025

Malay Maila day ago

JOHOR BARU, June 11 — Johor recorded the highest investment performance in Malaysia for the first quarter (1Q) of 2025, with approved investments amounting to RM30.1 billion, positioning the state as the national leader in investments.
State investment, trade, consumer affairs, and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han said the achievement was the result of an inclusive and forward-looking investment strategy driven jointly by the federal and state governments.
'A large portion of these investments focused on high-impact service sectors such as logistics, data centres, and modern business facilities, in line with Johor's aspiration to become a hub for the digital economy and high value-added industries.
'This success was also supported by various strategic initiatives, including the establishment of the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre as a key facilitator for investors, as well as close collaboration with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), federal agencies, and local authorities,' he said in a statement uploaded to his Facebook page today.
He further added that strategic developments such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which has gained attention from international investors, and ongoing improvements to the state's infrastructure such as roads, ports, and energy systems, have also been key catalysts for the increased investments.
He noted that consistent and stable policies for investors, including industry-friendly initiatives through the Johor Fast Lane, and the availability of skilled labour through the Johor Talent Development Council, have also played a crucial role in attracting high-quality investments.
'Our highest appreciation goes to all parties who contributed to this achievement, including civil servants, industry players, investment promotion agencies such as IRDA, MIDA, Invest Johor, utility providers like Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Ranhill SAJ, and the business community.
'The Johor state government remains committed to strengthening the investment ecosystem, attract more high-quality investments, creating job opportunities for the people, and ensuring balanced and inclusive developments.
'Johor continues to advance as a new economic powerhouse in the region with sustainable policies and long-term planning,' he said. — Bernama

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Rising costs top concern of Malaysian businesses: HSBC survey
Rising costs top concern of Malaysian businesses: HSBC survey

The Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Sun

Rising costs top concern of Malaysian businesses: HSBC survey

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian businesses are grappling with rising costs and persistent supply chain disruptions, prompting them to reconsider their strategies and investment plans. According to HSBC's 2025 Global Trade Pulse Survey, the ongoing changes in tariffs and evolving trade policies continue to exert pressure on local companies, reshaping the landscape for growth and operations. Insights from the survey capture the perspectives and intentions of more than 5,700 international firms across 13 markets, including Malaysia, on the challenges and outlook related to tariffs and global trade. The survey found that, currently, the biggest concern for more than half of Malaysian businesses (55%) is rising costs due to tariffs and other trade-related factors. In response to this, 42% of Malaysian businesses have shifted their focus to domestic markets, prioritising local customers and reducing international exposure while 40% of businesses plan to do the same. In addition, the survey showed 37% of Malaysian businesses have increased their inventory levels to manage supply disruptions, with 49% planning to do so as well. Despite global uncertainties, 250 Malaysia-based companies surveyed are optimistic about their international growth but need external strategic advice on the matter, the findings showed. Furthermore, 91% of companies are confident that they can grow international trade, surpassing the 89% global average. More encouragingly, 73% believe that trade uncertainty has prompted their business to evolve and explore new opportunities, while 55% are seeking strategic advice on international expansion, restructuring or supply chain realignment. Considering current trade dynamics, Malaysia-based businesses are adapting their trade strategy to significantly increase connections with China (61%), South Asia (55%) and North Asia (44%). Beyond Asia, Malaysian businesses also plan to trade more with Europe and the United States (both 32%). HSBC Malaysia CEO and head of banking Datuk Omar Siddiq said despite the challenges posed by the uncertain tariff and trade landscape, businesses in Malaysia are demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the way they operate. 'While supply chains may be further reconfigured, there continues to be strong potential for local companies to leverage on Malaysia's strong trade ties, particularly in Asia. Having said that, it is key to note that markets like the US remain key trade destinations for Malaysia for high-value sectors such as electronics and semiconductors,' he said in a statement. While managing costs is top of mind for Malaysian businesses during this period of global uncertainty, the HSBC survey noted that companies are using the opportunity to innovate and adopt new technologies to boost operational efficiencies. It showed that 64% of Malaysian businesses have adopted new technology or digital platforms, while 48% have developed new products and services. Other growth opportunities that Malaysian businesses are considering include shifting their focus to domestic or regional growth (57%) and improving their internal efficiencies or changing their cost structures (54%). During the current period of trade disruption, Malaysian businesses find cash and liquidity management as the most helpful form of support in managing working capital (64%), followed by improved payment terms with buyers and suppliers (56%) and supply chain finance (55%). 'With over 70% of Malaysian businesses anticipating sustained cost increases from the impact of tariffs and trade uncertainty on the cost of doing business, and businesses facing an average 18% drop in revenue, the imperative for strategic adaptation is clear. 'Despite uncertainties, the world is also full of opportunities. Navigating this climate requires not only agility, but strong partnerships to ensure sustained growth in a shifting global economy,' Omar said.

Asean's ambition of being world's fourth biggest economy by 2030 well within reach: Tengku Zafrul
Asean's ambition of being world's fourth biggest economy by 2030 well within reach: Tengku Zafrul

The Sun

time2 hours ago

  • The Sun

Asean's ambition of being world's fourth biggest economy by 2030 well within reach: Tengku Zafrul

KUALA LUMPUR: Asean's ambition to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030 is well within reach, provided the region sustains an annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate between 4% and 5%. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz highlighted the region's robust growth prospects at the official launch of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan today. 'Our economists have thoroughly analysed the growth projections for all Asean economies under current conditions, and we are confident that the targets are indeed achievable,' he said. Tengku Zafrul noted that the Asean Secretariat projects regional GDP growth at 4.7% for 2025, as presented at the latest Asean Economic Ministers' Meeting. 'But things are very dynamic. It depends on the global economic situation. The IMF (International Monetary Fund) will also produce their forecast of global growth,' he said, stressing the need for vigilance amid shifting external factors. Tengku Zafrul emphasised the AEC Strategic Plan's role in keeping Asean's policies current and responsive to evolving business needs and emerging challenges. 'As the first instalment of this long-term vision, the plan serves as a comprehensive roadmap that outlines a clear and actionable path forward,' he said. The plan has been carefully crafted to implement the economic aspects of the Asean Community Vision 2045, leveraging the region's vast opportunities and potential. A key pillar of the plan is the establishment of a forward-looking digital economic framework, which is expected to double Asean's digital economy to US$2 trillion (RM4.5 trillion) by 2030. The focus on digital transformation, alongside sustained economic integration and resilience, positions Asean to not only achieve its growth targets but also to strengthen its global influence. On the domestic front, Tengku Zafrul sees positive signals from foreign investors in Malaysia, with no indication of existing investors withdrawing their commitments despite ongoing global uncertainties. 'So far, no existing investors have expressed any intention to exit Malaysia. They remain committed to their investments, and no cancellations have been announced.' However, he observed that new investors are adopting a more cautious, 'wait and see' approach, influenced by heightened geopolitical tensions – particularly between the United States and China – and broader global volatility. Looking ahead, Tengku Zafrul said his trade negotiations in Washington on June 18 will focus on reducing tariffs on Malaysian exports. 'The negotiations are essentially to address the current tariff structure, where the US has imposed a 24% tariff on Malaysia. Our first goal is to bring that down.' The second objective is to identify key sectors where Malaysia believes tariffs should be reduced even below the 10% floor, targeting industries important to both Malaysian exporters and the US economy. In April, the US government announced new tariff measures affecting more than 60 countries, including Malaysia. The implementation of these tariffs has been paused for 90 days to allow room for negotiations.

Nuclear energy partnership the way forward for S'pore and M'sia, says researcher
Nuclear energy partnership the way forward for S'pore and M'sia, says researcher

Free Malaysia Today

time3 hours ago

  • Free Malaysia Today

Nuclear energy partnership the way forward for S'pore and M'sia, says researcher

Linking the border regions of Malaysia and Singapore, the JS-SEZ is nearly twice the size of China's Shenzhen – a success story that Malaysia is hoping to emulate. (File pic) PETALING JAYA : Incorporating a nuclear energy partnership into the Johor-Singapore special economic zone (JS-SEZ) will mark the way forward for collaboration between Malaysia and Singapore, argues an energy transition researcher. Victor Nian, the founding co-chairman of the Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources, said as JS-SEZ is set to become a defining project for industrial and economic collaboration between the two nations, it will need 'stable, 24/7 carbon free energy'. In a commentary published by Channel News Asia, he said current clean energy solutions could not quite keep up with the energy-intensive sectors the JS-SEZ hoped to attract. 'Solar energy cannot provide round-the-clock reliability even with battery energy storage, while hydrogen is expensive and lacks infrastructure and regulations for large industrial applications. 'Nuclear energy, on the other hand, offers a more realistic solution. It has been proven to provide reliable baseload electricity with zero emissions, such as in France, Spain, South Korea and the US,' he said. Linking the border regions of both countries, the JS-SEZ is nearly twice the size of China's Shenzhen – a success story that Malaysia is hoping to emulate. Nian pointed to the Krsko nuclear power plant in Slovenia near the Croatian border, the ownership of which is split equally between Slovenia and Croatia, with both nations sharing the electrical output and responsibility for nuclear waste. 'Krsko has delivered stable electricity to both countries for decades. 'A similar model could work for the JS-SEZ, bringing together Malaysia's land availability and regulatory readiness and Singapore's financing capabilities and intention to import clean energy from the region,' he said. Nian also said there is an opportunity for collective technology transfer and supply chain development, pointing to how Japan, South Korea and China have strengthened domestic nuclear industries through partnerships with established nuclear states. 'The JS-SEZ could do the same for Malaysia and Singapore. Talent development is already stated as a goal of the JS-SEZ. 'Nuclear energy requires a highly skilled and well-educated workforce. Both Malaysia and Singapore have the ability and the motivation to form academic and vocational training programmes supporting the nuclear energy sector,' he said. Nian said while such a partnership would not be easy to pull off, there is a clear path to success that builds on the existing relationship between the two countries and past efforts. He underlined the need to address domestic social and political sensitivities and geopolitical considerations, and called for both nations to collaborate in doing so. 'Again, there are international examples to follow. South Korea and Finland engaged with their citizens to build support for nuclear adoption. 'A Singapore-Malaysia endeavour would need to proactively be transparent in communication and initiate public consultations and educational initiatives to help shape public attitudes,' he said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store