31-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
JS-SEZ, RTS and Digital Push: Johor backs 13th MP as roadmap to future
JOHOR BARU: Johor welcomed the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) as a strategic and timely blueprint that aligns with its Maju Johor agenda and ambition to become a developed state by 2030.
Johor Maju is the state's vision to achieve developed status by 2030 through inclusive, sustainable, and high-impact growth. It focuses on strengthening the economy, upgrading infrastructure, and improving the rakyat's quality of life.
Key priorities include the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), digital transformation, and green development.
State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han said Johor recorded the highest gross domestic product (GDP) in the country with 6.4 per cent.
"It proves Johor is on the right track, and 13MP will further fuel this
"The 13MP supports Johor's vision through the recognition of JS-SEZ as a regional economic driver, and by streamlining cross-border investment via the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFC-J)," he said in a statement today.
Key infrastructure projects under 13MP include the Gemas–Johor Baru double-tracking, the Elevated ART (E-ART) system in Iskandar, and Senai Utara–Machap PLUS upgrades, all aimed at strengthening regional mobility and logistics.
The RTS Link to Singapore was described as a "transformational project" that will ease border congestion, support daily commuter flows, and enhance Johor–Singapore economic integration.
Lee also welcomed the planned expansion of Tanjung Pelepas port to boost maritime trade capacity and Malaysia's regional logistics standing.
On social development, the inclusion of the Sultanah Aminah Hospital 2 will ease congestion in Johor's healthcare system and expand public access to medical services.
Johor also lauded the plan's focus on AI adaptation, digital infrastructure and high-value data centre investments, in line with its growing role as a national leader in digital, renewable energy and semiconductor industries.
13MP's support for green economy efforts, including AIR2040 water reform, smart grid systems, and battery energy storage, he said was timely to reinforced Johor's sustainability agenda.
The recognition of Johor as a host state for the Strategic Tourism Investment Zone (STIZ) was also welcomed.
Lee said it will boost tourism growth in the run-up to Visit Johor Year 2026.
"RMK13 is a comprehensive roadmap that will elevate Johor's development, empower its people, and reinforce our position as a new engine of national growth," he added.
