PETALING JAYA: Johor’s next phase of economic growth will be shaped by major infrastructure developments that are strengthening connectivity, attracting investments and creating new opportunities across industries.
Projects such as the Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link), the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), expanding logistics networks and continued investments in industrial and digital infrastructure are expected to reshape Johor’s economic landscape, reinforcing the state’s position as a strategic gateway for trade, investment and cross-border business.
Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Southern Region chairman Lee Ting Kiat said the state’s ongoing infrastructure developments will define Johor’s next chapter of growth.
“The RTS Link is a game changer for Johor because it gives businesses something they value greatly, which is certainty. Today, businesses have to plan around unpredictable travel times when meeting customers, moving people or travelling across the Causeway. Sometimes it takes an hour, sometimes much longer. The RTS changes that.
“Businesses can plan with greater certainty, and that gives investors and businesses more confidence to grow,“ he said.
These perspectives were shared during a fireside chat titled “How Will Infrastructure Shape Johor’s Next Growth Chapter?” which featured Lee, alongside representatives from Knight Frank Malaysia and Astaka Padu Sdn Bhd. The chat, part of MICCI Southern Region’s monthly get-together, was held in partnership with Astaka Padu and was moderated by PricewaterhouseCoopers partner Benedict Francis.
The RTS Link is expected to strengthen Johor’s competitiveness by improving the movement of people between Johor Bahru and Singapore through faster, more predictable journeys and co-located immigration clearance. It is also expected to strengthen Johor Bahru’s property market by increasing the appeal of residential and commercial developments, particularly within the city centre.
Complementing this, the JS-SEZ is expected to strengthen Johor’s investment proposition and accelerate industrial growth. As more businesses establish or expand their presence in the state, opportunities are expected to extend beyond large investors to manufacturers, logistics providers, engineering firms, technology companies, professional services and other supporting industries.
Lee encouraged businesses, particularly SMEs, to begin preparing now so that they will be ready to benefit from Johor’s transformation.
“SMEs cannot remain where they are today. They need to strengthen their digital capabilities, obtain the right certifications and make use of the government grants and support that are available. Businesses that prepare early will be in a much stronger position as more investments come into Johor and new opportunities emerge,” he said.
