RTS Link, JS-SEZ To Shape Johor's Next Growth Chapter
KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 (Bernama) -- Projects such as the Rapid Transit System (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.
The projects are also set to reinforce the state's position as a strategic gateway for trade, investment and cross-border business, according to the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) (Southern Region).
In a statement today, its chairman, Lee Ting Kiat, said Johor's ongoing infrastructure developments would define Johor's next chapter of growth.
"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.
He added that 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.
Greater certainty in cross-border travel is expected to improve labour mobility, facilitate business collaboration and give companies greater confidence when planning operations and making investment decisions across the Johor-Singapore corridor, he said.
At the same time, the state’s property market, including residential and commercial segments, would grow stronger, particularly within the city centre.
On JS-SEZ, Lee said 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.
While incentives play an important role, infrastructure readiness, connectivity and established industrial ecosystems would remain key considerations in investment decisions, he said.
Meanwhile, Lee encouraged small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to prepare themselves to benefit from Johor's transformation.
"SMEs 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 added.
-- BERNAMA