4 mega projects to become catalysts of Johor's development

The Forest City and High-Speed Rail projects are two of four mega projects that will become the catalysts of Johor's development, the prime minister said.

Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the other two mega projects were the Gemas-Johor Bahru electrified double tracking project and the Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex.

"What's more, if these projects are blended with the development designed at the state and district levels that we are launching today, I'm confident that the future of Johor is bright despite the uncertain economic scenario," he said at Educity here Sunday.

Najib, who is also Finance Minister, is on a working visit to Johor to launch the Johor Strategic Growth Plan and the Second Iskandar Malaysia Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP II).

The prime minister commended the state government and the Iskandar Regional Development Authority's (IRDA) initiative in formulating the Johor Strategic Growth Plan (PPSJ) and CDP II.

"We need a careful and comprehensive planning so that it can provide direction in developing the state in order for it to remain a major contributor to the country's economic growth," he said.

According to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Johor recorded the highest domestic direct investment (DDI) approved in the manufacturing sector, accounting for RM27.96 billion, while foreign direct investment (FDI) approved was RM3.14 billion, he said.

"These statistics show that Johor recorded the highest investment in the manufacturing sector in 2015 (DDI and FDI), totalling RM31.1 billion or 41.6 percent of the total investment in Malaysia," he said.

Najib, who is also IRDA co-chairman, also commended IRDA for its achievement in attracting investments into Iskandar Malaysia since its inception.

"From 2006 till February 2016, the cumulative investments recorded surpassed RM200 billion.

"This is a remarkable achievement and I hope IRDA will continue its efforts in intensifying its investment promotion drives," the prime minister said.

Najib said the PPSJ and CDP II would help assail Johor's stature to greater heights.

"Both plans will also become important benchmarks as well as catalysts for Johor's rapid growth in the future," he said.

In addition, the state government's efforts under the PPSJ culminates in inclusive development, providing fair and equitable progress among districts, groups and individuals, alongside the state's mainstream development strides.

"That's why I was captivated when Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled (Johor Menteri Besar) promulgated the PPSJ as the plan was based on the strength, niche and uniqueness of every district in Johor," he said.

The PPSJ not only supports the national's Economic Transformation Plan but also unleashes the state's real economic potential beyond Iskandar Malaysia, Pengerang and Johor Bahru.

On the other hand, the CDP II (2016-2025) emphasises on three key factors in development planning, including ensuring that domestic or foreign investments derived must be planned and regulated.

In addition, its focus on planning aspects stresses on sustainability while the investments derived should be able to channel the economic spin-offs to areas surrounding its corridor of development.