Maybank president and group CEO Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli
KUALA LUMPUR: Malayan Banking Bhd
(Maybank) has facilitated more than RM15 billion into the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), comprising RM10 billion in committed financing and up to RM5.35 billion in investment interests via letters of intent (LOIs) from clients.
In a statement, the bank said the financing and investment cover the entire spectrum of client segments, ranging from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to mid-cap companies and large multinational corporations.
Maybank elaborated that all these clients play key roles in the supply chain of JS-SEZ-focused industries, including high-value manufacturing, the digital economy, food security, healthcare, and logistics.
"Total financing of approximately RM120 million to five Johor-based SMEs and mid-cap corporations was also announced, with letters of offer extended to Cape EMS Bhd, Haily Construction Sdn Bhd, NES Packaging Sdn Bhd, MCH M&E Sdn Bhd, and TSH Manufacturing Solution Sdn Bhd,” it said.
According to Maybank, it has also facilitated client LOIs to the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), which includes a RM3 billion LOI from Equalbase, a Singapore-based sustainable industrial real estate developer.
"This investment aims to expand 2.2 million square feet of facilities in Senai, supporting green-certified supply chain operations and tech-enabled jobs - further boosting the JS-SEZ’s appeal to top multinational tenants.
Additionally, Maybank also announced LOIs of RM2.35 billion from Alpine Renewables and Edible Oils Pte Ltd, Centurion Corporation Ltd, and Thomson Medical Group Ltd for projects over the next 3-10 years.
"Building on these commitments, Maybank is extending financing and other banking solutions to support these plans,” it added.
Maybank president and group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Khairussaleh Ramli said the bank has collaborated with government bodies, industry associations and regulators in Malaysia and Singapore to drive investments in JS-SEZ-focused industries, strengthen SME ecosystems and build more resilient supply chains, including Johor’s Halal ecosystem, over the past two years.
"We are also at the forefront in supporting our wealth clients to set up their Single Family Offices (SFOs) in the Forest City Special Financial Zone (FCSFZ) - this complements our commitment to providing beyond banking support to include advisory services, positioning us as a trusted, values-based partner to our clients.
"Our latest Forest City Service Centre reinforces our commitment in the JS-SEZ and FCSFZ, while advancing our M25+ digitalisation initiatives of creating a space where efficiency, convenience and human connection can co-exist in the age of artificial intelligence (AI),” he said. - Bernama
