(From left) Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group group chief executive Laurent Kleitman, Destination Resorts and Hotels (DRH) interim group chief executive officer Karina Ridzuan, Kota Tinggi district officer Miswan Yunus, Onn Hafiz, DRH chairman Datuk Mohamed Nasri Sallehuddin, Permodalan Darul Ta’zim Sdn Bhd president and group chief executive Datuk Ramlee A Rahman and Symphony Asia Holdings principal Laxman Vaidya at the signing ceremony. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
Global hotel group takes over resort as Johor, S’pore govts give emphasis to sector
THE state government is working closely with hotels to develop talents in the tourism and hospitality sectors, says Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The effort, he said, would ensure the success of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) which would benefit locals.
“To ensure that the JS-SEZ becomes a success, we are working on our human capital.
“In Johor, we have a rule that ensures our people enjoy positive impacts from anything we do,” he said in his speech at a resort in Desaru Coast.
Onn Hafiz said of the 1,500 workers employed in Desaru Coast, 70% were from Johor.
“The figure gives me comfort but we are not stopping there.
“We are working closely with the hotel industry to ensure that our people go through the proper training.
“We want them to be trained to a standard that is on par with that used by world-class hotels.” he said.
Onn Hafiz said this in his speech after announcing the official appointment of Mandarin Oriental as the new operator of the resort that had previously been managed by One & Only.
He said the hotel group’s decision to expand into Johor reflects a resounding confidence in the future of the state and Desaru Coast as rising global destinations.
“Mandarin Oriental is a symbol of elegance, world-class hospitality and architectural excellence.
“The fact that Johor has been chosen to host only the second Mandarin Oriental property in Malaysia in nearly 30 years, speaks volumes.
“It is a clear testament to Johor’s and Malaysia’s growing stature, strategic value, and untapped potential,” he emphasised.
The Mentri Besar said the hotel group’s presence was timely as the Malaysian and Singaporean governments had only recently confirmed their collaboration in the zone.
“Johor is in a very unique position and we have a very interesting journey ahead, as we signed the agreement for the JS-SEZ in January this year.
“The drawing up of the agreement was done in record time, seeing as the idea of the special zone was mooted and its memorandum of understanding was signed in January last year.
“Desaru is one of the flagship areas of JS-SEZ and tourism is a sector that both governments will give special emphasis to,” he said, adding that the Johor government was prepared to assist the hotel group.
The announcement negated reports in the past few months of the closure of the One & Only Desaru Coast resort.
Onn Hafiz clarified that there was a change in operator and a rebranding initiative of the resort.
The property is expected to join the Mandarin Oriental portfolio this month, ahead of a full rebranding in January 2026.
