Johor will continue working with new Federal Govt, says state exco member

Johor investment, trade and consumer affairs committee chairman Lee Ting Han. (Photo by THOMAS YONG)

SENAI: The Johor state government will continue working closely with the new Federal government to attract foreign investors into the state.

Johor investment, trade and consumer affairs committee chairman Lee Ting Han said it was important for both the Federal and Johor governments to put national interests above political matters.

"The presence of foreign investors will not only benefit each state but will bring economic spillover for the whole country," he said.

Lee told this to reporters at the ground breaking ceremony of the RM80mil Sun Bus Tech Sdn Bhd plant at the Senai Airport City industrial park near here on Wednesday.

He said there were two stages that prospective investors have to go through when planning to invest in Malaysia.

"Approving the investment projects, incentives or tax relief comes under Federal authorities and agencies," said Lee.

He said on the other hand, the state gives approval for development planning of the plant which comes under the respective local council where the investor is planning to set up operations.

Lee added land matters pertaining to the setting up of a plant also comes under state purview as well as utility supplies.

"Although Barisan Nasional is now the Opposition at Federal level and Johor is under Barisan, we are professionals when handling the investment-related matters," he said.

Lee said interest remains strong in Johor as the state continues to receive enquiry from foreign investors to invest in the high-tech sectors.