Johor sets eyes on Asean investors

Talking business: Natazha explaining the state’s investment plans during an interview with The Star. — THOMAS YONG/The Star

JOHOR BARU: Johor is looking to attract investments from Asean nations to mitigate the impact of global uncertainties, says Invest Johor chief executive officer Natazha Harris (pic).

He noted that Asean remains relatively stable, making it an attractive region for investments, particularly in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

When asked about the retaliatory trade tariffs between the United States and China, Natazha said there has been no direct impact so far and even if any consequences were to arise, they will likely be felt next year.

He also revealed that Invest Johor is in the process of corporatisation by next month, which will allow the new government-linked company, Invest Johor Sdn Bhd, greater flexibility and autonomy in securing investments for the state.

“We hope this will help cut bureaucracy. We will actively promote the whole of Johor as an investment destination,” he said in an interview after attending the inaugural Johor-Indonesia Economic Business Forum 2025 here.

Currently, various agencies, such as the Iskandar Development Authority, Iskandar Investment Bhd and Johor Corporation, focus on targeted investment promotion.

Natazha said Invest Johor will also play its role in attracting investments into the JS-SEZ, target­ing 50 to 100 high-growth projects over the next five to 10 years.

“Each of these multi-national companies will be investing a minimum of about RM200mil in the zone,” he said, adding that digital economy is one of the targeted sectors.

Currently, Johor hosts around 20 operational data centres, with an additional 40 in the pipeline, said Natazha.

Johor’s strategic advantages, he said, lie in advanced manufactu­ring, digital economy, logistics and warehousing as well as health tourism.

“Our food processing sector, especially in halal certification, is also strong as it is recognised in over 100 countries worldwide,” said Natazha.

Johor is also eager to expand cross-border trade with Indonesia, he added.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Consul General in Johor Baru, Sigit Suryantoro Widiyanto, highligh­t­ed the potential for stronger trade ties as Johor’s exports to Indonesia accounted for only 6.99% or RM29bil of Malaysia’s total RM418bil exports to the republic last year.

Similarly, Johor’s imports from Indonesia stood at 4.81% or RM18bil out of Malaysia’s total RM380bil imports, he said, hoping to see Johor’s trade figures with Indonesia reach at least 10% by next year.

Tourism is another area for expansion, Sigit added, noting that 1.36 million Indonesians ­visited Johor last year.

“We expect the figure to increase, especially with Visit Johor Year approaching next year,” he said, adding that Johor remains a popular medical tourism destination for Indonesians.