JOHOR BARU: The RM27.4bil in investments Johor received in the first quarter of this year - its highest ever - is a positive sign of good things to come, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The Johor Mentri Besar added that most of the investments consisted of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the pharmaceutical, information technology, artificial intelligence, manufacturing and semiconductors sectors.
“The RM27.4bil of investments is a figure that we are very proud of. This is just the beginning because the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) has just started and has received such a positive response,” he said.
Onn Hafiz said this to the media after attending a Visit Johor Year 2026 townhall session with local tourism industry players at a hotel here on Thursday (April 17).
He added that a forum on the JS-SEZ will be jointly held by both governments on Monday, with some 800 companies having expressed interest in attending.
“Investments into Johor will surely be increased in the near future,” he said, adding that the forum would help attract more investments into the state.
Earlier in his speech, Onn Hafiz said the RM27.4bil investments in the first quarter of this year were the highest the state has ever recorded.
“It even surpassed the total investments we achieved within the first nine months of last year, which was RM20bil,” he said, adding that the state government's efforts were bearing fruit.
On Wednesday, Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim said the state has recorded a total investment of RM27.4bil for the first quarter of this year.
He said the achievement was driven by the JS-SEZ and other initiatives aimed at attracting further investments.
Tunku Ismail added that, in addition to focusing on investment, priority is also being given to strengthening Johor's education and infrastructure.
"Just as I emphasised when I was appointed as the Johor Regent, I will ensure that the standard of education in the state is enhanced. The state government has allocated RM55mil to improve the education system.
"Regarding the flood mitigation project, which was originally scheduled for completion in 2029, I have decreed that it be expedited and completed no later than 2027," he said in a Facebook post.
He added that the state's infrastructure has always been a key focus, alongside improving education standards, quality of life, and the economy, all of which are essential to ensuring Johor's continued progress and competitiveness.
Tunku Ismail also commended Onn Hafiz, the state government, the private sector, and all those involved in introducing and implementing initiatives that will further elevate Johor.
