ISKANDAR PUTERI: The state is embarking on an ambitious journey to transform its economy and elevate living standards under the newly unveiled Johor Economic Transformation Plan (JETP), says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The Mentri Besar said the plan targets comprehensive development across all 10 districts and 16 local authorities, aiming to double the state’s gross domestic product to RM260bil. It also aims to increase per capita income above RM69,000 and create 200,000 skilled, high-income jobs by 2030.
“JETP is the blueprint for Johor’s future. It ensures that every district contributes to and benefits from the state’s growth, moving us towards developed-state status by 2030,” he added.
Onn Hafiz said this in his speech during the Johor State Assembly sitting held at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar here yesterday.
The Mentri Besar said the plan focuses on four strategic interventions: infrastructure readiness, investor-friendly policies, fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, and workforce development.
He said among 32 JETP initiatives, 13 high-impact projects are prioritised for accelerated implementation.
“Johor Baru and Kulai will be developed as hubs for artificial intelligence, high-tech manufacturing, digital economy, aerospace and export-oriented services. Segamat will specialise in high-value crops and biomass processing.
“Tangkak is set to become a strategic transit and agro-tourism centre, while Muar will focus on industrial energy, tourism and high-value food processing.
“Batu Pahat will see growth in manufacturing and processing industries. Pontian will become a hub for blue-green energy and aquaculture,” he said.
“Kota Tinggi will be developed as an energy and green chemistry hub, complemented by agricultural and tourism activities. Mersing will focus on the blue economy and eco-tourism. Kluang will emphasise high-value agro-processing, agriculture and logistics.”
Onn Hafiz said the plan builds on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which has attracted record-breaking investments and economic activity.
“While JS-SEZ is a game-changer, it is only the tip of the iceberg. JETP ensures that prosperity reaches every corner of Johor, not just Johor Baru,” he added.
According to Onn Hafiz, the state recorded RM91.1bil in approved investments as of the third quarter of this year. Projections indicate it could surpass RM102bil, making it the highest investment tally in Malaysia’s history, he added.
Onn Hafiz said despite these successes, there is still underdevelopment because major projects, such as the Electric Train Service linking Johor Baru to Kuala Lumpur, Rapid Transit System (RTS) to Singapore, and Automated Rapid Transit (E-ART) system have yet to be implemented.
He also said the North-South Expressway expansion, East Coast Highway 4 and West Coast Expressway are in the planning or construction stages, while JS-SEZ’s comprehensive blueprint is still being finalised.
Onn Hafiz noted that development efforts focused too heavily on Johor Baru and JS-SEZ, stressing that the plan ensures equitable growth across all districts.
“JS-SEZ acts as a catalyst, a launchpad, but the true north of our vision is to elevate the entire state, district by district, towards a developed-state status by 2030.”
Onn Hafiz said JETP capitalises on Johor’s untapped potential and ensures the state no longer remains in the shadow of its neighbour.
“The state has long been known as a neighbour to a developed nation. Now, we have the tools and vision to stand shoulder to shoulder with advanced economies,” he added.
Onn Hafiz said the plan is expected to create a resilient and diversified economy that provides high-quality employment, strengthens investor confidence and improves the quality of life for all Johoreans.
“The potential of Johor is too great to remain in a small arena. With JETP, we are charting a bold path for the state’s future,” he said.
