JOHOR is on track to achieving at least RM100bil in approved investments by the end of this year.
Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said RM56bil worth of approved investments was achieved in the first and second quarter of this year.
“We are on track to hitting at least RM80bil for the third quarter and by year-end, we are looking at more than RM100bil worth of approved investments,” he said in his speech during the launch of the Maybank Forest City service centre.
He said the state also secured six single family offices (SFOs) worth about RM400mil in Forest City and 30 others have shown interest.
“The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) scheme has also shown some progress as we have received 71 new participants who have purchased their homes in Forest City.
“So, things are moving along swiftly and I expect more positive changes in the years to come.”
Onn Hafiz said Johor would continue to work with all parties, including the corporate sector and federal agencies, to ensure that it lived up to expectation.
“The fact is that Johor is not compared to neighbouring states like Negri Sembilan, Melaka or Pahang.
“We are continuously compared to our neighbour just about 700m away from here, and they are already a developed nation.
“Singapore has decided to work with the Malaysian government to set up the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone ((JS-SEZ) in order to create a win-win situation for all,” he added.
Also present at the launch of the centre was Johor State Secretary Datuk Asman Shah Abd Rahman, Kota Iskandar assemblyman Datuk Pandak Ahmad, Maybank president and group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Khairussaleh Ramli and Maybank community financial services group chief executive officer Syed Ahmad Taufik Albar.
Khairussaleh said the company was excited to support the development of JS-SEZ.
“Over the past two years, we have collaborated with government bodies, industry associations and regulators in Malaysia and Singapore to drive investments in Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ)-focused industries.
“We are also at the forefront of supporting our wealth clients to set up their SFOs in the Forest City Special Financial Zone (FCSFZ).
“This complements our commitment to providing beyond banking support, including advisory services, which positions us as a trusted, values-based partner to our clients,” he said.
He added that the new centre, which was also Maybank’s 67th touchpoint in Johor, was strategically aligned with FCSFZ’s vision to be a regional financial hub while supporting JS-SEZ’s aspirations.
Located within the vicinity of the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFC-J), the Maybank service centre features a consultative-designed space for clients to meet advisors for personalised guidance.
Other features include self-service terminals, virtual rooms with secure videoconferencing with bankers, and a community area for engagements and collaborations.