Invest Johor

Spearheading

The Economic Growth of Johor

Unlocking Investment Potential:
The Southern Gateway of Malaysia

We strives to help transform Johor into a regional hub for high-technology, knowledge-based and high investment sectors.

“Johor welcomes investors to see for themselves the opportunities here. Every investment brings us closer to building an inclusive and prosperous state.”

JS-SEZ Joint Investment Forum 2025

YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz bin Ghazi
Chief Minister of Johor

Why Johor?

STRATEGIC
LOCATION

MATURE
INFRASTRUCTURE

PRODUCTIVE
TALENT

FAST-GROWING ECONOMY

COMPETITIVE COSTS OF DOING BUSINESS

PRO-BUSINESS POLICIES & REGULATIONS

Johor’s High-Growth Landscape

Investment Opportunities

Electrical & Electronic Industry

Life Sciences & Medical Technology

Oil & Gas Industry

Food & Agro Industry

Logistic & Regional Distribution

Healthcare

Financial & Business Services

five stages to get easy started here

Investment Journey

Facts & Information

Investing in Johor, Malaysia, can be an attractive opportunity due to its strategic location,
robust infrastructure, and various economic initiatives.

How to Invest?

Tell us which subsector to invest, location, relevant authorities and stakeholders, potential economic and business growth, process and procedures, and relevant policies and regulations is essential for a well-informed decision.

Need appointment?

Once you have an overview of your intended investment and if you need more information, please email us to set an appointment for a preliminary briefing. The appointment can be in person in Johor or via video conferencing

Frequently asked questions

I am interested in investing in Johor. What should I do?

Knowing which subsector to invest first. If you need more information, please email us for a preliminary briefing.

I already set the appointment for a preliminary briefing. Where should I go?

Don’t worry, representative/s from MIDA or Invest Johor will meet you at the airport, or if you feel more comfortable travelling on your own, you can head directly to MIDA state office or Invest Johor office based on the appointment set. The officer-in-charge is waiting there.

I have decided to invest in Johor. What are the requirements?

You are required to register for business through the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM). This can be done online here https://www.ssm.com.my/Pages/Home.aspx#. However, if you are not quite sure or have difficulties registering your business, we are here to help.

What are the relevant approvals I need to apply before commencing my business?

This phase might take a longer time. But don’t worry because officers from MIDA and Invest Johor will facilitate expediting the process for you.

How about the necessary aspects such as hiring workers, licences and permits, connectivity, etc.?

We will help you to fast kickstart your business operation. Please talk to us at MIDA and Invest Johor if you face challenges.

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6 days ago

𝐍𝐎 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐏 𝐊𝐎𝐏𝐈: 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐉𝐎𝐇𝐎𝐑’𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐌Johor’s transformation into Malaysia’s most dynamic growth corridor – powered by foreign direct investment, data centres and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) – is coming with a steep price tag.As capital floods the country’s southern gateway, recalibrating the state’s economy, it is pushing rents and living costs higher for local pockets.“It’s the price we pay for progress,” remarked Invest Johor chief executive Natazha Harris. These challenges include a higher cost of living, congestion, infrastructure strain and rising housing prices, he said.“The first thing you notice is heavier traffic. More people are coming in. And rentals are going up,” Natazha told The Business Times, adding that the state has introduced targeted assistance to cushion the impact.Malaysia’s southern gateway Johor Bahru is attracting a surge of workers and businesses as the JS-SEZ gathers momentum. With over 300,000 people crossing the Causeway and Second Link daily, booming activity is driving up rents and living costs.Johor led investments in Malaysia in the first nine months of 2025 with RM91.1 billion (S$29.3 billion) in approved projects. This was powered by high-value investments in manufacturing, data centres and services.While Johor’s economic momentum is undeniable, the big question is whether affordability can keep pace.Last September, Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced RM209 million in aid – including cash assistance for students, gig workers and low-income earners – part of efforts to balance rapid growth with social stability. 𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐈𝐊𝐄𝐒Few sectors illustrate Johor’s transformation more vividly than property.Daniel Ma, managing director of Nawawi Tie, said when his firm began scouting for office space in Johor Bahru in 2023, prime buildings near Bukit Chagar were renting at around RM4 to RM4.20 per square foot (psf).Today, asking rents in the same tower are between RM5.50 and RM5.80 psf.Nearby developments tell a similar story. Newly completed commercial buildings, such as office space at Coronation Square, are commanding above RM5.50 psf – up from about RM4 just two years ago.He pointed out that the shift is not only limited to offices, as residential is also seeing an increasing rental trend. For instance, a two-bedroom apartment near the city centre that rented for between RM2,000 and RM2,700 a month in 2023 now fetches RM3,500 or more.“More Malaysians working for Singapore companies are choosing to live in Johor Bahru and commute,” Ma said, referring to the upcoming Rapid Transit System (RTS) link connecting Bukit Chagar to Woodlands North.“We expect prices to continue rising as the RTS nears completion,” he added.A recent CBRE | WTW report echoes this sentiment, noting that slower completion rates and a “flight-to-quality” have driven average gross rents from RM4 psf in 2024 to RM4.50 in 2025.This demand is particularly strong for Grade A, transit-linked developments, said Jonathan Lo, director of CBRE | WTW Johor Bahru, noting that tenants increasingly prefer buildings with transit connectivity and integrated amenities, reinforcing the city’s role as a vital cross-border service hub.𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐂𝐎-𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐄Lee Sheah Liang, founder and chief executive of Johor-based co-working space operator Infinity 8, echoed the sentiment, noting that the rental increases have become the norm. “Rentals have surged sharply. In 2023, our Mount Austin facility lease rose 35 per cent, above the usual 10 to 15 per cent increase. We agreed to RM15,000 a month for the four-storey building under a three-year lease ending this year,” he said.Lee noted even more extreme cases among peers and clients, with some rental renewals in 2025 and 2026 surging by 60 to 100 per cent.“Even less popular first or second-floor units are now fetching as much as RM6,000 a month due to intense demand,” he added.Founded in 2017, Infinity 8 operates 14 locations across Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur and Penang. With nine branches in Johor Bahru alone, the firm commands a dominant 60 per cent market share in the city.“Johor is no longer just a cheaper alternative to Kuala Lumpur; it’s evolving into a high-demand market of its own,” said Lee, noting that demand for co-working space continues to increase in recent years.Occupancy at Infinity 8’s Johor sites exceeds 90 per cent, while a new facility near Medini Iskandar secured 40 per cent occupancy before opening in mid-March.Lee attributes that resilience partly to the JS-SEZ, which is drawing trade missions and startups from Singapore seeking a foothold across the border.Co-working desk rates in Johor average RM850 per person monthly, just below Kuala Lumpur’s RM1,100, but well above Penang’s RM700.He noted that Johor’s rise, unlike Kuala Lumpur’s finance-led growth, is built on cross-border integration with Singapore – a dynamic that drives both investment and cost acceleration.𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐏𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐙𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐌𝐄𝐬For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), rising rents are only part of the equation.Teh Kee Sin, adviser and founding president of the SME Association of South Johor, described the current climate as a “triple threat”: climbing wages, rents and logistics costs.Utilities, raw materials and transport costs have jumped 10 to 20 per cent since the pandemic, driven by higher energy prices, global supply chain shifts and subsidy reforms.In mature commercial areas – such as Mount Austin, Sutera and Bukit Indah – rents are up as much as 30 per cent, with renewal hikes reaching 60 per cent in high-demand pockets.“With the exchange rate still three-to-one, it’s very difficult for SMEs to retain local workers. Wages have to rise, which adds more pressure (for SMEs),” said Teh.Payroll costs are becoming a heavier fixed burden, forcing smaller firms to rethink their model. “SMEs can no longer depend on cheap labour. Many are pivoting away from low-margin operations towards value-added businesses,” he said.𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐅𝐄𝐄𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐙𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐎𝐃Increasing costs are being felt more in the daily life of citizens, from housing to the food on their plates.For Johor resident Tyen Chai, the impact is most apparent in food prices. Before the pandemic, she estimated her daily meal expenses at around RM30. Today, she spends at least RM50 on lunch and dinner.“A simple lunch like wanton mee now costs at least RM10. The price increase may only be RM2 to RM5, but you can clearly feel the difference,” she said.Tyen, who lives in Kulai and works in Johor Bahru city centre, has adapted by cooking more at home. But she has also noticed a subtle migration pattern.“City-centre living, particularly near the RTS and Customs complex, is becoming less affordable for young middle-income families. Many are relocating to outer townships such as Bandar Cemerlang, Kangkar Pulai and Seri Alam, trading longer commutes for lower housing costs,” she observed.According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Johor’s annual inflation rate hit 2.3 per cent in December 2025 – the highest among all Malaysian states. A closer look at the Consumer Price Index basket reveals that certain food items in Johor Bahru are now more expensive than in Kuala Lumpur or Penang.In December 2025, a standard packet of nasi lemak in the southern city averaged RM3.48 – a 2.4 per cent year-on-year increase – bringing it nearly level with Kuala Lumpur’s RM3.50 and significantly outpacing Penang Island’s RM3. The price of a cup of kopi-o followed a steeper trajectory – surging 7 per cent annually to RM1.82, surpassing both Kuala Lumpur (RM1.75) and Penang (RM1.55).𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓The competition for talent has intensified as well. “In Johor Bahru, we don’t just compete with companies next door; we compete with the exchange rate across the Causeway,” said Joe Pua, business development manager at money services firm SMJ Teratai.With the Singapore dollar trading more than three times the ringgit, Johor employers face constant pressure to raise wages or lose staff to cross-border offers. While this benefits workers, it squeezes margins for firms already grappling with higher rents and utilities, he added.Pua describes the result as a “dual economy”, where Singapore’s spending power lifts local costs far above national averages.“The main driver of price increases isn’t global inflation. It’s rental pressure. When shop rents rise, cafes and restaurants pass those costs on to consumers,” he said.Pua noted that Johor Bahru has reached a tipping point. Instead of struggling to match Singaporean salary levels, many businesses are pivoting towards automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to maintain their edge.“The shift towards AI is about addressing the manpower crunch. By automating routine tasks, companies are preparing for a future with less manual reliance. If an employee exits for Singapore, the strategy isn’t necessarily to hire a replacement, but to let technology bridge the gap,” he added.#InvestJohor #MajuJohor #Johor #Investment #MajuJohor2030 #JSSEZ ... See MoreSee Less

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6 days ago

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 : 𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐎’ 𝐇𝐀𝐉𝐈 𝐀𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐇 𝐁𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐁𝐃 𝐑𝐀𝐇𝐌𝐀𝐍, 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝟐𝟓𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐉𝐎𝐇𝐎𝐑Invest Johor extends its highest appreciation and deepest gratitude to Yang Berhormat Dato’ Haji Asman Shah bin Abd Rahman, The 25th State Secretary of Johor, for his distinguished service, exemplary leadership, and unwavering dedication to the State of Johor.Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated remarkable commitment, integrity, and professionalism in carrying out his responsibilities, contributing significantly to the strength and effectiveness of the state administration. His wisdom, experience, and steadfast sense of duty have left a lasting impact and set a strong foundation for continued excellence in public service.His years of devoted service reflect a legacy of discipline, sincerity, and a deep sense of responsibility towards the progress and well-being of the state and its people. The values he has upheld and the contributions he has made will continue to be remembered with great respect and appreciation.On behalf of the entire Invest Johor team, we convey our heartfelt thanks for his invaluable service and extend our warmest wishes for continued good health, happiness, and fulfilment in this new chapter of life.May his retirement be filled with meaningful moments, joy, and every success in all future undertakings.#InvestJohor #MajuJohor #Johor #Investment #MajuJohor2030 #JSSEZ ... See MoreSee Less

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6 days ago

Syukur Alhamdulillah, Johor terus melangkah ke hadapan sebagai destinasi utama industri berteknologi tinggi apabila menerima pelaburan strategik bernilai RM900 juta daripada Longda Group, syarikat berteknologi tinggi dalam rantaian bekalan global industri aeroangkasa, tenaga dan kejuruteraan berat, yang dijangka mewujudkan lebih 300 peluang pekerjaan berkemahiran tinggi, khususnya kepada anak muda Johor. Semasa lawatan kerja saya ke China sebelum ini, saya dan delegasi berkesempatan meninjau sendiri operasi Jiangsu Longda Superalloy. Susulan itu, dalam pertemuan rasmi yang diketuai oleh Pengerusi dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Mr. Pu Yilong, perbincangan tertumpu kepada perkembangan pelaksanaan projek di Johor termasuk garis masa pembangunan, pematuhan piawaian teknikal serta pelan pengembangan operasi bagi jangka sederhana dan panjang. Longda memainkan peranan penting dalam rantaian bekalan aeroangkasa global dengan membekalkan superalloys berketulenan tinggi bagi komponen “hot-section” enjin pesawat untuk kegunaan komersial dan pertahanan. Keupayaan ini disokong oleh ekosistem penyelidikan dan pembangunan yang komprehensif termasuk institut aloi suhu tinggi, pusat teknologi serta pangkalan penyelidikan pasca-doktoral, sekali gus membuka ruang pemindahan teknologi dan kepakaran kepada tenaga kerja tempatan. Projek ini turut memberi penekanan serius kepada pembangunan modal insan melalui kerjasama strategik bersama Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), melibatkan pemilihan 30 graduan tempatan untuk menjalani latihan industri di ibu pejabat Singda di China dengan kumpulan pertama seramai tujuh graduan dijadualkan berlepas pada 2 Mac dan satu lagi pengambilan seramai 30 graduan pada tahun hadapan bagi membina bakat Johor dalam bidang teknologi aloi berprestasi tinggi. Terima kasih saya ucapkan kepada Longda Group atas keyakinan dan komitmen untuk memilih Johor sebagai destinasi pelaburan strategik mereka. Semoga kerjasama ini akan terus diperkukuh sekali gus memberi peluang pekerjaan bernilai tinggi kepada anak Johor dan pembangunan bakat tempatan secara mampan. Insya-Allah. Allah Peliharakan Sultan Allah Berkati Johor Kepada Allah Kita Berserah #BangsaJohor #MajuJohor #JSSEZ #JTDC #IMFCJ

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6 days ago

𝐉𝐎𝐇𝐎𝐑 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐑𝐌𝟗𝟎𝟎𝐌 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐀 𝐀𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐋Johor has landed a RM900 million investment from China's Longda Group, a move set to bolster the state's aerospace sector and create over 300 high-skilled jobs.The announcement follows a recent visit by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi to Longda's operations in Jiangsu, China.During the visit, Onn Hafiz met Longda's chairman and CEO, Pu Yilong to finalise project timelines and discuss long-term expansion plans within Johor's industrial ecosystem."This investment reflects continued confidence in Johor as a destination for high-technology industries."The project will generate high-value employment and develop local talent in advanced manufacturing."Longda specialises in high-purity superalloys used in the hot sections of aircraft engines for commercial and defence applications.Its research and development infrastructure, including high-temperature alloy institutes, technology centres and post-doctoral facilities, will support technology transfer and skills development for local workers.As part of the investment, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia will partner with Longda to develop a specialised training programme.The first phase begins on March 2, with seven of 30 selected Johor graduates heading to Longda's China headquarters for industrial training.The remaining cohort will follow in 2027.Onn Hafiz said the project strengthens Johor's role in the region's high-tech industrial ecosystem and supports the state's long-term strategy to attract advanced manufacturing companies.#InvestJohor #MajuJohor #Johor #Investment #MajuJohor2030 #JSSEZ ... See MoreSee Less

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