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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3 days ago

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Invest Johor

4 days ago

𝗦𝗠𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗣 𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗧 𝗠𝗦𝗠𝗘 𝗥𝗢𝗟𝗘 𝗜𝗡 𝗝𝗢𝗛𝗢𝗥-𝗦’𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗛𝗨𝗕SME Corp Malaysia will intensify efforts to ensure that local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) play a significant role in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), in line with the agenda of strengthening the segment’s resilience and contribution to the national economy.Its chief executive officer Rizal Nainy said the strategic collaboration with the Iskandar Regional Development Authority will focus on the active participation of Johor’s MSMEs in the investment value chain, including as suppliers and business partners to domestic and international investors.“This approach aims to ensure that the economic spillovers from the development of the JS-SEZ can be enjoyed inclusively by local MSMEs, thus enhancing their ability to grow and compete at a higher level,” he told Bernama recently.He said SME Corp continues to strengthen the coordination of MSME development policies and programmes across various ministries and agencies to optimise economic impact.In the macro context, Rizal said the 13th Malaysia Plan emphasises the MSME scaling agenda as a key driver of economic growth, with a focus on increasing productivity, innovation and market expansion.“The government targets an increase in the percentage of medium-sized firms from 1.6% to 5% by 2030, which is expected to strengthen the country’s economic structure through the expansion of high-impact enterprises,” he said. — Bernama#InvestJohor #MajuJohor #Johor #Investment #MajuJohor2030 #JSSEZ ... See MoreSee Less

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4 days ago

𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗭𝗢𝗡𝗘, 𝗧𝗪𝗢 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗦: 𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗝𝗦-𝗦𝗘𝗭 𝗜𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗔’𝗦 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗬 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗠𝗔𝗣In an increasingly uncertain global trade environment, businesses are under pressure to build resilient supply chains that can withstand disruption while remaining cost-competitive. Singapore and Malaysia’s Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is helping businesses draw on the complementary strengths of both markets. Companies can tap into Johor’s resource advantages, such as land and labour, while remaining plugged into Singapore’s world-class logistics infrastructure, trusted business environment and global connectivity.For logistics players DHL, UPS and Kuehne+Nagel (KN), the JS-SEZ has spurred them to expand their footprint in the region and to manage some of the world’s most complex supply chains spanning healthcare, industrial and e-commerce sectors.Best of both worlds: Cost efficiency meets global connectivityCompanies across manufacturing, logistics and digital industries have long enjoyed the benefits of having “twinned” operations in Singapore and Johor. Mr Edwin Wong, chief executive officer of DHL Supply Chain South-east Asia, said that this model combines Singapore’s world-class connectivity and Johor’s cost-efficient ecosystem – including access to a competitive labour force, ample land for large-scale fulfilment and manufacturing operations, and lower utility and energy expenses.The effectiveness of this model depends on how well companies can orchestrate and optimise operations across both locations. Mr Wong said DHL’s Connected Control Tower (CCT) technology has helped businesses uncover gaps and inefficiencies in their inventory management through real-time tracking and predictive analysis. By leveraging analytics to support network redesign and inventory right-sizing, DHL reveals optimisation opportunities that companies may not have realised. This allows DHL to actively help customers unlock capacity and working capital.Mr Wong said: “Ultimately, it’s about delivering a more efficient supply chain solution for our customers, by tapping into our analytics and utilising the benefits of proximity that the JS-SEZ offers. This provides greater visibility for our customers as we continue to build smarter, more sustainable supply chains across both borders.”Other logistics players have observed similar benefits. KN noted that Johor is particularly attractive for sectors requiring large storage capacity, especially during seasonal peaks when warehousing demand can more than double.While some businesses may choose to relocate their large-scale fulfilment activities for slower-moving goods to optimise costs, Singapore remains a critical node for companies’ regional distribution strategies. Mr Rasmussen explained that Singapore is the preferred hub for value-added services, high-value and time-critical cargo, and rapid market access. Singapore is a global gateway to Asia, with major cities in the region accessible within a seven-hour flight. In 2024, Singapore’s Changi Airport handled 67.7 million passengers and 366,000 aircraft movements. More than 7,200 flights depart each week – close to one every 80 seconds.Mr Wong also noted that Singapore’s extensive network of 29 free trade agreements (FTAs) helps businesses navigate today’s complex trade environment by providing more avenues to reach new trading partners. He said: “Given the current state of global trade, these FTAs enhance our customers’ trade opportunities, offering them greater flexibility for both importing and exporting goods.”Singapore’s strong connectivity networks are augmented by the growing number of free zones in the JS-SEZ. DHL highlights that businesses with Regional Distribution Centres (RDCs) and Global Distribution Centres (GDCs) in Johor can now move goods across the border into Singapore duty-free, eliminating the traditional cash-flow burden of upfront tax payments.UPS recently enhanced its services in Johor with the opening of a new package centre in Senai and a bonded warehouse at Senai Airport. The warehouse allows businesses to store inventory without immediate payment of duties and import taxes, providing the ability to respond more quickly to customer orders and more flexibly manage regional stock levels while ensuring fast and cost-effective distribution to Singapore and beyond.Streamlined cross-border trade and customsSingapore and Malaysia are committed to making it easier and faster for businesses to move people and goods across borders. Initiatives such as passport-free QR clearance to enhance the flow of people and streamlined customs procedures to improve cargo flow are already delivering benefits. A single transhipment permit, for instance, has been launched by Singapore Customs for land intermodal transhipments, enabling goods arriving by truck from Malaysia to be efficiently transferred onto vessels or aircraft in Singapore for global export. This halves the number of permits needed from two to one, cuts processing time by 50 per cent and eliminates the $40 fee that previously had to be paid for each import and export permit application.KN is already seeing the impact of these improvements across its operations in Singapore and Johor. In Singapore, it operates six sites, including its Asia-Pacific headquarters and three fulfilment centres spanning over 75,000 sq m. In Johor, KN has two sites: an office in the city centre and a combined office-and-fulfilment centre at Tanjung Pelepas Port.Mr Rasmussen, managing director of KN Singapore and Malaysia, said: “Our experience with customs clearance and permit processing has been encouraging. Procedures have become noticeably faster and more efficient. One of the most common misconceptions is that the border between Singapore and Malaysia is always congested, making efficient truck crossings difficult. In reality, with proper planning, cargo movements can be managed smoothly.”Ms Ingrid Lorentz Sidiandinoto, managing director of UPS Singapore and Malaysia, said: “In anticipation of the JS-SEZ increasing trade and speeding up customs clearance, we’ve planned ahead for higher volumes. This includes looking at space, staffing, equipment and delivery needs to support future demand from both sides of the border.”To support these cross-border flows, UPS also operates a regional hub at Changi Airport, which consolidates packages from across the region, including Johor. With 22 weekly flights into and out of Changi, all imports and exports from Johor are routed through Changi, enabling Johor-based customers to reach key markets in Asia, Europe and the US more quickly and efficiently.Logistics players are ramping up to serve growing demandThe JS-SEZ is attracting interest across a broad range of industries, from industrial goods to consumer products and e-commerce, all benefiting from the complementary strengths of Johor and Singapore, and the region’s investment opportunities.The healthcare sector, particularly pharmaceuticals and medtech, is driving greater demand for specialised logistics solutions. Logistics players are responding by developing and scaling new logistics models for managing the regulatory, cold-chain and time-sensitive requirements of this highly regulated industry.DHL has been investing ahead of this trend. The company recently invested €10 million (S$15 million) in a new Pharma Hub in Singapore, part of a larger €500 million regional commitment to the life sciences and healthcare sectors. The 8,200 sq m, GDP-compliant facility features specialised cold-chain zones to support fast and reliable pharmaceutical distribution.UPS recently doubled the size of its healthcare logistics footprint in Singapore with the opening of a new warehouse in Tuas, the company’s third healthcare-focused facility in the country. The site is equipped with advanced automation and cold chain technology to handle sensitive healthcare shipments.KN operates a 50,000 sq m logistics hub near the healthcare cluster, with more than 40 per cent of its space configured for advanced cold storage, redressing and postponement. This supports a robust cold chain distribution solution with temperature-controlled distribution of pharmaceutical and medtech products across borders, including into Thailand. The experiences of DHL, UPS and KN spotlight a new operating model that allows businesses to design supply chains that are more resilient, responsive and scalable.With Singapore and Malaysia continuously working to improve regional integration and cross-border connectivity, the JS-SEZ is emerging as an ideal gateway for companies looking to scale their presence across South-east Asia, projected to be the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030. #InvestJohor #MajuJohor #Johor #Investment #MajuJohor2030 #JSSEZ ... 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4 days ago

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗔 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗟𝗟Some places earn their relevance through what they possess. Others must earn it through how quickly they move.Johor belongs to the latter category. Sitting at the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia, separated from Singapore by a narrow strait, the state has always occupied one of Southeast Asia's most strategically enviable positions. Yet for decades, strategic position alone proved insufficient. Proximity generated traffic, not transformation. Connectivity produced commuters, not catalysts. The Causeway became a symbol of daily congestion rather than economic convergence.This is the grounded truth that shapes everything Johor does today: The state does not have the luxury of standing still. The competition for relevance in Asean is accelerating. The window for capitalising on geographical advantage narrows with every infrastructure project completed elsewhere. Standing still, in this context, is not neutral. It is retreat.THE WEIGHT OF MISSED CHAPTERSJohor's story includes several chapters of unrealised potential. The Sijori Growth Triangle, launched in 1990 to integrate Singapore, Johor and the Riau Islands, planted early seeds of cross-border economic cooperation. The concept was sound — pair Singapore's capital and technology with Johor's land and labour. But implementation lagged. Coordination faltered. The region watched as China's Shenzhen and the Pearl River Delta demonstrated what aggressive economic integration could achieve.Iskandar Malaysia, launched in 2006, represented another attempt. Vast land parcels were designated for development. Special economic zones were gazetted. Yet the approach followed a familiar pattern: Build infrastructure first, attract investors later. The results were uneven — pockets of success surrounded by underdeveloped potential.These were not failures of vision. They were failures of velocity. In a region where Thailand was constructing its Eastern Economic Corridor, Vietnam was completing its North-South Expressway and Indonesia was connecting its archipelago through ambitious toll road networks, Johor's incremental approach meant watching opportunities migrate elsewhere.RESPONDING WITHOUT LOSING COHERENCEToday, something different is emerging. The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, formalised in January 2025, represents not just another development initiative but a fundamental recalibration of approach.The numbers tell part of the story. In the third quarter of 2025, Johor recorded RM91.1 billion in approved investments — a dramatic leap from previous years. Nearly 75% of these inflows landed within the JS-SEZ footprint. Singapore-based firms have committed more than RM17.1 billion into Johor, reflecting growing investor confidence in the partnership model.But numbers alone miss the more important shift: Infrastructure is now being tailored to investor needs rather than built speculatively. The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link, reaching 65% completion and targeting December 2026 operations, will move 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction — designed specifically for the workforce integration that economic clustering demands.The approach marks a departure from the "build and hope" model that characterised earlier eras. Grid upgrades are being planned around data centre demand. Customs processes are being streamlined for supply chain velocity. Infrastructure follows strategy rather than preceding it.IBTEC: COHERENCE AT SCALEPerhaps no initiative better illustrates Johor's current approach than Ibrahim Technopolis — IBTEC.Spanning 7,290 acres in Sedenak, IBTEC is being positioned as Asia's largest innovation sandbox. The RM27 billion development will unfold over 25 years, concentrating medtech and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, smart logistics, data centres and agricultural technology within a single integrated ecosystem.The design philosophy matters as much as the scale. IBTEC is structured as a circular city — regenerative, sustainability-embedded and built around the premise that economic activity should strengthen rather than deplete its environment. This is not merely marketing language. It reflects a recognition that global capital increasingly flows toward developments that can demonstrate environmental, social and governance credentials.Within IBTEC, the biotechnology hub will span vaccine manufacturing, genomics, regenerative medicine and gene editing — sectors where Malaysia has historically imported capability rather than developed it. The data centre campus already operational in the zone addresses the infrastructure backbone that digital economy ambitions require.What IBTEC represents is coherence at scale. Rather than fragmenting development across disconnected projects, it concentrates complementary capabilities — creating the density of activity that transforms industrial parks into innovation ecosystems.THE PEOPLE VARIABLEInfrastructure and technology provide necessary conditions for economic transformation. They do not provide sufficient conditions.Johor's leadership has recognised this clearly. The state has set explicit targets for workforce development alongside investment targets — 20,000 high-income jobs as a measurable commitment, not an aspirational estimate. The Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor has compressed bureaucratic timelines and registered over 400 investor enquiries within its first months of operation.But challenges persist. Observers have noted a "significant gap" in engagement with small and medium enterprises, which form the backbone of Malaysia's industrial base. The current framework appears to prioritise large-scale foreign investment, potentially marginalising opportunities for domestic supply chain development and technology transfer.This tension — between attracting global capital and building local capacity — is not unique to Johor. It defines the challenge facing every developing economy attempting to climb value chains rapidly. The resolution will determine whether the current momentum produces sustainable transformation or another chapter of opportunity migration.THE WIDER VIEWJohor's imperative is not unique. It is simply arriving earlier.Across Asean, the pressure to remain relevant in an era of supply chain reconfiguration, digital transformation and capital mobility is intensifying. The Asean Infrastructure Fund's Action Plan for 2025-2028 explicitly acknowledges that infrastructure underpins growth and that member states must coordinate to remain competitive destinations for global investment.Vietnam is expanding transportation corridors. Indonesia is leveraging geothermal potential and digital infrastructure. Thailand continues developing its Eastern Economic Corridor. Each initiative reflects the same underlying reality: In a region competing for the same global capital flows, standing still means falling behind.The places that succeed will be those that move with velocity while maintaining coherence — that build infrastructure to serve strategy rather than hoping strategy will follow infrastructure, that develop people alongside projects and that create density of capability rather than scattering efforts across disconnected initiatives.THE VIEW FORWARDFrom Johor, the view forward is one of constrained urgency. The state has moved from planning to execution with a speed it has not demonstrated in previous cycles. Investment is flowing. Infrastructure is advancing. Frameworks are being implemented.Whether this momentum is sustained — whether IBTEC becomes the ecosystem its design promises, whether JS-SEZ delivers the integration its structure enables and whether workforce development keeps pace with investor expectations — remains to be determined.What cannot be in question is the imperative. Johor operates under pressure not because its leaders have chosen pressure but because geography, economics and competition have imposed it. Proximity to one of the world's most efficient economies creates opportunity. It also creates the benchmark against which all performance will be measured.This is the view from a place that cannot afford to stand still: Clarity about the cost of inaction, urgency about the window of action and determination to ensure the next chapter differs from those that came before.#InvestJohor #MajuJohor #Johor #Investment #MajuJohor2030 #JSSEZ ... See MoreSee Less

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