Beyond Johor, Singapore companies looking at Klang Valley, Penang for Malaysia expansion

Congestion at land crossings and a thirst for talent have seen more SMEs turn to other Malaysian cities, says SBF’s Malaysia country head

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Tan Ai Leng

Published Thu, Nov 2, 2023 · 05:00 AM

SBF country head for Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines Tan Teck Lee (right) and Malaysian Investment Development Authority executive director of investment promotion Najihah Abas (centre) at the briefing during SBF’s visit to Malaysia. PHOTO: SBF
The Singapore Business Federation has organised a workshop to Malaysia for 21 delegates from 19 Singapore companies. PHOTO: SBF
The delegates visiting iStore iSend warehouses in Selangor, which also provide e-commerce fulfilment services. PHOTO: TAN AI LENG, BT
Twenty-one participants from 19 Singapore companies attending the five-day workshop organised by SBF that took them to Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Johor Bahru. PHOTO: SBF
The delegates visiting one of the property sales galleries in Johor Bahru to know more about the latest industrial developments in the state. PHOTO: TAN AI LENG, BT
Delegates with the State Investment, Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Lee Ting Han at Johor state administration centre. PHOTO: TAN AI LENG, BT

[KUALA LUMPUR] When it comes to expanding in Malaysia, more Singapore companies are looking beyond Johor and seeking opportunities in Klang Valley and the northern state of Penang, said a senior executive at the Singapore Business Federation (SBF).

Klang Valley is an urban area comprising the capital Kuala Lumpur and its suburbs and adjoining cities in the state of Selangor.

While Johor is still the first choice for most Singapore companies, congestion at the land crossings and a growing need for talent have seen them turn to other cities, said Tan Teck Lee, SBF’s country head for Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines.

Malaysia Singapore Business Federation Asean Business Asean Enterprise Singapore SMEs Singapore SMEs

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