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As Johor votes, investors watch for continuity in cross-border growth push

Key question is whether the next administration can keep momentum for JS-SEZ and other projects

Tan Ai Leng
Published Thu, Jul 9, 2026 · 12:00 PM
    • Johor posted the highest growth rate among all of Malaysia’s states in the first quarter of 2026, with 8% economic growth.
    • Johor posted the highest growth rate among all of Malaysia’s states in the first quarter of 2026, with 8% economic growth. PHOTO: TAN AI LENG, BT

    [KUALA LUMPUR] Johor voters head to the polls this Saturday (Jul 11) in a high-stakes state election that analysts and industry players say is unlikely to slow the southern state’s Malaysia-Singapore growth pact.

    However, it could shape the stability and execution momentum behind them.

    At the centre of those growth plans is the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), Rapid Transit System Link, and a wave of investments and infrastructure projects that have made Johor a central pillar of one of South-east Asia’s most ambitious bilateral growth corridors.