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Malaysia’s key economic hubs Penang, Kulim, Klang Valley poised to see rising activity from Johor-Singapore SEZ

It is expected to create around 20,000 skilled jobs, with anticipation that these jobs could command higher monthly salaries

Tan Ai Leng
Published Thu, Jan 23, 2025 · 12:37 PM
    • Market observers view Johor’s growth is not as competition, but as an opportunity for complementary development.
    • Market observers view Johor’s growth is not as competition, but as an opportunity for complementary development. PHOTO: BT FILE

    [KUALA LUMPUR] Active Malaysian hubs such as Penang, Kulim and Klang Valley could stand to gain from the surge of activity driven by the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which promises to expand the nation’s pie rather than divide it.

    “Rather than competing, regions like Penang, Kulim and the JS-SEZ will complement each other, creating a robust network of supply chains that attract multinational investments,” Penang-based Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association president Wong Siew Hai told The Business Times.

    He was commenting on whether the JS-SEZ could steal the thunder from other states in terms of wooing investments, given its proximity to Singapore as well as the string of incentives in the newly launched zone to sweeten its proposition.

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