JOHOR wants to strengthen its position as an investor-friendly state by extending its fast-lane concept to all 16 local councils by the end of this year.
Johor housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said presently, only Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu) had the fast-lane concept, which started last year.
“From the RM60.9bil worth of investments Johor received in 2022, about 80% is in Kulai, which shows that the fast-lane concept for MPKu is successful,” he said.
He added that the state government was ready to implement the fast-lane concept at all 16 local councils, which would help Johor become more attractive to investors.
Mohd Jafni, who is also Bukit Permai assemblyman, said priority would be given to local councils located under Greater Johor Baru, namely Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) and MPKu.
He said the fast-lane concept had succeeded in reducing bureaucracy and allowing investors to more easily start a business.
“We have already discussed implementing the concept with all local councils in Johor and with Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) and Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC).
“We are currently refining the fast-lane standard operating procedure (SOP) to make it uniform for all local councils,” he added.
Mohd Jafni said the SOP would then be sent to Local Government Development Ministry to see if it needed more upgrades.
“Once it has received approval from the ministry, we will then implement the fast-lane concept at all local councils by the end of this year.
“We need to move quickly and offer interesting initiatives to investors, indirectly opening up more job opportunities.
“We will do our best to facilitate the affairs of investors in licensing, documentation and applications because we want investors to feel comfortable and confident to invest in Johor.”
