HIS Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has played a pivotal role in the economic growth and development of Johor, say groups here. They said His Majesty’s wisdom, business acumen, and attention to detail have contributed significantly to the southern state becoming one of the top investment destinations in the country.
The groups noted that key projects such as the development of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the Special Financial Zone (SFZ), the Rapid Transit Link (RTS), and the easing of conditions for Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme were made possible with the push from His Majesty.
Low said Sultan Ibrahim’s guidance and advice have helped the state government make the right and best choices for Johor.
Johor Baru Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCCI) president Low Kueck Shin said His Majesty’s guidance and advice have helped the state government make the right and best choices for Johor.
“His Majesty is a very smart man who is well versed in economics and business, among many other things. Through his years of experience, His Majesty was able to clearly see if a policy or proposal would work well in Johor.
“This allowed His Majesty to give the best advice to the state government. I think this has really helped in the state’s development over the years,” he told The Star.
Low said His Majesty has successfully carried the legacy of his late father, Sultan Iskandar Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail, and other Johor modern sultanate Rulers in developing the state.
“Previous Johor Sultans have also portrayed similar wisdom, allowing the state to grow from a small town to the metropolitan that it is today.
“Despite not having many natural resources like other states, Johor has seen rapid economic growth. This is only possible because we have business-savvy Rulers.
“This is the same trait we see in His Majesty, and I am very sure that he would do the same for Malaysia now that he is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said.
He said that he had seen how the late Sultan Iskandar went all out to assist in the development of Johor, a spirit that is also seen in Sultan Ibrahim.
Sharing a personal experience, he said that the late Sultan Iskandar, and his father, the late Tan Sri Low Nam Hui, had also worked hand-in-hand to push for Johor to have its own port after the separation of Malaysia and Singapore in 1965.
“There was no port in Johor after our separation from Singapore. In 1967, my late father, who was then the president of JBCCI, brought forward the chamber’s proposal for there to be a port in Johor.
“The late Sultan Iskandar, who was then the Raja Muda, was very supportive of the proposal as he was able to see how this could spur the state’s economy.
“Sultan Iskandar played a very active role in this. Sultan Iskandar and my father later went to see the then Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and other ministers to push for the idea.
“Similarly, His Majesty has also gone all out many times to push for the development and welfare of the people,” he said.
He added that His Majesty’s close relationship with other countries, especially next-door Singapore, has also allowed Johor to attract more foreign investments.
“His Majesty’s good relationship with leaders from other countries has helped Johor in many ways, and I believe that he will also now use this to benefit all Malaysians,” he said.
Fuad said Sultan Ibrahim’s role in stabilising local politics also helped to draw more investors to the state.
Echoing a similar sentiment was Johor Baru Bazaar Karat Development and Welfare Association president Fuad Rahmat, who added that His Majesty’s role in stabilising local politics also helped to draw more investors to the state.
“Political and economic stability are two very important key factors that investors consider when deciding whether or not to set up businesses in an area.
“As the Ruler, His Majesty is the symbol of stability. His Majesty has also always emphasised the importance of political stability, calling on politicians to close ranks in order to maintain peace.
“This has helped to gain and maintain the confidence of both domestic and international investors, allowing the state to see a progressive economic growth,” he said.
Fuad added that His Majesty has always put his power and position as the Ruler to good use by instructing the state government and relevant agencies to carry out their duties effectively.
“As the Ruler, His Majesty knows that he has a very powerful voice, and he has always used the voice for the benefit of the people. This includes pushing for economic initiatives that could spur the local economy,” he said.
He added that the association has also benefited from His Majesty’s active role as a Ruler who always urged the state government to look into the welfare of local traders.
“The state government, under the guidance of His Majesty, has allocated RM1mil under Budget 2024 for petty traders to be given new tents for their businesses,” he said.
Krishnan said many developments in Johor are made possible or progress at a rapid pace because of Sultan Ibrahim’s push.
Johor Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry secretary-general Datuk K. Krishnan said many developments in Johor are made possible or progress at a rapid pace because of His Majesty’s push.
“His Majesty is a vocal person who has never shied away from calling out state or Federal government leaders when needed for the benefit of the people.
“Things like the RTS link or the SEZ may not have been possible without His Majesty’s encouragement. Even if such projects were to be implemented, they would not be moving as fast as they are now without His Majesty’s push.
“Johoreans are very lucky as we have a Ruler who looks into all these things, and I am glad that the whole of Malaysia will also enjoy similar benefits now,” he said, adding that His Majesty will spur the country’s economy during his reign as the King.
He added that such projects will have significant positive impacts on the people and businesses in Johor, especially with many still in the midst of recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, Johor investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resource committee chairman Lee Ting Han said His Majesty’s insights and wisdom have been instrumental in assisting the state government in developing the best policies for the people.
“His Majesty is able to see things that most of us may not be able to see as he has vast experience in managing and boosting the development of Johor.
“As a Ruler, His Majesty always reminded us to focus on putting our plans into action rather than merely coming up with things that only look good on paper,” he said.
Lee said Sultan Ibrahim’s insights and wisdom have been instrumental in assisting the state government in developing the best policies for the people.
He added that His Majesty’s public call to push for certain developments has helped move Johor and Malaysia in the right direction.
“His Majesty’s and Johor’s good relationship with Singapore has also made talks and negotiations very smooth, including on the much-awaited SEZ,” he said.
Lee said the SEZ is set to be finalised by this year and will bring the state and Malaysia to greater heights.
“We still need to discuss many things with Singapore regarding the SEZ, including the QR code system, digitalised cargo clearance, and joint training programmes.
“However, we already have set the parameters of the SEZ through the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) in January and will stick to the plan of finalising everything by this year for now,” he said.
Malaysia and Singapore signed an MOU to set up the JS-SEZ on Jan 11, just two months after the 10th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat in October, when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong agreed to jointly develop the economic zone.
In a joint statement following the MOU signing, Economic Minister Rafizi Ramli and Singapore’s Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong said the two countries are exploring several initiatives as they work towards establishing the economic zone.
The initiatives include implementing a passport-free QR code clearance system on both sides, adopting digitised processes for cargo clearance at the land checkpoints, and co-organising investor forums.
Other initiatives include setting up a one-stop business and investment service centre in Johor, curating training and work-based learning initiatives, and developing joint promotion events between the two countries.
