Given the success of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which garnered RM110 billion in investments within a year of its inception, Onn Hafiz stated that although some have questioned whether the aim is realistic, he remains convinced it can be realised.
“I understand that it could seem excessive, and some people might wonder if it’s possible. However, the RM110 billion achieved last year was also initially thought to be unachievable, so I think we can reach that amount,” he stated. “I know Johor has a lot of potential, and if we really work toward it, we can deliver,” he continued.
He made this statement during an interview with Bernama at Saujana, the Menteri Besar’s official residence, under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj. The Machap state assemblyman Onn Hafiz called last year’s authorised investment statistics “remarkable,” but he emphasised that the JS-SEZ deal, which was inked in January 2025, is “just the tip of the iceberg.” According to him, the JS-SEZ Investment Master Plan and Action Plan’s impending release is anticipated to operate as a major stimulant to boost investor confidence and draw additional capital to the state.
The master plan, which outlines incentives, investment opportunities, and the operating framework for the JS-SEZ, would be unveiled here on 30th March 2026, according to earlier statements made by Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. Currently, the JS-SEZ spans 357,128 hectares and includes a number of development areas, including Iskandar, Forest City, the Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex, and Desaru. Johor Bahru City Centre, Iskandar Puteri, Tanjung Pelepas–Tanjung Bin, Pasir Gudang, Senai–Skudai, and Sedenak are also included in the Iskandar development region. When asked if more trade missions would be conducted to meet the investment goal, Onn Hafiz responded that as more businesses are showing interest in investing in Johor, the state government is organising more missions.
Companies in the US, Singapore, China, South Korea, and Japan are keen to make investments. Every time I travel abroad, a lot of investors ask to meet, but I can’t accommodate them all due to time constraints,” he stated. As a result, he stated that he intends to go back to Shanghai to meet with possible investors that he had previously contacted while on a business trip to China in December of last year.
According to Onn Hafiz, Johor’s partnership with Singapore through the JS-SEZ has greatly increased international investors’ confidence in the state, therefore strong marketing pitches are no longer required to draw in investors. “Because Singapore has a very strong reputation, foreign companies are reassured by Johor’s collaboration with Singapore,” he said. Through its Malaysian subsidiary Singda Superalloy (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, the Chinese high-tech company Jiangsu Longda Superalloy Co Ltd made an investment pledge of approximately RM900 million to Johor during the last working visit.
