JOHOR BAHARU: Iskandar Malaysia recorded RM7.98 billion in new investments in the first quarter of this year.
It brought the cumulative committed investments secured to RM166.10 billion from 2006 until March 31, 2015.
Announcing the investment figures, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said of the committed investments, RM78.53 billion or 47 per cent represented those realised as projects on the ground.
He said domestic investments made up RM102.34 billion or 62 per cent while the rest were from foreign players.
“We continue to see strong support from Singapore, China, the United States, Spain and Japan.
“However, it is the domestic investments which truly reflects the confidence in the region’s development,” said Mohamed Khaled after launching the Synergy Cloud Data Centre at Senai Business Aviation Terminal, here yesterday.
Also, the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) co-chairman, he said of the cumulative committed investments, the bulk were from the manufacturing sector which accounted for 31 per cent or RM50.82 billion.
He expressed delight that Iskandar Malaysia was on track to realise its vision.
He said with the launch of the enhanced Iskandar Malaysia Comprehensive Development Plan (CDPii) by the second quarter of this year, it would provide an insight into the outlook and opportunities in Iskandar Malaysia, as the venture moves into the third phase of maturity in 2025.
From 2007 to 2014, there were 651,536 jobs created in Johor in various sectors, namely manufacturing, hospitality, food & beverage, and education.
“The local community must embrace the change that is happening and see the emerging opportunities from these investments which have poured in.
Seize the chance to be a pioneer in a new field, or innovate an existing product to support a main sector,” Mohamed Khaled said.
Meanwhile, IRDA Chief Executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim said there had been encouraging feedback and demand for the CDPii as many potential and existing investors, as well as market research observers were interested in knowing what has been enhanced in the master plan.
“There is definitely more focus on social and environmental management, and all the strategies and directions have been laid out systematically to ensure Iskandar Malaysia develops in a sustainable manner economically, socially and environmentally,” he added. — Bernama