Belanjawan 2027: IIB mahu percepat pelaksanaan pelaburan di Johor

Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) wants to accelerate investment in Johor through the 2027 budget, aiming to turn investor commitments into real business operations that create jobs and strengthen the local economy. President and CEO Idzham Mohd Hashim announced the steps in the 2027 budget, including tax incentives, skill development, and transportation improvements, capable of boosting Johor's appeal as a high-value investment destination.

"The 2027 budget makes Johor more attractive as an investment destination. Its clear incentives, ongoing cross-border agenda, and focus on skills are spot on," he said in a statement. Key announcements include the enhancement of Global Service Charge (GSH) incentives, offering a 5% tax rate on taxable income for new companies meeting eligibility criteria.

This move could attract more multinational companies to establish cross-border operations in Malaysia, including in financial services, technology, data management, and business sectors. Such steps also support the growth of the global business services (GBS) sector in Medini and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which recorded RM132 billion in investments between 2025 and June 2026.

The launch of the JS-SEZ master plan and action framework planned for late this year is expected to provide a clearer direction for companies seeking to launch or expand operations in Johor. In terms of employment, Idzham said skill development must keep pace with industry needs to ensure new investments generate quality job opportunities and boost local incomes.

"Training must move in tandem with industry needs. Employers need to help explain the skills they require, while education institutions and skill agencies must provide clear career pathways," he noted. Johor's Transformation Plan aims to create over 200,000 new quality jobs by 2030, while the 2027 budget allocates RM8 billion for education and technical and vocational training (TVET), and RM3 billion through the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) nationwide.

Idzham also highlighted support for the e-ART autonomous transit system in Johor Bahru, improvements to bus and commuter rail services, and housing assistance as crucial for attracting and retaining skilled workers. He emphasized that transportation convenience, nearby housing, education, and healthcare are among the factors companies consider when choosing an operational location.

Through GBS Iskandar@Medini, Tech Medini, and EduCity, IIB provides a business ecosystem and skill development to support investors, with Medini attracting 47 GBS companies and creating around 7,200 jobs since 2013. Idzham stated that IIB will continue helping investors accelerate project implementation to ensure investment growth in Johor benefits workers, local businesses, and the community.