ISKANDAR PUTERI: A five per cent tax rate on qualifying income for eligible new Global Services Hub companies could boost Johor's bid to attract high-value regional operations as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) records RM132 billion in investments.
Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) president and chief executive officer Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim said the incentive could attract regional functions in finance, technology, data management and business management.
The JS-SEZ recorded RM132 billion in investments between 2025 and June 2026, with its master plan and blueprint expected to be launched by year-end.
Idzham said IIB would focus on turning investment commitments into operating businesses, quality jobs and opportunities for local suppliers.
Johor is targeting more than 200,000 new quality and inclusive jobs by 2030.
The 2027 Budget allocates RM8 billion for technical and vocational education and training (TVET), including RM3 billion through HRD Corp.
The Bakat Madani initiative targets 30,000 new jobs nationwide in 2027, with tax deductions for companies providing training under the programme.
The Johor Talent Development Council recorded 7,773 job placements between January and April this year, with a reported placement success rate of 45 per cent.
Idzham said transport links and affordable housing would also be important in attracting businesses and retaining skilled workers.
The budget includes support for an Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit system in Johor Baru, improved bus and commuter rail services ahead of the RTS Link opening, and an expanded Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme worth up to RM20 billion to assist 80,000 first-time homebuyers.
Medini has attracted 47 global business services companies and about 7,200 jobs since 2013.
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