Since the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) was formalized in January, Kluang—located over 100km from Johor Bahru—has seen a 30% rise in investor and business enquiries, especially in manufacturing, logistics and tourism. Businesses such as Kluang Coffee Powder Factory and logistics firm SSAT are expanding capacity and projecting sales increases of up to 50% and 15% respectively. Local authorities have identified Kluang as a potential satellite city to the SEZ, with infrastructure upgrades including the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double Track Project and Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link expected to enhance connectivity and position Kluang as a logistics hub. Land costs in Kluang remain competitive at MYR 158 (EUR 32.62) per sq ft compared to MYR 393 (EUR 81.13)  per sq ft in Johor Bahru. However, business leaders have warned of potential infrastructural strain and called for comprehensive zoning and infrastructure planning. Agro-tourism operators such as Zenxin Organic Park and UK Farm anticipate long-term gains if the SEZ incorporates agritechnology and food production. Other Johor districts such as Muar, Batu Pahat, and Segamat are yet to see significant spillover but have been identified as potential secondary beneficiaries depending on transport connectivity and local sector strengths. Johor recorded MYR 30.1 billion (EUR 6,21 billion) in approved investments in Q1 2025, the highest in Malaysia, and the state government continues to emphasize equitable development across all 10 districts. (ICE KUALA LUMPUR)

Fonte notizia: 31 luglio 2025, Kuala Lumpur