KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM7.33 billion worth of investment projects had been realised in Iskandar Malaysia from January to April 2021, with 80 per cent coming from foreign investors and the remaining 20 per cent from local.
Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) chief executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim said the realised investment indicated a positive stance of Iskandar Malaysia as it still retains investors' trust.
"We hope this confidence will continue and encourage other investors to see the region as an ideal platform to start, rebuild or expand their business and operations during or in preparation of the post-Covid-19 pandemic," he said in a statement today.
He said Malaysia Investment Development Authority's (MIDA) support and approval for manufacturing projects in Iskandar Malaysia had fuelled the investment growth, namely in transport equipment, electrical and electronics and machinery and equipment.
"We look forward to the delivery of these projects this year despite the present challenges. Last year, projects approved to be developed in this region included those from China, Japan and Singapore," he said.
Overall, Iskandar Malaysia's recorded a total cumulative investment of RM341.4 billion since 2006.
About 61 per cent or RM209.9 billion of the investment has been realised, led by the manufacturing sector followed by logistics, tourism, creative services and healthcare services sectors.
Ismail said IRDA had announced its venture into modern farming early this year as a new promoted economic sector in the region.
"We are excited and convinced that this can be achieved because there is a genuine need to improve food security and a huge demand for continuous food supplies for the country and our neighbour, Singapore.
"With the abundance of land in Johor and the state's ambition to become a 'Food Bank' plus Iskandar Malaysia's strong Smart City core, we would like to welcome investors and partners to the region to work together in developing, driving and benefiting from the modern farming initiative," he said.
Iskandar Malaysia is also developing several programmes to build and strengthen the human capital resources in the region under its SECURE@IskandarMalaysia initiative.
Specific programmes such as the 'IM Medical Sector Upskill' programme aims to strengthen workers advantages in the healthcare services sector, while the 'Community Capacity Building' programme helps to boost individuals' skills and adaptability to the various opportunities that may spill over from the investments the come into the region.
IRDA said the ready human capital resources would be beneficial to domestic and foreign investors seeking to quickly get their foot on the ground and start their business and operations in the region.
Partners in Iskandar Malaysia, such as government agencies and authorities, developers, healthcare services providers, educational services providers, tourism industry players, are ramping up their activities to not only maintain operations and offerings during the pandemic but also continue creating and adding value to what the region can offer to investors, visitors and locals alike.