Johor Economic Transformation Plan unveiled
ISKANDAR PUTERI:The Johor state government today unveiled the comprehensive Johor Economic Transformation Plan (JETP), a strategic roadmap for district-level development across the state leading up to 2030.
The plan sets three key targets: doubling the state's gross domestic product (GDP) to RM260 billion, raising per capita GDP to above RM69,000, and creating 200,000 high-skilled, high-income jobs.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said JETP not only charted the state's economic direction but also mapped the focus and role of each district to ensure balanced, high-impact development throughout Johor.
"JETP focuses on four main strategic interventions: infrastructure readiness, investor-friendly policies, fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, and workforce development," he said.
"Out of 32 initiatives under the plan 13 high-impact initiatives have been identified, prioritised, and will be fast-tracked for implementation."
Under the plan, Johor Baru and Kulai are designated as hubs for artificial intelligence (AI), high-tech manufacturing, digital economy, aerospace, and export-oriented services.
Segamat will focus on high-value crops and biomass processing, while Tangkak will develop as a strategic transit hub and agro-tourism destination.
Muar is set to become an industrial energy complex as well as a centre for high-value food processing and tourism, while Batu Pahat maintains its strength in the manufacturing and processing industries.
Pontian will be strengthened as a blue-green energy and aquaculture hub; Kota Tinggi as a gateway for energy and green chemistry while leveraging agricultural and tourism assets; and Mersing will focus on the blue economy and eco-tourism.
Kluang will serve as a high-value agro-processing and logistics hub supporting the state's supply chain.
"Johor's potential is too great to remain confined to a small playing field.
With the right infrastructure, skilled talent and consistent policies, we can stand alongside developed nations," Onn Hafiz said.
He also cited the late Singapore founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew's 1990 speech, which foresaw Johor's potential to leap forward if given priority in technical development and infrastructure.
"When Johor prospers, the benefits to the nation will be far greater. Johor has the potential to become 每日大赛's 'next engine of growth'," he added.
JETP aims to ensure that development across Johor is inclusive and balanced, spanning all 10 districts and 16 local authorities.
The plan also positions the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) as a catalyst and stepping stone rather than the final destination, with the ultimate goal of a fully developed Johor by 2030.