While the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Service Centre Johor has been established to interface with investors as a one-stop centre, Akmal acknowledged that real friction often arises behind the scenes: in overlapping approvals, unclear timelines and fragmented coordination between federal and state agencies.

“That is where the blueprint comes in. It will sharpen sector priorities, align implementation responsibilities and clarify what types of investments Malaysia wants the zone to attract,” he said, noting that the priority is not just in value terms, but in productivity and spillover potential.

“It is not only about bringing investment… It is about increasing productivity and the quality of outcomes,” said Akmal, who was appointed and sworn in on Dec 17, 2025.

Investors, SMEs and spillover effects

Big-name multinationals (MNCs) often dominate attention around special economic zones, but Akmal is keen to ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are not left behind.

“It’s not just about the big names,” he said. “Large investors play an important anchoring role, signalling confidence and drawing others into the ecosystem. But the zone’s long-term success depends on whether SMEs benefit through supply chains, services and partnerships.”

Akmal said about 1,000 enquiries from SMEs have been recorded, including interest from Malaysian, Johor-based and Singaporean SMEs.

Some worry that heightened competition could squeeze margins, but Akmal argued that competition, if managed well, can raise productivity across the board.

“Healthy competition can benefit everyone. The key is spillover where SMEs can become part of the value chain, not just spectators,” he said, adding that the ecosystem built by MNCs and SMEs will be critical in ensuring the zone delivers not just capital inflows, but also sustainable economic upgrading.

Johor’s semiconductor ambition

One of the most ambitious narratives around the JS-SEZ is Johor’s emerging role as Malaysia’s third semiconductor hub, alongside Penang and the Klang Valley.

Akmal linked this potential to Johor’s recent success in attracting data centres, which underpin digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.

These investments, he noted, lay the foundation for higher-value digital and advanced manufacturing activities that can generate more high-quality jobs for Malaysians. This is a priority for Akmal, who is also the member of parliament for Johor Bahru.

“Even so, we are building ecosystems around 11 priority sectors, not chasing isolated projects… The idea is not to single out one or two sectors,” he said.

Akmal stressed that the authorities are looking at how investments or specific projects can complement different industries and reinforce one another.

For instance, the Southern Agropolis development in Sedenak – a joint venture between Singapore-based Archisen and government-linked Southern Catalyst – will create an agrifood hub that integrates farming, agritech and foodtech, food processing and logistics activities.

Against this backdrop of rising data-centre and semiconductor-related investments, Akmal sees Johor’s trajectory as being aligned with Malaysia’s push to move up the value chain beyond packaging and testing into design, chip fabrication and other higher-value activities.

Consistency over speed

Akmal stressed that the primary lesson for Malaysia is not speed, but consistency. “Policy continuity, institutional stability and sustained investment matter far more than quick wins,” he said.

He highlighted that Johor possesses the structural foundations to support this long-term ambition: abundant land, competitive business costs and an existing industrial base, all anchored by its proximity to Singapore and a burgeoning pool of young talent.

“With steadfast consistency, it is not far-fetched for the zone to emerge as a major regional growth centre over time.”

Source: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/asean/johor-singapore-sezs-rm68-billion-fuels-states-record-investment-haul-interest-swells