Kuala lumpur: 103° Free Commercial Zone (FCZ), a 55-hectare integrated industrial property developed via a collaboration between Equalbase and Sunway Group, has officially commenced operations in Sunway City Iskandar Puteri, Johor.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, real estate developer Equalbase, headquartered in Singapore, stated that the first two warehouses, spanning a combined 1.5 million square feet, have been fully occupied by international operators DSV and GXO Logistics Inc. Both have initiated their respective operations. The full occupancy rate highlights robust and sustained demand, enhancing Johor's attractiveness as a preferred destination for foreign direct investments (FDIs).
The third warehouse, measuring 750,000 square feet, is slated for completion in early 2027, with an additional one million square feet expected by early 2028. The broader FCZ master plan aims to deliver over six million square feet of integrated industrial real estate across four phases, reinforcing Malaysia's role as a high-value regional distribution hub. Development is being expedited to meet rising demand, thereby consolidating Malaysia's position in this regard.
Located within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), 103° FCZ facilitates business operations across both markets while maintaining proximity to major manufacturing, trade, and logistics networks throughout Southeast Asia. It is notably the first development to receive fast-track approval under the Johor Super Lane (JSL).
Equalbase CEO Nicholas Bischoff emphasized that as supply chains continue to adapt to uncertainties, sustainable and resilient logistics infrastructure becomes increasingly crucial. He stated that the development aligns with Malaysia's New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 by creating high-value job opportunities.
Sunway City Iskandar Puteri CEO Gerard Soosay remarked that 103° FCZ enhances integrated townships as key economic nodes in the Johor-Singapore corridor. He noted that global operators are actively seeking opportunities to establish a presence in line with the JS-SEZ momentum. Through their partnership with Equalbase, they are delivering world-class logistics infrastructure that adheres to ESG standards.
DSV Regional CEO for APAC contract logistics, Catherine Soo, expressed pride in being the first third-party logistics provider to operate in both Singapore and Malaysia, seeing it as a step toward realizing the 'twinning' synergy envisioned under the JS-SEZ.
The phased rollout allows new occupiers to establish an early presence within the JS-SEZ while the logistics hub scales progressively over time, contributing to the long-term economic vibrance of the southern gateway. Equalbase, known for its sustainable industrial real estate development, specializes in modern logistics and industrial spaces across Asia, while Sunway Group stands as one of Southeast Asia's leading conglomerates.