Johor Bahru: The implementation of the Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD) is set to transform Johor Bahru city centre into a world-class business hub, said Johor state housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor. He stated that the strategic initiative is not merely a physical development plan, but a comprehensive policy document encompassing economic, social, environmental, and mobility aspects, aligned with sustainable development principles championed by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi through the MAJU JOHOR agenda.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative focuses on urban regeneration through active participation of the private sector and local communities, in line with the Johor-Singapore Economic Zone (JSEZ) spirit that drives cross-border connectivity and investment, adopting the Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) model. Mohd Jafni shared that the IIBD is projected to increase economic value from RM208 million in 2023 to RM21 billion by 2040, with several new development zones including an innovation hub, heritage areas, shopping precincts, urban parks, and an integrated public transport infrastructure.
Mohd Jafni highlighted that the IIBD also aims to raise job density from 9,300 to 34,000 employment opportunities and gradually increase the urban population to create a vibrant, friendly, and safe community. He noted that green and wellbeing elements are prioritised through the ‘Greening and Cooling the City’ project, which includes the development of urban parks, pedestrian walkways, bicycle lanes, and eco-friendly technologies such as floating wetlands.
The project will introduce improved urban lighting systems, secure back lanes, and family-friendly community spaces to enhance the sense of security among city residents. Elaborating further, Mohd Jafni mentioned the project’s target for smart mobility through the construction of a medium-scale public transport system, integrated parking, and non-motorised route networks, supporting the state’s ambition towards a smart, low-carbon city.
Mohd Jafni committed to ensuring the initiative becomes a reality that delivers direct benefits to the people, particularly Johor Bahru residents and surrounding areas. He expressed the intention to work collaboratively to ensure that every development is inclusive, high-impact, and aligned with the aspirations of Johoreans for a more sustainable, productive, and competitive future city.
The post also mentioned that the implementation will be led by IIBD (Johor) Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with technical agencies and local authorities, under the supervision of the IIBD Steering Committee and Working Committee. The IIBD Steering Committee is chaired by the Mayor of Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) and the Johor Deputy State Secretary (Development), with Mohd Jafni serving as an advisor to ensure alignment with state government policy.