Johor bahru: Benefits from Johor's economic development will be felt across all 10 of the state's districts through the implementation of the Johor Economic Transformation Plan (JETP), said Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. The menteri besar emphasized that although the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is expected to be the main catalyst for Johor's economic growth, the state government is ensuring development is not concentrated in only a few areas. He stated that each district will be developed according to its strengths and potential, ensuring that the gains from economic growth are shared equally.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Onn Hafiz highlighted in a recent interview that 'JS-SEZ is just the beginning. JETP covers the entire state, involving all 10 districts.' He elaborated on the specific projects planned for each district, such as the Maharani Energy Gateway project in Muar and a focus on tourism in Tangkak. In Mersing, the emphasis will be on fisheries and tourism, while Segamat will prioritize modern agriculture.
Onn Hafiz reiterated the state government's commitment to ensuring every district receives development benefits that can raise incomes and create more job opportunities. The JETP, unveiled on November 21, 2025, is the strategic framework aimed at propelling Johor to developed-state status by 2030, with goals to double its gross domestic product (GDP) to RM260 billion.
The comprehensive development plan covering 10 districts and 16 local authorities also aims to raise GDP per capita beyond RM69,000 and create 200,000 high-skilled job opportunities for young workers. It was reported that Onn Hafiz stated that the JETP focuses on four main strategic interventions: infrastructure availability, investor-friendly policies, fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, and workforce provision.
The economic focus in Johor Bahru and Kulai will continue to make those two districts hubs for artificial intelligence (AI) development, high-tech manufacturing, the digital economy, aerospace, and export-oriented services. Muar will be developed as a tourism centre and a high-value food processing industry hub, in addition to an industrial energy complex. Meanwhile, Tangkak will serve as a strategic transit centre and agro-tourism destination and Segamat as a zone for high-value crops and biomass processing.
Additionally, Batu Pahat will be strengthened as a processing and manufacturing industrial hub, Pontian as a blue-green energy and aquaculture products hub, and Kota Tinggi as an energy gateway as well as a hub for green chemicals, agriculture, and tourism. Mersing will be developed as a blue economy and eco-tourism hub, while Kluang will be positioned as a high-value agro-processing, agricultural, and logistics hub.