KUALA LUMPUR (July 28): Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) has lauded the government’s Madani Economy Narrative (MEN) and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) as they laid a comprehensive roadmap to elevate Malaysia’s competitiveness, while transforming the nation into an attractive and preferred destination for domestic and foreign investors.

IIB, which is the developer of Iskandar Malaysia in Johor, said that it completely supports the newly proposed policies, particularly those pertaining to establishing a special financial zone, introducing a 15% tax incentive for knowledge workers, and implementing immigration fast lanes.

“These progressive policies will undoubtedly entice investments, contribute to creating a conducive business environment, foster innovation, and attract high-skilled talents to our shores,” IIB president and chief executive officer Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim said in a statement on Friday (July 28).

Idzham believed that the timely implementation of these policies will significantly augment Malaysia’s attractiveness as an investment destination, leading to increased foreign direct investments (FDI) and domestic direct investments (DDI).

“With a particular focus on key promoted sectors such as the global business services (GBS), digital, technology, and innovation industries, we envision an even more vibrant and competitive landscape for businesses and investors alike,” he said.

Moreover, said Idzham, the MEN frameworks resonate deeply with IIB's vision for sustainable economic growth and development, thus, IIB is committed to taking part in achieving the goals set by the MEN.

“We take great pride in being a key player in the nation’s economy, and our contributions have been instrumental in Johor's exceptional performance in attracting FDI in 2022, which marked the highest in Malaysia," he noted.

Meanwhile, Idzham pointed out that the integrated Renewable Energy Zone (RE Zone) in NETR is a venture championed by one of the group's shareholders, Khazanah Nasional Bhd.

“The RE Zone initiative not only opens endless possibilities for the growth of renewable energy infrastructure, (but) also brings us closer to realising our net-zero aspirations, which is integral in achieving our vision to build an inclusive and sustainable metropolis of the future," he said.