JOHOR BARU: The Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD) project will be the “tonic” to revive the economy in Johor, says Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad.

       He cited the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project, which connects Bukit Chagar here and Woodlands in Singapore and the Gemas-Johor Baru electrified double-tracking project, that is a part of IIBD.

       This, Hasni added, would strengthen the city’s position as the main international gateway.

       “The IIBD covers 100ha of land right in the middle of Johor Baru Sentral.

       “It will transform this area into the southern gateway of Malaysia and it will be the next best option to live, work and play in South-East Asia after Singapore,” he added.

       Hasni said the two mega projects would become the main contributors to the state’s economic recovery that in turn, would be impactful towards development growth within the city and the people’s well-being as a whole.

       “When the two projects are completed, it will directly support IIBD’s presence and strengthen Johor Baru’s position, which is strategically located next to Singapore,” Hasni said.

       “It will become the main land entry point from the island republic into the country.

       “When IIBD is completed, we will be able to enjoy more strategic investments in various sectors through the completion of international standard infrastructure,” he said in his speech during the swearing in ceremony of new Johor Baru mayor Datuk Noorazam Osman yesterday.

       Hasni added that such investments into the state would place Johor Baru on par with or even higher than Kuala Lumpur.

       He also expects to see a mass migration of youth, especially those from outside Johor, into the state’s capital city.

       “This is due to vast opportunities offered as a result of these strategic investments,” he added.