KULAI – The Fast Lane programme, which aims to promote Johor as an investor-friendly destination by cutting bureaucratic red tape faced by foreign investors in setting up businesses here, will be expanded to other districts this year.
State Housing and Local Government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said this following the success of the programme after its implementation under the Kulai Municipal Council since early last year.
According to Jafni, half of the investments that flowed into the state last year, reported to be worth RM63.9 billion, were businesses that were set up in the Kulai district.
“Previously, it would take up to 12 months for a foreign entity to set up their businesses in Johor but with the introduction of the Fast Lane programme, this process was cut short to four months,” said Jasni.
He said that business owners now are allowed to install machinery and equipment needed for their factory or premises before the building’s construction is completed.
“In the past, the business owner needed to wait for the construction of their factory to be completed before they could set up the machinery inside the premises. But under the Fast Lane programme, they can start installing the necessary equipment as soon as the premise’s construction is 60% completed.”
He added that the introduction of the programme also encourages investors to bring in their subsidiaries and partners into the state.
“The state had endorsed for the programme to be carried (out) by the other 10 local councils in the state this year.”
Meanwhile, the Bukit Permai assemblyman said that he is currently dealing with the issue of “illegal” factories in Batu Pahat.
Jafni said there are about 50 factories in the area that have become illegal after the owners expanded their premises without the authorisation of the local council.
“We’re currently conducting a whitening process in Batu Pahat. Among others, we suggested for these businesses to relocate to centralised industrial areas available since there are also factories that currently sit on agricultural land.” – The Vibes, January 15, 2023
