KUALA LUMPUR – Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) today, welcomed Budget 2023 tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament yesterday.
IIB president and chief executive officer Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim said the budget, themed ‘Belanjawan Madani’ reflected the government’s responsibility in the wake of the current global economic challenges laden with uncertainties.
“The budget allocation is an upward revision from the RM372.3 billion budget tabled by the previous government in October last year.
“IIB has played its role for more than 16 years in developing and successfully delivering signature and iconic projects in Iskandar Puteri.
“This year’s budget bodes well for IIB as we strive towards our business goals of the focused core business units, namely property development, property investment, education and ecosystem building,” he said in a statement.
In line with the New Investment Policy, one of the mentioned initiatives to stimulate investment in the technology and the high-impact sector is the announcement that Invest Malaysia Council and the National Committee on Investment will lead efforts to accelerate the approval of high-potential projects.
In addition, the government is also committed to reducing bureaucracy, including providing incentives to local authorities that facilitate the implementation of approved investments to ensure that investment efforts can be accelerated.
“Iskandar Puteri will continue to capitalise on the government’s strategy to strengthen Iskandar Malaysia’s development by establishing a special economic zone with competitive incentive packages to attract international investors.
“IIB has been playing its part in developing Iskandar Puteri by providing soft infrastructure through job creation, business opportunities for entrepreneurs, talent development, and elevating the quality of life in Iskandar Puteri,” said Idzham.
He also said the government’s strategies and initiatives for the year comprehensively propel the nation’s economic growth.
“The government is focusing on talent development as a pull factor for foreign investors to invest and operate in Malaysia through international cooperation with foreign multinational companies by providing apprenticeship opportunities.
“This is in line with IIB’s aspiration to drive up the levels of a skilled workforce in Johor. Our collaboration with local and international companies in creating an inclusive and skilled workforce through apprenticeships is a step toward creating high-income jobs in Iskandar Puteri.
“IIB lauds the unity government for continuing its efforts to promote good governance, transparency, integrity, and efficiency, particularly in government procurement,” he added. – The Vibes, February 25, 2023
