1.

Introduction
Iskandar Malaysia is one of the economic regions and corridors in Malaysia

which is established in 2006. It covers a total area of 2,300 sq km or 230,000 hectares

and has a total estimated population of 1.74 million in 2012. Iskandar Malaysia brings
in more focused economic and infrastructure investments to an already established
urban conurbation located at the southernmost tip of Peninsular Malaysia. The region
is now moving into its third phase of growth, whereby it has progressed rapidly and
has managed to draw in a large number of investments from both domestic and
international investors. Iskandar Malaysia has successfully completed its major
enabling infrastructure and several of the catalytic projects planned earlier.
1.1

Vision
The vision of Iskandar Malaysia shall remain the same as introduced in CDP

2006-2025, which is to have a strong and sustainable metropolis of international

standing.
1.2

Circle of Sustainability
The circle of sustainability is introduced and it is a holistic and resilient

ecosystem anchored by core elements comprising-wealth generation, wealth sharing

and inclusiveness, and resource optimization and low carbon. Each core element in
the Circle of Sustainability has focus areas that shall be the framework in forming the
future strategic thrusts and key directions of Iskandar Malaysia. This circle shows that
each core element of sustainability is strongly related. Optimal use of regional
resources with focus on low carbon becomes the foundation in generating wealth,
creating equality between ecology and economy.

Fig 1. Iskandar Malaysia Circle of Sustainability. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

1.3

CDPii 2014-2025 Framework

The framework of CDPii 2014-2025 is set to be in line with the principles in

the circle of sustainability that promote holistic ecosystem where wealth is created
and shared equally through optimum use of resources. The holistic ecosystem
provides equal attention in the development of economy, social and environment. So,
the holistic ecosystem and the circle of sustainability will serve as a guide for the
framework.

Fig 2. Framework of CDPii 2014-2025. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

2.0

Current Growth
In the CDP 2006-2025, emphasis was given to establish Iskandar Malaysia

through infrastructure development and catalytic investments, while in CDPii 20142025 it is more focus on strengthening the foundation and ensuring a continuous and
sustained growth. To the third stage of development, Iskandar Malaysia contributes
significantly to the economy of the state of Johor and the southern part of the country.

Fig 3. Evolution of Iskandar Malaysia, 2014. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

At state level, it contributed nearly three quarters of the States Gross

Domestic Product (GDP) and about 47.0 percent of the employment. The GDP of
Iskandar Malaysia in 2012 was estimated at RM47.01 billion with GDP per capita
estimated at RM27,025. Iskandar Malaysia is expected to continue growing. The nine
promoted economic sectors (refer to Fig 5.) assists the economy to be rebounded after
the completion of most of the planned catalytic projects. In the next stage of its
development, Iskandar Malaysia shall realign its focus with the New Economic Model
anchored by the Government Transformation Programme and the Economic
Transformation Programme as well as the commitment of Iskandar Malaysia to
become a low carbon society.

Fig 4. Current statistic in Iskandar Malaysia. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

Fig 5. Nine promoted sectors in Iskandar Malaysia, 2014. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

2.1

Outcome and Performance 2006-2013

The performance of Iskandar Malaysia between the period of 2006-2013 was

positive and in accordance to the CDP 2006-2025. Most of the catalytic projects were
completed and commenced operations in 2011 which helps Iskandar Malaysia to
experience significant growth. Positive growth in numerous aspects is outlined below
accordingly.
Firstly, Iskandar Malaysias GDP grew by 4.1 percent yearly to reach RM42.6
billion during 2006 2010. Although the GDP growth of Iskandar Malaysia was
below target during this period, it accelerated to 6.8 percent in 2012. According to
IRDA, the slower growth rate during first five years was partly due to global financial
crisis which had affected many countries.

Fig 6. GDP for Malaysia, Johor and Iskandar Malaysia, 2005 & 2010 (RM million).
Source: CDPii 2014-2025

Secondly, it is about social aspect in Iskandar Malaysia. Total population has

experienced increment higher than projected between 2006 and 2010. Iskandar
Malaysia recorded 1.62 million total population in 2010 and 1.74 million in 2012,
which demonstrates at an annual average growth rate of 3.8%. Due to comparatively
lower workforce participation rate, total employment grew slightly lower than
targeted between 2006 and 2010 thus resulted in a comparatively higher
unemployment rate at 3.0 percent. This result is largely due to mismatch of skills of
employee.

Fig 7. Population Growth, Iskandar Malaysia,

Fig 8. Employment Growth, Iskandar Malaysia,

2005 2025. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

2005 2025. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

Lastly, the built up area comprising housing, commercial, industry, public

facilities, road and infrastructure made up 24.0 percent of Iskandar Malaysia in 2013.
Iskandar Malaysia is developed with the balance area being natural environment,
agriculture land, parks, green spaces, rivers and other water bodies. The continued
protection and conservation of existing natural environment is estimated to contribute
RM6.4 billion of economic value to the region. However, growth of agriculture, forest
and mangrove land has experienced downturn inevitably due to rapid development of
the region.

Fig 9. Change of Land Use, Iskandar Malaysia, 2005 & 2013. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

Fig 10. Land Use, Iskandar Malaysia, 2013. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

2.2

Iskandar Malaysia Growth Targets

Iskandar Malaysia will continue to grow towards achieving its planned growth

path and become an internationally competitive and resilient region. The earlier
growth targets in the CDP 2006-2025 are executed continuously in CDPii 2014-2025.
Iskandar Malaysia is expected to achieve its growth targets by 2025, though there is
some adjustment in the pace of development. Iskandar Malaysia shall continue to
embrace its robust economic development framework and the growth targets set in the
CDP 2006-2025 in the next phase of its development. In generating wealth in the

future, Iskandar Malaysia shall continue to be driven by nine promoted sectors. In

short, the development targets established for the successful implementation of CDPii
by 2025 are:

3.0

GDP growth of 8%, from RM47 billion to RM120 billion

Per Capita GDP from RM27,025 to RM42,631
Increase in employment from 800,000 to 1,309,000
Population increase from 1.7 million to 3.0 million
Increase in total investment from RM106.3 billion to RM383.9 billion
Promotional Policy: Iskandar Malaysia Holistic Ecosystem
In order to functioning the framework of Iskandar Malaysia, promotional

policies, Circle of Sustainability and Iskandar Malaysia Holistic Ecosystem work

together through optimum use of resource according to the vision of Iskandar
Malayisa.
3.1

Wealth Generation
Wealth generation is key to achieving a strong and sustainable metropolis of

international standing. It is one of the elements that will be focused in the next phase
of development till 2025. It aims to create wealth through a resilient and holistic
ecosystem that promotes efficient, optimal and balanced use of resources. In addition,
wealth generation also attempts to mainstream green initiatives in the local economy
to support the achievement of a low carbon region in the future.

3.1.1

Wealth Generation: Strategic Thrusts & Key Directions

Fig 11. Wealth Generation Ecosystem. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

WG 1 Deepen Cluster Linkages and Enhance Enabling Ecosystem

Realigning the promoted sectors to achieve high economic growth requires
support from the enabling ecosystem. Iskandar Malaysia shall focus its efforts on
developing a holistic business ecosystem and upgrading the capabilities of SMEs in
innovation and technology advancement. These include improving the business
infrastructure to be competitive, high quality and meeting the needs of the
technologically advanced sectors; creating a world-class living and working
environment and improving the governance framework.
WG1.4: Develop an Environment-Friendly Petrochemical and Oil & Gas Cluster
Pasir Gudang and Tanjung Langsat are two of the most important
petrochemical zones in Malaysia and had contributed to the growth of Iskandar
Malaysia. It is expected to benefit from the implementation of the Pengerang
Integrated Petroleum Complex, located across Tanjung Langsat, just outside the
boundary of it.
With several ongoing petrochemical, oil and gas projects, Iskandar Malaysia
aims to be more responsible to the environment. This includes the development of
environmentally friendly petrochemical parks in Tanjung Langsat and Tanjung Bin as
well as an Oil and Gas Technical Services Centre in Tanjung Langsat to support the
demand from Pengerang. Iskandar Malaysia shall take careful measures in protecting
the environment surrounding Tanjung Bin with encouraging only storage activities
rather than production. In addition, an environmental management programme shall
be promoted in this area. Sufficient buffer zone will be recommended to ensure the
sensitive areas are well protected.

Fig 12. Existing Petrochemical and Oil and Gas Cluster in Iskandar Malaysia.
Source: CDPii 2014-2025

WG1.5: Strengthen Logistics Cluster through Integration and Enhancement of

Logistics Infrastructure
The logistics services underpin the regions economy is pivoted upon the two
established ports namely Johor Port and Port of Tanjung Pelepas, plus the emerging
Tanjung Langsat Port and the international airport in Senai. This is complemented by
a good network of highways and roads together with warehousing and transportation
services. Integrating the ports and the airport under one banner improve their strength
and capability to compete with other ports in the world.

Fig 14. Logistic Cluster in Iskandar Malaysia. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

WG 3 Mainstream Green Economy to Support Low Carbon Initiatives

Iskandar Malaysia is moving towards green economy. It shall be promoted in
line with the Low Carbon Society initiatives committed by Iskandar Malaysia to
achieve 58.0 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity in
Iskandar Malaysia by 2025. Circular economy activities shall also be encouraged
which promote recycling, reuse of materials and reduce solid waste.
3.1.2

Outcome
The outcomes of wealth generation are expected to benefit and improve the

well-being of the local population, thus creating a better quality of life.

3.2

Wealth Sharing and Inclusiveness

Wealth sharing and inclusiveness ensures that wealth generated from

economic development is equitably shared among the local population regardless of

social, education, income and ethnic stratum.

Fig 15. Wealth Sharing and Inclusiveness Ecosystem. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

3.2.1

Wealth Sharing and Inclusiveness: Strategic Thrusts & Key Directions

WS1 Increase economic participation through knowledgeable and skilled human

capital
The current human capital issues in Iskandar Malaysia are caused by
insufficient talents and mismatch of supply. Thus, the demand for talents shall be
resolved by improving of education level of local population.
WS 2 Reduce Inequality and Improve Access to Earn Higher Income and Capital
Gain
Wealth sharing and inclusiveness ecosystem will ensure that benefits from
property development can be equitably shared among population through capital gain.
Wealth shall also be derived from capital gain in which locals are assisted in owning
properties with high value as another source of wealth.
WS 3 Provide Social Connectedness and Build a Well-informed and Self-driven
Society
The ecosystem promotes social connectedness to help the society participate in
decision making and implementation of locally based initiatives. With improved

economic ability, there will also be an improvement in the living environment and
lifestyle. This thrust intends to increase community participation in all strategic
community projects.

3.2.2

Outcome
The wealth sharing and inclusiveness ecosystem aims to provide solutions to

human capital issues, income and housing disparity as well as building social capital.
Therefore, quality of life will be parallel to the economic excellence set in Iskandar
Malaysia.

3.3

Resources Optimisation and Low Carbon

Iskandar Malaysia adopts spatial justice and optimum land use development

strategy in coordinating the management of growth in the region. It is to ensure long

term sustainability by balancing the pursuit for economic growth shall balance off
with the conscious need for environmental protection and conservation, to ensure long
term benefits to the community.
In order to address low carbon built environment, natural assets in Iskandar
Malaysia shall be further enhanced through conservation, optimising existing built up
areas and promoting a more balanced regional growth. In addition, urban connectivity
is given priority by emphasizing on mobility, connectivity and accessibility of people
and in ensuring that the provision of infrastructure is sufficient, integrated and
optimised to meet the fast growing demand of the region.

Fig 16. Resource Optimisation and Low Carbon Ecosystem. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

3.3.1

Resources Optimisation and Low Carbon: Strategic Thrusts & Key

Directions

RO1 Promote Balanced Regional Growth

Iskandar Malaysia shall promote a balanced regional growth in a sustainable
manner. This strategy promotes urban development in areas with readily available
resources and infrastructure as it is important to develop strong and resilient urban
centres. Besides, Iskandar Malaysia shall be able to protect and conserve its natural
ecology, resources and at the same time manage conflicts and urban sprawl drawbacks
within the region.
RO1.3.1: Strengthen Urban Functions of Existing Centres
The initiative identifies the need to enhance hierarchy of existing commercial
centres and address the potential decline of any centres. New investments shall be
managed to avoid fragmenting the role of centres.

Fig 17. Current Urban Structure in Iskandar Malaysia. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

RO2 Protect and enhance natural ecology and green areas

Natural ecology and green areas are valuable assets that need to be protected.
It is important to ensure that the natural ecology and green areas of Iskandar Malaysia
are protected to sustain the livelihoods of communities. It is also imperative to
educate the public on the importance of protecting the natural ecology and green
areas.
RO2.1: Protect Environmental Assets
Iskandar Malaysia has 130km of coastline that stretches along the Straits of
Malacca to the Straits of Johor and Sungai Johor. It contains 8.0 percent of diverse
natural area that is widespread throughout the region and needs to be protected as the
natural ecosystems such as mangroves and forest reserves are continuously threatened
by the pressure of urban development.

Fig 18. Environmental Assets in Iskandar Malaysia. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

RO3 Plan and Manage Built Environment

Managing and maintaining built environment are essential in order to promote
low carbon building and development. It can be achieved by utilising existing vacant
land in urban area for development. The abandoned buildings, brownfield and
greyfield areas need to be revitalised so that they can be used as potential built
environment resources which contribute to not only economic growth, but also act as
potential social interaction centres and environmentally friendly zones to achieve
sustainable.
RO3.1: Promote Infill Development
This key direction can be initiated by utilizing existing vacant land for
development to benefit economic growth and add value to the particular area.
Moreover, the redevelopment of infill sites will be able to reduce CO2 emission. Infill
development will normally be located within existing built up areas and thus reducing
the need for major earthwork and new infrastructure, including new roads, utility
services and other amenities.

Fig 19. Vacant Land in Iskandar Malaysia. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

RO3.2: Energise Brownfield and Greyfield

Ever since the issue of land availability has become a prime concern in urban
areas, brownfield and greyfield developments shall be able to optimise the usage of
space within the region and thus it reduces pressure on greenfield sites.
RO4 Enhance Urban Connectivity and Mobility within the Region
The road networks in Iskandar Malaysia need to correspond to the urban
development so that developed areas are located where infrastructure and roads exist.
Although certain road enhancement projects have been implemented, improvements
are still required to improve linkages in the East-West corridor. In addition,
development of public transport (i.e. HSR & RTS Link,BRT System and Water based
transportation) shall help in improving environment quality and reducing congestion
in urban areas.
RO4.1: Enhance Accessibility by Improving Regional and Urban Centre Linkages
An efficient and comprehensive transportation network is significant in
enhancing the competitiveness for the region. Thus, urban linkage systems such as
road networks and KTM rail networks in Iskandar Malaysia shall ensure local

community accessibility for better quality of living and contribute towards economic
growth of the region. Moreover, it is important to provide road linkage between each
flagship zones for further development.

Fig 20. Existing and Proposed Road Projects in Iskandar Malaysia. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

RO 4.3 Promote Transit, Pedestrian and Cycle Oriented Developments

Introduction of transit oriented development (TOD), pedestrian oriented
development (POD) and cycle oriented development (COD) promote mixed-use
developments. More importantly, this is a solution to deal with urban sprawl in the
region.
RO5 Promote Integrated Infrastructure Resources
Infrastructure facilities are the most important resources that ensure daily
human activities. Integration of infrastructure contributes in solving environmental
problems such as urban climate control, water management control and at the same
time serves as a green network. Therefore, it is possible to reduce carbon footprint
with integrated infrastructure.

3.3.2

Outcome

Resource optimisation and low carbon is the foundation to the core elements
in achieving sustainable eco-system in Iskandar Malaysia with its focuses on equal
resource sharing and ensuring the importance of liveability for its local community.

5.0

Catalytic Projects for Iskandar Malaysia

In order to pilot new agendas and transformation in the next phase of Iskandar

Malaysias development, five Big Moves which are bold, tangible and result oriented
plans are proposed. Big Moves shall demonstrate catalytic projects that help to foster
wealth generation, wealth sharing and resource optimisation as a holistic ecosystem.
They shall be introduced in Iskandar Malaysia to drive social transformation, low
carbon initiatives, catalytic economic drivers and improve service delivery and
governance par excellence. The Big Moves are characterized by:

16 Key Projects
Derive a total investment value of approximately RM173 billion
Involve both private and public investments
Majority driven by the private investors, contributing 98.0%
Generate 310,625 direct job opportunities

Fig 21. Big Moves. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

Big Move 1 Inclusive Iskandar Malaysia

Big Move 1 is initiated by combining several transformational projects to
propagate social development and improve the quality of life for local communities.
Moreover, regeneration and reinvestment approaches on existing neighbourhoods and
villages in the region, communities shall be provided with opportunities for new
income generation.

Big Move 2 Greening Iskandar Malaysia

Aims to promote a paradigm shift in sustainability through rehabilitation of
impaired and vulnerable environmental areas, rivers and water bodies improvement,
Fig 22. Areas Involved under the Inclusive Iskandar Malaysia Big Move. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

coastal rejuvenation and moreover, intensify green infrastructure at selected regions.

Fig 23. Greening Iskandar Malaysia. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

BM 2.1: Garden City Iskandar Malaysia

This key project is aimed to improve green coverage as well as rehabilitate the
forest and mangrove areas and reduce greenhouse gases in Iskandar Malaysia. Tree
planting programme along major and local road shall increase green urban canopy to
reduce impacts of urban heat island. Besides, forest rehabilitation programmes and
creating new parks within the region shall contribute to a healthier urban
environment.

Fig 24. Garden City Project in Iskandar Malaysia. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

BM 2.4: Brownfield Revitalisation at BRT Corridor

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) promotes public bus system through dedicated lanes
as an alternative mode of transportation to help reduce the use of private cars. This
green infrastructure project involves reducing carbon emissions. Development of
cycling lanes and walkway networks surrounding the stations are also involved to
ensure seamless connectivity for public. This effort provides opportunities for the old
and deteriorating brownfield areas such as residential, commercial and industrial areas
to be revitalised. A pilot project is proposed at Skudai Town, which involved a 50km
long corridor with 42 stations.

Big Move 3 Destination Iskandar Malaysia

This catalytic project is to strengthen and fast track the economic growth of
Iskandar Malaysia by infrastructure improvement for tourism products and services as
well as the promotion of international brand products, nature and historical sites in
Iskandar Malaysia. It aims to boost the tourism industry of the nation to achieve the

targeted national growth of 2.1 times in GDP and contribute to the increase in national
tourism employment by 2 million in 2015.

Fig 25. Iskandar Malaysia as an International Tourism Destination. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

Big Move 4 Port Iskandar Malaysia

This is a project that will leapfrog the logistics sector into a dynamic cluster. It
involves the integration and coordination of ports in Iskandar Malaysia to strengthen
the ports position and market share in ASEAN and acts as hinterland support services
which are crucial to both seaports and the airport.

Fig 26. Port Iskandar Malaysia. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

Big Move 5 Iskandar Malaysia Urban Observatory (IMUO)

Iskandar Malaysia Urban Observatory (IMUO) brings in the dimension of how
information transforms the way people live, work and socialise. It demonstrates the
role of data and knowledge sharing in city planning and management and enables
monitoring of the development and progress of cities.
6.0

Spatial Management Plan

Spatial Management Plan is intended to implement Iskandar Malaysia CDPii

2014-2025 in a manner that guides the growth of the region and at the same time
protect the interest of general public. The plan is a key part of CDPii 2014-2025 and
aims to translate the core elements of Iskandar Malaysia Holistic Ecosystem into the
spatial dimension of the region. Objectives of the Iskandar Malaysia Spatial
Management Plan are:

Manage and control Iskandar Malaysia to integrate the various statutory plans
by streamlining the CDPii 2014-2025 with the Johor State Structure Plan and

Johor Bahru District Local Plan

Guide further detail planning works such as the preparation of Special Area
Plans for development focus areas and special urban areas such as urban

6.1

villages and heritage areas in Iskandar Malaysia

Provide clear indication of the promoted activities in the five flagship zones
Promote urban regeneration and revitalisation in existing urban areas
Promote the preservation and conservation of natural built environment
Principles of Spatial Management Plan

Due to the rapid expansion of Iskandar Malaysia, principles of spatial

management plan is proposed and aims to give a geographical expression to the

economic, social, cultural and ecological policies of Iskandar Malaysia. The four key
principles are as below:
1. Spatial Sustainability: To ensure that spatial development consistently serve its
purpose for a long period of time
2. Spatial Efficiency: Ensure that land development optimise the use of existing
resources and infrastructure
3. Spatial Justice: Promote a balanced regional development through improved
access and use of land and emphasis on informal settlements
4. Spatial Resilience: It is crucial in ensuring that the spatial development of an
area is resilient to the rapidly growing region as well as changing global
trends.

6.2

Land Fig
Use20.
Zoning
and Activities
Urban Growth
Pattern and Scenario. Source: CDPii 2014-2025
Spatial Management emphasizes on key functional zones that designates uses and

activities that best suit its key function as well as describes its characteristics to
correspond to the objectives of the plan. All land in Iskandar Malaysia shall be
assigned to one of the following land use zones. Seven key functional zones are:
a. Flagship Zone (FZ) FZ is a catalyst development area
b. Urban Development Zone (UDZ) UDZ consist of existing urban areas that
are employment centres (industrial and commercial) and residential. UDZ also
identifies areas that require urban renewal and development is promoted.
c. Development Control Zone (DCZ) Priorities of conservation and
preservation are given within the area.

d. Green and Blue Zone (GBZ) GBZ preserves and conserves the natural green
areas, rivers and water bodies as well as open spaces (public and private
green) to protect the biodiversity of Iskandar Malaysia.
e. Agriculture Production Zone (APZ) Reserved areas such as plantations and
farmlands that maintained the agricultural economy of the region.
f. Major Infrastructure Reserves (MI) IZ designates sites for landfill, power
plants, regional sewerage plants and water reservoirs.
g. Transportation Zone (TZ) This identifies various transportation network in
Iskandar Malaysia
6.3

Flagship Zones
Flagship Zones are areas which geographically targeted for economic

development and investment. This zone is where catalyst development and the
targeted promoted economic sectors of Iskandar Malaysia shall be prioritised and
encouraged. These areas are multi-sectors catalytic where one flagship can have more
than one activity. The flagship zones are Flagship A: Johor Bahru City Centre,
Flagship B: Nusajaya, Flagship C: Tanjung Pelepas - Tanjung Bin and Flagship D:
Pasir Gudang.

Fig 21. Flagship Zone. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

6.4

Setting Urban Limit for Sustainability

Based on current situation of the development region, there is no definite

official line that separates the urban and rural areas. As a result, landowners and
developers generally perceive that agriculture, forestry and other undeveloped lands
can be developed for urban uses. Hence, urban limits where development promotion
zones and controlled development zones have to be defined. A tool that can be used is
Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) control tool for protecting rural lands and preventing
urban sprawl. In order to control urban sprawl, defining its urban limits and green
wedges are necessary in keeping with the principle of sustainable development for
Iskandar Malaysia.
Besides, Green Wedges is to strengthen and complement the role and
functions of the UGB. The main purposes of these GW areas are to protect rural
activities particularly agriculture; prevent coalescence between city, towns and
villages; conserve good quality environmental assets such as forest and wetlands; and
safeguard important natural features and open land between growth corridors within
towns and Johor Bahru city.
7.0

Implementation Framework
The development and management of a sustainable urban region is the key

challenge for Iskandar Malaysia. Under the IRDA Act 2007 (Act 664), the major roles
of IRDA are to serve as a regional planning authority for its designated area and to
undertake investment promotion and facilitation in accelerating orderly and balanced
development in its area. IRDA has attracted RM131.64 billion of investment in 2013.
In order to achieve new target of RM176 billion by 2025, IRDA emphasize on the
focuses below to move forward:

Establish policies, direction and strategies in relation to development in

Iskandar Malaysia
Align and integrate CDPii 2014-2025 with State Planning frameworks and
other recent policies

Coordinate and monitor the performance of the activities carried out by

government entities
Conduct inquiries, carry out surveys, collate, analyse and publish information

and statistics
Recommend policies, laws and actions to enhance the international
competitiveness of industry and commerce in Iskandar Malaysia

7.1

A Resilient Structure
This resilience perspective will shift policies and strategies of Iskandar Malaysia

into managing the capacity for social-ecological systems to cope with, adapt to and
change with economic growth. Hence, the management and governance of IRDA
shall be resilience and adaptability to change and adapt to the challenges it faces in
managing the region and able to adjusts responses to the changing processes and
current trajectory.
7.2

Operating Model of Project Investment & Development Approval

As a fast growing economic region, Iskandar Malaysia requires a high inflow of

investment to sustain its development. For not delaying any approval of permits and
license to establish a business that will affect attractiveness of investment, IRDA
works closely with state agencies and integrates its operating model with three key
decision-making committees:
a. Approvals and Implementation Committee (AIC): on investment projects into
Iskandar Malaysia
b. Hasil Bumi Committee: on land conversion, sub-division and amalgamation
c. One Stop Centre Committee (OSC): on planning and building permits
Moreover, to boost the growth of the five designated Flagship Zones,
Recognition as an IRDA Status Project (granted by AIC) where potential investors
will enjoy specified benefits and financial incentives if they reach the criteria as
shown in Table 12.

Table 12 Criteria for IRDA Status Project. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

7.3

Mechanism for Shared Performance Targets

The CDPii 2014-2025 sets the vision and direction for a sustainable and

resilient growth till the year 2025. It depends largely on IRDA as its main
implementing agency and key stakeholders from all levels of Government to local
stakeholders. Hence, shared Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) among all Local
Authorities within Iskandar Malaysia shall help to develop capacity and improve the
implementation of policies and strategies of the CDP in relation to desired outcomes.

Table 13 Key Aspects of KPIs. Source: CDPii 2014-2025

Moreover, streamlining the various blueprints in the State of Johor shall improve
investors confidence and assurance where these blueprints provide guidance for the
development and growth strategy for the State. IMISC shall be a single point of
contact for investors and communities in Iskandar Malaysia where it shall provide end
to end facilitation for all IRDA status projects.
Conclusion
In achieving the set targets and programme, IRDA shall focus on 3 key areas:
1. Strengthened IRDA Organisation Structure
2. Achieving 2025 GDP Target
3. Implementation of five Big Moves