PETALING JAYA (May 25): IJM Land Bhd has strengthened its presence in Johor’s rapidly expanding industrial sector through a joint venture with Southern Catalyst Sdn Bhd (SOCAT) to develop approximately 307.17 acres of industrial and commercial land within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
The development, with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM1.96 billion, marks a significant milestone in IJM Land’s industrial expansion strategy and reinforces growing investor confidence in Johor’s emergence as a regional manufacturing, logistics and innovation hub.
The project will be undertaken through a joint venture company, IJM Land Sedenak Sdn Bhd, with IJM Land holding a 70% stake and SOCAT retaining the remaining 30%.
According to IJM Land chief executive officer Datuk Tony Ling Thou Lung, Johor continues to attract strong industrial demand due to its strategic location next to Singapore, competitive operating costs and sustained foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows.
The partnership provides IJM Land with an opportunity to participate in a master-planned industrial development located within one of Malaysia’s most strategically important economic corridors. Beyond expanding its development pipeline, the project is expected to deepen the company’s expertise in industrial property while supporting Johor’s ambition to become a regional centre for advanced industries and cross-border economic activities.
Ling noted that the initiative also complements the wider involvement of the IJM Group in the development of infrastructure and industrial-related projects within the JS-SEZ ecosystem.
The industrial project forms part of SOCAT’s larger 2,940-acre Southern Catalyst Innovation District masterplan in Sedenak, Kulai.
SOCAT chief operating officer Mohd Shahreza Maswan said the masterplan is designed to support Malaysia’s food security agenda through the establishment of an Agri-Tech hub while simultaneously fostering a future-ready industrial ecosystem focused on green technology, advanced manufacturing and circular economy initiatives.
The collaboration with IJM Land is expected to accelerate the development of an integrated industrial value chain that encompasses research and development, smart logistics infrastructure and next-generation manufacturing facilities.
By combining the strengths of both partners, the development aims to attract high-quality global investments while setting new benchmarks for sustainable eco-industrial development within the region.
Located less than three kilometres from the Sedenak toll plaza, the project enjoys direct connectivity to the North-South Expressway, enhancing accessibility for logistics operators, manufacturers and investors.
Its location within the JS-SEZ places it in one of the most promising industrial growth corridors in Southeast Asia, offering businesses access to both Malaysian and Singaporean markets.
The development is planned to cater to industries identified as key growth sectors under the JS-SEZ framework, including:
This targeted approach is expected to strengthen Johor’s position as a preferred destination for high-value industrial investments.
The project will be developed over a six- to eight-year period and is expected to contribute significantly to investment inflows, job creation and industrial diversification in Johor.
The development aligns closely with national economic priorities aimed at attracting higher-value industries and enhancing Malaysia’s competitiveness within regional supply chains.
As industrial land within strategic economic zones becomes increasingly sought after, developments such as this are expected to play a crucial role in supporting Malaysia’s long-term economic transformation agenda.
The Sedenak project further expands IJM Group’s industrial development credentials. Apart from its participation in major infrastructure projects in Johor, including the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link Immigration, Customs and Quarantine Complex and data centre construction works, the group also has a significant presence in industrial park development.
One notable example is the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), Malaysia’s first National Industrial Park, which spans more than 3,500 acres and has attracted investments exceeding RM30 billion.
The experience gained from large-scale industrial developments positions IJM Land well to capitalise on the growing opportunities emerging from the JS-SEZ.
Philippines