IJM Land, SOCAT to jointly develop RM1.96 bil industrial project in Johor JS-SEZ

PETALING JAYA (May 25): IJM Land Bhd has entered into a joint venture with Southern Catalyst Sdn Bhd (SOCAT) to develop about 307.17 acres of industrial and commercial land within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), in a project with an estimated gross development value of RM1.96 billion.

IJM Land CEO Datuk Tony Ling Thou Lung said the industrial market in Johor continues to demonstrate strong growth momentum, supported by its strategic proximity to Singapore, competitive cost advantages, and sustained inflows of foreign direct investment.

“This strategic partnership with SOCAT represents a significant step in IJM Land’s industrial expansion strategy, allowing us to participate in a strategically positioned, master-planned development within a key growth corridor.

“Beyond strengthening our revenue pipeline, the project allows us to build greater depth and capability in the industrial space, while contributing to Johor’s broader ambitions as a regional hub for advanced industries, innovation and cross-border economic activity,” he said in a media release today.

Ling added that the development also reflects IJM Group’s continued participation in the growth of the JS-SEZ.

“Today, IJM Construction is involved in major infrastructure and industrial-related projects in Johor, including the RTS Link Immigration, Customs and Quarantine Complex as well as data centre construction,” he said.

SOCAT chief operating officer Mohd Shahreza Maswan stated that as the master developer of the Southern Catalyst Innovation District, SOCAT remains committed to advancing the national food security agenda through the development of a dedicated Agri-Tech hub, while simultaneously catalysing a future-ready ecosystem comprising green technology, advanced manufacturing, and a resilient circular economy.

Strategically located within the high-growth JS-SEZ, Sedenak has strong potential to emerge as a key regional logistics and industrial hub.

“This joint venture with IJM Land marks a significant milestone in accelerating the development of an integrated, full-chain industrial ecosystem, spanning advanced research and development, smart logistics infrastructure, and next-generation manufacturing capabilities.

“By harnessing our complementary strengths, we aim to establish a new benchmark for sustainable eco-industrial development, attract high-quality global investments, and further strengthen Johor’s position as a leading regional gateway for innovation-driven and sustainable economic growth,” he added.

The development will be undertaken over six to eight years and forms part of SOCAT’s broader 2,940-acre Southern Catalyst Innovation District masterplan in Sedenak, Kulai.

Located less than 3km from the Sedenak toll plaza with direct access to the North-South Expressway, the site is planned to support industries aligned with the growth priorities of the JS-SEZ, including advanced manufacturing, biopharmaceuticals, renewable energy, integrated logistics, as well as agri-tech and food technology.

The partnership will be carried out through a joint venture company, IJM Land Sedenak Sdn Bhd, with IJM Land holding a 70% equity stake and SOCAT holding the remaining 30%.

According to IJM Land, the project forms part of a wider effort to support industrial growth within the JS-SEZ corridor through developments aligned with national and regional economic priorities.

The company said the project is expected to contribute to investment inflows, job creation and the growth of higher-value industries in Johor.

IJM Group’s involvement in industrial developments also includes participation in the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), Malaysia’s first National Industrial Park, which spans more than 3,500 acres and has attracted over RM30 billion in investments.

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