Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has unveiled an ambitious US$105 billion (close to RM400 billion) masterplan to turn the southern Johor state into a prosperous Asian metropolis. The South Johor Economic Region (SJER) is the brainchild of PM Abdullah and it is the country's single largest development project.

SJER at a glance (Source: CNA)

Covering over 2,217-square kilometre, the SJER growth triangle include Senai-Kulai in the north, Pasir Gudang-Tanjung Langsat in the east and Tanjung Pelepas-Gelang Patah-Pontian in the west.

The multi-billion SJER will transform the Johor state into a world-class business hub on par with others in the region like Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China. The SJER is 2.5 times the size of Singapore and it is set to become Malaysia's second metropolis after the capital Kuala Lumpur. The SJER is expected to create around 817,500 new jobs during its development until 2025.

Components of SJER:

SJER (area in yellow) includes Nusajaya

Nusajaya City which is being built in Gelang Patah, is to be the new State Government's new administrative seat. Phase one of the Johor State New Administrative Centre (JSNAC), comprising the Johor State Assembly building, Mentri Besar and State Secretary complex, Mahkota Square and state government department complexes, is expected to be competed by end-2007.

New Administrative Centre (JSNAC)

An iconic landmark called "The Iskandar" adjoining Nusajaya Islamic Park is to be built. Nusajaya will also house an international theme park and a secondary water theme park.

Proposed Nusajaya City Center

Johor Bahru and Nusajaya have been identified to house the Free Access Zones (FAZ). Foreigners can live in designated FAZ and travel to work in Singapore without being subjected to immigration and customs checks.

Nusajaya Central Planning Area

According to sources, US-based Carnegie-Mellon University and Britain’s University of Newcastle Upon Tyne are to set up faculties in a 250ha education enclave called EduCity in Nusajaya. Meanwhile, the Columbia Asia Hospital will be part of the 150ha medical hub in Nusajaya.

Plans are also under way to turn the SJER into a major outsourcing hub and software development centre by 2008, including an International e-Commerce Park in Nusajaya.

Birth of a new metropolis

Danga Bay is being developed into a new residential, commercial, marine sporting and entertainment centre. The Johor Waterfront City, covering an area of 809ha, will have international hotels, resorts and shopping malls.

Danga Bay Masterplan

An integrated public transport, namely a monorail system and a network of highways to connect major parts of the SJER, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

The creation of a major logistic hub known as South Johor Industrial Logistics Cluster (SiLC) which comprises Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), Senai Airport and Johor Port in Pasir Gudang. The SiLC will house, among others, manufacturing facilities for electronics and electrical products, biotechnology, nanotechnology, pharmaceutical and wafer production.

1,000 acres allocated for PTP Free Zone. Strategic development of several other key projects surrounding PTP, including petrochemical and heavy marine related industries.

Port of Tanjung Pelepas

A Cyber City, expected to be sited in Kulai near the Senai Airport, will be developed on a 60ha location. Construction is set to take off in 2008. The city will have cyber incubators, office space, hotels and residences.

A biofuel hub will also be established at Tanjung Langsat Port, near Pasir Gudang, to tap the abundance of palm oil in the country and transform the port and an adjoining industrial park into a key export area for biodiesel.

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Tags: Asia, Malaysia, Johor, Nusajaya and Patchay-Blogspot.