Iskandar Malaysia to have 10 new malls

POTENTIAL: ’Retail, tourism industries a match made in heaven’

ISKANDAR Malaysia will have 10 new major shopping malls in the next five years, reflecting the area’s strong potential growth in the retail sector.

The 10 projects are Paradigm Mall JB, Capital 21, Ikea Johor Baru, Mid Valley Southkey Megamall, Aeon Bandar Dato Onn, Mydin Mall Mutiara Rini, Plaza Tasek Central, Country Garden Danga Bay, Mall of Medini and the expansion of Aeon Tebrau City.

Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda) chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Ismail Ibrahim said harnessing the potential of retail tourism needed strong synergy between the public and private sectors.

“The retail and tourism industries are a match made in heaven. This is exemplified in the case of Johor Premium Outlets (JPO), which is a collaboration between the federal and state governments, as well as the Genting Group.

“Together, we form a formidable force in developing this sector to take it to greater heights,” Ismail said at the launch of a four-day anniversary celebration sale at JPO, where shoppers could shop until midnight and enjoy up to 90 per cent discounts at 130 upmarket stores.

The celebration is held in conjunction with JPO’s fifth anniversary, as well as Iskandar Malaysia’s 10th anniversary.

Present was Genting Simon Sdn Bhd CEO Jean Marie Pin Harry, who said JPO aimed to attract more than 4.5 million visitors this year.

Ismail said he was optimistic that Iskandar Malaysia would become a leading metropolis in the state by 2025, with all indicators pointing at it attracting 70 per cent of the state’s population by the end of Iskandar Malaysia’s three-phase development.

Iskandar Malaysia is expected to have a three-million population and 1.6 million workforce by 2025.

Ismail urged locals to grab jobs in line with the development in the area.

“The metropolis will serve as a platform for the sustained promotion of a modern and progressive nation on the world stage.”