JOHOR BAHRU, November 3 – The Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (TERAJU) has been urged to strengthen its support for Bumiputera businesses in Johor.
The move is important as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) creates new investment and business opportunities.
Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said TERAJU should provide more than financial assistance.
He said the agency should also offer business guidance and help companies expand their operations. This support should prepare them for bigger opportunities, including entering the stock market.
More Opportunities for Local Businesses
Akmal said initiatives such as the ‘queen bee’ model should create opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
The model attracts strategic investments and connects smaller businesses with established companies.
As a result, Bumiputera entrepreneurs could take part in existing supply chains and service industries.
“We must organise and ensure that local entrepreneurs, including Bumiputera, are able to play a role within the existing supply chains or service sectors,” he said.
He spoke to reporters after attending the TERAJU Aspirasi Business Symposium 2026 at the DoubleTree Hotel.
TERAJU chief executive officer Junady Nawawi also attended the event.
Malaysia and Singapore to Strengthen JS-SEZ Cooperation
Meanwhile, Akmal said Malaysia and Singapore had discussed ways to strengthen cooperation under the JS-SEZ.
The discussion took place during the Johor-Singapore Cooperation Ministerial Committee (JSCMC) meeting in Singapore on Monday.
Akmal co-chaired the meeting with Singapore’s National Development Minister, Chee Hong Tat.
Both sides agreed to promote the economic zone’s potential through closer cooperation and joint planning for the coming year.
Akmal also said the JS-SEZ master plan is expected to be launched during the Leaders’ Retreat.
He added that Budget 2025 had highlighted several matters linked to the development of the special economic zone.
Nexus Sedenak Could Attract RM12 Billion in Investments
One major opportunity is the proposed development of the Nexus Sedenak industrial area.
The project has the potential to attract RM12 billion in investments and create more job opportunities.
Johor also recorded economic growth of 8 per cent last year.
This was higher than its previous growth rate of between 4 and 4.7 per cent. The state’s growth also exceeded the national average.
PuTERA35 Aims to Grow Bumiputera Businesses
Through the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35), the government aims to help more Bumiputera entrepreneurs expand their businesses.
The plan seeks to support small businesses as they grow into medium-sized companies and eventually become industry leaders.
Akmal said Johor has strong economic potential.
He also hopes TERAJU will expand its support for Bumiputera businesses across the state.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
