IRDA waits for signal from govt on new corridor

ISKANDAR PUTERI (Nov 20): The Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) is waiting for further details from the Ministry of Economic Affairs on the government’s plan to create a new economic corridor in Johor.

Chief executive officer Datuk Ismail Ibrahim said IRDA in principle welcomes the move as it would create opportunities for districts and states which are not yet part of any economic corridor.

He was speaking to reporters after introducing new wards at the Gleaneagles Medini Hospital here today.

On Nov 10, Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali told media after meeting residents of Kampung Bakar Arang in Pontian while campaigning for the Tanjung Piai by-election that the government intends to create another economic corridor in the state to stimulate economic activity in the districts.

Asked whether he would propose that the new corridor be developed in northern Johor as southern Johor is under Iskandar Malaysia, Ismail said the move is a logical extension that would bring comprehensive development to the state and would be welcomed by the people.

Northern Johor would experience spillover effects from the ongoing development in southern Johor including in Iskandar Malaysia, Pengerang and Pontian, he noted.

On another matter, Ismail said healthcare development covers not just services by government and private hospitals but also research and development, education, human capital development, manufacture of medical equipment, and other support services.

Such a focus would create a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem and help make Iskandar Malaysia a medical hub, he added.

Source: EdgeProp