SEVEN out of 10 Johoreans said they were satisfied with Iskandar Malaysia (Iskandar) developments, a survey by Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute revealed, indicating strong and growing support for major investment projects in the country’s southern state. 

The survey, which was conducted between May and June 2017, found 70% of respondents were happy with the developments and 64% agreed ordinary Malaysians would receive economic benefits from the project.

Johoreans’ satisfaction with investments coming from Singapore into Iskandar also rose to 62% from 48% in 2013.

“This positive response could be because the perception of Singapore has improved as the People’s Republic of China, now recognised as the biggest investor in Iskandar Malaysia, is often invoked as a bogeyman, especially for its role in the Forest City development.

“And 76% welcomed Singaporean investment in Johor as a whole,” the survey, released on November 8, said.

The survey said contrary to media reports, 56% of respondents indicated satisfaction with the Forest City development and 59% were satisfied with China’s investments.

“Of the 57% of respondents who agree with the statement ‘Ordinary Malaysians will benefit economically from Forest City’, it is again rural respondents (61% overall) who demonstrated greater agreement with the statement than urban respondents (55%). 

“Also, 67% of respondents agree the Johor royal family will benefit the most, with property developers coming in second at 66%. 

“The clear support for the project by the Johor Sultan could have had an influence on the rural respondents’ positive views on the Forest City project,” said ISEAS.

Iskandar Malaysia is the government’s effort to leverage Singapore’s success by building a new metropolis near the causeway that connects the island state to Johor Baru.

When the project was announced in 2006, it envisaged a total investment of RM383 billion and much of the early investment came from Singapore. 

The survey polled 2,011 respondents via telephones, covering three districts – Iskandar (comprising Tebrau, Pasir Gudang, Johor Bahru, Pulai, Gelang Patah, Kulai, Pontian and Tanjing Piai) north-west (comprising Pagoh, Ledang, Bakri, Muar, Parit Sulong, Ayer Hitam, Sri Gading and Batu Pahat) and east (comprising Mersing, Tenggara, Kota Tinggi and Pengerang).

Respondents consisted of Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above who resided in Johor. 

There were 1,104 (55%) Malays, 758 (38%) Chinese, and 149 (7%) Indians. 

Of these, 340 were between the ages of 21-30-years-old; 455 between the ages of 31-40; 546 respondents between 41-50; 409 between 51-60 years old; and 261 above 61-years-old. – November 19, 2017.