KULAI: Johor is focusing on attracting companies and investors with the capacity to provide high-paying jobs for local talents, says state executive councillor Lee Ting Han.

The state investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman said this is part of Johor’s efforts to attract and retain local talent in various high-impact industries.

“We do not have a shortage of talent in the country. But many are opting to work in Singapore, where they are able to get more competitive salaries. This is also due to the high exchange rate.

“If the companies investing in Johor are able to bring in jobs with competitive salaries, good career development and other benefits, we believe Malaysians will be happy to return home.

“As such, we have stressed this point to companies wanting to invest here. We welcome all companies. But what we are looking for are high-value and high-paying jobs from high-impact industries,” he said when met after officiating the SHB Malaysia Automotive Appliance Sdn Bhd ground-breaking ceremony in Senai City here on Friday.

Lee added that this is the direction the state government is looking at as it works towards attracting more investments.

“We have a very clear direction in terms of what kind of companies we want to attract.

“Among high-impact industries we are looking at are those involving research and development, engineering, and science. This is preferable compared to labour-intensive industries,” he said.

He said that this was among matters highlighted during a roundtable with industry players and business chambers in Singapore recently.

On a separate matter, Lee said a committee has also been formed to facilitate the development and coordination of data centres in Johor.

“I chaired our first meeting last month and have come out with guidelines for data centre companies interested in coming to Johor.

“We want to ensure that data centres also focus on the use of renewable technology capable of saving electricity and water.

“Most importantly, we want to ensure that this development will benefit locals,” he said.

On June 20, Lee said a total of nine data centre projects have been completed in Johor, while six others are in the process of completion.

He said that the state has become a key player in the development of data centres in the region due to several key advantages.

“Among factors that have made Johor ideal for data centres are its strategic location, the availability of utilities, infrastructure, and human resources, as well as the investor-friendly approach of the state and federal governments,” he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/07/eye-on-firms-with-competitive-pay