Maharani Freeport launch marks turning point, says Anwar

The Star

The launch of the Maharani Freeport marks a turning point in Malaysia’s economic trajectory and maritime identity, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.  He said the Freeport would breathe new life into Malaysia’s centuries-old legacy along the Straits of Melaka, which once connected East and West through trade, culture, and commerce.  Read more at https://tinyurl.com/4b8e52wz  WATCH MORE: https://thestartv.com/c/news SUBSCRIBE: https://cutt.ly/TheStar LIKE: https://fb.com/TheStarOnline

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00:00Today's official launch of Maharani Freeport is, as I alluded to earlier, a defining moment

00:18in the narrative of Malaysia's continuing journey as a maritime nation.

00:24This bold and visionary undertaking will give new shape to the economics not only of Johor

00:32and the region around it, but indeed our entire nation and Southeast Asia.

00:41The story of the states of Malacca and the great history of Johor-Riau Empire is in many

00:51ways a story of civilisation itself.

00:55From the time of the Malay Acapelago's earliest sultanates through the era of spice trade,

01:02the straits did bear witness to the meeting of East and West and of seaborne merchants and

01:11inland empires.

01:12That heritage is a reminder that Malaysia stands at a crossroads of civilisation and commerce.

01:22And through the Maharani Freeport, we affirm our rule as a bridge of culture and trade in

01:29the 21st century.

01:32Maharani Freeport is a part of the overall strategic economic ecosystem built to serve global commerce,

01:42regional integration, and local prosperity.

01:46Positioned at the southern gateway of the states of Malacca, this freeport occupies one

01:57of the most advantageous maritime locations in the world.

02:03Every year, about 100,000 vessels pass through these waters, carrying close to one quarter

02:11of the world's seaborne oil trade and a substantial share of global commerce.

02:19From this vantage point, Maharani Freeport is perfectly situated to serve as a central hub

02:25for transshipment, logistics, and regional trade, linking the economies of the Indo-Pacific with

02:34the markets of the Middle East and Europe.

02:37We understand the enthusiasm and the support of the High Commissioners and Ambassadors because

02:45this specific project happens to be one of the pillars in our strategic policy to encourage

02:59and foster and propel development in this country and the region.

03:05Your Majesty and distinguished guests, despite the uncertainties that continue to shape the

03:11global economy, Malaysia's fundamentals remain strong.

03:16The government has projected a GDP growth of between 4 to 4.5% in 2026.

03:25And the third quarter results was beyond our original estimates of 4.8.

03:32It has reached 5 to 5.2%.

03:36Now, through Maharani Freeport, and thanks again to Datuk Dayeng Malik and the team, we aim to strengthen

03:45these pillars by expanding our maritime capacity, enhancing our logistics, competitiveness, and

03:54deepening Malaysia's participation in global supply chains, as well as driving the nation

04:00closer to our economic targets by creating high-value jobs, attracting billions of ringgit of foreign direct

04:08investment, and encouraging the growth of industries that thrive on connectivity and innovation.

04:18The Maharani Freeport will serve as a critical node in this network, a logistics and investment

04:25gateway that connects east and west through the streets of Malacca, while improving supply,

04:32reliability, and reducing logistic costs.

04:36It will support greater supply chain resilience, encourage cross-border collaboration, and make

04:43Malaysia as an essential part of the new economic architecture taking shape across Asia Pacific.

04:52Now, recognizing the Maharani's Freeport potential as a Catholic force for local economic development,

05:02the government has approved a suit of tax incentives.

05:06That's what Dayeng Malik wants to hear.

05:09Tax incentives to spur significant investments in the district of Moor, Johor, and the outer region,

05:19which includes the Turauh Melaka, of course.

05:25Through the Ministry of Finance, incentives are extended to the master developer and to companies

05:32undertaking integrated energy hub activities, deep-seap port operations, and trade-related services.

05:41In addition, tailored tax incentives packages are provided for supporting sectors, including data centers,

05:51infrastructure and utilities, green technology, medical tourism, and hospitality.

05:58Yet, while we look outward to the world, we also look inward to our people, for the community of Moor and the state of Johor.

06:10May I go thank Datuk Dayeng Malik for the initiative to deal with the problems of the fishermen and people in the surrounding areas

06:17to the satisfaction of the community because that would steadily spearhead our madani understanding of development

06:29that do not ignore the plight of our community.

06:34Thank you again.

06:35This from the People for the People project will create at least 45,000 employment opportunities,

06:43attract supporting industries, and open doors for small and medium enterprises to participate in international commerce.

06:54I must highlight this point because whilst we support mega projects such as this, Maharani Project,

07:03we will not, of course, ignore the importance to spur the development and support for the SMEs.

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