PETALING JAYA: The government needs to reevaluate existing import and export duties to strengthen Malaysia’s supply chain capabilities, the Small and Medium Enterprises Association has said.
Ryan Lee, Samenta’s southern region chairman, said the country must also address current concerns over limitations in its workforce availability.
This comes after deputy investment, trade and industry minister Liew Chin Tong said Greater Johor Bahru was set to emerge as a pivotal centre for expansion and progress to spearhead Malaysia’s next economic upswing.
“I wholeheartedly agree with the deputy minister. Johor is situated in a strategically vital and appealing area, and is attracting considerable attention from international investors looking to venture into business opportunities here,” Lee told FMT.
“We have numerous assets, including affordable labour, linguistic capabilities, and a positive industry setting. However, we also face difficulties that necessitate government intervention,” he said.
Lee said that it is important that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia enhance their online communication skills to better connect with and learn from international markets.
“Our local SMEs’ experience may currently be slightly less developed than those in developed nations. However, if we can level the playing field by enhancing our ‘e-communication’ skills – allowing for better research and learning (from) or mimicking these successful entities – resources will naturally gravitate towards us,” said Lee.
Need for innovative investments in Greater Johor Bahru
Malaysian Tourist Guides Council president Jimmy Leong said that while new investments are crucial, it is important to concentrate on unique and creative forms of investment that can set the region apart.
“Any initiative to (improve) a city like Johor Bahru would benefit its economy, especially if it is next to another megacity like Singapore.
“However, there is a need for innovative investments, because the competition is no longer just about marketing; it now emphasises aspects like service quality and operational efficiency,” Leong said.
Creating job opportunities is key
Leong said that the key to a successful industry is job creation, a role that MTGC should take up.
“A sector that fails to create a substantial number of jobs cannot be considered successful,” he said.
Leong added that there is a noticeable shift in the tourism industry towards more immersive experiences instead of the usual packages, especially following the pandemic.
“In this regard, it is important to offer not just products, but experiences that provide a thematic exploration of our abundant local cultural heritage,” he said. - FMT
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