According to the United Overseas Bank (UOB) Mid-Sized Corporate Business Sentiment survey conducted in December 2011, Malaysia is one of the most preferred locations for Singaporean SMEs with expansion plans.
Chan Kok Seong, Chief Executive Officer of UOB Malaysia attributed the increase in interest to the recent announcement made by Singapore in wanting to reduce its dependency on foreign labour. The extension of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system from Singapore to Johor Bahru within the next four to five years is another positive factor for businesses considering opening or moving operations to Johor Bahru.
In recent months, UOB Malaysia has received an increased number of enquiries from Singaporean companies about purchasing industrial factories and warehouses in Johor Bahru, especially from those in the food and beverage industry.