Economy of Johor

Economy of Johor
CurrencyMalaysian Ringgit (RM or MYR)
Statistics
Population4.19 million (2024)
GDPRM 148.2 billion (2023)
GDP growth
3.4% (2022/23)
GDP per capita
RM 41,902 (2023)
0.404 (2021)
0.794 (2022) high
Unemployment 2.4% (2022/23)
Main industries
Services, manufacturing, agriculture and construction
External
ExportsRM 314.06 billion (2023)
Export goods
Refined petroleum, integrated circuit boards and electricity and electronics products
ImportsRM 249.25 billion (2022/23)
Public finances
RM 222.39 million (2020)
RevenuesRM 1.804 billion (2023/24)
ExpensesRM 1.799 billion (2023/24)
All values, unless otherwise stated, are in US dollars.

The state of Johor is strategically located in southern Malaysia, bordering one of the global economic powerhouses Singapore. Johor is the third-largest economy in Malaysia after Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, as well as the largest outside the Klang Valley, accounting for 9.6% of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP), valued at RM 148.2 billion in 2023. The economy is primarily driven by manufacturing and service sectors, covering almost 80% of the state GDP. The state is the second largest trade contributor in Malaysia, and has the second largest share of the country's imports, after Selangor.

As among the top investment destinations, and the largest data centre and transshipment hub in Malaysia, Johor has attracted numerous foreign direct investment (FDI) and multinational corporations, particularly in services, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. The state's active trade and manufacturing activities also place its main port of entry, Port of Tanjung Pelepas, among the 15 busiest ports in the world. Its capital and economic centre, Johor Bahru, has been ranked the world's 20th most attractive city for businesses, second in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur, according to New York-based management consulting firm, Oliver Wyman.