Malaysia’s Maharani Freeport to attract $34.56b in investments

The facility was designed to be an energy and maritime services hub.

Malaysia is expected to attract $34.56b (RM144b) following the launch of its Maharani Freeport.

Developed by Maharani Energy Gateway Sdn. Bhd. (MEG), the deepwater freeport is located within the Muar Port limits along the Strait of Malacca, the world’s largest oil shipping route.

This is Malaysia’s first duty-exempted energy-freeport, designed to be the nation’s energy and maritime services hub. The project is a fully private-sector initiative supported by both the Federal Government and the Johor State Government.

“It is expected to generate hundreds of new high-value companies, and when combined with the supporting industries, this initiative is forecasted to create at least 45,000 of direct and indirect jobs, and uplift local businesses in logistics, ship repair, construction and services,” said Dato’ Dr. Daing A. Malek Bin Daing A. Rahaman, executive chairman of MEG.

The Maharani Freeport masterplan spans 3,200 acres of reclaimed land across three man-made islands and comprises four major components: Maharani Energy Hub; Maharani Deep Seaport; Maharani Freeport Industrial Park; and Maharani Freeport Financial Hub.

It will be a one-stop hub in the Strait of Malacca, from oil trading, storage and blending to deep-seaport capabilities, bunkering and ship maintenance. Its 24-metre natural depth enables the berthing of very large crude carriers and other large vessels.

Other planned facilities include petrochemical complexes, renewable energy production, STS operations, floating storage units, shipbuilding and repair yards, and digital platforms powered by AI and blockchain.

RM1 = $0.24