Nexus Sedenak inland port plan aims to diversify Kulai economy beyond data centres
Nexus Sedenak, a 2,940-acre integrated development in Kulai, is being positioned to broaden the local economy beyond data centres with a proposed inland port and mixed industrial, logistics and lifestyle components. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said Budget 2027 identified the project
Nexus Sedenak is being positioned to broaden Kulai's economy beyond data centres, with a proposed inland port and a mix of manufacturing and logistics activities planned for the 2,940-acre integrated development. Deputy Communications Minister and Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching said the project, which Budget 2027 identified as having the potential to attract RM12 billion in investment and create about 45,000 jobs, would support a more diversified economy under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
In a recent interview with Bernama, she said the proposed inland port could open up opportunities for logistics businesses, attract more factories and strengthen local industrial supply chains. Nexus Sedenak occupies about 1,189.77 hectares at the former Ladang Air Manis plantation in Sedenak, combining industrial and logistics uses with commercial, residential and lifestyle components. It was launched in June with an estimated gross development value of RM15 billion.
Its developer, Southern Catalyst Sdn Bhd (SOCAT), is wholly-owned by Minister of Finance Incorporated, according to the company's website. The inland port proposal builds on cooperation between SOCAT and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd announced at the project's launch to explore the facility's development and operation, according to Media Digital Johor. The state media portal also reported that SOCAT had partnered with PIJ Holdings Sdn Bhd to explore a Johor Halal Trading Hub, and with the Johor Talent Development Council on workforce development.
Invest Johor CEO Natazha Hariss told Bernama on Oct 30 that five potential sectors had been identified for Nexus Sedenak: advanced manufacturing, integrated logistics, agricultural and food technology, green technology, and pharmaceuticals. He said investment and employment targets would be achieved progressively, depending on phased development, infrastructure readiness and the implementation of investment projects.
Presenting Budget 2027 on Oct 9, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim identified Nexus Sedenak as a new industrial hub in the northern JS-SEZ. He said the road from the Sedenak interchange would be upgraded, followed by facilities linking the area to major ports and regional trade networks. SOCAT's published tender notices provide further detail on the infrastructure planned for the development.
A notice dated Sept 22 specifies a proposed Zone 1 water supply system with an initial capacity of 12 million litres a day, rising ultimately to 32.5 million litres a day. Its scope includes a service reservoir, suction tank, pump house and water mains. A separate notice covers a proposed sewage treatment plant with an initial capacity of 26,500 population equivalent, against an ultimate capacity of 53,000. Population equivalent measures the wastewater treatment load a facility is designed to handle. The notices describe proposed works and design capacities, rather than confirming contract awards or completed facilities. Teo said electricity and water supplies needed careful management as industrial development accelerated, to ensure local residents' daily lives were not affected.
