Malaysia has officially launched the Maharani Freeport, a landmark duty-exempt energy freeport poised to attract RM144 billion in long-term investments and cement Johor as a major regional player in energy and maritime services.
The project, officiated by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, is expected to deliver significant economic spillovers and position the nation alongside top global freeport hubs.
Developed by Maharani Energy Gateway Sdn Bhd (MEG) and backed by both federal and state governments, the deepwater facility sits strategically within Muar Port along the Strait of Malacca, the world’s busiest oil shipping channel.
MEG Executive Chairman Datuk Dr Daing A Malek Daing A Rahaman said Maharani Freeport marks a defining milestone for Johor and Malaysia.
“Our goal is to raise living standards, create opportunities and establish Johor as a key driver of Malaysia’s economic future,” he said, noting that the project could generate at least 45,000 direct and indirect jobs and spur hundreds of high-value enterprises.
He emphasised that the freeport is already operational, handling oil trading, storage, transshipment, blending, bunkering, deep-seaport services, floating storage and ship-to-ship transfers.
Spanning 3,200 acres across three reclaimed islands, the Maharani Freeport masterplan comprises four core pillars: Maharani Energy Hub, Maharani Deep Seaport, Maharani Freeport Industrial Park and Maharani Freeport Financial Hub.
The integrated development will offer petrochemical facilities, renewable energy production, VLCC berthing, shipbuilding and repairs, STS operations, floating storage units and artificial intelligence- and blockchain-powered digital platforms.
With zero corporate tax for eligible businesses and a highly competitive 3% tax rate for oil-related activities, Maharani Freeport aims to become one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive investment destinations.
