JOHOR BAHRU: One Bukit Senyum, Johor’s upcoming RM5.4 billion administrative and commercial hub, has been granted node status – an area where the developer and promoted businesses can enjoy tax incentives – by Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance and Iskandar Regional Development Authority (“IRDA”), Astaka Holdings Limited (“Astaka”) announced today.

Spanning 11.85 acres, One Bukit Senyum is tipped to play a key role in Johor’s transformation into a burgeoning metropolis of Malaysia. The node status accords Phase 2 of the project full income-tax exemption on proceeds from the sale and income derived from the leasing of all non-residential buildings.

Singapore Exchange-listed Astaka said Phase 2 of One Bukit Senyum will include the new headquarters of the Johor Bahru City Council, a five-star hotel, serviced apartments and a premium shopping mall. It will also come with branded residences and serviced residences.

IRDA chief executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim said in a statement: “Landmark developments such as One Bukit Senyum, that is in Johor Bahru City Centre or Flagship A of Iskandar Malaysia, will attract new investments that in turn, create job and business opportunities for the Rakyat. This development will also contribute to efforts to enhance Johor Bahru’s standing as one of the leading growth centres to spur the Nation’s drive towards becoming a high-income Nation.”

Astaka executive director and chief executive officer Datuk Zamani Kasim said: “We are honoured that One Bukit Senyum has been awarded node status. This underscores the significance of our project and the trust that the Malaysian Federal Government and Johor State Government have in Astaka.”