KULAI: A shopping extravaganza kicked off at Johor Premium Outlets (JPO) here today, marking the start of a four-day celebration sale when prices are slashed up to 90 per cent at a selection of its 130 upmarket stores.
To accommodate shopaholics, operating hours have been extended to 12 midnight.
The celebration is held in conjunction with JPO's fifth anniversary, as well as Iskandar Malaysia's 10th anniversary.
In his speech, Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda) chief executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim highlighted the importance of a public-private partnership as an essential tool to harness the potential of retail tourism.
"It is a match made in heaven when the tourism industry can bring retail and tourism together. This is exemplified in the case of JPO, which is a collaboration between the Federal and state governments, and the Genting Group.
"Together, we form a formidable force to develop this sector, and take it to unprecedented heights," Ismail said.
Ismail also said there are 10 major shopping malls opening in Iskandar Malaysia in the next five years, among them, Paradigm Mall, Capital 21, Ikea and Mid Valley Southkey.
"This is a reflection of the attention being given to Iskandar Malaysia as a rising shopping hub, and the demand for this industry," he added.
Iskandar Malaysia is projecting a three million population and 1.6 million workforce by 2025.
Ismail said he is optimistic Iskandar Malaysia will become the leading metropolis in the state by 2025, with all indications pointing to the development becoming home to 70 per cent of the state's population by the end of Iskandar Malaysia's three-phase development.
"The metropolis is firmly entrenched at the cutting edge of modernity, and will serve as an effective platform for the sustained promotion of a modern and progressive nation on the world stage," he added.
Also present was Genting Simon Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Jean Marie Pin Harry, who said JPO is poised to attract more than 4.5 million visitors this year.