TMJ says no issue paying Singapore tax on land sale exceeding RM4b

JOHOR BARU, Sept 4 — Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim says he has no reservations about paying a hefty tax bill linked to the planned sale of his 16.6-hectare landholding in Singapore.

The Star reported that Tunku Ismail, who is also the Johor Crown Prince, responded on X to reports of a potential land betterment charge exceeding US$1 billion (RM4.05 billion), saying he had no qualms about paying taxes and contributing to both countries.

“As a regular taxpayer, this is normal. No complication and more than happy to contribute to both countries. Should make it double,” he said.

The planned land sale involves parcels on Holland Road that Tunku Ismail owns following a land-swap agreement with the Singapore government in June 2025.

The reported tax, known as a land betterment charge, applies when government planning approval or other development permissions increase the value of land.

Tunku Ismail’s response came after reports that the size of the potential tax bill could complicate negotiations over the sale.

In March, Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority said Tunku Ismail had proposed developing the land for residential purposes, including low-rise, low-density housing and Good Class Bungalows.

The development proposal has placed the land in a high-value residential area near the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Tunku Ismail’s representatives are understood to have been seeking potential buyers for the land, with reports saying interest had also been sought from overseas investors.