Business Briefs

■ Investment

Malaysia touts Johor State

Malaysia yesterday voiced confidence it will attract billions of dollars in global investments to turn its Johor State into a metropolis similar to China's Shenzhen or Hong Kong. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the state neighboring Singapore was expected to draw investors from the Middle East, the Americas and Asia. "Our 20-year plan is to attract US$105 billion, and 50 billion ringgit (US$13.6 billion) in the next five years," he said yesterday. The Iskandar Development Region will be 2.5 times the size of Singapore and cover 2,217km2.

■ Automobiles

Subaru models recalled

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd is recalling more than 850 Subaru passenger vehicles over possible brake system flaws, the company said in a statement yesterday. The recall covers two Subaru models Impeza compact car and Forester wagon, but it was not immediately known if any exports are included. Improper fitting of the air cleaner case could trigger vibrations while the car is being driven, and its parts could rub against or damage the brake pipe, the company said. The problem, in worst cases, could cause brake fluid to leak and braking functions to fail, Fuji Heavy said. The recall may be expanded to 4,100 of the models that had been exported to the US, Europe and Australia.