Johor regent may face S$2 billion tax bill over proposed sale of land in S'pore, says it's no issue

The eldest son of the Malaysian king is potentially facing a S$2 billion tax bill over the proposed sale of his land in Singapore, but said he was "more than happy" to pay taxes in both countries.

Ismail Ibrahim said in a Sep. 3 post on X that "this is normal" as a regular taxpayer.

"No complication and more than happy to contribute to both countries. Should make it double."

Sale of land

The crown prince and regent of Johor was responding to another X user claiming that Malaysians did not need to pay taxes in Malaysia but had to do so in other countries.

This was in reference to the proposed sale of his land in the Tyersall Park area, Malaysiakini reported.

According to The Business Times, Ismail is seeking to sell the 16.6 hectares of land, which includes a plot he obtained in a land swap with the city-state's government in 2025.

That would enable properties being built on the land to be further from the Unesco World Heritage Site Botanic Gardens.

The S$2 billion tax estimated by three local property analysts is imposed when the government grants planning permission or other approvals increasing the land's value, BT reported.

Malaysiakini reported that the Singapore Land Authority, who administers the tax, said it does not comment on market speculation regarding the intentions of landowners or potential private transactions.

Residential use

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) had previously said in March 2026 that Ismail applied to develop the land for residential use.

He reportedly planned to develop his land parcels at Holland Road for residential uses, if approved, for low-rise, low-density housing and Good Class Bungalows.

In a press release on Mar. 17, URA said it received a development application from the ROJ.

The URA has reviewed the application with technical agencies and is proposing to rezone the ROJ's land parcels to "residential" status.

A representative for Ismail declined to comment.