How does Malaysia’s billionaire Sultan Ibrahim spend his $5.7B fortune?

By Linh Le   February 4, 2024 | 03:00 pm PT
At 65, Sultan Ibrahim of Malaysia is known for his lavish lifestyle and philanthropy, backed by a family fortune estimated at $5.7 billion, as reported by Bloomberg.
The 17th King of Malaysia, the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, salutes the guard of honor at National Palace in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. Photo by AP

The 17th King of Malaysia, the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, salutes the guard of honor at National Palace in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. Photo by AP

Business Insider details Sultan Ibrahim’s wealth display, which includes a collection of 300 luxury vintage cars, ranging from a Bugatti Veyron to a cartoon-inspired replica. This collection also notably features a 1980s Ferrari Testarossa and a unique bright-pink Rolls Royce.

His penchant for luxury extends beyond automobiles to aviation, as he also owns three Gulfstreams and a gold-and-blue Boeing 737, adding private jets to his collection.

The Times of India additionally highlights his ownership of exotic animals, including tigers, lions, and crocodiles.

Bloomberg remarks on Sultan Ibrahim’s investments in various sectors, including palm oil, real estate, and telecommunications. He holds a significant stake in U Mobile, a leading Malaysian cell phone provider, and Maharani Energy Gateway, a key player in his home state of Johor’s oil and gas industry.

His investments reportedly extend to Singapore, where he owns $4 billion worth of land, including the Forest City project.

With his wealthy status, The Straits Times reports his recent initiative to revive the high-speed railway project between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, previously shelved in 2021 due to its substantial cost.

The Guardian also emphasizes his charitable efforts, including tours around Johor on a Harley-Davidson, where he distributed money to the needy, showcasing his dedication to welfare beyond his wealth.

Sultan Ibrahim was officially sworn into office during a ceremony held on Jan. 31, which was attended by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Cabinet members, as reported by AP. This ceremony, which included signing the proclamation of office, will be followed by a coronation ceremony.

His wife, 64-year-old Raja Zarith Sofiah of the Perak Royal Family, is an Oxford-educated author known for her children’s books. They share five sons and a daughter.

His rise to the throne is the latest iteration of Malaysia’s rotating monarchy system, in which the crown passed among the heads of the country’s nine royal families every five years.

 
 
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