Planning for the polytechnic began in the 7th Malaysian Plan in collaboration with the government of Malaysia and the World Bank. Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan opened its doors to students in July 1998 in Johor Bahru Technical Secondary School (also known in Malay as Sekolah Menengah Teknik Johor Bahru. Planning early establishment of Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan began in 1991, with an effort to identify a suitable site in the area of Johor Bahru. In July 1998, Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan began operating in the actual site of 100 acres in Plentong, Johor Bahru, with a project cost of RM 155.52 million.