MALAYSIA and Singapore are set to explore several initiatives for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

According to a joint statement by the Economy Ministry and Singapore’s Trade and Industry Ministry, the initiatives include establishing a one-stop business/investment centre in Johor to facilitate application processes for various approvals and licences necessary for Singapore businesses to be set up in the southern state. 

The parties said the JS-SEZ will ride on Johor’s strong growth and Singapore’s significant investments in the region. 

In 2022, Johor recorded RM70.6 billion worth of investments across various sectors, including electrical and electronics, medical equipment, food manufacturing and data centres.

Meanwhile, Singapore was Johor’s second-largest foreign investor from January to June 2022, and accounted for around 70% of the state’s total foreign direct investment (FDI) in the manufacturing sector.

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said the JS-SEZ presents an unprecedented opportunity to enhance cross-border flow of goods and people, bolster the business ecosystem and enhance the economic attractiveness of both Johor and Singapore. 

“I have full confidence that this initiative will herald the commencement of a transformative chapter in our bilateral economic relations, fostering unparalleled connectivity and prosperity for both our great nations,” he added. 

The statement also said an adoption/implementation of a passport-free QR code clearance system on both sides would also be on the cards to facilitate more expeditious clearance of people at land checkpoints. 

The list also includes digitised processes for cargo clearance at land checkpoints as well as the facilitation of Malaysia-Singapore renewable energy cooperation to drive economic growth. 

Singapore Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong said the JS-SEZ would serve as a bridge for both countries to tap into each other’s strengths and seize opportunities to grow together. 

“I look forward to the JS-SEZ agreement and the benefits for our businesses and people,” he added. 

In 2022, Malaysia and Singapore were each other’s second-largest trading partners, with bilateral trade growing by 18.9% year-on-year to S$153 billion (RM534 billion). 

Singapore was also Malaysia’s top source of FDI, accounting for 20.5% of Malaysia’s total FDI in 2022. – Bernama, January 11, 2024.