RM1.34b from five Singapore firms for Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, says MB

• The investments were facilitated through the Johor branch of the Malaysian Investment Facilitation Centre (IMFC-J), established to coordinate and accelerate strategic investment processes in the state.

JOHOR BAHRU (July 30): Johor has secured RM1.34 billion in investment commitments from five Singapore-based companies under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi (pictured) said.

He said a further RM78 million in potential investments is currently under negotiation in the second phase.

The investments were facilitated through the Johor branch of the Malaysian Investment Facilitation Centre (IMFC-J), established to coordinate and accelerate strategic investment processes in the state.

“To date, through the IMFC-J, 70 companies from Singapore, China, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, as well as local investors, have expressed interest in investing in Johor.

“Of these, five Singapore firms have committed a total of RM1.34 billion, with another RM78 million in prospective investments under negotiation,” he said in a statement issued during his official visit to Singapore as the 82nd recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship.

Onn Hafiz said his meeting with Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong served as a key platform to strengthen bilateral economic ties and map out the comprehensive implementation of the JS-SEZ.

He also shared progress on the JS-SEZ master plan, currently under development with support from consultants appointed by the Malaysian government.

“Our discussions covered strategic proposals such as establishing a free trade zone within the JS-SEZ, improving cross-border movement of goods and talent, and developing a second Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link on the western side of Johor.

“More importantly, we also addressed issues that matter to the people, including the rising cost of living, the need to strengthen basic infrastructure, and the importance of building a more efficient and inclusive transport system,” he said.

Johor, he added, is ready to implement progressive policies to drive growth while remaining committed to ensuring that all initiatives deliver real benefits to the people.

“I believe the strategic cooperation between Johor, Malaysia and Singapore must continue to be strengthened to realise a development agenda that is inclusive, equitable and sustainable, so that no one is left behind.

“Insya-Allah, Johor, Malaysia and Singapore will continue to be mutually beneficial regional partners in shaping a more prosperous future,” he added.

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