Economy Ministry defends JS-SEZ master plan timeline amid Johor’s call for immediate release

KUALA LUMPUR (July 2): The Economy Ministry has defended the handling of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) master plan, saying the initiative remains on track and is being carefully coordinated despite calls from the Johor state government for its immediate release.

The ministry in a statement Thursday said the master plan is being finalised to ensure policy alignment, implementation readiness and effective Malaysia-Singapore cooperation, stressing that the JS-SEZ has not been delayed even though the official launch has yet to take place.

The response follows Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi’s call for Putrajaya to release the plan immediately, saying repeated delays were affecting investor confidence. He said the plan had been postponed several times and was important to provide clarity on investments, incentives and development planning.

Onn Hafiz also argued that the master plan does not require Singapore’s approval, as input from both countries have already been incorporated.

In response, the ministry said the JS-SEZ implementation is already ongoing, including investment facilitation, infrastructure development, talent building and cross-border connectivity projects.

Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir (pictured) said the zone recorded RM76.98 billion in approved investments in 2025 and RM5.49 billion in the first quarter of 2026, with RM74.12 billion in potential investments identified from January to May 2026.

The ministry added that international engagement and supply chain programmes are continuing, alongside preparations for the Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS), saying these show steady progress under the JS-SEZ agenda.

The JS-SEZ, formalised in January 2025, aims to develop a cross-border economic zone covering key Johor areas including Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Pasir Gudang, Sedenak and Desaru.

Johor will hold elections on July 11, 2026, with all 56 state seats contested. The state ruling coalition Barisan Nasional will face Pakatan Harapan in all seats.

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