KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 — Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has announced that the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) aims to position Malaysia as a competitive alternative for international investments, potentially shifting the focus from Vietnam to Johor and Singapore. Rafizi highlighted that the JS-SEZ offers a unique advantage for international companies to manage geopolitical risks and establish a presence in Southeast Asia, combining Singapore’s sophistication with Johor’s resource and cost benefits.
The JS-SEZ will encompass the entire Iskandar Malaysia region, including the Pengerang Municipal Council area, covering 3,505 square kilometers. It will involve six local authority areas in Johor, such as the Iskandar Puteri City Council and Johor Bahru City Council. The initiative is in its final stages, with a joint agreement expected in September. The Johor and federal governments are collaborating to attract global investors, focusing on sectors aligned with national policies like the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030).
