PETALING JAYA, Johor has attracted RM1.34 billion in investment commitments from five Singapore-based companies under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), according to Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
He added that an additional RM78 million in potential investments is currently being negotiated as part of the second phase.
Onn Hafiz said these investments were facilitated by the Johor branch of the Malaysian Investment Facilitation Centre, which plays a key role in coordinating and expediting strategic investments in the state.
Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi said 70 companies from countries such as Singapore, China, Germany, the UK and the Netherlands have expressed interest in investing in the JS-SEZ.
“To date, 70 companies from Singapore, China, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and local investors have expressed interest in investing in the JS-SEZ,” Bernama quoted him as saying during his official visit to Singapore as the 82nd recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship.
During the visit, he met with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong to discuss strengthening economic ties and advancing the JS-SEZ agenda.
Topics discussed included the establishment of a free trade zone within the JS-SEZ, enhancing the cross-border movement of goods and talent, and developing a second Rapid Transit System (RTS) link on Johor’s western side.
Onn Hafiz also highlighted discussions on addressing the rising cost of living, improving infrastructure, and creating a more efficient transport system.
He reiterated Johor’s readiness to adopt progressive policies that drive growth and deliver tangible benefits to the people while reaffirming the importance of strong cooperation between Johor, Malaysia and Singapore.
“I believe the strategic cooperation between Johor, Malaysia and Singapore must continue to be strengthened to achieve an inclusive, equitable and sustainable development agenda where no one is left behind,” he said.
Formally established in January through an agreement between Malaysia and Singapore, the JS-SEZ aims to attract 100 projects worth RM100 billion and create around 100,000 jobs in high-value sectors such as manufacturing, the digital economy, logistics, clean energy, and tourism over the next decade.
