PETALING JAYA: The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) recorded RM88.83 billion in approved investments between January 2025 and June 2026, of which RM40.3 billion, or approximately 45%, had been implemented.
The investments, approved under the purview of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), were associated with 28,755 potential employment opportunities, including 12,796 jobs linked to implemented projects.
The latest figures were announced following the inaugural Johor-Singapore Cooperation Ministerial Committee (JSCMC) meeting held in Singapore, as both countries stepped up efforts to strengthen cooperation and accelerate the implementation of the economic zone.
The meeting was co-chaired by Malaysia’s Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir and Singapore’s National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat, with Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for National Development and Transport Sun Xueling also in attendance.
In a joint statement yesterday, both countries said the transition of the Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia (JMCIM) into the JSCMC reflected the deepening and broadening scope of bilateral cooperation.
The JSCMC will serve as an enhanced ministerial platform to provide strategic direction, strengthen bilateral coordination and oversee the implementation of priority initiatives under the JS-SEZ.
Both sides also welcomed investments from Singapore and Singapore-based companies referred to the Investment Facilitation Centre-Johor by Singapore.
Under the new arrangement, the committee will comprise Malaysia’s Economy Minister, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister and Johor Menteri Besar, alongside Singapore’s National Development Minister, Energy, Trade and Industry Minister and Transport Minister.
The two countries also agreed to establish working groups covering the JS-SEZ, transportation and other mutually agreed areas, with the groups reporting to the JSCMC.
Both sides will continue discussions on the updated terms of reference for the committee and its working groups ahead of the next meeting in Malaysia in 2027.
The meeting also reviewed progress in putting in place the institutional, regulatory and operational frameworks needed to support the JS-SEZ.
Both countries welcomed ongoing efforts to assist businesses exploring investment opportunities through Singapore’s JS-SEZ Project Office and Malaysia’s Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre-Johor.
Malaysia’s initiatives under Budget 2027 to support the economic zone include the development of Nexus Sedenak, improved infrastructure and transport connectivity, facilitation of strategic investments and strengthening of financial services in Forest City.
The JS-SEZ Joint Working Committee also reported progress in infrastructure and utilities planning, investment promotion, investment realisation, cross-border connectivity and talent development collaborations between the two countries.
Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to working through the JSCMC to drive inclusive growth, strengthen regional competitiveness and deepen bilateral economic cooperation.
Local Business – The Sun Malaysia
