JS-SEZ Approved Investments Hit RM88.83 Bln, 45 Pct Realised
By Anas Abu Hassan
SINGAPORE, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) recorded RM88.83 billion in approved investments between January 2025 and June 2026, with the potential to create 28,755 jobs, said Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
He said 45 per cent of the total approved investments, amounting to RM40.30 billion had been realised, involving projects that are expected to generate 12,796 jobs.
"In that sense, it is not just about having a great potential, but the real challenge and commitment by both countries are to deliver this prospect with a really good outcome.
"So definitely, we want to keep up this good momentum and it will benefit both nations, the people and the business communities," he said.
He was speaking to the media in a joint press conference today after co-chairing the inaugural Johor–Singapore Cooperation Ministerial Committee (JSCMC) together with Singapore Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat. Also present was Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
According to Akmal Nasrullah, the JSCMC serves as a strategic move by both countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation, enhanced coordination as well as monitor the implementation of priority initiatives under the JS-SEZ.
A Joint Ministerial Committee was set up under the JSCMC, which will be co-chaired by Malaysia’s Economy Minister and Singapore’s Minister for National Development.
Malaysia’s representatives will comprise the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry and the Johor Menteri Besar, while Singapore will be represented by its Minister for Energy and Industry and Minister for Transport.
Akmal Nasrullah also said both countries had agreed to organise a joint investment forum in the first quarter of 2027.
In the meantime, he said the upcoming JS-SEZ blueprint, scheduled to be launched by both Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in December 2026, will pave the way for a better prospect within the economic zone in the near term.
"With this blueprint in place, we expect the momentum for 2027 will be hopefully higher in terms of the commitment from both countries," he added.
Meanwhile, Chee said the upcoming JS-SEZ blueprint represents the medium- to longer-term vision of what both countries want to achieve for the region.
To realise the vision outlined in the JS-SEZ blueprint, he said various agencies from both countries would need to work closely together to strengthen cooperation and oversee the implementation of specific initiatives.
These include talent development, facilitating the movement of people and goods, promoting trade and investment, as well as enhancing transportation and connectivity.
"I think all these are important supporting elements to make the blueprint come to life and to realise the benefits for win-win cooperation," he said.
-- BERNAMA