SINGAPORE – The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone was one of the topics raised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today in an informal bilateral discussion with his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong.
He was here for a one-day working visit, among other things, to attend the invitation of the Milken Institute to provide views with a focus on how Malaysia can attract investment from abroad.
The Prime Minister of Singapore and his wife hosted Anwar and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail at an afternoon tea ceremony.
“Discussions in a friendly manner... of course we discussed matters that touch on both countries but not officially,” Anwar told the Malaysian media at the end of the visit.
“I of course raised other issues including the proposed special area (in Johor) for foreign company managers working in Singapore,” he added.
Anwar said the area would soon become an alternative for global company managers based in Singapore to reside.
“The area will make their journey easier... live in more comfortable conditions... a better atmosphere with facilities including international schools, golf clubs and easy travel through the Second Link,” said the Prime Minister.
Anwar said he also received many questions on the idea of the special zone during a meeting session with global investors earlier this morning.
“I have mentioned to investors that the cost of management is too high (in Singapore). They can continue to work in Singapore and live in Johor,” he said.
Malaysia and Singapore had in July agreed to create a special task force to study the establishment of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.
The special task force will report its progress to the leaders when they meet during the upcoming Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat scheduled for this October.
Anwar’s first visit as Prime Minister to the country was in January.
Asked to comment on his visit to New York, Anwar said he will meet big investors in the United States and globally.
He will also hold a meeting with Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in an effort to address Islamophobia on the global stage.
“I will also hold a bilateral meeting... it will be announced before I leave later,” he said. – Bernama, September 13, 2023
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