THE Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) continues to attract strong interest from international investors, including those from Japan, China, South Korea, and various European nations, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Thursday.
Speaking at the Nikkei Forum in Medini, Johor, Anwar described the cross-border initiative as more than a typical economic zone, branding it a landmark in bilateral cooperation that could serve as a global benchmark.
“This is not just any SEZ. The JS-SEZ has already drawn attention from investors in Japan, China, Korea, and Europe, and is seen as a new investment dynamo on the global stage,” he said.
“Name one other economic zone jointly developed by two countries, grounded entirely in the spirit of exceptional teamwork. That is what makes the JS-SEZ unique,” Anwar added.
He noted that even during a recent meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan, the JS-SEZ featured prominently in discussions on Malaysia, highlighting the zone’s growing prominence in foreign economic dialogues.
“It wasn’t just about Putrajaya – Japan’s Prime Minister raised the JS-SEZ specifically when discussing Malaysia,” Anwar said.
Also present at the forum were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, state investment and trade committee chair Lee Ting Han, and Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Noriyuki Shikata.
The JS-SEZ, a strategic bilateral initiative, aims to stimulate economic growth in the border regions of Johor and Singapore through collaboration in logistics, investment, and high-skilled labour development.
Anwar credited the zone’s growing momentum to a clear policy framework, strong political stability, and institutional support from both federal and state governments – as well as the Republic of Singapore.
“Credit must go to federal agencies, the Johor state government, and our counterparts in Singapore for their unwavering commitment in making this initiative a reality,” he said.
He added that the newly established Investment and Trade Facilitation Centre (IMFC) is also playing a key role in expediting investment approval processes, bolstering Malaysia’s economic competitiveness. - June 19, 2025
