MALAYSIA has unveiled a fresh round of fiscal and facilitation measures worth RM850 million to accelerate the development of the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), strengthening the project’s position as a model for regional economic cooperation.
Speaking at the second JS-SEZ Joint Investment Forum in Singapore, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, said the zone was gathering pace as a key strategic response to global economic headwinds.
“The JS-SEZ is not just a bilateral initiative between two neighbours. It is a regional value proposition,” he said. “It challenges us to reimagine borders, not as barriers but as bridges to opportunity.”
Positioned at the intersection of Johor’s industrial capabilities and Singapore’s global connectivity, the zone is intended to serve as a resilient engine for ASEAN’s economic future. “By combining Singapore’s global reach with Johor’s industrial muscle, and harmonising regulations through shared governance, we make the JS-SEZ not just relevant to investors today, but resilient for their tomorrows,” he said.
Among the key announcements was the allocation of RM200 million under the Strategic Co-Investment Fund (CoSIF) to support high-impact projects by Malaysian SMEs operating within the zone. The fund, part of Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), will offer new risk-sharing terms and financing rates to encourage greater private sector participation.
“CoSIF is aimed at enabling SMEs to scale up and go global, particularly in areas such as capacity expansion, tech adoption, and sustainability,” said Tengku Zafrul. The government is also exploring ways to repackage the Malaysia–Singapore Business Development Fund to support cross-border collaboration more effectively.
On the talent front, RM650 million has been allocated through the Skills Development Fund Corporation to train 25,000 Malaysians in strategic sectors including artificial intelligence, semiconductors and electric vehicles – industries aligned with the JS-SEZ’s growth areas.
The ministry will collaborate with the Johor Talent Development Council and other agencies to tailor training to industry needs.
In a bid to improve the investor experience, Malaysia has also expanded the Investor Pass initiative under the Xpats Gateway platform. Eligible foreign investors may now obtain a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 12 months to support site visits and project planning.
MIDA will also proactively offer the pass to target investors in key sectors.
Further facilitation includes the fast-tracking of manufacturing licences within seven working days for qualifying projects in non-sensitive industries.
A corresponding No Objection Letter from the Johor state government will also be issued within the same timeframe. These projects will be granted priority handling via the Johor Super Lane, a coordinated single-window system across state and federal agencies.
“The JS-SEZ must set a new benchmark not just in how we do business, but in how we design future-ready, people-centric, innovation-driven economic zones,” said Tengku Zafrul.
He emphasised the importance of long-term resilience, citing the zone’s broad industrial base as a safeguard against global volatility.
The Minister called on stakeholders from the public and private sectors to shape the zone’s future direction. “The energy and success of the JS-SEZ lie with you,” he said. “Your ideas, feedback and investments will determine how far this vision can go.”
He added, “Together, as we transform aspiration into action, we breathe life into an unprecedented vision of Malaysia–Singapore collaboration, to make us an unstoppable force within ASEAN.” - October 14, 2025
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