Johor should consider setting up a joint industrial park with Singapore as both are looking at establishing a special economic zone.
Johor Baru Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Low Kueck Shin said it was timely for the proposed project, mooted about 15 years ago, to be realised as it would complement the special economic zone.
He said the proposal was mooted when Johor was helmed by former mentri besar Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Othman, who served from 1995 to 2013.
“The industrial park is to cater to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from both countries,’’ he added.
Low said Gelang Patah was chosen as a site for the proposed 404.68ha industrial park as it was located near the Second Link in Tanjung Kupang and Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP).
“The project did not take off due to unforeseen circumstances,’’ he said, adding that if revived it would benefit both sides.
He added that Johor, in particular Iskandar Malaysia, was the right place for Singapore-based SMEs to relocate their operations because of its close proximity.
Low said the industrial park could offer Singapore-based SMEs an opportunity to expand operations because of the vast land available in Gelang Patah.
“Hopefully, the proposed park can also cater to not only SMEs but also multinational corporations (MNCs).”
He added that the presence of Singapore SMEs and MNCs would benefit local SMEs in terms of providing support services, including producing parts and components for them.
Iskandar Malaysia Johor Chamber of Commerce and Industry secretary-general Md Salikon Sarpin said Gelang Patah, Skudai or Sedenak would be the best location for a special economic zone.
He said all three were easily accessible from the North-South Expressway and had good connectivity to Senai International Airport and PTP.
“It is only natural for Johor and Singapore to set up a special economic zone.”
Md Salikon said Johor had the space, semi-skilled and skilled manpower and competitive cost advantage for Singapore-based companies to move here.
He said the completion of the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link by 2026 would provide a further boost.
“Improvements in connectivity and accessibility will improve economic activities between both countries,” he added.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
