Malaysia and Singapore will be meeting next month to further discuss the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), according to state executive councillor Lee Ting Han.
Lee, who is the Johor investment, trade, consumer affairs, and human resources committee chairman, mentioned that the meeting aims to provide updates and work towards a full-fledged agreement by the fourth quarter of this year.
He stated, “The meeting with Singapore will be held sometime in March where we will negotiate further on the JS-SEZ based on parameters that were set in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed last month.”
Lee also mentioned an upcoming internal meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Feb 28 in Johor.
Regarding the discussions, Lee highlighted that topics such as the QR code clearance system, digitalized cargo clearance, and joint training programs will be on the agenda.
He explained, “Take the QR code passport clearance, for example; we need to discuss internally what kind of system we want, whether this will be the case where both countries develop their own systems or for us to develop the system together.”
He added, “The same goes for cargo clearance. We need to decide whether we want to use our existing system and integrate it with Singapore’s or for both countries to develop a joint system.”
Lee emphasized that the Prime Minister’s active involvement in negotiations showcases the government’s dedication to establishing the economic zone.
Regarding issues like the recent power outage at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (BSI CIQ), Lee mentioned that they have already been resolved at the state government level.
He stated, “Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has already given instructions to state works, transportation, infrastructure, and communication committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, which includes providing more backup power and resolving cabling issues.”
The BSI CIQ experienced a power outage recently for the second time, with the first incident occurring in December last year.
Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil mentioned that federal and Johor officials will convene next week to discuss policies and issues to expedite the establishment of the SEZ.
The MOU to establish the JS-SEZ was signed on Jan 11, following the agreement during the 10th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat in October between Anwar and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
In a joint statement after the MOU signing, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and Singapore’s Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong highlighted various initiatives being explored for the economic zone.
These initiatives include implementing a passport-free QR code clearance system, digitized cargo clearance processes, and co-organizing investor forums.
Other initiatives involve setting up a one-stop business and investment hub in Johor, developing training and work-based learning initiatives, and organizing joint promotion events.
