JS-SEZ Seen As New Era Of Transformation In Malaysia-Singapore Economic Relations

By Nur Fatin Mohmad Kadenen

JOHOR BAHRU, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) agreement signed today is expected to be the beginning of a new era of transformation in economic relations between Malaysia and Singapore.

Deputy president of the Johor Bumiputera Chambers of Entrepreneurs and Traders Zaini Atan said the initiative would also witness rapid economic development that would benefit entrepreneurs and traders from various sectors in the state.

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"We welcome the JS-SEZ initiative since it was announced, which we expect will 'jump start' economic development in Johor.

"All sectors are also definitely looking forward to the government's plan and its comprehensive details on how it will benefit the people," he told Bernama.

Hence, he said, the state government needs to hold an engagement session with industry players involved including entrepreneurs' associations and traders and hawkers in the near future to provide information on the direction and sharing of opinions regarding JS-SEZ.

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Zaini also hoped the initiative can be a catalyst for the progress of business, especially for the bumiputera community, thereby creating job opportunities for local citizens.

"We hope these bumiputera entrepreneurs and traders are given priority and attention, because we want to see this group also play a role in making JS-SEZ a success and benefit from it," he said.

Johor Bahru Business and Hawker Association president Roland Lim said JS-SEZ can be a boost for entrepreneurs and traders to face the challenges and uncertainties of the global economy. 

He hoped the state government will be able to deal with any possibilities such as an increase in the price of goods or rent as a result of the speed of economic development in the state.

"We in Johor are lucky because we continue to grow and prosper due to our strategic position next to Singapore. However, various things need to be taken into account such as the increase in the price of goods and so on from the pace of development and the global economy," he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong today witnessed the exchange of joint agreements between Malaysia and Singapore on JS-SEZ in addition to six memoranda of understanding and one letter of intent.

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli was previously reported as saying that the JS-SEZ will cover the entire Iskandar Malaysia area including the area under the administration of the Pengerang Municipal Council totalling ​​3,505 square kilometres.

JS-SEZ includes areas under six local authorities in Johor, namely Iskandar Puteri City Council, Johor Bahru City Council, Pasir Gudang City Council, Kulai Municipal Council, Pengerang Municipal Council and part of Pontian Municipal Council.

-- BERNAMA