THE upcoming Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link positions Johor as a gateway for cross-border economic growth in the region.
Johor investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han said the service connecting Johor Baru and Singapore by rail would expand the state’s access to regional markets and investors.
“It will strengthen Johor Baru central business district (CBD) as a competitive commercial and investment hub, creating new opportunities for trade, services and high-value industries.
“It will also enhance Johor’s attractiveness as a destination for talent and businesses,” he said when launching Cerebrum Insights Workshop on RTS Link, mobility and Johor Baru CBD opportunities.
Lee said policymakers, industry leaders and stakeholders must be candid in assessing their readiness to take on key challenges such as capturing incoming opportunities, having the right talent and workforce, and having agile regulatory processes to support investors.
Another speaker, Dr Ong Kian Ming, said a Johor Baru city centre masterplan was needed to outline how all the new developments would connect with existing infrastructure.
The former deputy international trade and industry minister said without this foundational document, implementing coordinated infrastructure, underground connectivity and pedestrian networks would be nearly impossible.
“Having such a masterplan can ensure easier implementation of plans and proposals, including to pedestrianise the city centre,” he said.
He also suggested the city work with developers and corporate sponsors to build walkways, squares and other infrastructure to improve Johor Baru’s connectivity and allow more interesting activities to take place at minimal cost to the city council.
Meanwhile, on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), Ong said the corridor would thrive under the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) rather than the current Economy Ministry.
He said its Federal-level structure should align with its Singapore counterpart – the trade and industry ministry – for smoother coordination and stronger external engagement.
“Miti is the ministry with experience in external engagements.
“This is where incentives sit under Mida (Malaysian Invest-ment Development Authority), while Matrade (Malaysia External Trade Development Corp) handles international promotion work which agencies under the Economy Ministry are not accustomed to.
“Miti also has experience negotiating free trade agreements, including dealing with customs-related matters, so it would be in a much better position,” he said.
