PETALING JAYA: The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) aims to create 20,000 highly skilled jobs in the next 10 years, says Rafizi Ramli.
This is achieved by getting firms to implement 100 projects within that time in the 3,505sq km zone, said the Economy Minister.
The zone covers six cities and townships in Southern Johor – Johor Baru, Iskandar Puteri, Pasir Gudang, Kulai, Pontian and Pengerang.
“Through this agreement, Malaysia and Singapore will pool together each of their strengths to develop a special economic zone.” Rafizi said after the signing of the JS-SEZ agreement by Malaysia and Singapore yesterday in Kuala Lumpur.
“Malaysia’s abundant land and an established industrial base will complement the technological expertise and financial networks of Singapore to turn the JS-SEZ into one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world,” he added in a Facebook post after the signing ceremony.
The JS-SEZ is inspired by zones such as Shenzen and Suzhou in China, where global firms are encouraged to expand their operations by leveraging the advantages of both Johor and Singapore.
Among the competitive advantages of setting up shop in the JS-SEZ are affordable land and labour prices and a favourable tax regime, according to documents shown by the ministry.
The JS-SEZ will focus on 11 industry sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, energy, and the digital and green economies, that are spread across nine flagship zones.
They are Johor Baru city centre, Iskandar Puteri, Tanjung Pelepas-Tanjung Bin, Pasir Gudang, Senai-Skudai, Sedenak, Forest City, the Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex and Desaru.
In a special briefing last week ahead of the signing ceremony, Rafizi announced five new priority fields for the JS-SEZ: aerospace, medical devices, electrical and electronics, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
He also said that if the zone can get 50 projects up and running in the next five years, it would create a critical mass that will enable the area to reach 100 projects in 10 years.
He added that firms looking to expand their operations in the JS-SEZ can apply for support to get new roads, water and electricity lines via a special infrastructure fund.
The fund will allow investors to apply for infrastructure tailor-made to their projects without having to go through the conventional but much lengthier government budget process.
“For the JS-SEZ, we have set aside a fund that can be used straight away on a project-by-project basis that is driven by the type of investment.
“They can ask what infrastructure they need for their projects, and we will work with all the agencies necessary to get what they need,” Rafizi said during the briefing.
Other financial carrots, such as special tax rates, will be announced by the International Trade and Industry Ministry, he added.
