ISKANDAR PUTERI: A master plan for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is being drafted by the state government, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The Johor Mentri Besar said it involves agencies such as the Iskandar Regional Development Authority and would cover the state plans to develop the JS-SEZ over the next few years.
“Looking at Shenzhen, China, they have their own five-year masterplan, which they will revisit every five years.
“We are also coming up with a JS-SEZ Masterplan, and we should be able to finalise it by June,” he said during a fireside chat part of a Johor business mission organised by Singapore Business Federation at a hotel here on Wednesday (Feb 19).
The event was attended by about 230 delegates from 180 Singapore-based companies.
During the fireside chat, moderator UOB Malaysia chief executive officer Ng Wei Wei also asked Onn Hafiz how the RM5bil infrastructure development fund proposed by the federal government for the JS-SEZ would be utilised.
“The RM5bil will tie to the masterplan. It will not be ad hoc; we will have to strategise to ensure the money is well spent,” Onn Hafiz said.
The Mentri Besar also said that the elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (elevated ART) system, which would help disperse traffic in the city area, should also be finalised by March.
“I will be chairing the meeting with the Private Public Partnership Unit and Transport Ministry,” he added.
On Feb 14, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said bids would be called for the elevated ART project in view of an expected increase in congestion with next year’s completion of the Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link).
Loke reportedly said the elevated ART was preferred over the Light Rail Transit due to its flexibility and faster implementation.
The Transport Ministry presented the proposal for an elevated ART to the Cabinet about two months ago.
The Cabinet then decided that a request for proposal would be called by the Private Public Partnership Unit.
