JOHOR BARU: Business groups in Johor are seeking fresh momentum for cross-border growth following Singapore’s general election which saw the ruling party secure a strong mandate.
With political stability reinforced in the island republic, industry players believe it could accelerate joint development projects, such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which will provide spillover benefits to the state.
Johor Indian Business Association president P. Sivakumar said the result of the Singapore general election would ensure political and economic stability across the Causeway, which will go well with the Johor government’s vision of developing the state.
“Over the years, Johor and Singapore have enjoyed good relations as they have become our main trade partner.
“And recently, Malaysia and Singapore agreed to pursue concerted economic growth and infrastructure projects through the JS-SEZ and Rapid Transit Link System (RTS Link) respectively,” he said here yesterday.
He added that with no political disruption both in Johor and Singapore, it can help accelerate the JS-SEZ growth.
“The Singapore general election result is certainly good news among the business community here, in particular for the JS-SEZ, which is very important for us to become a developed state by 2030. It can push JS-SEZ to attract high-quality investments here, which, in turn, will provide economic spillover for locals in Johor,” he said.
South Johor SME Association adviser Teh Kee Sin said the working relationship between the state and Singapore government would continue to flourish following its general election.
“Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi also has a good relationship with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
“I do believe that both governments will continue to work together and maintain their relationship, especially now that we have established the JS-SEZ here,” he added.
Iskandar Malaysia Johor Chamber of Commerce and Industry secretary-general Md Salikon Sarpin said with the Singapore ruling government winning the lion’s share of its parliamentary seats, it was a good thing for the state as well.
“Johor and Singapore are dependent on each other, and with both leaders and governments having a positive relationship, it is important for such relations to be maintained.
“Having a good working relation with our closest neighbour will bring more prosperity and growth to the state, especially now with the global economic uncertainties,” he added.
On Sunday, the Johor government congratulated Wong on the victory of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) in Saturday’s general election.
Onn Hafiz said the victory reflected the people’s confidence in strong and visionary leadership, especially in navigating global economic uncertainty.
“Johor deeply values its close bilateral ties with Singapore, particularly through the implementation of the JS-SEZ, which will further strengthen strategic cooperation between our regions.
“I am confident that Johor-Singapore relations will continue to grow in a progressive and inclusive manner for the well-being of people on both sides of the Causeway,” he said.
He also hoped that the close ties between Johor and Singapore remain strong and be blessed with continued success.
