Onn Hafiz (left) shaking hands with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong during a high level meeting held at the island republic on Wednesday.
JOHOR BARU: Johor is poised to deepen its economic and strategic ties with Singapore following a high-level meeting between Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong.
The meeting with Gan, who is also the island republic’s Trade and Industry Minister, was held on the first day of Onn Hafiz’s official visit to Singapore as the 82nd recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship (LKYEF).
“This was a meaningful and productive engagement that opens the door to strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and regional economic transformation, particularly through the implementation of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
“Some 70 companies, including those from Singapore, China, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Malaysia, have shown investment interest through the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre in Johor (IMFC-J),” he said in a Facebook post here on Wednesday (July 30).
Onn Hafiz added that out of interest, five Singapore-based companies have already committed to investments valued at around RM1.34bil, with an additional RM78mil in the pipeline under the JS-SEZ’s second phase.
He said during the meeting, he also shared updates on the JS-SEZ Master Plan, which is currently being drafted with the assistance of consultants appointed by the Malaysian government.
“Strategic proposals discussed during the meeting included the establishment of a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) within the JS-SEZ, cross-border facilitation of goods and talent, and the proposal for a second Rapid Transit System (RTS) link located on Johor’s western corridor.
“Beyond economic transformation, we also discussed issues that matter deeply to the people such as cost of living, the need to strengthen basic infrastructure, and developing a more efficient and inclusive public transportation system,” he added.
Onn Hafiz emphasised Johor’s readiness to implement progressive policies while remaining mindful of their impact on public wellbeing.
“I believe that strategic cooperation between Johor, Malaysia and Singapore must continue to be enhanced to ensure inclusive, equitable and sustainable development so that no one is left behind,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the tripartite partnership would yield mutual benefits and prosperity for the region.
“God willing, Johor, Malaysia and Singapore will continue to be strong regional partners, working together for a more prosperous future,” he said.
