JOHOR BARU: A global management consulting firm has been appointed to draft the blueprint for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), marking a key step towards the zone’s development direction, says a state executive councillor.
Johor investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han said the firm was appointed by the Economy Ministry early last month after a tender exercise.
“The blueprint, which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of next year, will serve as the official guiding document for the JS-SEZ’s future development.
“It is separate from the policy framework and incentive measures announced after Malaysia and Singapore signed the memorandum of understanding earlier this year,” he clarified.
Lee said the Federal Government has been actively involved throughout the process and that the Iskandar Regional Development Authority is currently driving the effort.
“Since the consulting firm was appointed about four weeks ago, it is now conducting stakeholder engagements, including sessions with companies, the state secretary and relevant agencies.
“The firm is expected to meet Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi next week to discuss the overall vision for the JS-SEZ.
“It will also host a workshop to set the agenda before the drafting process begins,” he added.
Lee said the state government has also been holding its own engagement sessions to gather feedback from relevant players.
“I was with the Securities Commission on Monday to understand their planning for the Forest City Special Financial Zone and we asked specifically about their plans to coordinate with the JS-SEZ blueprint,” Lee said.
He added that he has also met with Malaysian Investment Development Authority and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation management on Tuesday for similar discussions.
Lee said the blueprint will cover the JS-SEZ’s 11 key economic sectors: logistics, manufacturing, financial services, business services, digital economy, tourism, food security, education, health, energy and the green economy.
Spanning about 3,588sq km, about four times the size of Singapore, the JS-SEZ comprises nine flagship zones: Johor Baru Waterfront, Iskandar Puteri, Tanjung Pelepas, Tanjung Langsat-Kong Kong, Senai-Skudai, Kulai-Sedenak, Desaru-Penawar, Forest City and Pengerang.
