The Ministry of Economy did not respond to ST’s queries.

According to an official source, Malaysia is hoping to attract nine sectors to the SEZ, namely logistics, energy, manufacturing, tourism, healthcare, education, financial services, business services and digital economy.

The definitive agreement with details of the SEZ, including its physical location, is expected to be signed in the fourth quarter of 2024, said Lee.

On the face of it, both the Iskandar project and the upcoming SEZ have similar objectives and structures – they are both Singapore-Malaysia plans that aim to boost economic activity in the region. For example, ministers on both sides have discussed developments in Iskandar since 2007, when the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia (JMCIM) was set up.

However, analysts say the SEZ will be a step-up from Iskandar. Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in October 2023 that the SEZ should enhance the ecosystem of the Iskandar development region.

Maybank Investment Bank said in its research note dated Dec 16 that the SEZ will bring in more investments, especially from global companies that want to co-locate in both Singapore and Johor. It added that there will be “new infrastructure developments to support the higher economic activities ahead”.

Johor’s Lee Ting Han said the JMCIM currently covers policy-based matters for immigration, industrial cooperation, tourism and environment between both countries, while the SEZ will be more focused on economic matters.

In particular, the SEZ is expected to ease movement of people and goods across the congested Singapore-Johor border, one of the world’s busiest land crossings.

“The SEZ will also include special treatment for professionals, managers, executives and technicians to obtain the necessary visa at the one-stop investment facilitation centre without much hassle,” he said. He expects to also see investment incentives such as tax breaks and improved trade procedures and custom processes for businesses in the SEZ.

The Iskandar development region is ready-made to be the SEZ,” said Lee Ting Han, chairman of Johor’s state investment, trade and consumer affairs committee.


Iskandar, which was conceptualised as an economic growth corridor in 2006, spans 2,217 sq km across southern Johor, an area three times the size of Singapore. It includes Johor’s heavy industrial zone Pasir Gudang, its capital city Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Kulai, Sedenak and part of Pontian town.

It attracted foreign investments to the tune of RM153.4 billion (S$44 billion) between 2006 and 2022 in various industries ranging from electrical and electronics and data centres to pharmaceuticals and food processing. Singapore is the second-largest foreign investor in Iskandar after China, with RM33 billion committed as at June 2023.

Investment slowed in recent years due to pandemic border restrictions, contributing to a property glut. Total investments in Iskandar since its inception were forecast to reach more than RM400 billion in 2023, said Lee.

An SEZ with Johor could be a game changer

He said Iskandar has the necessary infrastructure and facilities such as highways, ports, utilities supply, townships as well as educational institutions that would be suitable for the SEZ.

“The Iskandar growth corridor would be a good start, as the area encompasses planned integrated development Ibrahim Technopolis at Sedenak town, the heavy industrial area at Pasir Gudang and the proposed special financial zone in Forest City,” he told The Straits Times.

The SEZ, which was officially announced in October 2023 during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Singapore for the 10th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ retreat, is an integrated zone for business and investment that is aimed at easing the movement of people and goods across the border between the two countries.

Lee told ST that Johor’s proposal has been submitted to the federal government’s Ministry of Economy, which is in charge of Malaysia’s economic development. But it is not known if the proposal will form part of the SEZ plans being discussed with Singapore.

Johor state government proposing Iskandar Malaysia be designated special economic zone with Singapore

Published Fri, Jan 05, 2024 · 2:42 pm Updated Fri, Jan 05, 2024 · 8:45 pm

The construction site of Johor Bahru's RTS Link near Sultan Iskandar CIQ and JB Sentral KTM railway station. PHOTO: GAVIN FOO, ST
Singapore-Johor Economic Ties

JOHOR’S state government has proposed that its business hub Iskandar Malaysia be designated as the special economic zone being planned between Singapore and Malaysia, The Straits Times has learnt.

It is not known though if Malaysia’s federal government agrees and will discuss the proposal with Singapore. A memorandum of understanding on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is expected to be inked by both sides on Jan 11.

Johor state govt proposes Iskandar Malaysia be designated special economic zone with Singapore

The construction site of Johor Bahru's RTS Link near JB Sentral KTM railway station. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Zunaira Saieed
Malaysia Correspondent
UPDATED 38 MINS AGO
FacebookX
KUALA LUMPUR - Johor’s state government has proposed that its business hub Iskandar Malaysia be designated as the special economic zone being planned between Singapore and Malaysia, The Straits Times has learnt.

It is not known, though, if Malaysia’s federal government agrees and will discuss the proposal with Singapore. A memorandum of understanding on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is expected to be inked by both sides on Jan 11.

“The Iskandar development region is ready-made to be the SEZ,” said Mr Lee Ting Han, chairman of Johor’s state investment, trade and consumer affairs committee.


Iskandar, which was conceptualised as an economic growth corridor in 2006, spans 2,217 sq km across southern Johor, an area three times the size of Singapore. It includes Johor’s heavy industrial zone Pasir Gudang, its capital city Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Kulai, Sedenak and part of Pontian town.

It attracted foreign investments to the tune of RM153.4 billion (S$44 billion) between 2006 and 2022 in various industries ranging from electrical and electronics and data centre to pharmaceutical and food processing. Singapore is the second-largest foreign investor in Iskandar after China, with RM33 billion committed as at June 2023.

Investment slowed in recent years due to pandemic border restrictions, contributing to a property glut. Total investment in Iskandar since its inception was forecast to reach more than RM400 billion in 2023, said Mr Lee.


According to him, Iskandar has the necessary infrastructure and facilities, such as highways, ports, utilities supply, townships and educational institutions, that would be suitable for the SEZ.

ST Asian Insider: Malaysia Edition
Get exclusive insights into Malaysia in weekly round-up
Enter your e-mail
Sign up
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and T&Cs.

“The Iskandar growth corridor would be a good start, as the area encompasses planned integrated development Ibrahim Technopolis in Sedenak town, the heavy industrial area in Pasir Gudang and the proposed special financial zone in Forest City,” he told The Straits Times.

The SEZ, which was officially announced in October 2023 during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Singapore for the 10th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat, is an integrated zone for business and investment that is aimed at easing the movement of people and goods across the border between the two countries.

Mr Lee told ST that Johor’s proposal has been submitted to the federal government’s Ministry of Economy, which is in charge of Malaysia’s economic development. But it is not known if the proposal will form part of the SEZ plans being discussed with Singapore.


The Ministry of Economy did not respond to ST’s queries.

According to an official source, Malaysia is hoping to attract nine sectors to the SEZ, namely logistics, energy, manufacturing, tourism, healthcare, education, financial services, business services and digital economy.

The definitive agreement with details of the SEZ, including its physical location, is expected to be signed in the fourth quarter of 2024, said Mr Lee.

On the face of it, both the Iskandar project and the upcoming SEZ have similar objectives and structures – they are both Singapore-Malaysia plans that aim to boost economic activity in the region. For example, ministers on both sides have discussed developments in Iskandar since 2007, when the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia (JMCIM) was set up.

1.03 !!!

Buyers keeps accumulating ...as we speaks...Mon to Fri this counter UP UP UP non stop !!

1.02 gone ....delicious

Khazanah will huat arrr !!!

rm1 holding steady ......possibly breaks rm1.10

UEMS will attracts More major investors globally once Johor Sg Economic and RTS kicks starts

Khazanah needs to pump up this counter increases its shareholdings ...

Sultan Johor will take good care of UEMS Sunrise for the next 5 years ! Sit back ,Relax and chill gaisss

https://theedgemalaysia.com/content/advertise/uem-sunrise-trailblazes-with-green-initiatives-through-its-upcoming-projects

More Positive News ...
https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/696208

FOMO still can catch the train .... Uem the biggest landlord in JOHOR!!!
https://youtu.be/X4xl9nkm0U0?si=kDxvksrLnP44E02H

think outside the box if you want to be a head of the rest !!!

its the positive land valuation effects on ECRL ptoject that matter the most

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/12/10/king-to-grace-ceremony-to-install-first-ecrl-track-tomorrow/106788

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/12/10/king-to-grace-ceremony-to-install-first-ecrl-track-tomorrow/106788

LiMIT Up Up Up !!!

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/12/10/johor-sultan-plans-to-revive-the-high-speed-rail-hsr-link-project-with-singapore-next-year/106799

Limit UP UP UP !!!!

another nice UP ...bravo

Most analyst TP above 1.00

Wow ...nice up SP

Simeprop is everybodys fav except sour grapes ...hahaha

thanks for another round of lobster nasi lemak

Repeat pattetn means another round of burger Lobster soon ! lobster's shell for sour grapes

Thank you SProp !!!

Why !? Always bad mouthing SP ?

tatwaihong is TOXIC and Sore Loser ...pls take n0te ..hahaha

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2023/11/16/sime-darby-gets-shareholders039-nod-for-umw-acquisition

Next take over SimeProp otw ...

Congratulations ......nice up

SOUR grapes..hahaha

wow ...another round of profits ...enuff to eat burger lobster this time .no time for loser and soit grapes ...hahaha

Sprop is one of SD group CORE business. ..plz read up b4 commenting

hahaha making small KFC profits from yesterday ....support support ...many sour grapes still gain nothing and waiting to collect lower

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2023/11/15/sime-darby-to-focus-on-core-business

cash rich after sales .. profit 2 Billions waiting in bank acct

Top up more before the Fly day

ipo price rm1.50 a piece imagine you can buy at 0.585 now...buy 1 free 2

dump and pump more shares leveraging...

strong brand name and landbank... no need rocket scientists to buy

wow whoever dump is a dumb dumb...largest landbank in Msia

wow gone right after i post .....now 0.610 can buy some and keep ?

0.605 can buy some and keep?

robot trad8ng left to right and right to lwft

die die also must follow Banker .....hahabah

wow Big Boss has made his bulk purchases

ti g0ng po pi those ikan billis kena goreng at 0.755 ...strategy to get cheaper shares price

Great News !!!
Insider collecting quietly awaiting Fri Good QR