JOHOR, MALAYSIA - A passport-free QR code system is being explored to speed up immigration clearance for land travel between Singapore and Malaysia, as part of plans for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSSEZ).
Other collaborative initiatives being looked at include making it easier for Singapore businesses to set up shop in Johor through a one-stop business and investment service centre in Johor to facilitate applications for approvals and licences.
Also being explored are digitised processes for cargo clearance at land checkpoints.
As both countries work towards the JSSEZ, an investors’ forum may also be co-organised to gather feedback from businesses about the special zone.
In a joint press statement on Jan 11, Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and Malaysia’s Ministry of Economy (MOE) said these early initiatives demonstrate the collaborative spirit between both sides and mutual interest in the JSSEZ to drive economic growth.
They complement a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that both countries inked on the special economic zone on Jan 11 to strengthen economic connectivity between Johor and Singapore.
The MOU was signed by Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong and Malaysia’s Minister of Economy Mohd Rafizi Ramli, and witnessed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Get a round-up of the top stories to start your day
Thank you!
Sign up
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and T&Cs.
The MOU comes two months after the 10th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat in Oct 2023. At the retreat, PM Lee told reporters there was an ongoing feasibility study to determine investor interest and market demand.
Singapore was Johor’s second-largest foreign investor from January to June 2022 and contributed about 70 per cent of Johor’s total foreign direct investment (FDI) in the manufacturing sector.
Remote video URL
Under the MOU, the creation of the special economic zone will enhance cross-border connectivity in goods to promote more seamless and expedited flow of goods between Johor and Singapore.
It will also enable freer movement for people such as professionals, managers, executives and technicians, to support investments and business operations.
To facilitate investment growth and create good jobs, the business ecosystem within the JSSEZ will be strengthened. This will be done through talent and vocational training initiatives and economic support for companies.
A framework for the special economic zone will be developed to determine economic sectors of mutual interest for cooperation, as well as which geographical areas the JSSEZ will cover.
JB-Singapore RTS Link: Construction passes 65% mark on both sides
JB-S’pore RTS fares will be ‘competitive’, to be set nearer completion of project: Anthony Loke
Developing such a framework will lay the groundwork for a legally binding agreement in the future, said MTI.
Mr Gan said: “The JSSEZ underscores what Singapore and Malaysia can achieve when our governments and business communities work closely together.”
“It will serve as a bridge for both sides to tap on each other’s complementary strengths and seize opportunities to grow together,” he added.
Mr Rafizi noted that the special economic zone presents an “unprecedented opportunity” to enhance the cross-border flow of goods and people, bolster the business ecosystem, and elevate the economic attractiveness of both Johor and Singapore.
He said: “I have full confidence that this initiative will herald the commencement of a transformative chapter in our bilateral economic relations, fostering unparalleled connectivity and prosperity for both our great nations.”
The implementation of the MOU will be overseen by a JSSEZ Joint Committee that will be co-led by Singapore’s MTI and Malaysia’s MOE.
The committee will report to the Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia, which is co-chaired by National Development Minister Desmond Lee and Mr Rafizi.
MTI and MOE said in their statement that both countries agreed to work towards a full-fledged agreement on the JSSEZ, and an update will be given at the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat.
The JSSEZ rides on the strong growth of Johor and significant investments in the region by Singapore, said both ministries.
The southernmost Malaysian state recorded RM70.6 billion worth of investments in 2022 alone, across various sectors including electrical and electronics, medical equipment, food manufacturing and data centres.
Singapore and Malaysia are each other’s second-largest trading partners, with bilateral trade growing 18.9 per cent year on year to $153 billion in 2022.
The Republic was also Malaysia’s top source of FDI, contributing 20.5 per cent in 2022.
Remote video URL
Prior to the MOU signing, PM Lee and Datuk Seri Anwar, who is also Malaysia’s Finance Minister, attended the commemoration ceremony for the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link.
The ceremony marked the completion of the connecting concrete span between the Singapore and Malaysian sections of the link’s viaduct. Two-thirds of the civil infrastructure on Singapore’s side have been completed.
Johor state govt proposes Iskandar Malaysia be designated special economic zone with S'pore
Cautiously optimistic: JB businesses near RTS Link look forward to potential boom
Unlock unlimited access to ST exclusive content, insights and analyses
ST One Digital - Annual
$9.90 $4.95 /month
Get offer
$59.40 for the first year and $118.80 per year thereafter.
ST One Digital - Monthly
29.90 $9.90 /month
Subscribe today
No lock-in contract
Unlock more knowledge, unlock more benefits
New feature: Stay up to date on important topics and follow your favourite writers with myST All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com Easy access any time via ST app on one mobile device
Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Singapore-Malaysia ties Singapore Johor
Facebook Telegram More Whatsapp Linkedin Twitter FB Messenger Email Print Purchase Article Copy permalink https://str.sg/DEPQ
Read this subscriber-only article for free!
Just sign up for a free account and log in to continue reading.
Passport-free immigration clearance being explored under Johor-S’pore Special Economic Zone
Sign up
Already have an account? Log in.
All done! This article is now fully available for you
Passport-free immigration clearance being explored under Johor-S’pore Special Economic Zone
Read now
Please verify your e-mail to read this subscriber-only article in full
Passport-free immigration clearance being explored under Johor-S’pore Special Economic Zone
Resend verification e-mail
The gift link for this subscriber-only article has expired.
Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month for the first 3 months.
Subscribe now
You have reached your limit of subscriber-only articles this month.
Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month for the first 3 months.
Subscribe now
Read and win!
Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards
Let's go! Terms & conditions apply
Frequently asked questions
Good job, you've read 3 articles today!
Spin the wheel now
Let's go! Terms & conditions apply
Frequently asked questions