Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone Study to Complete by 1Q2026, Targeting 100 High-Impact Projects

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — The strategic action plan study for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026, marking a key step toward developing one of Malaysia’s most ambitious cross-border economic corridors.

According to Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, the government aims to roll out 50 high-impact projects under the JS-SEZ within the next five years, expanding to 100 projects over a 10-year period. The initiative is also projected to create at least 20,000 high-skilled jobs over the next decade, driving new growth in Johor and beyond.

“The government is conducting a detailed JS-SEZ action plan study focusing on investment strategies, infrastructure, and data integration within the zone,” Hanifah said during the Dewan Rakyat session on Tuesday.

Her remarks came in response to a question from Jimmy Puah Wee Tse (Pakatan Harapan–Tebrau), who asked how the government plans to ensure local entrepreneurs benefit from the investment opportunities in the special economic zone.

RM37.1 Billion in Approved Investments

Hanifah revealed that based on Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) data, the JS-SEZ recorded RM37.1 billion in approved investments during the first half of 2025.

Of that total, approximately RM24 billion came from the services sector, particularly information and communications technology (ICT), while RM13 billion was channelled into manufacturing, including petroleum and petrochemical industries.

The top three investor countries in the JS-SEZ were Singapore (RM28.5 billion), Italy (RM2.9 billion), and China (RM700 million) — underscoring the zone’s growing appeal to both regional and global investors.

“As of September 30, the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre (Johor) has handled more than 800 investor enquiries, including 11 potential projects worth RM1.3 billion, developed through collaboration with Singapore’s Economic Development Board and Enterprise Singapore,” Hanifah added.

Economic Impact Beyond Johor

The JS-SEZ is expected to enhance Malaysia’s position as a regional hub for trade, logistics, and digital industries — with benefits extending beyond Johor into Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Improved cross-border connectivity and rising foreign investment are set to drive broader demand for industrial land in Selangor, commercial property in KL, and office space in Bukit Jalil, as businesses expand their operations to support southern economic growth.

Meanwhile, manufacturers and logistics operators are likely to seek factories in Puchong and industrial property in the Subang area to accommodate supply chain networks linked to Johor’s industrial corridor.

The JS-SEZ, which builds on the long-standing economic partnership between Malaysia and Singapore, is positioned as a key engine for sustainable growth—integrating advanced industries, renewable energy infrastructure, and digital innovation.

Once fully implemented, the SEZ is expected to elevate Malaysia’s competitiveness, attract new foreign direct investment, and strengthen regional supply chain resilience across key economic clusters.