Johor MB: S'pore's RM1.34b pledge signals strong backing for JS-SEZ
RM1.34 billion worth of Singapore investments are already committed, said Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
Onn Hafiz said that bilateral trade, cross-border infrastructure and economic integration topped the agenda during his meeting with Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong .
He said this during his visit to the republic as the 82nd Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellow.
This honour is given to leaders who demonstrate strong governance and potential for national development .
"The discussions were meaningful and strategic. We explored ways to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and shared regional transformation through the JS-SEZ."
He said more than 70 companies from Singapore, China, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Malaysia had expressed concrete interest in Johor through the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre in Johor (IMFC-J).
Of that figure, five Singaporean firms committed to RM1.34 billion worth of investments, with RM78 million under negotiation under the JS-SEZ's second investment wave.
Strategic proposals on the table include:
THE establishment of a Free Trade Zone (FTZ);
STREAMLINED movement of goods and skilled talent across the Causeway, and,
THE proposed construction of a second Rapid Transit System line connecting western Johor to Singapore.
Onn Hafiz said Johor is committed to progressive yet people-centric policies, highlighting discussions that touched on cost-of-living pressures, public infrastructure and inclusive transportation.
"Johor is ready to make bold policy decisions, but never at the expense of the people's wellbeing."
Calling for stronger trilateral synergy, he said sustainable, inclusive growth must remain the core mission of Malaysia-Singapore economic ties.
"With the right framework, Johor, Malaysia and Singapore can become mutually reinforcing regional partners — built on trust, shared prosperity and a future-forward outlook."
Onn Hafiz is in Singapore on an official visit at the invitation of the republic's foreign minister, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.
He is the ninth Malaysian to receive the fellowship honour since the fellowship was established in 1991 to commemorate Singapore's founding prime minister.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
8 hours ago
- The Sun
US tariff cut benefits Malaysia SMEs, says Penang CM Chow
GEORGE TOWN: The tariff reduction for Malaysia, from 25 per cent to 19 per cent, is seen as a good step forward and comes as a positive achievement and a relief for many, said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. The chief minister said that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) might remain exposed in the new tariff environment, and hoped that the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) would continue negotiating for better deals for these businesses. 'We hope MITI will continue negotiating better deals and prepare for the possible impact, especially on our small and medium industries (SMEs), who may be more exposed in this new environment,' he told reporters at the GBS By The Sea launching ceremony in Bayan Lepas here, today. Chow said that the current exemptions remained in place for now, but expects the situation to become clearer by the end of the year. He highlighted that Penang accounted for about 55 per cent of Malaysia's electrical and electronics (E&E) exports, highlighting the state's vital contribution to the national economy and reinforcing the urgency for strategic trade negotiations. It was reported earlier that the US would impose a reduced 19 per cent tariff on Malaysian imports, effective Aug 1, 2025. On July 7, Washington announced a 25 per cent tariff on all Malaysian products entering the US, in addition to existing sectoral tariffs, effective Aug 1 this year. This figure was one percentage point higher than the tariff rate announced in April. Meanwhile, on the Penang-Perak water project, Chow said negotiations with the Perak state authority would commence soon. 'We are working pretty well. Negotiations with Perak will begin very soon, followed by the implementation of the project. The target is by 2030 to 2031,' he said. Chow added that the additional water supply would be crucial for supporting the Penang Development Corporation (PDC)'s efforts to open new areas for industrial development. The chief minister also highlighted that Penang remained on a strong growth trajectory, driven by positive investment sentiment, including both new investments and expansions. 'We are currently focused on expanding our industrial parks. Recently, I announced that we have sufficient industrial land for the next five years. 'But sometimes, we may speak too soon. When one or two large investors come in with big land requirements, we have to work even harder to ensure the land is ready,' he said. - Bernama
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
Johor to study Singapore's hawker centre model
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor government will study the management model of wet markets and hawker centres at Geylang Serai Market & Food Centre managed by Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) with a view to be adapted in the state. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the delegation's visit to the centre provided Johor with an opportunity to closely examine the hawker centre management model that is organised, clean and inclusive. He said the two-storey complex, which houses 302 wet market lots and 63 halal food stalls, serves as an important community centre and a symbol of the cultural heritage of the Malay community in Singapore. 'Among the interesting aspects are controlled rental rates to ensure reasonable food prices to ensure affordable food prices for consumers. 'It is also equipped with a strict hygiene grading system, mandatory training for food operators, as well as enforcement through technology such as closed-circuit television (CCTV), an e-fine system and the use of smart sensors (IoT) for sanitation and crowd monitoring. 'In addition, NEA also manages this centre through a social enterprise model, which is a non-profit operator focused on empowering small traders and maintaining social balance,' he said in a post uploaded on his Facebook page. In this regard, Onn Hafiz said the approach by NEA is considered highly relevant to be studied and adapted in Johor, especially in efforts to transform the management of public markets and hawker centres to be more efficient, sustainable and supportive of the people's economy, especially micro-traders, B40 and small business owners. He stressed that the state government would continue to be committed to studying and translating such best practices into local policies. 'Our goal is to strengthen the community's economic sector through more organised, clean and user-friendly facilities for the well-being of the people and the inclusive development of the state,' he said. - Bernama
Malay Mail
10 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Onn Hafiz: Johor eyes Singapore's Geylang Serai model for cleaner, smarter hawker centres
JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 2 — The Johor government will study the management model of wet markets and hawker centres at Geylang Serai Market & Food Centre managed by Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) with a view to be adapted in the state. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the delegation's visit to the centre provided Johor with an opportunity to closely examine the hawker centre management model that is organised, clean and inclusive. He said the two-storey complex, which houses 302 wet market lots and 63 halal food stalls, serves as an important community centre and a symbol of the cultural heritage of the Malay community in Singapore. 'Among the interesting aspects are controlled rental rates to ensure reasonable food prices to ensure affordable food prices for consumers. 'It is also equipped with a strict hygiene grading system, mandatory training for food operators, as well as enforcement through technology such as closed-circuit television (CCTV), an e-fine system and the use of smart sensors (IoT) for sanitation and crowd monitoring. 'In addition, NEA also manages this centre through a social enterprise model, which is a non-profit operator focused on empowering small traders and maintaining social balance,' he said in a post uploaded on his Facebook page. In this regard, Onn Hafiz said the approach by NEA is considered highly relevant to be studied and adapted in Johor, especially in efforts to transform the management of public markets and hawker centres to be more efficient, sustainable and supportive of the people's economy, especially micro-traders, B40 and small business owners. He stressed that the state government would continue to be committed to studying and translating such best practices into local policies. 'Our goal is to strengthen the community's economic sector through more organised, clean and user-friendly facilities for the well-being of the people and the inclusive development of the state,' he said. — Bernama
