Federal, Johor govts meet next week to iron out Malaysia-S’pore special economic zone

PUTRAJAYA: Federal and Johor officials will meet next week to discuss policies and issues that need to be ironed out to expedite the establishment of the Malaysia-Singapore special economic zone (SEZ), says Fahmi Fadzil.

The government spokesman said the meeting, to be chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Feb 28, would also seek a more comprehensive coordination so that the SEZ could materialise soon.

“There are policies which the federal and state governments need to detail out and come to an understanding.

“Several policies will also be decided and if need be, it will be brought back to the Cabinet (for deliberation and decision),” he told reporters on Wednesday (Feb 21).

From the federal side, ministers from various ministries such as Transport, Economy, Home, Finance, the Energy Transition and Water Transformation as well as Investment, Trade and Industry are expected to attend the meeting.

Johor will be represented by Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, state executive councillors and other officials.

Asked if there is a timeline that needed to be met, Fahmi, who is also the Communications Minister, said it would depend on issues highlighted at the meeting and how fast it could be resolved.

On Jan 11, Malaysia and Singapore signed a memorandum of understanding to set up a special economic zone.

The MOU signing came two months after the 10th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat in October when Anwar and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong agreed to jointly develop the SEZ.

On whether the delay is due to disagreement between the federal and Johor governments on the location, Fahmi believed this is not the issue.

“I don’t think so. The issue is not just about location but other policies that need to be decided and agreed upon. That is why the meeting will be held,” he added.