The framework study for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), focusing on investment and data development, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026, according to Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib.
She said the government aims to develop 50 high-impact projects within the next five years, with a long-term target of 100 projects in the coming decade.
“The government targets the creation of at least 20,000 high-skilled jobs within 10 years. As part of this, the JS-SEZ framework study will focus on investment development and related data in the area,” she told the Dewan Rakyat during the oral question-and-answer session today.
Hanifah was responding to Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah Wee Tse, who had asked about strategies to ensure local entrepreneurs benefit from the economic and investment opportunities in the zone.
When replying to the original question on approved investments, Hanifah said data from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) showed that total approved investments in the JS-SEZ reached RM37.1 billion in the first half of 2025.
Of this, RM24 billion was channelled into the services sector, including information and communications technology, while RM13 billion went into manufacturing, particularly petroleum and petrochemical products.
“The top three investor countries in the JS-SEZ are Singapore with RM28.5 billion, Italy with RM2.9 billion, and China with RM700 million,” she added.
As of 30 September, the Johor Malaysian Investment Facilitation Centre (IMFC-J) has handled 808 inquiries from both local and foreign investors, facilitating 11 potential projects worth RM1.3 billion in collaboration with Singapore’s Economic Development Board and EnterpriseSG.
