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7h ago

Singapore–Johor SEZ Secures S$5.5 Billion as Malaysia Rolls Out 7-Day Licences

Officials unveiled fast-track approvals plus new budget funding to speed projects in the cross-border zone.

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Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (left) walks with Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim before their meeting in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on January 7 to establish the JS-SEZ. Photo: Reuters

Overview

  • Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said Singapore-based firms have committed more than S$5.5 billion since the 2024 pact, speaking at the 2nd JS-SEZ Joint Investment Forum in Singapore.
  • Malaysia’s Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz announced seven-working-day manufacturing licences for non-sensitive sectors, with Johor’s required no-objection letter also to be issued within seven working days and eligible projects prioritised under the Johor Super Lane.
  • Malaysia’s Budget 2026 adds RM200 million to the Strategic Co-Investment Fund and allocates RM650 million for talent development, targeting roughly 25,000 trainees in areas such as AI, electric vehicles and semiconductors.
  • Johor has designated nine flagship zones, introduced tax incentives and opened the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre – Johor as a single-window, with some companies already seeing approval timelines shortened from six months to two.
  • Early pipeline activity includes Olam Food Ingredients’ new Johor facility slated for 2027 to double dairy capacity and create over 100 skilled jobs, while joint offices report more than 1,000 company inquiries.