In support of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), Malaysia and Singapore are exploring the option of implementing a passport-free QR code clearance at their land checkpoints, as reported by The Star.
The JS-SEZ memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on 11 January by Economic Minister Rafizi Ramli and Singapore’s Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong. Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong witnessed the signing.
.png)
In a joint statement, they said the upcoming initiatives include:
- The implementation of a passport-free QR code clearance system on both sides.
- Adopting digitised processes for cargo clearance at the land checkpoints.
- Co-organising an investor forum to gather feedback from Singapore and Malaysian businesses on the SEZ.
- Setting up a one-stop business and investment service centre in Johor to facilitate the application processes for various approvals and licences necessary for Singapore businesses to set up in the state.
- Looking into curating training and work-based learning initiatives to address talent and skills gaps for relevant industries in the SEZ and developing joint promotion events between the two countries.
- The organisation of promotional events to boost trade and investment in the JS-SEZ.
- The facilitation of renewable energy cooperation between the two nations.
They said, “Under the MOU, Malaysia and Singapore will work towards enhancing cross-border flows of goods and people as well as strengthening the business eco-system within JS-SEZ to support investments,” they said. They also added that the two countries have agreed to work towards the full-fledged agreement of the JS-SEZ during their 11th Leaders’ Retreat this year. The MOU signing comes just two months after the 10th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat in October 2023.
According to the statement, Johor recorded RM70.6 billion worth of investments in 2022 alone across various sectors, including electrical and electronics, medical equipment, food manufacturing and data centres. Singapore was Johor’s second largest foreign investor from January to June 2022 and contributed to approximately 70% of the state’s total foreign direct investment (FDI) in the manufacturing sector.
State Investment, Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Lee Ting Han also mentioned that the JS-SEZ will provide more business and work opportunities for Johoreans.
Rafizi Ramli also shared his thoughts on the MOU on his social media page:
What do you think of this initiative?
Image credit: facebook.com/rafiziramli.keadilan, instagram.com/iam_blackswans/, instagram.com/ngyingcong_ig/