KULAI: The joint agreement on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is expected to be signed on December 9, 2024, announced Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. He stated that the agreement is projected to be formalized during the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia (JMCIM) retreat, which is scheduled for December 8 and 9.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Onn Hafiz informed reporters that the signing ceremony will take place in Putrajaya during the JMCIM retreat. The announcement was made following the opening of the Mercedes-Benz Regional Logistics Centre Malaysia, operated by Mercedes-Benz Parts Logistics Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, in Kulai. The event was also attended by Klaus Ziemsky, Mercedes-Benz Head of Global Parts Logistics.
Onn Hafiz further revealed that a special JMCIM meeting was convened in Johor Bahru to discuss the JS-SEZ’s progress. The meeting was co-chaired by Economic Minister Rafizi Ramli and Singapore’s Minister for National Development D
esmond Lee, and reportedly proceeded smoothly, fostering a strong understanding between the two nations. Onn Hafiz highlighted the collaborative efforts aimed at benefiting both countries, with a particular focus on Johor.
During his speech, Onn Hafiz expressed optimism about Johor’s promising future, particularly with the rise in international investments. He emphasized that this positive outlook is supported by solid investment statistics. The state government, he said, is committed to facilitating the investment process through initiatives like the ‘Kulai Fast Lane’, which will be expanded and renamed as the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre.
The ‘Kulai Fast Lane’ has successfully facilitated over 38 investments, totaling RM52 billion, including a RM1.5 billion investment from Mercedes-Benz. Onn Hafiz noted that the swift progression from investment agreement to the opening of the logistics centre, achieved in just 23 months, demonstrates Johor’s efficiency as an investment destination. He concluded by
affirming that Mercedes-Benz’s investment underscores Johor’s strategic and high-value appeal on the global stage.