SINGAPORE: Malaysian Member of Parliament Jimmy Puah Wee Tse has recommended Pasir Gudang as the central location for the planned Johor-Singapore Spec
SINGAPORE: Malaysian Member of Parliament Jimmy Puah Wee Tse has recommended Pasir Gudang as the central location for the planned Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), highlighting the city’s robust industrial infrastructure as an advantage. Speaking on Nov. 19, Mr. Puah, who represents Tebrau, noted that Pasir Gudang’s existing strengths in palm oil storage, logistics, shipbuilding, and petrochemicals make it a strategic choice for the SEZ hub.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the JS-SEZ, which aims to enhance cross-border trade and economic connectivity, is set for signing on Jan. 11, 2024. Overseen by the Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia, the JS-SEZ will include sectors such as Industrial Cooperation, Transportation Links, and Innovation.
Mr. Puah emphasized the need for a balanced development plan that avoids concentrating growth in specific areas, calling for proportionate expansion. With Johor already establishing Forest City as a financial hub on the western side of Iskandar Malaysia, he believes Pasir Gudang would serve as an excellent eastern counterpart.
The MP also highlighted other key infrastructure projects in Johor, including the upcoming Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) and the North-South Expressway upgrade. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has expressed optimism about the JS-SEZ, describing it as a “substantial and promising project,” with hopes for special tax arrangements and improved cross-border worker mobility.
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