The JS-SEZ has a higher chance of success than past projects such as Iskandar Malaysia – launched in 2006 and conceptualised as a southern economic growth corridor – given the involvement of the Singapore Government, which brings to the table better governance, he noted.

Malaysia and Singapore leaders have signed an agreement to create a special economic zone to attract global investment and ease the cross-border flow of goods and people

The leaders of Malaysia and Singapore are set to formalize an agreement establishing a special economic zone linking their two nations’ border region, but the prospects for immediate economic benefits may hinge on implementation of a deal that has seen repeated delays since talks began in 2023.