Malaysia and Singapore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Johor Bahru, Johor today to work on a Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) to strengthen the connectivity between Johor and Singapore.
Reaffirming the long-standing ties and joint commitment by both nations to strengthening economic cooperation, Malaysia and Singapore agreed to work towards a full-fledged Agreement on the JS-SEZ.
Signed by Malaysia’s Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, the signing of the MoU was witnessed by Malaysia Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Prior to the ceremony, Anwar had met with Lee in a ceremony witnessing the historic RTS Link being connected between Malaysia and Singapore. Both also signed a plaque which symbolically shows both nations’ commitment to the construction of the project which had reached a progress level of 65% as of 31 December 2023.
Back to the MoU, in a joint statement by Malaysia’s Economy Ministry and Singapore’s Trade and Industry Minister, both countries said that they will work towards enhancing cross-border flows of goods and people as well as strengthen the business eco-system within JS-SEZ to support investments.
Interestingly, these include exploring the implementation of a passport-free clearance system at the border for both Malaysians and Singaporeans.
Part of the initiatives being explored that will build towards the JS-SEZ, the adoption of the passport-free clearance system touted the use of QR codes on both sides to facilitate more “expeditious clearance of people at land checkpoints”.
Hence, in the near future, both Malaysians and Singaporeans can travel across the Tebrau Straits passport-free. Pretty exciting stuff!
So, what do you guys think of the MoU to work on the JS-SEZ by both Malaysia and Singapore? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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