KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Singapore have upgraded the joint ministerial committee for Iskandar Malaysia (JMCIM) into a ministerial-level platform to strengthen bilateral coordination and accelerate the implementation of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
The new Johor-Singapore Cooperation Ministerial Committee (JSCMC) will provide strategic direction and oversee priority initiatives under the economic zone, reflecting the expanding scope of cooperation between the two countries.
“The JSCMC will serve as an enhanced ministerial platform to provide strategic direction, strengthen bilateral coordination and oversee the implementation of priority initiatives under the JS-SEZ,” according to a joint statement issued following its inaugural meeting in Singapore today.
The meeting was co-chaired by Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir and Singapore’s National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat.
Under the new structure, the joint ministerial committee (JMC) will comprise Malaysia’s economy minister, investment, trade and industry minister and Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
Singapore will be represented by its national development minister, energy, trade and industry minister, and transport minister.
Both countries may also propose additional representatives as required.
The JSCMC will be supported by working groups covering the JS-SEZ, transportation and other areas mutually agreed upon by both countries.
These working groups will report to the JMC, with both sides set to discuss the necessary arrangements to operationalise the structure.
The two countries will also continue discussions on the updated terms of reference for the JSCMC and its working groups ahead of the next meeting, scheduled to be held in Malaysia in 2027.
“The transition of the JMCIM into the JSCMC reflects the deepening and broadening scope of bilateral cooperation,” it said.
Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to establishing the institutional, regulatory and operational frameworks required to support the JS-SEZ.
The inaugural meeting reviewed progress made by the JS-SEZ joint working committee, including infrastructure and utilities development, investment facilitation, cross-border connectivity and talent development collaborations.
Both countries said they were satisfied with the momentum of bilateral cooperation.
“Both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum of bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to working closely through the JSCMC to drive inclusive growth, strengthen regional competitiveness, and further deepen the longstanding partnership between Singapore and Malaysia,” they said.