en.Wedoany.com Reported - Malaysian Economy Minister Akmal disclosed on July 1, 2026, that the blueprint for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) has been completed and approved by the Malaysian Cabinet. It is expected to be jointly launched by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in the fourth quarter of 2026. The blueprint was originally scheduled for release in March 2026, but the Cabinet decided that while the blueprint has a complete operational framework, there is still room for further enhancement. Therefore, it was determined that the two leaders would jointly unveil it to demonstrate both sides' commitment to advancing the development of the special economic zone.
Akmal stated that the implementation of the JS-SEZ has already begun, with the Johor-Malaysia Investment Promotion Centre (IMFC-J) continuing to play a coordinating role, responsible for attracting investment and ensuring the smooth realization of approved investment projects. He noted that the Economy Ministry's focus this year is on driving the implementation of investment projects rather than merely approving them: to date, 57% of the 76.98 billion ringgit in investments approved in 2025 have been realized.
The development of the JS-SEZ is ahead of schedule. The target of creating 20,000 job opportunities within five years is expected to be achieved within three years. Akmal stated that the government's concern is not just the number of jobs, but ensuring the creation of high-quality employment opportunities and attracting high-quality investments, promoting the downstream and high-value-added development of the data center and semiconductor industries. Additionally, the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and global geopolitical changes have led to increased interest in the JS-SEZ from European companies, particularly Italian ones. Akmal noted that the Italian ambassador has provided a list of companies interested in exploring investment opportunities in the JS-SEZ, and the government will follow up on these investment intentions promptly.
Italian Ambassador to Malaysia Raffaele Langella pointed out that Italian companies have been active in sectors such as oil and gas, food, and semiconductors. STMicroelectronics has long been an important part of Johor's industrial ecosystem, and Italian energy group Eni (ENI) also has significant development projects in Johor. The JS-SEZ is an important platform for deepening economic cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore. The approval and upcoming launch of this blueprint will provide clearer policy guidance and development expectations for companies from both countries and international investors.
