Deal between Malaysia and Singapore on Johor economic zone most likely delayed until January

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today that a planned signing between Malaysia and Singapore of a contract to establish a special economic zone in the southern Malaysian state of Johor will probably be delayed to January.

Originally scheduled for Dec 9 during the annual leaders’ retreat between the two countries, the signing had to be postponed following Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s coronavirus infection this week, Anwar informed Dewan Rakyat.

Wong posted on Facebook on Tuesday saying he was self-isolating at home following a first positive Covid-19 test.

Aiming to draw investment and free up the flow of people and products, the Southeast Asian neighbors in January agreed to establish the SEZ in Johor, just north of Singapore.

Project ideas include cooperation on renewable energy, a passport-free immigration clearance system, and streamlining of company approvals.