- Non-sensitive manufacturing projects receive seven-day fast-track licence approvals.
- Super-lane facilitation streamlines coordination for manufacturing investors in JS-SEZ.
- Funding boosts industrial development, supporting high-value manufacturing expansion.
Companies and investors in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) can anticipate new benefits, announced Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Zafrul Aziz. All manufacturing projects for non-sensitive industries in the zone’s designated economic sectors will receive expedited approval for the manufacturing licence within seven working days. The letter of no objection from the state government will likewise be provided during the same timeframe.
The minister stated that qualifying projects will automatically benefit from Johor's super-lane facilitation, highlighting that this guarantees coordinated priority management among state and federal agencies through a unified facilitation channel. Qualifying foreign investors will have access to a multiple-entry visa, valid for up to 12 months, via the Xpats Gateway platform.
“It is designed to facilitate investors’ travel and engagement, particularly during project planning or site visits,” added the minister. Moreover, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority can actively provide the investor pass directly to multinational firms and potential investors in high-value industries, including those eligible under the family office incentive.
The fund, part of the nation’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030, will be utilized as a vital financing tool for industrial development in the area. An extra RM200 million (S$61.5 million) was designated for it, as stated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during the presentation of the country's Budget 2026.
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Finally, regarding talent, Tengku Zafrul highlighted that the Malaysian government previously allocated RM650 million via the Skills Development Fund Corporation to aid talent development in key sectors outlined in the nation's new industrial road map.
“This initiative is expected to benefit roughly 25,000 trainees – particularly in sectors such as artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and semiconductors, all of which will also support the zone’s industrial ambitions,” he noted.
The minister presented the announcements during his keynote speech at the second JS-SEZ joint investment forum conducted at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. The initial meeting occurred in Johor Bahru in April. Numerous business executives, investors, policymakers, and scholars from both nations were present.