In a joint statement by the economy ministry and Singapore’s trade and industry ministry, both governments said passport-free travel is among the initiatives aimed at supporting the development of the Johor-Singapore special economic zone (SEZ).

“The adoption and implementation of a passport-free QR code clearance system on both sides will facilitate more expeditious clearance of people at land checkpoints,” said the ministries.

Last month, Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi proposed that the federal government implement a QR code system similar to Singapore’s at the customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) complex at the Sultan Iskandar building in Johor Bahru.

In a Bernama report, he also said initiatives such as multiple entry visas, special passes, and sufficient staff from the immigration and customs departments were necessary to ensure the smooth movement of workers, visitors and merchandise between Johor and Singapore.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his Singapore counterpart, Lee Hsien Loong, witnessed the signing of an MoU on the development of the Johor-Singapore SEZ by economy minister Rafizi Ramli and Singapore’s trade and industry minister Gan Kim Yong.

Malaysia and Singapore are each other’s second-largest trading partners, with bilateral trade growing 18.9% year-on-year to S$153 billion (RM534 billion) in 2022.

Singapore was also Malaysia’s top source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2022, contributing 20.5% to Malaysia’s total FDI for the year.