Chua Yang Liang, head of research and consultancy for Jones Lang LaSalle Southeast Asia, said market observers and businesses hope both governments will provide the necessary infrastructure to support the flow of talent, goods and services.
“What we should be looking forward to is clarity on how JS-SEZ will be operationalised because the fundamental concern for most investors is how the two governments would facilitate the flow of people and goods.
“As a transboundary special economic zone, the fundamental infrastructure — such as immigration, cross-border goods clearance processes, and public transportation — must be adequate to support this transformation through the seamless flow of talent and goods,” he told FMT.
My Mobility Vision founder Wan Agyl Wan Hassan called for the creation of a “seamless, secure, and intelligent system” for moving people, goods, services and data across the border.
“We hope to see clear emphasis on smart immigration and customs systems, Rapid Transit System integration with intra-Johor mobility, and digital infrastructure that connects logistics operations on both sides,” he said.
Third immigration checkpoint
Chua suggested the establishment of a third immigration checkpoint between Johor and Singapore to improve the immigration clearance process.
Wan Agyl agreed that a third site would reduce pressure on the Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints, but cautioned that it must serve a clear purpose — either in supporting logistics operations or linking cross-border economic clusters.
“More importantly, it requires strong coordination with Singapore, shared planning, and evidence-based design. If done right, a third link could enhance system redundancy and resilience — but it must be built for function, not just form,” he said.
In January, Malaysia and Singapore announced an agreement to develop a special economic zone aimed at attracting high-value investments in sectors ranging from manufacturing and logistics to tourism and energy transition.
Economy minister Rafizi Ramli said the government was targeting the establishment of 50 projects and the creation of 20,000 skilled jobs within the first five years of JS-SEZ’s inception.
He also said that the economic zone’s blueprint is expected to be completed in the third quarter of the year and will include details on allocations for its infrastructure development.
Connectivity must be affordable, future-ready
Wan Agyl suggested the adoption of a “mobility-as-a-service” model, allowing commuters to satisfy their transportational needs through the use of a single digital interface comprising multiple transportation options, including public transport and e-hailing.
He also called for the setting up of a cross-border transport council to ensure that standards, data, and emergency services within the special economic zone are streamlined.
Wan Agyl said that while economic growth remains a priority in JS-SEZ, the resulting improvements should also enhance affordability and efficiency for average cross-border commuters.
“Connectivity must be inclusive and future-ready. A successful special economic zone is not measured only by the volume of goods it moves or the size of investments it attracts, but by how much better it makes everyday life for those who depend on it,” he said.