An additional RM78 million in potential investments is under negotiation as part of the second phase, he said.

Onn Hafiz said these investments were facilitated by the Johor branch of the Malaysian Investment Facilitation Centre, which helps coordinate and speed up strategic investment processes in the state.

“To date, 70 companies from countries including Singapore, China, Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands, as well as local investors, have expressed interest in investing in the JS-SEZ,” Bernama quoted him as saying during his official visit to Singapore as the 82nd recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship.

He also met with Singapore’s deputy prime minister and minister for trade and industry Gan Kim Yong to strengthen economic ties and discuss the implementation of the JS-SEZ.

Onn Hafiz said among the topics discussed were establishing a free trade zone within the JS-SEZ, improving cross-border movement of goods and talent, and developing a second Rapid Transit System link on Johor’s western side.

He said they also discussed addressing the rising cost of living, infrastructure improvements, and a more efficient transport system.

He emphasised Johor’s readiness to adopt progressive policies that promote growth and ensure real benefits for the people, and reaffirmed the importance of strong cooperation between Johor, Malaysia and Singapore.

“I believe the strategic cooperation between Johor, Malaysia and Singapore must continue to be strengthened to realise a development agenda that is inclusive, equitable and sustainable, so that no one is left behind,” he said.

JS-SEZ was formally established in January through an agreement between Malaysia and Singapore to boost economic connectivity between the state and the republic.

It aims to attract 100 projects worth RM100 billion and create about 100,000 jobs in high-value sectors such as manufacturing, digital economy, logistics, clean energy, and tourism over the next decade.