Johor clarifies JS-SEZ amid fears of local marginalisation
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor state government is finalising a detailed roadmap for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), following growing calls from business leaders for clearer policy direction, regulatory details and local inclusion.
State investment, trade and consumer affairs committee chairman Lee Ting Han said the government welcomes the feedback and is taking concrete steps to enhance transparency and accessibility for investors, including local entrepreneurs.
"We recognise the need for greater clarity. A comprehensive JS-SEZ roadmap will be released this year, outlining sectoral focus, regulatory frameworks, infrastructure development and incentives," Lee told the New Straits Times when contacted today.
Lee was responding to recent concerns raised by local industry players, including the Johor Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry president, who said many foreign investors remain in the dark over the SEZ's 11 focus areas and their respective industrial applications.
Johor has since launched the official Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFC-J) website - IMFC-J.com.my, to provide up-to-date information and investor guidance.
Lee said the IMFC-J office in Forest City has received over 400 investment enquiries since the start of the year, reflecting strong momentum.
He also sought to allay fears that local businesses may be sidelined amid rising costs, wage competition and multinational dominance.
"We are committed to ensuring local SMEs and entrepreneurs are part of this journey. Targeted programmes are being explored to link local supply chains with global companies," he said, urging for "further engagement to ensure inclusive, broad-based growth."
His remarks come after Johor business chambers cautioned that local players risk being left behind if timely information and support mechanisms are not in place.
The association president Datuk Jeffrey Lai voiced his concerns to the media.
Lai acknowledged that JS-SEZ is a golden opportunity to attract global capital, but emphasised that it must also uplift homegrown businesses - particularly micro and small enterprises, which form the bulk of Malaysia's business ecosystem.
He also called for equal support, citing that SMEs are not footloose like multinationals.
They are rooted in Johor, and they need guidance, financing and access, he said.
Meanwhile, Johor Bumiputera Chambers of Entrepreneurs and Traders vice-president Datuk Abd Latif Bandi echoed Lai's sentiments.
He warned that local businesses, especially startups may risk missing out on first-mover advantages.
"There are opportunities in logistics, printing, and supply chain support. But clearer guidelines and business matching are needed," he said.
Latif also called for regulatory flexibility and swifter updates to financial status records that can affect loan eligibility, saying that unnecessary delays are hurting genuine businesses trying to grow.
Lee, however, maintained that competition from foreign entrants should be seen as an opportunity to uplift local standards and incomes.
"In the long run, inviting healthy competition may raise wages and create better opportunities for all," he said.
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