BATU PAHAT: The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) agreement signed on January 7 is expected to bring immense benefits to Malaysia, particularly Johor, positioning the state as a central economic hub in the future.
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) Technology Management and Business Faculty senior lecturer Mohamed Ismail KP Pakir Mohamed, said the agreement is poised to attract industry players and foreign investors, significantly boosting job opportunities.
As the head of UTHM's Manufacturing Technology Management Focus Group, Mohamed Ismail noted that key sectors within the JS-SEZ, such as oil and gas, data centres, and semiconductors, will create job prospects for graduates of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
"In the long term, TVET graduates will meet market demand, and with the JS-SEZ, job opportunities will flourish. Skilled and semi-skilled workers nationwide will also focus on this area," he said in an interview with Bernama today.
He added that over the next five to ten years, fewer Malaysians may need to seek work abroad, particularly in Singapore, as companies and investors from Singapore are expected to establish operations within the JS-SEZ. This development could have a positive impact on Malaysia's economy.
Mohamed Ismail also highlighted the potential for growth in education within the JS-SEZ, noting the likelihood of international schools and other educational institutions establishing branches, similar to developments in Forest City and Iskandar Puteri.
"Population growth is expected, not only from across Malaysia but also through the arrival of skilled foreign workers. Residents will benefit from business opportunities, particularly in the food and retail sectors," he said.
He added that the JS-SEZ would strengthen Malaysia-Singapore ties beyond economics, opening doors to collaborations in various fields.
The JS-SEZ is expected to impact the tourism sector as Singaporean investors operating in Johor may explore other parts of Malaysia.
"This collaboration echoes historical ties when Malaysia and Singapore worked closely together as part of the same country," Mohamed Ismail said.
For the JS-SEZ to achieve its potential, Mohamed Ismail emphasised the need for both state and federal governments to enhance infrastructure and facilities, drawing parallels to Shenzhen, China.
"Housing should be prioritised as demand will increase. The government must build more affordable housing for local workers relocating to the area," he said.
He called for improved public transport, including better bus services and a robust rail network similar to the Klang Valley. Revisiting the High-Speed Rail (HSR) project connecting key cities like Batu Pahat and Muar would further facilitate commuting.
Additionally, Mohamed Ismail suggested upgrading cargo and passenger facilities at Senai International Airport and exploring the construction of mini airports in key districts to reduce reliance on Singapore's airports.
The West Coast Expressway (WCE) project linking Banting in Selangor to Gelang Patah in Johor was also commended for its potential to connect the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia to the JS-SEZ.
The JS-SEZ is a mega development project covering areas such as the Iskandar Development Region, Desaru, Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Tanjung Pelepas, Tanjung Bin, Pasir Gudang, Senai, Skudai, and Sedenak.