RENEWABLE ENERGY AMONG THE FOCUSES OF JS-SEZ DEVELOPMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- The renewable energy industry will be one of the main focuses in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) development which is expected to significantly benefit both countries.

Deputy Secretary-General (Policy) of the Economy Ministry Datuk Dr Zunika Mohamed said Singapore needs a sustainable energy supply to ensure the survival of industries in the city-state and Johor can potentially meet those needs.

"Apart from energy, the other sectors we want to focus on in this collaboration are industries that can significantly add value to the national economy," she said on Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme last night. 

In addition to supporting the development of renewable energy, the JS-SEZ is designed to attract foreign investments, ease the movement of goods and people and raise economic cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore.

She said Johor has great potential to attract foreign investors including those from Singapore seeking business expansion.

"With the JS-SEZ, we will be able to attract more investments into Johor with a spillover (to benefit) the whole country," she said.

She also said discussions to develop the JS-SEZ are now in the final phase with an official agreement between the two countries expected to be signed shortly.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi reportedly said the joint JS-SEZ agreement is expected to be signed on Dec 9.

On the 13th Malaysia Plan (12MP), she said it was being detailed to involve various parties and community groups to ensure that everyone progresses together under Malaysia MADANI.

Zunika said the 13MP will focus on implementing the government's initiatives to introduce reforms to narrow social and economic gaps.

"We have seen the economic development over the last few months which shows that we are on the right track to further raise economic growth to benefit the people," she said.

--BERNAMA