Akmal Nasrullah highlights upbeat Malaysia–Singapore talks as ministerial committee meets Nov 2 on economic zone plan

Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir during a meeting with Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong. — Picture via Facebook/Akmal Nasir

First Published: Friday, 02 Oct 2026 9:15 AM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 2 — The first meeting of the Johor-Singapore Cooperation Ministerial Committee (JSCMC) will be held in Singapore on Nov 2.

This comes ahead of the official launch of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) Master Plan at the 13th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat on Dec 4 and 5.

Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the matter was discussed during a meeting with Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong at his office here yesterday.

“Our discussion was held in a very positive atmosphere, focusing on efforts to further strengthen Malaysia-Singapore economic cooperation. The key topics were the smooth implementation of the JS-SEZ and the cross-border carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiative,” he said in a post on his official Facebook page.

Akmal Nasrullah said the JS-SEZ has significant potential, with more than S$5.5 billion (RM17.97 billion) in investment commitments from Singapore-based companies recorded as of October 2025. “Now, our focus is on the next phase of implementation. As the ministry responsible for the JS-SEZ initiative, our aim is to ensure its benefits are felt by the people of Johor and Malaysians as a whole,” he added.

On CCS, he said both countries aim to conclude a bilateral agreement in the fourth quarter of this year, marking a strategic step towards developing a regional green value chain. “The close cooperation we have built is not merely about investment figures on paper. Ultimately, the goal is to translate this relationship into quality job opportunities, skills development and sustainable economic growth for the benefit of the people,” he added.

The minister also expressed his appreciation to Gan and the Singapore delegation for the productive discussions.

Gan is on a one-day working visit to Malaysia to strengthen economic ties and supply chain resilience between the two countries. During the visit, he met Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and attended a business luncheon with the Malaysia-Singapore Business Council in Kuala Lumpur.

He also co-chaired the Third Annual Ministerial Dialogue (AMD) between Miti and Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, besides meeting Akmal Nasrullah in Putrajaya. Gan and his delegation departed for Singapore at 6.35pm. — Bernama