(Aug 29): A deal between Malaysia and Singapore to establish a special economic zone (SEZ) in Johor is likely to be signed by November, according to a top official.

Speaking to a conference in Singapore on Thursday, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the timeline for both sides to ink the agreement had been delayed due to leadership meetings. 

“It will be signed hopefully by November,” he said, adding that officials are ironing out the details of the definitive agreement. “All relevant parties, decision makers, are coming on board to make sure this happens,” he said.  

Malaysia and Singapore signed a memorandum to develop the SEZ in January, aiming for free movement of goods and people between the resource-rich state of Johor and land-constrained Singapore. 

November would constitute a delay from earlier assessments. Economy Minister Mohd Rafizi Ramli said in July “both sides should be able to sign a deal” and unveil the zone in September.

Johor officials have said the SEZ could create as many as 100,000 new jobs in the state, and bolster the Malaysian economy by about US$26 billion (RM112.34 billion) per year by 2030.  

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