Anwar, Lawrence Wong to witness JS-SEZ master plan launch; Perak venue under review, says Akmal Nasrullah

Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the government is considering Perak as the venue for the launch of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone master plan, which could coincide with the two countries’ Annual Leaders’ Retreat scheduled to be held in the state on December 4. — Bernama pic

First Published: Saturday, 31 Oct 2026 8:12 PM MYT

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 31 — The government is considering Perak as the venue for the launch of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) master plan, which could coincide with the two countries’ Annual Leaders’ Retreat scheduled to be held in the state on December 4.

Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said it had been agreed that the launch would be witnessed jointly by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Singaporean counterpart, Lawrence Wong.

“Both prime ministers have agreed to witness the launch of the master plan. We are now finalising the venue, as this year’s Annual Leaders’ Retreat is expected to be held in Ipoh.

“We are considering whether the launch will take place there or whether other arrangements will be made. However, both prime ministers have agreed to witness the ceremony,” he told a press conference after the Johor Bahru parliamentary constituency’s Deepavali celebration in Larkin here today.

On preparations for Monday’s bilateral meeting in Singapore, Akmal Nasrullah said Singapore would host the meeting.

He described the meeting as significant as it would be the first to be held under the Johor-Singapore Cooperation Ministerial Committee framework.

He is scheduled to lead the Malaysian delegation alongside Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi, while Singapore’s delegation will be led by National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat.

“From Malaysia’s perspective, this meeting presents an opportunity to assess progress in implementing the JS-SEZ initiative and discuss plans for the way forward,” he said.

Akmal Nasrullah said the programme framework and logistical arrangements for the Annual Leaders’ Retreat were being refined to maximise its impact following the launch of the master plan.

On the Deepavali celebration, he said a total of RM318,000 had been allocated to improve community well-being in the Johor Bahru parliamentary constituency.

He presented RM260,000 under the Prime Minister’s Office’s Madani Infrastructure and Social Response Programme (PRISMA) for repairs to staircase handrails at Rumah Pangsa Serantau Baru in Larkin.

He said the infrastructure improvements were aimed at enhancing residents’ safety and comfort, particularly for senior citizens, children and other vulnerable groups.

A further RM47,500 was allocated to upgrade places of worship serving the Indian community, while RM10,500 was distributed among four local non-governmental organisations to support welfare, cultural and community development programmes. — Bernama