JOHOR BARU: One quick way to boost connectivity within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) would be to introduce a ferry service between both countries, says Iskandar Puteri MP Liew Chin Tong.
While improving road access between both countries was good, he said this would take some time to be implemented.
“To complement this, it would be great for Malaysia and Singapore to agree to set up ferry services between Forest City and Puteri Harbour with the Tuas side in Singapore,” he said after a working visit to the Second Link here yesterday.
Better connectivity and the recent announcements on improvements to the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme would not just spur the movement of people between both countries, but also that of goods and services, he added.
“I am sure there will also be potential for the increase in digital trade, which would be good for both countries,” said Liew, who is also Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister.
Recently, Johor public works, transportation and infrastructure committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the state was considering designating a lane for those travelling to and from the special financial zone (SFZ) in Forest City at the Immigration checkpoint of the Second Link here.
The move could ease the traffic flow at the bridge connecting Malaysia and Singapore, particularly during peak hours.
However, he said in-depth studies need to be carried out for the state government to identify the best strategy.
Currently, the Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex on the Second Link records about 28,000 daily travellers.
In August, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said a special financial zone would be set up in Forest City to boost investment, growth and economic activities in Johor.
He also announced several incentives including a special income tax rate of 15% for skilled workers and multiple entry visas.
This would make the cost of doing business in the zone more affordable, he added.
On his visit to the Second Link, Liew viewed a 0.42km stretch of paved road connecting Kampung Poh to the main road linking Forest City, which would benefit about 3,000 villagers, especially fishermen.
“I commend Forest City for upgrading this road for the benefit of the locals,” said Liew, who was accompanied by Johor Baru district office Muzaldin Mohamed.
