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

The Johor Bahru government is contemplating Perak as the location for the launch of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) master plan, which may align with the State's Annual Leaders' Retreat set for December 4. Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir confirmed that both Prime Ministers, Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia and Lawrence Wong of Singapore, have agreed to jointly witness the master plan's unveiling.

"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," he stated at a press conference following the Johor Bahru parliamentary constituency’s Deepavali celebration in Larkin. Akmal Nasrullah also discussed the upcoming bilateral meeting in Singapore, which he noted would be the first under the Johor-Singapore Cooperation Ministerial Committee framework.

The meeting, led by Malaysian delegation head Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Singapore’s National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat, will assess JS-SEZ progress and outline future strategies. The programme framework and logistics for the Leaders’ Retreat are being refined for maximum impact following the master plan launch. Additionally, RM318,000 has been allocated to improve community well-being in Johor Bahru through the Madani Infrastructure and Social Response Programme (PRISMA), with funds directed towards staircase handrail repairs at Rumah Pangsa Serantau Baru and upgrades to places of worship serving the Indian community, as well as support for welfare, cultural, and community development programs by four local NGOs.