ST : S'pore-KL work group for Iskandar project‏

Nov 5, 2009

S'pore-KL work group for Iskandar project

By Teo Cheng Wee

SINGAPORE and Malaysia formed a work group yesterday to study the joint development of an iconic economic project in Iskandar.

Working together on an iconic project in the Johor economic zone was one of the key issues discussed when Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong met Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in Singapore in May.

The bilateral project was mooted as a showcase of the commitment of both countries to build a strong, productive and enduring relationship, the two countries' Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) for Iskandar Malaysia said yesterday.

At the meeting in May, Mr Lee had suggested a mixed-use township development, while Datuk Seri Najib was keen on a wellness centre that could provide spas and other services.

But what the project will eventually be has not been finalised.

Yesterday's meeting at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Singapore was the fifth for the JMC. It was formed in 2007 with the aim of facilitating cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore on the Iskandar project.

The meeting was jointly chaired by National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan and Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, Malaysia's Minister in the Prime Minister's Department.

The committee also includes Johor chief minister Ghani Othman and Singapore's Transport Minister Raymond Lim. The JMC also reviewed the progress made by four sub-groups on immigration, transportation, tourism and the environment.

A study has been commissioned to assess the feasibility of jointly developing nature sites as tourism spots.

On the immigration front, the pilot test of the Malaysian Automated Clearance System - which gives frequent travellers to Iskandar Malaysia access to 'fast track' lanes - was extended to all frequent travellers to Malaysia in September.

Both countries also agreed to double cross-border bus services by next January. The JMC will meet again in the first half of next year.