‘Shenzhen of Southeast Asia’: Malaysia’s Johor plays up Singapore-linked special economic zone

If it goes ahead, the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone would be nearly twice the size of China’s Shenzhen at 3,505 sq km

‘In terms of geographical make-up, Shenzhen-Hong Kong is quite similar to Johor-Singapore’, the Malaysian state’s chief minister said

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An aerial view of Shenzhen. Johor’s chief minister said he was “confident” that his state “can become the Shenzhen of Southeast Asia” thanks to a proposed special economic zone with Singapore. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 3:32pm, 13 May 2024Updated: 3:33pm, 13 May 2024

Malaysia’s Johor state is proposing its economic and petrochemical hubs as the sites for a special zone with neighbour Singapore, as it aims to become the “Shenzhen of Southeast Asia”, according to a report in local media.

The suggested area will comprise Iskandar Malaysia and Pengerang on the east coast of the state, Johor’s chief minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi was cited as saying at the state assembly on Sunday.

If it goes ahead, the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone would be nearly twice the size of China’s Shenzhen at 3,505 sq km.

Both countries agreed in January to set up the zone, and Malaysia plans to finalise and sign a pact by the end of year, according to Onn Hafiz. Official engagements with Singapore on the economic zone is expected to begin in June, he added.

“I am confident that with the help of the [special economic zone], Johor can become the Shenzhen of Southeast Asia,” Onn Hafiz said, according to The Star.

“In terms of geographical make-up, Shenzhen-Hong Kong is quite similar to Johor-Singapore.”

In terms of geographical make-up, Shenzhen-Hong Kong is quite similar to Johor-Singapore

Onn Hafiz, Johor’s chief minister

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