Special Zones Can Help Johor Surpass Other States Economically Says Pm

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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arriving for the Johor state-level Aidilfitri celebration at Padang Begonia, Angsana Johor Bahru Mall today. (Bernama pic)JOHOR BAHRU: High-impact projects such as the Johor-Singapore special economic zone (JS–SEZ) and the special financial zone (SFZ) in Forest City can spur Johor’s economy to outpace that of other states in the next one to two years, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
“Both JS-SEZ and SFZ will ensure a more rapid growth. They are still being formulated but will help in accelerating economic growth,” he told reporters during the Johor state-level Aidilfitri celebration at Padang Begonia, Angsana Johor Bahru Mall today.
Present were defence minister Khaled Nordin, investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi, deputy works minister Ahmad Maslan, and former deputy prime minister Musa Hitam.
Earlier, in his speech, Anwar said Johor continues to drive growth and record among the best progress and development in Malaysia.
He noted that Johor also has a low hardcore poverty level with fewer than 2,000 individuals, and this can be resolved in the short-term.
Other programmes such as flood mitigation projects are also prioritised to address problems that are faced by the people, he said.
“We cannot just record big growth. Floods (in the state) are also sizable, so the flood mitigation programme is given priority. I want the leaders and officials to monitor them to ensure that the project is carried out swiftly so the problem faced by the people is resolved,” he said.
Anwar also said leaders in Johor must ensure the state’s administration is free from corruption, and the people’s interest is safeguarded. - FMT

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