KUALA LUMPUR (April 8): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia will keep investing in developing border areas, much like the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), to boost economic activity.
It will also push for regulatory alignment, improved cross-border logistics, and enhanced digital connectivity within Asean to strengthen trade within the region, which totalled US$3.5 trillion (RM15.7 billion).
The JS-SEZ is a significant step in Malaysia-Singapore relations launched in January this year, aiming to enhance cross-border trade, investment, and innovation.
“While this (the JS-SEZ) will not be a silver bullet, it is nevertheless a significant step. By lowering barriers and coordinating policy between two closely linked economies, we create a demonstration effect — a case study in cross-border economic logic,” said Anwar.
In his opening speech at the Asean Investment Conference 2025 on Tuesday, Anwar mentioned developing border areas like the northern Peninsular Malaysia with Thailand, and the Sabah and Sarawak borders with Kalimantan, to boost economic activity for both sides of the borders.
Anwar added that developing border areas will need resilient infrastructure that can withstand both natural and financial challenges, particularly given the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
The move is part of a greater strategy Malaysia is pushing to strengthen intra-Asean cooperation.
“With the barrage of tariffs sweeping across the world in fast and furious fashion, we are witnessing the fraying of the global order. Therefore, Asean must rely more on itself,” he said in his speech.
Anwar said while tariff liberalisation within Asean economics is largely complete, more needs to be done to ensure regulatory alignment, improve cross-border logistics, and enhance digital connectivity.
He added that Asean must also protect and expand its unique global network, which spans across six continents.
Anwar said as the Asean chair this year, Malaysia will focus on revitalising key platforms like Asean Plus Three to strengthen economic resilience.