Malaysians may no longer need passports to travel between Johor and Singapore. This is part of the JS-SEZ agreement signed by both countries recently.

Singapore's Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong and Rafizi Ramli showing the signed agreements between both countries.

What you need to know:

  • The signing of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) agreement marks a new era for Johor, aimed at attracting foreign investment and driving growth.
  • It will include a passport-free immigration system (expected to be implemented by Mid-2025) and an improved passenger rail line to ferry people between Johor and SG
  • To foster talent, the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC) will implement various programs to train and educate workers to meet industry demands. Plans are underway to increase Johor’s minimum wage to RM4,000-5000, which is 2-3 times higher than the national minimum wage.

Cited from multiple sources:

i) https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/01/04/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-special-economic-zone-and-how-it-will-drive-economic-growth-for-malaysia-singapore/162031

ii) https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/spore-msia-sign-agreement-on-johor-singapore-special-economic-zone-20000-jobs-to-be-created

iii) https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-johor-qr-code-immigration-clearance-passport-free-travel-sez-land-checkpoints-4802551#:~:text=Amir%20Yusof&text=JOHOR%20BAHRU:%20By%20mid%2D2025,the%20middle%20of%20next%20year

iv) https://hr.asia/top-news/malaysia/johor-to-introduce-rm4k-starting-salary-for-skilled-workers-with-diploma-rm5k-for-degree/#:~:text=Malaysia's%20southern%20state%20of%20Johor,and%20RM5K%20for%20degree%20holders