IDR's Malaysia-Singapore joint committee hold 1st meeting in JB

The Straits Times, July 23, 2007


JOHOR BAHRU - THE Malaysia-Singapore Joint Ministerial Commitee (JMC) for the Iskandar Development Region (IDR) held its first meeting at the Pulai Springs Resort on Monday.

Singapore was headed by National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan and Transport Minister Raymond Lim.

Malaysia was led by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Effendi Norwawi and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman.

In a joint statement, both countries described the two-hour meeting as 'warm and fruitful'.

Committee members agreed on the formation of four workgroups to look into facilitating immigration clearance, enhancing transportation links, tourism cooperation and environmental collaboration.

'These workgroups, which will involve relevant agencies on both sides, are tasked to identify and prioritise specific projects for collaboration in each of the four areas,' the committee said.

Mr Mah said the JMC is a concrete follow-up to explore bilateral cooperation to develop the IDR.

'Singapore is keen to work with Malaysia on the IDR's development and is confident that a successful IDR will benefit both our countries.'

Mr Effendi also noted the positive outcome.

'The endorsement of these four workgroups sets the foundation for deep and meaningful cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore, focused on realising the potential that the IDR has to offer,' he said.

'It's about facilitating the movement of people, goods and ideas so that we can better complement each other's strengths,' he added.

The establishment of the JMC was first announced in Langkawi in May 2007.

Its aim was to facilitate cooperation between the two countries in relation to the IDR.

The Economic Planning Unit and Iskandar Regional Development Authority are the joint secretariat for the JMC along with the Singapore's National Development Ministry.

The JMC will meet quarterly while the workgroups will meet more regularly to ensure successful implementation of the initiatives identified.

The workgroups are slated to meet next month and report on their progress to the JMC at its next meeting.