Singapore, Malaysia To Study Iconic Economic Project In Iskandar Malaysia

05 November 2009 , By BERNAMA

Singapore and Malaysia today formed a new work group to study the joint development of an iconic economic project in Iskandar Malaysia.

The setting up of the new work group was agreed upon in the working meeting of the 5th Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) for Iskandar Malaysia which concluded here today, according to a joint statement by Malaysia's Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister's Department and Singapore's National Development Ministry.

The meeting was a follow-up to the discussion between Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his counterpart Lee Hsien Loong when Najib visited Singapore in May this year.

In the May meeting, both leaders mooted a bilateral project in Iskandar Malaysia where it would showcase the commitment of both countries to build a strong, productive and enduring relationship.

The JMC also reviewed the progress made so far by the Joint Work Groups on Immigration, Transportation, Tourism, and Environment.

A study has also been commissioned to assess the feasibility of nature sites for joint tourism development, which could potentially increase tourism flows into and between Iskandar Malaysia and Singapore, the statement said.

The study sites are Sungai Pulai, Tanjung Piai and Pulau Kukup, collectively known as the Ramsar sites in the Iskandar Malaysia, and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve in Singapore.

On immigration issue, the statement noted that the pilot of the Malaysian Automated Clearance System that gave frequent travellers to Iskandar Malaysia access to "fast track" lanes was extended to all frequent travellers to Malaysia last month.

Both countries also agreed to double the cross-border bus services by January next year.

The JMC will meet again in the first half of 2010 to review the progress of the Joint Work Groups.