Johor Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Lee Ting Han has stated to the local media that the state would ensure all investors complied with Malaysian laws and respected local customs, culture and sovereignty, citing that the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is “far bigger than any individual project or operator” and Johor is determined to protect its credibility.
He emphasised that no business or investment would be permitted to jeopardise the nation’s laws or social harmony, but he said Johor remained dedicated to drawing in high-quality investments.
“The JS-SEZ is much bigger than any individual project or operator.”
“Our focus is on strengthening governance across the entire ecosystem through the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre–Johor (IMFC-J), enhancing investor engagement, improving coordination between state and federal agencies, and identifying potential issues early so they can be resolved before they escalate,” he said.
According to Lee to the NST, the upcoming JS-SEZ blueprint will improve governance and investor confidence while offering more clarity on the zone’s long-term course.
“Johor welcomes quality investments from around the world, but every investor must comply with Malaysian laws and respect our customs, culture and values.”
“These are non-negotiable. No amount of investment can justify compromising our laws, sovereignty or social harmony,” he said adding that the state would continue to boost confidence through transparent policies, effective facilitation under the JS-SEZ framework, and consistent enforcement.
“Investors value certainty, not only in approvals and infrastructure, but also in knowing that the rule of law is applied fairly and consistently to everyone.
“That is how we protect the reputation of the JS-SEZ and ensure its long-term success,” he said.
Lee’s comments come as the Network School project in Forest City has been under increased public scrutiny, and some concerns have been raised about the backgrounds of some participants.
Last week, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state government would not compromise on matters relating to national sovereignty or security after concerns over individuals allegedly linked to Israel entering Malaysia on second passports.
“The state has requested a detailed report from the relevant authorities and any violation of Malaysian laws will be dealt with firmly,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Network School, which debuted in Forest City this year, is a privately organised educational and entrepreneurial residency programme that brought together technology founders, developers, and digital entrepreneurs from various countries.
While the programme has received international attention as part of Forest City’s efforts to establish itself as a technology and innovation hub, it has also come under fire for participant vetting and compliance with Malaysian immigration and security regulations.
The JS-SEZ, developed jointly by Malaysia and Singapore, is expected to become one of Southeast Asia’s largest cross-border investment corridors, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, digital economy, logistics, green industries, and finance.
