KUALA LUMPUR – Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said that the lucrative job opportunities expected to be created at the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSSEZ) would attract local talent back from abroad.
Rafizi (Pandan-PH) told the Dewan Rakyat today that, in addition to the high income, the demand for professionals and specialists in specific industries at JSSEZ would play a crucial role in enticing Malaysian talents overseas to return.
“The salary offered later will not only attract Malaysians but also those who are abroad to return.
“It doesn’t happen because of (the high salary alone, but also because of the job opportunities, where Malaysia does not have the specialists.
“For example, the (advanced) laboratory for the biotechnology industry is not in Malaysia. So with the establishment of companies like this in Malaysia, of course the talents will come back,” he said.
The minister also said that the high salaries offered within this economic zone would be contingent upon the job roles and skill requirements present there.
He said that offering high wages in JSSEZ would enable local companies in similar industries to improve salaries for workers, thereby boosting the country’s economy.
Rafizi also said the agreement on JSSEZ is expected to be signed in September and will be reviewed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in October.
The JSSEZ is anticipated to benefit all landowners in the 4,749 square km Iskandar Malaysia region, encompassing Johor Bahru, Kulai, Iskandar Puteri, Pasir Gudang, and part of Pontian.
This economic zone is expected to enhance business and job opportunities in Iskandar Malaysia, thereby increasing demand for real estate. – July 11, 2024