马来西亚经济特区

KAS Malaysia, Southeast Asia Programme Malaysia's Special Economic Zones Growth Engine andEconomic Equalisation Mechanism Natalie Russmann, Country Director KAS MalaysiaJustin Tee Yong Ting, Programme Manager KAS Malaysia achieving 'higher-income' status.With projected economic growthfor 2026 of between four and five Southeast Asia. Strategically situated along the key maritime trade routes between the Giventhe intensifying geopolitical tensions between major powers and the repeatedblockades of the Strait of Hormuz—which have placed considerable strain on global tradeand supply chains—Malaysia's position as a 'middle power' situated along the Strait of increasingly emerging as a strategic hub of international trade. Goods worth trillions ofeuros pass through the Strait of Malacca each year. It is widely considered the world's Special Economic Zones: More Than Just a Vision Malaysia is pursuing a deliberate economic strategy through the establishment of SpecialEconomic Zones (SEZs) to strengthen its role as a regional centre for manufacturing andservices within ASEAN. The SEZs represent an important economic policy instrument for These zones fulfil two distinct functions. First, they attract foreign direct investment inhigher-value, technology-based sectors such as digital services, advanced manufacturing,and green industries. In doing so, the SEZs offer companies a range of benefits, including tax Second, they counteract uneven development between regions. The comparison betweenthe Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and the ECER Special Economic Zone illustratesthese objectives. In the context of ASEAN economic integration, Malaysia is positioning itself Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) The JS-SEZ, officially launched in January 2025, isacross-bordereconomicregioncoveringapproximately 3,588 km² in the state of Johor,bordering Singapore.5Its core concept links the together the complementary strengths of both countries: Malaysia provides land, labour,andcost advantages,while Singapore contributes capital,financial services,globalconnectivity, and access to international markets.6The zone spans several sectors, including The investment climate has been strong thus far. Approvals associated with the JS-SEZreached RM 68 billion (approximately EUR 14.1 billion) in the first nine months of 2025,accounting for roughly three-quarters of total approved investments in Johor.7 This is Strategically, the zone aligns with trends towards supply chain diversification. In keepingwith the 'China-Plus-One' strategy, Malaysia is positioning the JS-SEZ as a competitive The 'China-Plus-One' strategy refers to an approach whereby international companiesmaintainpart of their production and supply chains in China while simultaneouslyestablishing at least one additional location—such as Vietnam, India, or Malaysia. This This dynamic cross-border economic space also deepens practical economic integrationwithin ASEAN. The close interlinkage between Johor and Singapore could, in the long term, However, risks are also present.10Concerns have already been raised about rising land andliving costs. Property speculation in Johor, particularly in connection with mega-projects suchas Forest City, is a classic illustration of the tension between ambition and reality.11While The long-term success of the JS-SEZ depends substantially on sustainable political andeconomic coordination between Malaysia and Singapore. Critical factors include efficientadministrative and approval processes, an investor-friendly business environment with lean Johor recorded a sharp increase in investment in 2022 followed by a cooling off. In 2025,investment rose again, driven by the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. A comparison Special Economic Zone (ECER SEZ) The ECER SpecialEconomic Zone is part of a broader regional development corridorencompassing Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and parts of Johor along the east coast of theMalay Peninsula. Established around 2008–2009, it aims to address longstanding regional Its sectoral focus differs from that of the JS-SEZ. The ECER places emphasis on oil and gas,thepetrochemical industry,manufacturing,tourism,agriculture,and downstream The zone's objectives are ambitious, encompassing investments of RM 90 billion and thecreation of over 220,000 jobs.15However, actual progress has been rather slow. Committed Structuralconstraints account for this gap.The east coast region lacks comparableinfrastructure connectivity and global visibility. Logistics networks are underdeveloped, and Despitethese challenges,the ECER plays a critical national role.It functions as aredistribution mechanism with the objective of reducing income disparities and preventing Comparing Both Approaches The JS-SEZ and ECER Special Economic Zones reflect two distinct policy concepts. The JS-SEZis market-oriented and outward-looking. Its growth is founded on proximity to Singapore, The ECER, by contrast, is st