GELANG PATAH: Forest City announced on Monday (January 29) that it is upgrading facilities in the enclave as part of preparations to implement the Special Financial Zone (SFZ) announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last August.
The improvement of facilities is crucial to ensure that Forest City continues to attract investors.
Country Garden Malaysia-Singapore brand sales and marketing general manager Fang Fang said that the developer is currently building a new Customs checkpoint to replace the existing one.
The construction of the new checkpoint, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year, is expected to enhance inspection and law enforcement on duty-free products in the area.
"Forest City already has facilities and a complete ecosystem to implement the SFZ initiative. However, there are some things that need to be improved on in an effort to attract more investments there," she said.
Fang revealed that Forest City is also upgrading the Internet network and installing the latest technology in the enclave to ensure that it becomes one of the most modern financial centres in the region.
In addition to the development of Forest City itself, there are several transport infrastructure projects that are currently earmarked for the area.
According to previous reports, there are plans to connect Forest City SFZ with the eagerly awaited Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) and Light Rapid Transit (LRT) West Line planned for Johor Baru.
Furthermore, Johor Investment, Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Lee Ting Han has recently announced the state government's intention of creating a Second Link lane for Forest City SFZ.
Forest City has officially launched a cross-border bus service system at the end of last year, where various modes of transportation will converge in Forest City SFZ, which will facilitate commuting to Singapore and greatly promote investment.
In the meantime, Forest City welcomed the effort to introduce a QR code system that does not require a passport to facilitate the movement of people between Singapore and Malaysia.
The adoption of the QR code clearance process by both Malaysia and Singapore authorities is seen by Forest City as a profound change in the approach to the flow of people and goods in the region.
This innovative idea, which provides maximum convenience in cross-border movement, is an opportunity for Forest City to serve as a pilot project in implementing this system.
When Anwar announced the SFZ, emphasis was placed on expediting Customs clearance channels to enhance financial exchanges between Malaysia and Singapore.
With its existing infrastructure and strategic geographical proximity to Singapore, Forest City possesses unique advantages. It can play a crucial role in pioneering these new measures, exerting a substantial impact on economic activities and travel facilities in the region.