KUALA LUMPUR: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) emphasises strengthening regional connectivity by enhancing Malaysia's engagement and role on the global economic stage.

This will be done through the implementation of initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), the Asean Power Grid (APG), Asean Connectivity by Rail, and the Asia Zero Emission Community (Azec).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that these initiatives are key pillars to ensure broader distribution of economic benefits, while also enhancing the nation's competitiveness as a gateway for regional investments.

He said the JS-SEZ is a cross-border collaboration with the potential to generate hundreds of thousands of job opportunities and drive the growth of high value industries.

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"At the same time, the Asean Power Grid and Azec will strengthen energy cooperation and green transition in the region," he told the Dewan Negara when tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) today.

He highlighted that the 13MP, themed "Redesigning Development," also outlines an economic transition agenda based on value creation.

This includes strengthening strategic supply chains in sectors such as electrical and electronics, halal, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

In terms of investment, the 13MP requires a total funding of RM611 billion, comprising government development allocations, investments by government-linked companies (GLCs), and public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The main focus sectors are education, healthcare, housing, and basic infrastructure.

The prime minister also added that regional and rural development will be prioritised to ensure a more equitable distribution of economic benefits, including through infrastructure projects such as the Pan Borneo Highway, the Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, the Bukit Kayu Hitam Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex, and the Malaysia-Thailand trade route.

– BERNAMA