His Majesty says Singapore is a key trade and investment partner, highlighting JS-SEZ and RTS Link ties.
KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore is not merely one of Malaysia’s closest neighbours, but also a highly valued partner and among the country’s key drivers of trade and investment, said His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
In a post on the Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar Facebook page today, His Majesty said the continued growth in bilateral trade despite global economic uncertainties reflected the strength of ties between Malaysia and Singapore.
“The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) also reflects our cooperation in advancing regional economic growth and creating new opportunities within ASEAN,” he said during the state welcoming ceremony for Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s first state visit to Malaysia since assuming office in September 2023.
His Majesty also expressed confidence that the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link), scheduled to commence operations at the end of 2026, would further strengthen connectivity between the two countries.
“Together with JS-SEZ, I am confident the RTS Link will play an important role in attracting investment and strengthening the position of Malaysia and Singapore as key gateways to the ASEAN market,” he said.
Earlier, Tharman and his wife, Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam, arrived at Istana Negara at 10 am and were received by Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia.
Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, as well as Cabinet ministers.
Tharman is on a three-day state visit to Malaysia from July 13 to 15 at the King’s invitation. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit reciprocates Sultan Ibrahim’s state visit to Singapore on May 6 and 7, 2024.
The ministry said Singapore remains Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner globally and its largest within ASEAN, with bilateral trade amounting to RM402.35 billion (US$93.97 billion) in 2025, up 1.5% from 2024.
Trade continued to expand this year, rising 14.5% to RM189.90 billion (US$47.87 billion) between January and May 2026, compared with RM165.93 billion (US$37.65 billion) in the corresponding period of 2025.
