ISKANDAR PUTERI: The new Customs Department complex in Forest City will enhance identification and image analysis, enabling more efficient detection of smuggling patterns.
Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said with the Forest City Special Economic Zone (FC-SEZ) incentives, expected to be inked by the federal government and its Singaporean counterpart on Dec 9, it was vital to have high-quality infrastructure and services in the duty-free island and in the state.
Onn Hafiz Ghazi officiated at the complex, which will be fully operational on Nov 15.
Present were Customs director-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin, Country Garden Pacificview Sdn Bhd (CGPV) executive directors Datuk Md Othman Yusof and Datuk Daing A. Malek Daing A. Rahman and state Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Lee Ting Han.
The Customs checkpoint complex has been relocated to the island's tip, where inspections and enforcement will be conducted more smoothly and efficiently.
Onn Hafiz said Johor, including Forest City, must be equipped with top-tier facilities to support the FC-SEZ and drive economic growth.
He said the state's development must meet international standards to attract investors and tourists.
"It is crucial to strengthen Johor's position as a leading destination for international business and tourism."
He added that investments in modern technology, efficient transport and seamless Customs operations would ensure Forest City remained competitive on the global stage, contributing significantly to Johor's economic advancement and Malaysia's tourism appeal.
The FC-SEZ, aimed at attracting foreign direct investments and fostering regional trade, was also expected to boost local employment and create jobs in tourism and services, he said.
On the new Customs complex, which is equipped with scanning machines integrated with artificial intelligence to help the Customs Department identify and analyse smuggling patterns, Onn Hafiz said it would allow enforcement officers to prevent illicit operations, and strengthen security at the island's entry and exit points.
Othman said the menteri besar has been actively working to transform Forest City into a duty-free island and special economic zone.
"The FC-SEZ is expected to drive global investments and stimulate economic growth," he said.
"Forest City's new duty-free status and its state-of-the-art Customs complex represent significant steps in Johor's development.
"The upgraded complex will improve Customs inspections and bolster enforcement on the island, ensuring seamless entry for visitors and allowing for efficient monitoring.
"Key stakeholders, including the Customs Department, have been instrumental in this initiative by supporting this vision."
Othman said Forest City's duty-free status was expected to attract more domestic and foreign tourists, significantly boosting local tourism and balancing the differences between the peak and off-peak seasons.
He added that the duty-free concept would drive business and economic development, thus strengthening the entire tourism industry chain.