PUTRAJAYA, Oct 2 — Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said yesterday that Budget 2026 will aim to boost the economy, including prioritising key high-value projects like the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
The minister said the Budget is also expected to outline the government’s successes achieved so far, such as with the JS-SEZ.
“As always the focus of the budget is strengthening the existing economic framework, including crucial projects like the JS-SEZ,” he told reporters after witnessing the Iskandar Regional Development Authority signing a Letter of Intent with Japan’s Mizuho Bank.
Mizuho Bank Malaysia Berhad will be the seventh financial service provider to collaborate on the JS-SEZ.
Amir said the Japanese lender will serve as a bridge for Japanese companies looking to invest in the special economic zone.
Several firms have shown keen interest, said Koichi Zaiki, Mizuho Bank CEO for the Asia Pacific region, who was also present at the signing ceremony.
Sectors of interest from Japanese companies include pharmaceuticals and healthcare.
The government is set to table next year’s federal spending plan next Friday.
