The Malaysian Johor government is in talks with Ride-hailing company Grab to update the Cross-Border Travel Agreement between Singapore and the Malaysian state of Johor. This initiative aims to streamline travel between Singapore and Johor, as stated by Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi in a Facebook post on June 19.
During a recent meeting with Grab’s senior management, various key matters were discussed, including the enhancement of Johor’s tourism and transportation sectors in preparation for the upcoming Visit Johor Year 2026 (TMJ 2026). This statewide campaign aims to attract 12 million tourists to Johor and generate RM42 billion in revenue, according to reports from Bernama.
Key Objectives of the Discussions
The discussions with Grab also explored potential collaborations between the transport ministries of Malaysia and Singapore, focusing on how Grab and other public transport providers can facilitate smoother travel between the two countries. Chief Minister Onn Hafiz highlighted the importance of these talks in improving cross-border travel experiences.
Additionally, an integrated physical and digital platform is being developed to showcase must-visit attractions in Johor. This platform is expected to enhance accessibility to information for tourists, both online and offline, thereby further boosting the state’s tourism sector.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
Onn Hafiz emphasized that this initiative has the potential to create new income opportunities for local residents, stimulate the local economy, and position Johor as a modern, open, and globally welcoming state. The efforts to enhance cross-border travel and tourism are seen as vital steps in promoting Johor as a premier destination for both local and international visitors.