By Sue-Ann Chia

THE Singapore-Malaysia Joint Ministerial Committee, set up to boost cooperation for the Iskandar Malaysia economic project, held its third meeting here on Monday.

Both sides reviewed the progress made by the four work groups on fast-tracking immigration clearance, transport links, tourism events and environmental matters such as river cleaning.

These were areas identified by the prime ministers of both countries when they agreed to set up the joint committee during a retreat in May last year.

The committee is a platform for both countries to explore ideas for collaboration in Iskandar Malaysia, a new economic zone in south-west Johor.

It is spread over an area of 2,217 square kilometres, or more than double the size of Singapore.

The Committee held two meetings in Johor - where it set up the four work groups - in July and November last year .

At their meeting here on Monday, the committee - chaired by Malaysia's Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Amirsham Abdul Aziz and Singapore's National Development Mah Bow Tan - reviewed the progress made so far.

They noted the efforts made to ease cross-border traffic, the exemption of certain transportation regulation requirements and increased recognition of national motor vehicle regulations by both countries.

A statement issued by Malaysia's Economic Planning Unit and Singapore's National Development Ministry said progress has also been made in joint tourism promotion efforts, and in the development of a river cleaning action plan.

There will be further discussions and studies on the identified areas and projects that would be carried out in the coming months.

The Committee, which also includes Johor Chief Minister Abdul Ghani Othman and Singapore's Transport Minister Raymond Lim, will meet again in the first quarter of next year to review progress of the joint work groups.