Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) is enhancing its inbound shipping service for customers importing into Johor in Malaysia. It said that importers and local businesses now receive their packages two hours earlier for inbound shipments from Asia, Europe, and the U.S.

In the announcement, FedEx said businesses in Johor can enjoy more convenient delivery schedules as import shipments from Asia, Europe, and the U.S. into Johor are now routed to the FedEx Gateway in Singapore before journeying to the FedEx Senai Gateway.

This will offer customers the benefits of direct clearance at Senai customs.

Previously, these shipments were routed through Kuala Lumpur before making a 300-kilometre trip to Senai for processing and delivery.

FedEx noted that this change is particularly beneficial for industries that rely heavily on timely imports, including manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce.

"Improving the speed of our services is essential for businesses looking to thrive in today's competitive environment," said Tien Long Woon, managing director of FedEx Malaysia.

"We understand that time is of the essence, and with faster delivery of imports, we are enhancing the efficiency of local businesses in Johor and improving their flexibility to better serve their own customers," he added.

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is poised to significantly enhance economic connectivity between Johor and Singapore, focusing on key sectors such as electronics, medical equipment, food manufacturing, and data centres.

In 2023, Johor's economy demonstrated robust growth, with a 4.1% year-over-year increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), surpassing the national average of 3.6% — primarily driven by the services and manufacturing sectors contributing around 84% of Johor's GDP.

Additionally, Johor accounted for approximately 29% of Malaysia's total trade in 2023, amounting to RM753.1 billion (US$170.3 billion).