JOHOR BARU, April 18 -- Johor is expected to become the most advanced state in Malaysia in the next two years following the establishment of two special economic zones (SEZ), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said that the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and the Forest City Special Financial Zone (SFZ) will drive the country's economic growth further.

"These two special economic and financial zones will drive the country's economic development more rapidly.

"There is no target at the moment, but the most important thing is that these two zones exist to assist

"The economic growth in Johor is expected to pick up at a faster pace compared to other states in the next year or two," Anwar told reporters after ...