Johor Regent Praises State Government’s Commitment To People’s Welfare

ISKANDAR PUTERI, April 30 (Bernama) -- The Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, has commended the Johor State Government for implementing various initiatives that have successfully driven economic growth while safeguarding welfare, healthcare, education and housing in the state.

His Royal Highness also expressed pride in Johor’s achievements, which have continued to record encouraging performance over the period under the leadership of Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi over the past four years.

Tunku Mahkota Ismail said these efforts could be seen, among others, through the Bantuan Kasih Johor (BKJ), which has benefited more than 550,000 Bangsa Johor, regardless of religion, race or background, and called for the assistance to be further strengthened and expanded.

“During the increasingly challenging economic conditions and the rising cost of living pressures experienced by the people today, I understand that many still require support and assistance to lead better lives,” he said when opening the first meeting of the fifth session of the 15th Johor State Legislative Assembly at Bangunan Sultan Ismail here today.

His Royal Highness said the state government’s achievement in eradicating hardcore poverty, involving 4,612 heads of households as at April 29 last year, was commendable and reflected the seriousness and effectiveness of the measures implemented.

“I would like to record my highest appreciation to the state government for its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of the people, particularly those in need. However, these efforts must not stop here. I urge that these initiatives be continued and strengthened,” he said.

The Regent said that in terms of housing, access to proper accommodation for Bangsa Johor had always been a priority, with the state government implementing various initiatives to ensure the people have access to comfortable homes.

From 2022 to date, Tunku Mahkota Ismail said a total of 21,085 Rumah Mampu Milik Johor (RMMJ) units have been completed, with more than 16,000 units already occupied and over 26,000 people assisted in owning their first homes.

“In addition, new house construction subsidies have been provided to 1,500 recipients, free homes have been given to more than 1,000 heads of households, and repair works have been carried out on more than 4,000 dilapidated houses, as well as 12 People’s Housing Programme (PPR) projects,” he said.

On education, Tunku Mahkota Ismail said he was pleased to observe the encouraging progress of Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (SRBJ).

His Royal Highness said the initiative was in line with the state government’s efforts to expand support for university students and school pupils through various forms of assistance, including the Johor Student Incentive, learning devices, fee and schooling aid, as well as transport facilities and flight tickets.

“The strength of a state lies in the quality of human capital we build. I want to see Johor’s education continue on the right track through various initiatives that have been and are being implemented in a structured and continuous manner,” he said.

The Regent also expressed appreciation for the recognition of Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) as among the World’s Best Hospitals 2026.

“I am confident that this achievement is the result of joint efforts between the state government and the federal government in strengthening the quality of services, facilities and the efficiency of Johor’s healthcare system, which is now on the right track,” he said.

On the economic front, His Royal Highness said Johor had successfully attracted RM272 billion in investments, including creating history in 2025 by recording RM110 billion in investments, which generated more than 80,000 job opportunities.

-- BERNAMA