Pasir Gudang Hospital must be fully staffed, says Johor Regent
Tunku Ismail said the hospital, which is expected to begin operation soon, must be fully staffed to meet the medical needs of Johoreans and relieve congestion at facilities such as Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA), Sultan Ismail Hospital (HSI) and Temenggong Seri Maharaja Tun Ibrahim Hospital.
"I urge the Health Ministry to expedite postings and approvals for outstanding vacancies. Health services are not a luxury – they are a fundamental right," His Royal Highness said in a statement on Facebook today.
At the same time, Tunku Ismail urged companies operating within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) to offer a minimum wage of RM4,000 to local graduates.
"This is crucial to retain talent, ensure fair compensation, and address the long-standing brain drain in Johor," he said, adding that current employers should review their pay scales in line with rising living costs and the need for competitiveness.
Tunku Ismail also called on the federal government to formulate a clear initiative to tackle the talent exodus from the state.
On infrastructure, he welcomed the RM991 million water supply project approved by Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB), which is expected to deliver an additional 260 million litres per day (mld) to Johor, particularly benefitting the JS-SEZ area.
He said that long-term raw water infrastructure plans for up to 2,000 mld have also been approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12).
These includes the Sungai Johor Riverside Water Reservoirs (TAPS) Project (200 mld), the Sungai Sedili Barrage and TAPS project (600 mld), and the Sungai Pontian Barrage and TAPS Project (100 mld).
"These developments mean investors no longer need to worry about future water supply disruptions," he said, assuring that Johor is building the capacity needed to support its industrial and domestic growth up to 2060.
"The well-being of Johoreans is my priority. I will not stop speaking out to ensure their voices are not lost in bureaucratic red tape," Tunku Ismail added.
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