Latest news with #Johoreans
The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Johoreans eagerly await reopening of green landmark
Liew has cherished memories of visiting the garden as a child. The 161-year-old Johor Royal Botanical Garden is set to become a premier tourist attraction in the state when it reopens soon. Once a public park accessible to all, it was closed for more than a decade to make way for refurbishments and upgrades. Johorean Liew Boon Chong fondly remembers his first visit 38 years ago on a picnic with his family. 'I was six and we had to take buses to get there, which made the journey even more exciting,' he told StarMetro. Liew said they brought their own mats, home-cooked food and spent quality time together as a family. 'For as long as I can remember, the garden, located within the Istana Besar grounds, was a gathering place for people who were there for picnics or exercise. 'I even used to see couples taking wedding photos there. 'My kindergarten also took us there for our graduation photoshoot. 'The surroundings and scenery have remained as one of my core memories until today,' said the private sector employee. Sultan Ibrahim (front) accompanied by Onn Hafiz (second from left) taking a stroll around the garden. The botanical garden, known for its manicured lawns, stately trees and sweeping views of the palace grounds, holds a special place in the hearts of many Johoreans, said Liew. 'Now that it is reopening, I look forward to seeing how the architecture and landscape have changed,' he said. The reopening of the garden gives the younger generation a chance to finally experience a place their parents and grandparents often talked about. Siti Nur Ain plans to organise a trip for fellow USM students. Siti Nur Ain Yusra, a student at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), immediately suggested a visit for her university's Johor Students Association after hearing about the reopening. 'We were told about the impending reopening of the garden during the Dewan Muda Johor event, an annual youth leaders' conference,' she said. 'Right then, I told the committee members we should plan a visit to this place that I had always heard about from my older relatives.' She said it was also a good way to instil pride and patriotism, especially among the younger generation. 'The botanical garden can be made into a key location for outdoor learning activities, particularly the teaching of Johor's history,' Siti Nur Ain suggested. The authorities conducted a simulation in early July to ensure things would run smoothly once the garden reopened. Entry to the garden is through Johor Zoo, which is adjacent. When met, an employee of the zoo explained that a new gate connects to the garden. 'Buggies will be available to transport visitors. Gan (right) and his friends are eagerly awaiting the opening of the gardens. 'Although the garden is not open yet, we have been getting a lot of enquiries from zoo visitors.' Among those who are eagerly awaiting the opening is engineering student Gan Ming Hua. 'We visited the zoo because we had heard about its recent facelift. 'We were impressed by the changes and can't wait to visit the garden,' said Gan. The news has also piqued the interest of international travellers like Maggie Bernard from France, who visited the zoo with her husband and daughter. Buggies will be available to transport visitors from the parking lot to the visitor area. 'We were not aware the botanical garden was right beside the zoo, until we got here. 'Sadly, it is not open yet but we will definitely come back soon to visit this beautiful historical site.' Major makeover Located within the 19th-century Istana Besar palace grounds, the botanical garden was developed in 1864. A grand pavilion is the perfect setting to admire the lush greenery. The over 50ha area now features 12 themed sections with more than 583 species of flora and about 145,000 trees. According to the official website, the garden houses five historical monuments, blending natural beauty with heritage value. Highlights include Dipterocarp Rainforest and Tropical Endemic Collection which showcases iconic Malaysian trees such as Tualang, Gaharu and Nyatoh. Other attractions include a Japanese Garden complete with a traditional tea house which was once used for official ceremonies by the Japanese community in Johor. Visitors can also look out for an exotic garden, heliconia and ginger garden as well as heritage buildings such as Istana Bukit Zaharah and a memorial honouring the Johor Sultanate. The Japanese Garden with a tea house is one of the main attractions at the Johor Royal Botanical Garden. — Photos: Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Ismail and Johor Mentri Besar Facebook pages They can explore as well a hedge maze and get to know unique plants such as the Dragon Tree, Chinese Red Banana, pitcher plants, Yellow Sakura and Bungor Langkawi. Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi in a social media post, said the reopening was made with the consent of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and at the decree of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim. 'After years of closure, the garden will finally be open. 'The upgrading was a result of the close collaboration between six local councils – Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG), Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu), Pengerang Municipal Council (MPP) and Pontian Municipal Council (MPPn).' A water fountain at the garden, located within Istana Besar grounds. Onn Hafiz said he had personally inspected the progress of the conservation project together with the state's executive councillors. 'The Johor Royal Botanical Garden is more than just a park; it is also a symbol of heritage and civilisation of the Johor Sultanate that must be preserved. 'What is even more exciting is that a new entrance is being built to link two iconic locations – Johor Zoo and the garden. 'Once completed, this route will not only make it easier for visitors to move between the two attractions but also create a more well-planned, comfortable and comprehensive tourism ecosystem. The Johor Royal Botanical Garden was developed in 1864. 'I also hope the effort will revive the memories and sentimental value of historic sites that are part of Johor Baru's identity,' Onn Hafiz said, and stressed the state government's commitment to conserving historical buildings. The botanical garden, when it reopens, is expected to add to the state's tourism appeal ahead of Visit Johor 2026 (VJ2026), said Onn Hafiz. The Mentri Besar thanked His Majesty for granting consent for the reopening and Johor Regent for initiating upgrading works. Six local councils were involved in upgrading the garden, spread over 50ha. On July 18, Sultan Ibrahim took a stroll around the Istana Besar palace grounds and the garden with Onn Hafiz and Comptroller of the Royal Household Tan Sri Dr Azmi Rohani. Tunku Ismail and Che' Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor also brought their children, including Tunku Iskandar, Raja Muda of Johor, to the garden on July 8. For details, go to
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Backbencher calls for lifting of ban on e-hailing rides to S'pore
This 2022 picture shows taxis waiting for Singapore-bound passengers at Larkin Sentral, Johor Bahru. They are among 200 licensed to provide such services. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR : A backbencher has called on the government to hold talks with Singapore on lifting the ban on e-hailing rides to the island state from Johor Bahru. Jimmy Puah (PH-Tebrau) said the decision to ban such rides was unfortunate and hurt frequent commuters, stating that as Johoreans, many like him preferred to fly out from Changi airport when travelling overseas. He said a typical ride from Johor Bahru to Changi would take about an hour, provided the Causeway was clear. Puah said given the gravity of the situation, the transport and foreign ministers must urgently meet their Singapore counterparts to negotiate and at least allow locals or permanent residents to take e-hailing rides into the republic. Jimmy Puah. He said recent incidents where Malaysians were stopped by Singapore authorities for dropping off passengers at Changi Airport had caused confusion and hardship. Some drivers also had their vehicles seized and were now being probed by the authorities there. 'Johor and Singapore have long enjoyed close, strategic ties, yet issues like this hinder the progress that the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone is meant to bring. 'If its goal is to bring us closer, we must remove such barriers,' he told the Dewan Rakyat when debating the 13th Malaysia Plan. He also proposed that certain conditions be set to allow these e-hailing rides to enter Singapore. Among them were restricting drop-offs to airports and ferry terminals and limiting them to Malaysians or foreign residents in Malaysia. On Aug 3, Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) said there were no plans to fully allow cross-border e-hailing. This was despite the idea being raised during an Aug 1 meeting between Singapore's acting transport minister Jeffrey Siow and Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi. LTA said it wanted to protect the livelihoods of existing drivers and curb unauthorised services. For now, cross-border taxi trips remain under the Cross-Border Taxi Scheme, which limits services to 200 licensed cabs from each side, operating from designated pick-up points in each country. Puah went on to say that smoother cross-border travel was vital for both people and trade. He also noted that the JB-Singapore RTS is due to open at the end of 2026, carrying tens of thousands of passengers per hour and easing Causeway congestion. He suggested building two new road links from the RTS station, one towards Jalan Skudai to move passengers north and west, and another towards Jalan Tebrau to channel traffic eastwards out of Johor Bahru. He said these routes would help prevent thousands of e-hailing cars and other vehicles from clogging city streets once the RTS begins operations.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Johor pioneering wastewater recycling in data centre operations, says MB
JOHOR BARU: Johor has set a national precedent by becoming the first Malaysian state to integrate wastewater recycling into Tier 4 data centre operations, marrying cutting-edge digital infrastructure with sustainable resource management. Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi highlighted that this breakthrough bolsters Johor's position as the leading data centre hub in the country while supporting its long-term economic and environmental strategies. "To date, more than 50 applications for the construction of data centres have been received, with 42 projects already approved as of the second quarter of 2025," he stated. These projects represent RM164.45bil in total investments and have the potential to generate over 6,000 job opportunities for Malaysians, particularly Johoreans. Onn Hafiz, who is also the Machap assemblyman, shared this during the Alternative Water Usage Recognition Ceremony for the Data Centre Industry on Monday (Aug 11). He added that seven new applications involving water usage of up to 76 million litres per day are currently being reviewed by Johor Special Water (JSW) in collaboration with utility providers and the state government. The data centre industry has become a key driver for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), the Johor Digital Plan, and the state's broader economic transformation agenda towards a competitive, high-value ecosystem. Rapid growth in the sector must be balanced with strategic and sustainable management of energy and water resources, Onn Hafiz emphasised. "To ensure this, the Johor Data Centre Development Coordination Committee was set up, co-chaired by three state executive councillors, to oversee data centre projects through a transparent review process," he said. The committee focuses on ensuring facilities adopt renewable energy sources and alternative water solutions to reduce pressure on the state's potable water supply. JSW, a subsidiary of Permodalan Darul Ta'zim Sdn Bhd, has partnered with national sewerage company Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) to supply alternative water sources for data centre cooling systems. Water supply options include raw water, reclaimed (recycled) water, and desalinated water. Under a 2011 agreement, JSW was granted exclusive rights by IWK to carry out wastewater reclamation projects across Johor for industrial use. As of June 30, JSW had received requests from data centre operators for a total of 136 million litres per day of alternative water supply. On Monday, three agreements were formalised to enhance the integration of reclaimed water into the state's data centre operations. The first agreement between IWK and JSW will channel treated effluent from sewage treatment plants across Johor into reclaimed water production facilities. The second agreement, involving JSW, Bridge Data Centres (BDC), and Computility Technology (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, covers the use of reclaimed water in cooling systems. BDC has been producing reclaimed water since June 9 at its Ulu Tiram plant, while Computility's facility in Iskandar Puteri is scheduled to be operational by December. The third agreement between JSW and DayOne Data Centres Sdn Bhd involves supplying raw water from the Tebrau River to a data centre in Kempas Tech Park, with operations expected to begin in November. Onn Hafiz said the initiative will not only reduce reliance on treated water for industrial use but also reinforce Johor's reputation as a green industry leader.
Sinar Daily
4 days ago
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Disabled couple finds hope in 'epok-epok' business
Zulkifli Ainul and Siti Nuratika communicate with customers using simple, intuitive hand gestures that are easy to understand. 10 Aug 2025 07:00pm Zulkifli Ainul Mokhsein, 38, and his wife Siti Nuratika Mohd Suhaimi, 32, who are both hearing and speech impaired, have proven that resilience and hard work can overcome any barrier. Photo by Bernama JOHOR BAHRU - Despite facing communication challenges, a couple with disabilities has shown that perseverance and determination can pave the way to financial independence - through the humble yet beloved 'epok-epok', the name Johoreans use for what many know as 'karipap' (curry puff). Zulkifli Ainul Mokhsein, 38, and his wife Siti Nuratika Mohd Suhaimi, 32, who are both hearing and speech impaired, have proven that resilience and hard work can overcome any barrier. As early as 4am, the couple, who live in the Setia Indah People's Housing Project (PPR), can be found hard at work in their modest kitchen, preparing their popular snacks. They operate their stall, 'Epok-Epok OKU', from Monday to Saturday, between noon and 6pm in Taman Setia Indah. Since opening earlier this month, the stall has drawn steady attention, not just for the deliciousness of their curry puffs, but also for the warm and welcoming service from the couple, who are parents to four children. Zulkifli Ainul and Siti Nuratika communicate with customers using simple, intuitive hand gestures that are easy to understand. This method was also used during the interview with Bernama, along with written messages on a mobile phone. Zulkifli Ainul and Siti Nuratika communicate with customers using simple, intuitive hand gestures that are easy to understand. Photo by Bernama "Our curry puffs come in a variety of flavours - potato, beef, chicken, sardine, and egg. Alhamdulillah, the response so far has been very encouraging,' said Zulkifli Ainul. Amid the bustle of running their stall, often accompanied by their children, the couple also accepts orders for special occasions, as well as infak (donations) for those wishing to give alms. "For infak orders, I'll send a photo of the delivery as proof, it's my way of being transparent and honest in business,' he added. However, behind the cheerful smile Zulkifli Ainul wears while serving customers lies a deeper struggle. In 2019, he was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma, forcing him to give up his job as a vegetable lorry driver. Since then, the couple has relied on selling frozen curry puffs to support their family - though Zulkifli admits that finding customers can sometimes be challenging. Zulkifli Ainul hopes that the public will continue to support their small business, which helps sustain not only his family but also his ageing mother. Despite relying solely on income from curry puff sales and monthly assistance from Baitulmal and the Social Welfare Department, Zulkifli remains committed to giving back. He recently offered a job at his stall to a friend, who is also hearing and speech impaired, and had been struggling to find employment. "I'm working to support my wife, my four children, and my mother, who suffers from high blood pressure and diabetes,' he shared. In addition to managing the stall, Zulkifli regularly travels to the hospital for chemotherapy and undergoes a positron emission tomography (PET) scan twice a year at the National Cancer Institute (IKN). Even with these challenges, he expressed gratitude for the support he has received. His house rental is currently covered by Baitulmal and the Yayasan Bandaraya Johor Bahru, which has helped ease his family's financial burden. Those wishing to make purchases or place infak orders can contact the couple at 013-742 8343 or 019-896 8525. - BERNAMA More Like This
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Mixed reactions to RM100 one-off aid
Kandapan says the aid does not address deeper concerns. The Government's one-off RM100 cash aid under the 'Sumbangan Asas Rahmah' (Sara) initiative has sparked mixed reactions among Johoreans. Some welcomed it but also questioned its sustainability and impact amid rising living costs. They claimed the cost of living in Johor was among the highest in the country – something which needed to be addressed urgently. Retiree M. Kandapan, 65, said the RM100 disbursement might temporarily please some but it did not address the deeper concerns. 'Everyone will receive the money through their MyKad, regardless if they are B40, M40 or T20 folks. Lee says the aid creates a sense of inclusivity and unity. 'This initiative should be more targeted,' he opined. 'If someone earns RM5,000 and above, then he or she does not need this kind of aid.' The father-of-five highlighted the aid's limited purchasing power. 'Milk formula for children now costs RM120. 'If the government truly wants to help, then it should focus on retirees and low-income families instead of everyone,' he said. Kandapan also raised concerns about the MyKad mechanism, especially for petrol purchases. 'I am not comfortable with handing over my MyKad to a foreign worker at petrol station to redeem RM100 worth of fuel. 'I would rather use my own money than risk wasting time or exposing my personal data.' Siti Nur Hamidah says the aid should be targeted. Administrative staff Siti Nur Hamidah Abdul Hamid, 25, said the initiative was far from sufficient, given today's economic challenges. 'The amount is not enough for certain groups but it can be useful for many. At the very least, it would help reduce spending on daily necessities,' she said. 'However, I believe the aid would be more impactful if it was targeted to a specific group at a time, such as the B40 or M40, so the amount could be more meaningful for the recipients.' She added that although the gesture was appreciated, the RM100 felt largely symbolic. 'It is helpful to a degree, but in reality, it does not cover even a month's worth of basic groceries. 'I believe occasional aid is fine, but the Government should focus on long-term support that truly addresses people's needs.' Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Pasir Gudang Faculty of Civil Engineering senior lecturer Dr Lee Siong Wee, 48, welcomed the initiative as a reflection of the government's inclusiveness. 'The RM100 Sara aid reflects the Government's concern for all citizens, regardless of income group. 'It is especially beneficial for youth, particularly university students who have yet to earn a steady income. 'Although the amount is small, it should not be dismissed. 'When combined within a household, it can ease the financial burden of daily expenses,' Lee said. She said all Malaysians deserved such gesture from the Government. 'Even though B40 and M40 groups already receive other forms of targeted aid, it is good for the RM100 to be disbursed to everyone. 'It creates a sense of inclusivity and unity,' she added. On July 23, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that every Malaysian aged 18 and above would receive a one-off RM100 cash assistance credited directly to their MyKad under the Sara initiative. He said the move was in conjunction with National Day. It was aimed at easing the cost of living and to serve as a token of appreciation for the public.
