Latest news with #Johoreans
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Five foundations uplift Johor communities
HIS Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has long been known as a compassionate Ruler with a deep sense of duty to his people. Come rain or shine, His Majesty always stands by Malaysians, not only by providing aid but also by being physically present to offer moral support during difficult times. Beyond lending support during disasters, His Majesty and the rest of the Johor royal family have also established five charitable foundations dedicated to serving the people, namely the Sultanah Rogayah Foundation (YSR), Sultanah Fatimah Foundation (YSF), Sultan Ibrahim Johor Foundation (YSIJ), Raja Zarith Sofiah of Johor Foundation (YRZSJ) and Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation (TLJCF). Each foundation focuses on different segments of society in Johor but all share the same goal – to uplift and support the community. The YSR focuses on uplifting the Indian community through initiatives in education, welfare and entrepreneurship, while the YSF primarily supports the Chinese community, with emphasis on education and financial aid. The YSIJ supports a wide range of charitable initiatives, including disaster relief, education, housing and healthcare. The YRZSJ concentrates on educational programmes, while the TLJCF is devoted to providing medical aid and support for cancer patients. Although these foundations primarily serve the people of Johor, His Majesty has also extended assistance to other states in his capacity as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Datuk Avinderjit Singh, YSIJ managing trustee, stated that their assistance extended beyond Johor, including 87,814 cubic tents delivered to state disaster committees nationwide. 'At the moment, we continue to focus on efforts to extend donations to Johoreans, as that is the main vision and mission behind the foundation. 'However, His Majesty has also channelled aid to other states since assuming the role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. 'This includes providing thousands of tents to flood-hit states, distributing over 1,428 food baskets to families in Melaka and donating laptops to students in Labuan,' he said. He noted that in 2024 alone, the foundation channelled allocations worth about RM4.2mil, including RM1.5mil in cash. 'The allocations cover various initiatives, including those focusing on education, housing, health and disaster relief. 'His Majesty is also a very hands-on Ruler who ensures that the allocation reaches the right people,' he said, adding that His Majesty has a big heart. Echoing this sentiment is YSIJ chief executive officer Mohd Anizam Jamian, who is also the founding chief executive officer of the TLJCF. 'Sultan Ibrahim's generosity is beyond what one could imagine. His Majesty is willing to go above and beyond to ensure his subjects are well taken care of. 'His Majesty always keeps a close eye on things happening on the ground and is often the first to extend a helping hand. 'Over the years I have served under the royal foundations, I have seen and felt His Majesty's and the royal family's sincerity,' he said. Meanwhile, YSR chairman Datuk R. Sugumaran said the establishment of the foundations is a testimony to His Majesty's love and compassion for the people. 'Being the kind-hearted Ruler that he is, His Majesty established five foundations in Johor to eradicate poverty and improve the people's quality of life. 'Sultan Ibrahim wants his people to live a dignified life, with no one left below the poverty line. 'His Majesty is also firm when it is necessary. His Majesty is a leader who wants to see his people succeed,' he said. Sugumaran, a former police officer and Sultan Ibrahim's former aide-de-camp, said the YSR is deeply committed to improving the lives of the Indian community. 'We focus on three key areas, namely education, welfare and entrepreneurship. We study each case thoroughly to ensure that aid reaches the right hands,' he said. He added that the foundation also places special emphasis on women's empowerment, students, the poor and individuals with special needs. 'Among the assistance we have provided are payments for tuition fees for underprivileged students, coverage of utility bills for those in need, subsidies for operation costs, and the provision of prosthetic limbs and other essential items from time to time. 'We also assist entrepreneurs who face challenges in starting their businesses,' he said, adding that the foundation continuously reviews its initiatives to stay relevant. YSF chairman Mejar Cina Datuk David Wong Khong Soon said that while the foundation primarily focuses on the Chinese community, they are committed to assisting individuals of all races. 'For now, our focus remains on serving those in Johor, but if the need arises, we are ready to assist on a national level. 'The YSF has gone across all districts in Johor several times, so we are well prepared to expand our reach nationwide whenever and wherever help is needed,' he said. He added that among the initiatives carried out last year were the allocation of RM1.5mil in financial aid to 3,000 Chinese high school students, and the awarding of bursaries worth RM1mil to 500 students of Southern University College. 'This year, we will again be providing RM1.5mil in financial aid to 3,000 Chinese high school students statewide, and RM1mil in bursaries to students at Southern University College. 'We will also renovate teachers' offices in 10 Chinese high schools with a total allocation of RM50,000,' he added.
The Star
3 days ago
- Climate
- The Star
Be alert for hot weather, wildfire risks in southwest monsoon, Johoreans told
Johor government is urging people to take precautions as the current southwest monsoon brings hot, dry weather, and wildfires risks. State health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the monsoon, ongoing until September, would affect mainly west coast districts. Ling, who is also Yong Peng assemblyman, said dry weather was more likely in Tangkak, Muar, Batu Pahat and Pontian districts. He said this could mean more forest fires if people carried out open burnings. 'We are urging all Johoreans to avoid open burning and quickly report any signs of fire,' he said. 'Prevention is key, as once a fire starts, it can spread quickly due to dry, windy conditions.' Ling said the Malaysia Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) had also warned of squall lines bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and possible hail or tornadoes. 'Residents are advised to have their rooftops, nearby trees and electrical wiring checked to reduce the risk of accidents during storms,' he said. He also echoed reminders from the state government for the public to conserve water, and urged people to stay hydrated and healthy. 'Drink enough clean water daily and avoid prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day. 'Heat exhaustion and dehydration can become serious if left unchecked,' he added. To avoid misinformation and panic, Ling advised the public to seek information from verified government sources such as MetMalaysia. 'Accurate information will help us all prepare better,' he stressed. — By MOHD FARHAAN SHAH
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
State govt projects RM42.48b revenue for Visit Johor Year 2026
ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 21 — The Johor state government is targeting RM42.48 billion in tourism revenue in conjunction with the upcoming Visit Johor Year 2026, said Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. He said the figure was calculated based on an average per capita tourist expenditure of RM3,500. Onn Hafiz expressed optimism that the target could be achieved if 12 million domestic and international tourists visit the state. 'To make the celebration a success, various tourism upgrade projects have been undertaken, with an allocation of RM116.35 million for this year and last year,' he said during a question-and-answer session at the Johor state legislative assembly in Kota Iskandar today. Onn Hafiz, who is also the Machap assemblyman, was responding to a question from Norlizah Noh (BN-Johor Lama) regarding the state government's preparations for Visit Johor Year 2026. The upgrade projects in Johor include the second phase of Johor Zoo, upgrades to Gunung Ledang, Tanjung Piai National Park, Royal Botanical Gardens, Abu Bakar Royal Museum, Sultan Abu Bakar Heritage Complex, and the Heroes Museum. He said the success of Visit Johor Year 2026 would also bring benefits to Johoreans. 'Although these upgrades are to welcome international tourists, locals will benefit as ticket prices for them are cheaper than those for foreign visitors. 'For example, at Johor Zoo, the ticket price for foreign tourists is RM30, while locals pay RM10. The various upgrades will also boost the downstream economy involving the local community. 'We are also planning to organise several international-class events, including the Johor Bangsa Carnival, International Museum Day, and the Johor Global Symposium. 'Sports-themed events such as the Iron Man programme, the Viper Challenge, triathlon, and Dragon Boat Regatta are also planned. 'The involvement of popular sports icons like Sonny Bill Williams and Datuk Lee Chong Wei will help ensure the success of these programmes,' said Onn Hafiz. The menteri besar also addressed criticism from some quarters claiming there was nothing interesting in Johor. 'In fact, there are many activities here besides shopping malls and food and beverage offerings,' he said, adding that Johor has yet to realise its true potential.
The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Crises call for clear messages
TAPS started going dry for almost 300,000 people soon after a flood knocked out six pumps at a water treatment plant in Kota Tinggi, Johor, on May 20. This affected households and businesses in Johor Baru and Iskandar Puteri, where some endured almost four days without water. The sudden disruption also resulted in countless losses for businesses and factories as major industrial parks were hit too. People also began panic-buying bottled mineral water, fearing a prolonged disruption. My home in Taman Desa Tebrau, Johor Baru, was affected in the early morning of May 21. And like many others caught unaware, I thought it would just be a minor disruption. Subsequently, people in various places reported that they did not have water. There was also a text message circulating about the disruption affecting many places. I only realised the extent of the disruption after I made some calls to water concessionaire Ranhill-SAJ and reported about this in The Star. To be fair, Ranhill-SAJ wrote a short post on their social media platform to alert consumers about the disruption. However, many upset consumers contacted local press offices and took to social media to express frustration over being unable to get through to Ranhill-SAJ's hotline or only receiving inadequate answers from call centre staff, especially regarding when water tankers would arrive in their housing areas and when the water supply would be restored. Realising the severity of the issue, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi spoke about the disruption on May 22 at the ongoing Johor state assembly and announced that a crisis meeting was being held with the water concessionaire. On May 26, Onn Hafiz made a public apology to Johoreans at the assembly sitting and announced that those affected by the water disruption would receive a 15% rebate on their water bills this month. Residents lining up to get water from a tanker near Perling market in Johor Baru during the recent unscheduled disruption. — Filepic Since the crisis meeting, the authorities, especially the water concessionaire, have been providing regular updates about the progress of water treatment plant repairs, tanker schedules and how they are dealing with the crisis. They explained that the disruption was due to a leak in the raw water pipe network at the water treatment plant in Sungai Johor. They also acknowledged the inconvenience faced by consumers due to the disruption and thanked them for their patience and cooperation. The authorities are also carrying out a detailed investigation into its cause and looking at all aspects to avoid a recurrence. This sudden water cut showed everyone the importance of having proper crisis management during a major incident. It is vital to keep consumers informed and to provide timely updates not just via social media, but also through mainstream media organisations, be it newspapers, television or radio, so that these outlets can disseminate information to their audiences. The water concessionaire should also invest in a system for alerts about scheduled water cuts or sudden disruptions to be sent directly to the account holders' mobile phones via SMS, WhatsApp or even email. I am sure Ranhill-SAJ, which has all the data on account holders statewide, will be able to target their messaging to only those in affected areas. They should also consider conducting regular crisis exercises to ensure that everyone, especially those at the call centres, can provide accurate information during an emergency. I have experienced being without water for long periods during the 1991 and 1992 water crisis in Melaka, when the state's Durian Tunggal dam dried up. I remember waking up in the wee hours of the morning to wait for water tankers to arrive, as there were no smartphones or comprehensive messaging services to provide updates on tanker schedules. I also remember helping elderly folk carry pails of water to their units on the fourth floor of their walk-up apartments. It is always important for those in essential services such as water, electricity and telecommunications to update their crisis management manuals regularly to ensure preparedness. These agencies should use technology to disseminate information because during a crisis, fake news or little information will cause frustration, confusion, panic and chaos.
The Star
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Over 200 Johor projects worth RM10.8bil remain unimplemented, says MB
JOHOR BARU: More than 200 projects in Johor valued at RM10.8bil and approved under the 11th Malaysia Plan (RMK11) nearly a decade ago have yet to be implemented, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. The Johor Mentri Besar said the projects were approved in 2016, but have stalled despite funds already being allocated. "There are a total of 222 projects worth RM10.8bil that are still in the pre-implementation stage. The state government views this as a serious matter, as allocations for the projects have been approved, yet the work has not been carried out. "Imagine the number of development and upgrade projects, including those involving hospitals, schools, and roads, that have not reached the people," he said during the state assembly sitting on Monday (May 26). Onn Hafiz said he had brought the matter up with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his recent visit to Johor. "Every time we have our state action council meeting, I raise this issue and have the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) follow up with the ministries involved. "With the Prime Minister's approval, the Johor government has decided that all state executive councillors will meet with the ministries involved in the projects. "This is to ensure the projects are carried out as soon as possible for the benefit of the people," he said. Onn Hafiz also thanked Anwar for approving nine major projects that would greatly benefit Johoreans. "We would like to thank the Prime Minister, as out of the 10 projects we requested, nine have been approved under RMK12, Rolling Plan Five. "This includes the Hospital Sultanah Aminah 2 project and several involving highways," he said, adding that Anwar had chaired the Johor Special Development meeting on Friday (May 23).
