Latest news with #Johoreans
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Johor Amanah eyes incumbent BN state seats of Skudai, Kota Iskandar
JOHOR BARU: Parti Amanah Negara wants Pakatan Harapan to contest solo in the Skudai and Kota Iskandar state seats under the Iskandar Puteri parliamentary constituency. This could mean a head-to-head battle between Pakatan and Barisan Nasional, which is the incumbent in Kota Iskandar. Iskandar Puteri Amanah division chief Dzulkefly Ahmad said the decision for Pakatan to contest in both the state seats under the Iskandar Puteri parliamentary constituency came during the division's annual general meeting on Sunday (July 20). 'Amanah is prepared to face any possibilities, including three-cornered fights if necessary, by bringing the people's agenda of national unity, institutional reform and sustainable development. 'This decision was made in the spirit of reinforcing Pakatan and ensuring Johoreans continue to have the best choice when evaluating principled and capable candidates focused on the people's interest,' he said in a statement on Monday (July 21). Dzulkefly, who is also Johor Amanah deputy chief, added that this reflected the party's commitment to strengthening Pakatan in key strategic areas to ensure continuity of progressive and inclusive governance for the rakyat. He also said that any negotiations in view of the upcoming state election should consider grassroots strength and the past performance of candidates and parties in each constituency. In the 2022 Johor election, Dzulkefly went up against a five-cornered fight with Barisan's Pandak Ahmad (Umno), Perikatan Nasional's Samsudin Ismail (Bersatu), Gerakan Tanah Air's Dr Zaini Abu Bakar (Pejuang) and Parti Sosialist Malaysia's R. Arangkannal. Pandak won the seat with 23,133 votes while Dzulkefly received 18,773 votes. Pakatan's Marina Ibrahim won the Skudai seat, a DAP stronghold, in a three-cornered fight against Barisan's Lim Soon Hai (MCA) and Perikatan's Khoo Kong Ek (Bersatu).
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
PM: No compromise on sovereignty in border negotiations
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia will not compromise on defending its sovereignty in maritime boundary negotiations, including ongoing discussions with Indonesia. Anwar said that border matters, whether land, sea, or air, directly impact national sovereignty. "It is true that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision in 2002 awarded Sipadan and Ligitan to Malaysia," he said during the Prime Minister's Question Time in Dewan Rakyat today. Anwar said before the ICJ's ruling, he negotiated the matter with then-Indonesian president Suharto while in government. "That (negotiation) helped clarify the borders, including ND6 (Block Y) and ND7 (Block Z). We are bound by a treaty, and the process also involves the state." He was responding to Beluran member of parliament Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, who asked how the ICJ's decision on Sipadan and Ligitan may influence the determination of maritime boundaries in the Sulawesi Sea. Anwar said what was important was that Malaysia must not repeat the errors made in the Pulau Batu Puteh case, where the former administration "surrendered too easily". He said at the time, those on the "other side", in reference to the opposition, "remained silent" on the Pulau Batu Puteh case. "Just as Beluran feels affected by the Sulawesi Sea issue, so do other Malaysians, especially Johoreans, who were impacted by the handover of Pulau Batu Puteh. "Why the double standards?" he said. Anwar was referring to the former Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad-led administration's decision to withdraw the claim over Pulau Batu Puteh. Previously, critics of Dr Mahathir blamed him for losing Batu Puteh, which Singapore calls Pedra Blanca, by withdrawing the application for review. A royal commission of inquiry formed to look into all matters related to Batu Puteh later found that Dr Mahathir had acted to influence his cabinet to drop the review application. The RCI also recommended that a police report be lodged against the former prime minister for cheating.
The Star
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Many firms partly moving to Johor, offer career growth'
THE Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) will eventually help draw more talent back into Johor, especially with the growing presence of high-value industries, business groups say. Johor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JICCI) council member Joel William said there was increasing interest from multinational companies, including those based in Singapore, in relocating parts of their operations to Johor. 'These companies have their headquarters in Singapore, but have moved their manufacturing operations to Johor to take advantage of lower costs and incentives under the SEZ.' William says workers in their late 30s or 40s are willing to take a pay cut to avoid the daily commute. He said some companies have brought back Malaysian talents from Singapore despite offering slightly lower salaries than those in Singapore. 'Many of these employees, especially those in their late 30s or 40s, are willing to take a pay cut to avoid the daily commute,' he noted. William said the trend was already underway with several US-based companies such as Insulet, Brooks Automation, SICK and Colorcon establishing high-tech manufacturing bases in Johor. 'We can already see the increase in job opportunities in Johor. This is expected to continue to grow. 'In the next one to two years, more high-end manufacturing companies will move in and begin hiring and training local workers,' said William, who is also in JICCI's subcommittee that looks into investment and trade. Mohammad Alif believes JS-SEZ will offer workers more time with family. Johor Youth Council deputy president Mohammad Alif A. Rahim said the state government's effort to offer premium salaries through the JS-SEZ was encouraging. 'While it may not be able to fully solve the brain drain issue, and many may still want to work in Singapore, I believe the efforts from the state government will at least help a little. 'Most young Malaysians, especially Johoreans, are still drawn to Singapore due to the significantly higher wages and their growing financial burden. 'The reality is, with the rising cost of living and increasing responsibilities, they need jobs that allow them to save and manage daily expenses,' he said. Mohammad Alif also said that although the JS-SEZ might not be able to offer salaries as high as in Singapore, it would offer something more meaningful – time with family. 'While the salary will not be as high, it will at least allow them to spend more time with their loved ones and cut down their travelling time. 'This is a very significant trade-off and I believe many Johoreans are looking forward to such opportunities near their homes. 'Besides, many of these companies are also able to provide good career progression, another thing that is important to many,' he added. — By VENESA DEVI
Barnama
16-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Johor Seeks Federal Funds For Housing, Flood Mitigation, Waste Management Projects
JOHOR BAHRU, July 16 (Bernama) -- The Johor state government has submitted funding applications to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) for several key projects involving public housing, flood mitigation, and modern solid waste management. State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the requests were presented during an official meeting with KPKT secretary-general Datuk Wira M Noor Azman Taib in Putrajaya today. The top priority, he said, was securing funds for the phased rejuvenation of the Taman Ungku Tun Aminah (TUTA) flats, which are in need of long-term maintenance and upgrades. 'This initiative is vital to ensure that older low-cost housing remains safe, comfortable, and habitable for residents,' he said in a Facebook post. Mohd Jafni added that Johor is also seeking approval to develop 1,000 housing units under the Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB) programme, with the state government committing RM20,000 per unit as part of a cost-sharing initiative to help more people own homes. He said a special request was also made for funds to address flood-prone areas identified as high-risk zones across the state. He urged KPKT to approve phased interventions ahead of the monsoon season to protect vulnerable communities. Another proposal focused on the Waste-to-Energy (WTE) project in Bukit Payong, which is expected to become a major driver of sustainable solid waste management in Johor by incorporating green technology. 'All these proposals are part of a clear and focused effort to improve the quality of life for Johoreans and strengthen the state's infrastructure. 'These initiatives align with the broader vision of Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi under the 'MAJU JOHOR' agenda — to build a modern, resilient state that puts the people first in every policy and implementation,' he added.
Barnama
15-07-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Johor, MOH Agree On Urgent Staffing Needs, Upgrades At Three Major Hospitals
JOHOR BAHRU, July 15 (Bernama) -- The Johor government and the Ministry of Health (MOH) have agreed on the urgent need to fill vacancies, improve facilities and upgrade infrastructure at three major hospitals to strengthen healthcare services and support frontline workers. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said these key matters were discussed during a meeting between the state delegation and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad in Putrajaya today. The discussion focused on enhancing the operations of Johor's three main hospitals, Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Hospital Sultan Ismail and Hospital Kulai. 'Both parties also agreed that Hospital Pasir Gudang and Klinik Kesihatan Cendana must be further improved with additional manpower and equipment ahead of their expected opening early next year. 'To ensure smooth implementation, a special task force will be set up to coordinate and monitor short-, medium-, and long-term action plans,' he said in a statement posted on Facebook. He also expressed his appreciation to the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, for his continued concern for the welfare and well-being of Johoreans, particularly in the area of public healthcare. Onn Hafiz emphasised that the state government and MOH remain committed to upholding the people's right to fair, efficient and quality medical treatment, while also safeguarding the welfare of frontline workers who form the backbone of the healthcare system. Yesterday, Onn Hafiz revealed that Johor is facing a worsening healthcare manpower crisis, with some nurses reportedly managing between 10 and 14 patients per shift, far exceeding the ideal nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:6, or a maximum of 1:8, especially at major hospitals. He described the situation as alarming, warning that it not only affects the morale of healthcare workers but also compromises the quality of care provided to patients.
