Latest news with #Khairin-NisaIsmail
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
‘Johor too long known as just Singapore's neighbour'
Johor women, family and community development committee chairman Khairin-Nisa Ismail addressing issues concerning senior citizens during the state assembly sitting in Kota Iskandar. GREATER effort is needed to improve Johor's tourism identity for it to be seen as more than just 'Singapore's neighbour' among tourists. Ng Kor Sim (PH-Jementah) said the state was often seen as a transit point for tourists from Singapore heading to Kuala Lumpur or vice-versa. 'To this day, most foreign tourists still recognise Johor as 'the Malaysian state closest to Singapore' or 'Singapore's neighbour'. 'We lack a distinct or memorable tourism identity,' she said in her debate speech during the state assembly sitting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar. Ng said the Visit Johor 2026 logo was unveiled in January before some 1,000 local and international delegates at the Asean Tourism Forum 2025. This move, she said, reflected Johor government's commitment to promoting the state as a tourism destination. 'However, we have to realise that our state still faces challenges that can hinder its growth and competitiveness, especially against neighbours like Melaka and Singapore,' she said, adding that these neighbours had significantly outperformed Johor in tourism infrastructure and branding. Kuala Jasin is a popular spot for a cool swim in the lush forest reserve of Endau-Rompin National Park. 'Despite having attractions such as Mount Ledang, Desaru Coast and Endau-Rompin National Park, the lack of efficient public transport, limited airport capacity and poor connectivity can be major deterrents to attracting more international tourists,' said Ng. 'Destinations like Mersing, known for fresh seafood and beautiful islands, often see traffic congestion and many of its scenic areas remain difficult to access without private transport.' Popular spots like Desaru and Endau-Rompin, meanwhile, were not easily reachable from Senai International Airport or the Second Link, she said. The assemblyman also raised concerns over the limited capabilities of Senai International Airport and its struggle to attract more direct international flights due to its size and proximity to Singapore's Changi Airport. Beyond infrastructure, Ng also questioned the state's international marketing efforts. 'We are still relatively weak in promoting our state in the international market. 'Johor is often seen as an 'add-on destination' for tourists heading to Singapore, not as a primary destination. 'Foreign tourists or tour agencies often have no direct link with either government or private tourism agencies in our state,' she said. She proposed familiarisation tours to bring international tour operators, the media and key opinion leaders to Johor. She said such tours were widely used in the tourism industry to promote destinations and build long-term partnerships. It would also enable participants to create organic promotional content and help position Johor as a standalone, world-class destination, she added. Ng also urged the state government to provide financial incentives for local tourism players to participate in major global tourism trade fairs such as Internationale Tourismus-Borse (ITB) Berlin, ITB Asia and World Travel Market London. 'Most local operators cannot afford the high costs of participating in these exhibitions, which are platforms where international buyers, media and travel agencies form partnerships.' Such exposure, she said, could help Johor capture key markets such as Europe, China and the Middle East.
The Star
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Meeting needs of ageing population
SENIOR citizens aged 60 and above make up 11.5% of Johor's population, or 482,600 individuals. Johor women, family and community development committee chairman Khairin-Nisa Ismail said the state government was continuously improving services provided to them. 'Two committees have been established at the state and district levels, namely the state senior citizens development committee (JPWEN) and district senior citizens development committee. 'These two committees are established to ensure senior citizens' welfare is safeguarded by developing and implementing suitable programmes for them,' she said during the question-and-answer session of the state assembly sitting in Kota Iskandar in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. She was responding to a question from Mohd Yusla Ismail (BN–Senggarang) regarding the state government's plans as Malaysia edged closer to becoming an ageing nation by 2030. Khairin-Nisa said the role of both committees was to assist in planning and coordinating the implementation of the National Senior Citizens Action Plan. 'The committees will help to identify issues or problems that require attention at the state level and improve senior citizen development programmes.' She also highlighted that the Federal Government has established senior citizens activity centres (Pawe). 'To date, there are 22 Pawe across Johor offering health classes, exercise sessions, recreational outings, lifelong learning, and opportunities for volunteer work,' she said. She added that activities were held weekly, monthly and annually, with each attracting 20 to 100 participants.
The Star
23-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Johor govt steps up awareness campaign on domestic violence
ISKANDAR PUTERI: A total of 282 cases of domestic violence were reported in Johor in the first four months of the year, the state assembly heard. Women, family and community development committee chairman Khairin-Nisa Ismail said the information released by police also showed that 724 domestic violence cases were recorded throughout last year. 'In efforts to raise more awareness about domestic violence, about 80 programmes were conducted in Johor, involving 8,231 participants. 'This year, the state government also spent RM50,000 to produce (visual materials) about sexual harassment and domestic violence that will be shared on mainstream and digital media platforms,' she said during the state assembly sitting at Kota Iskandar here on Friday (May 23). Haslinda Salleh (BN-Tenang) wanted to know domestic violence statistics in the past two years and what was being done to tackle the problem. Khairin-Nisa added that the materials aim to create awareness and educate the public about sexual harassment and domestic violence, as well as to spread information about the support and assistance available to victims. She said they include short videos, motion graphics and posters, which would be circulated in two phases. 'Phase one of the project has been completed and is being disseminated on social media, digital billboards at every local council statewide, and also on selected buses,' she added.
