Latest news with #MohdJafniMdShukor
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
No agents appointed for Johor affordable housing applications
JOHOR BARU: The Johor government has not appointed any agents or middlemen to handle affordable housing applications, including those under the Rumah Mampu Milik Johor (RMMJ) scheme. State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor stressed that all applications must be made directly by the applicants via the official e-Rumah Johor online portal. "Since the implementation of e-Rumah Johor at the end of 2022, developers are required to register and sell their units transparently through the online platform," he said today after the Johor Housing Development engagement session. "The system is legally enforced to eliminate fraud and prevent third-party interference in the application process," he added. Prior to 2022, applications were submitted manually and handled directly by developers. Jafni urged the public not to fall prey to advertisements or individuals claiming to offer affordable homes on behalf of the state or private developers. He said that despite the mandatory digital system, scams involving fake agents were still reported. "There were 18 fraud cases in 2023 alone, involving losses totalling RM155,000. "In some cases, applicants were charged up to RM15,000 by individuals posing as housing agents," he said. "Most victims were desperate applicants whose documents did not meet the eligibility criteria." He warned the public against engaging with any so-called agents claiming to secure housing approvals. "All applications must go through the e-Rumah portal. Those needing assistance should visit the state secretariat office in person," he said.
The Star
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Johor's property demand soaring
Exco: JS-SEZ initiative sparks surge, with 3,000 overhang units sold in the past year JOHOR BARU: The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) has sparked a surge in property demand in Johor, says state executive councillor Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor ( pic ). The housing and local government committee chairman said more than 3,000 overhang properties were snapped up in the past year alone. 'In the first quarter of last year, we had about 13,000 overhang properties, mostly serviced apartments priced at RM500,000 and above. 'However, as of the first quarter of this year, the number has dropped to only about 10,000, indicating a significant spike in sales,' he said in an interview. Mohd Jafni said the rising demand for properties began soon after talks of the special economic zone started circulating among investors. 'The rising demand did not just start when the special economic zone was launched. It began when Malaysia and Singapore started hinting at the initiative. 'It has helped to boost investor confidence in Johor, encouraging them to buy more properties for their future plans,' he said. Mohd Jafni added that landed properties are also being snapped up quickly, with only about 3% of them remaining unsold at the moment. 'Demand for landed properties, including those under RM500,000, has always been high, but the JS-SEZ has boosted it further,' he said. He said while the rising property sales are a good sign, they also pose a new challenge for the state and federal governments. 'The encouraging demand has prompted some developers, especially those in Johor Baru and Iskandar Puteri, to develop more high-rise properties. 'This poses a new challenge as we need to ensure that there are ample clinics, schools and other public facilities to cater to the needs of the people. 'We are looking at strategic ways to address the issue,' Mohd Jafni said.
The Star
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
MyKiosk to be relocated for better support
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor will review MyKiosk locations to better assist traders and help improve their business, says a state executive councillor. Housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor ( pic ) said the MyKiosk project was a positive initiative as it provides a place for underprivileged families and single parents to sell food. 'I have told the 16 local councils statewide to brainstorm and relocate those kiosks to more strategic places. We should help to promote the locations and offer training courses to the traders in need so they can improve their food products,' he told the state assembly here yesterday. The MyKiosk 2.0 project has faced scrutiny concerning its costs, site selection and other details. On Tuesday, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming reportedly said he welcomed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to 'have tea' at the ministry over the project.
Barnama
23-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Johor Govt to Engage Local Councils In Reviving Unused Mykiosks
GENERAL ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 23 (Bernama) -- The Johor government will convene a meeting with all 10 local authorities in the state to address the high number of unutilised MyKiosk units. State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the meeting was necessary to come up with solutions and ensure the initiative to support small traders continues to thrive. "Before these kiosks existed, many single mothers, single fathers, and poor families were eager to start a business. Some were even evicted from their trading spots. "Many traders are struggling, so I've directed that the kiosks be rent-free for the first six months. In my view, this is a good initiative as they provide legitimate spaces for many who previously lacked licences. 'Single parents and others now have a proper place to operate," he said during the Johor legislative assembly sitting in Kota Iskandar today, addressing an additional question from Puan Gan Peck (PH–Penggaram) on the current status of the MyKiosk initiative. Expanding on the matter, Bukit Permai assemblyman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said a brainstorming session involving all 10 local councils will be held to come up with creative approaches to revitalise the kiosks and support small traders. "When I visited some of these kiosks, traders told me there's no water supply. They're relying on solar power and don't even have proper setups to cook food. 'Can we relocate the idle kiosks to better spots and ensure they have access to water and other facilities? We want these kiosks to truly benefit the people, so we need to place them in strategic locations,' he said. 'If needed, we can arrange skills training for traders. The point is, if we're going to help people, we can't do it halfway,' he added.
New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Johor govt to engage local councils in reviving unused MyKiosks
ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor government will convene a meeting with all 10 local authorities in the state to address the high number of unutilised MyKiosk units. State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the meeting was necessary to come up with solutions and ensure the initiative to support small traders continues to thrive. "Before these kiosks existed, many single mothers, single fathers, and poor families were eager to start a business. Some were even evicted from their trading spots. "Many traders are struggling, so I've directed that the kiosks be rent-free for the first six months. In my view, this is a good initiative as they provide legitimate spaces for many who previously lacked licences. "Single parents and others now have a proper place to operate," he said during the Johor legislative assembly sitting in Kota Iskandar today, addressing an additional question from Puan Gan Peck (PH–Penggaram) on the current status of the MyKiosk initiative. Expanding on the matter, Bukit Permai assemblyman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said a brainstorming session involving all 10 local councils will be held to come up with creative approaches to revitalise the kiosks and support small traders. "When I visited some of these kiosks, traders told me there's no water supply. They're relying on solar power and don't even have proper setups to cook food. "Can we relocate the idle kiosks to better spots and ensure they have access to water and other facilities? We want these kiosks to truly benefit the people, so we need to place them in strategic locations," he said. "If needed, we can arrange skills training for traders. The point is, if we're going to help people, we can't do it halfway," he added. This comes in response to widespread social media posts highlighting how many MyKiosk units, a national initiative by the Housing and Local Government Ministry, have remained empty or abandoned, largely due to inconsistent trader participation. – BERNAMA
