Latest news with #OnnHafiz
Yahoo
a day 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.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Johor must get its tourism sector in order before 2026
JOHOR BARU: With under six months to Visit Johor 2026, Malaysian Tourist Guides Council president Jimmy Leong warned the state must reform its tourism sector or risk wasting a major opportunity. Leong welcomed the Johor government's Majestic Johor campaign but said slogans must be matched by real reforms. "Johor has the potential to become the most vibrant and sustainable state in Malaysia," Leong said. "But let's be clear, we cannot do this alone. Private and public sectors must work together to create experiences, not just sell products." Leong urged Johor to move away from outdated models and tackle problems hurting legal tourism, especially illegal operators. "Licensed tourist guides are begging for action. Illegal Airbnb operations and multipurpose vehicles ferrying tourists without proper papers are running unchecked," he said. "These rogue entities are robbing the industry while the government looks away." He questioned how licensed guides can survive when undercut by unregulated operators and proposed making it mandatory for all foreign tourist groups in Johor to use licensed guides. "Tourism's success isn't measured in brochures printed, but in jobs created. If we want to raise standards, we must first treat legal tourism partners with dignity," he said, warning that morale within the industry is wearing dangerously thin. On the broader strategy, Leong said that post-pandemic traveller behaviour has shifted dramatically, with most tourists now planning and booking trips entirely online. "Visitors are not stepping into travel agencies anymore. Flights, rooms, tours are all booked online…everything's digital. "If we want Visit Johor 2026 to succeed, our strategies must be relevant to the times," he added. Despite the challenges, Leong remained optimistic. He said Johor's proximity to Singapore is an advantage. "With the right policies and better enforcement, Johor could be transformed into a garden city known for its space, hospitality and rich cultural experiences. Meanwhile, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, unveiled an ambitious tourism overhaul under the newly corporatised Majestic Johor Tourism (MJT) Sdn Bhd. Johor aims to draw 12 million visitors in conjunction with Visit Johor Year 2026. The strategy, announced during the recent state assembly, signalled a shift from reactive to proactive tourism management, blending upgraded infrastructure with world-class digital marketing and global partnerships. "Johor is blessed with stunning beaches, lush rainforests and rich cultural heritage, but we must be honest in acknowledging that our tourism offerings have not yet reached their full potential," Onn Hafiz said. "We have listened to feedback, especially on social media, and are using it as a catalyst to elevate our standards." Onn Hafiz said MJT will lead the charge with a corporate structure, tapping tourism professionals to steer Johor's branding, promotional campaigns and international event collaborations. This, he said, would bring professionalism, agility, and global sensibility to Johor's tourism engine. "We are not simply launching another campaign," he said. "We are laying the foundation for tourism to become a sustainable economic driver that will improve the lives of Johoreans and puts the state on the global map." Criticism, he added, had played a constructive role. "Rather than take offence, we take ownership. The feedback has galvanised our efforts to rethink, rebuild and relaunch," he said.
The Star
2 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
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Projects worth RM10bil in limbo despite green light
Serious business: Onn Hafiz delivering his wrap-up speech during the state assembly sitting at the Sultan Ismail Building. — Bernama JOHOR BARU: Over 200 projects worth a total of RM10.8bil in Johor have not been implemented despite receiving approval under the 11th Malaysia Plan. Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the projects, which were approved in 2016, remain stagnant despite funds having been allocated. 'There are a total of 222 projects 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 work has not been carried out. 'Imagine the number of development and upgrading projects, including those involving hospitals, schools and roads, that have not reached the people,' he said in his speech during the state assembly sitting yesterday. Onn Hafiz said he brought the matter to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the Johor Special Development meeting on Friday, which was chaired by the Prime Minister. 'Every time we have our state action council meeting, I raise this issue and have the Implementation Coordination Unit follow up with the ministries involved. 'With the Prime Minister's approval, we have decided that all state executive councillors will meet with the ministries involved in the projects. 'This is to ensure that they are carried out as soon as possible for the benefit of the people.' Onn Hafiz also thanked Anwar for approving nine major projects that would greatly benefit the people in the state. 'Out of the 10 projects we requested, nine have been approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan. 'This includes the Hospital Sultanah Aminah 2 project and several highways,' he said. On a separate matter, Onn Hafiz said the state assembly has two more years left before the end of its term. 'As the Johor Regent has reminded us, this is not election season. Our term ends in 2027, which is still two years away. 'Let us find common ground to foster unity, not division, which will only harm the state we all love,' he said. During the opening of the state assembly on Friday, Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim reminded assemblymen to focus on serving the people. 'You have all been elected to serve the people. So, focus on that responsibility. 'The people of Johor need assemblymen who are accountable and effective in serving them. 'They want representatives who can help drive the state's development and improve their standard of living,' Tunku Ismail added.
The Star
5 days ago
- 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).
