Latest news with #TunkuIsmail
The Star
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
More than 4,600 hardcore poor families uplifted
Tunku Ismail tells the State Legislative Assembly at Bangunan Sultan Ismail, Kota Iskandar, that state must not overlook the needs of Johor citizens as it moves towards becoming a developed state. JOHOR is getting closer to its goal of reducing poverty after it successfully uplifted more than 4,600 hardcore poor families. Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim said this included 234 households that were uplifted with the help of the state government in the first four months of this year. 'I have been informed that the state government assisted 4,378 heads of hardcore poor households during the first phase last year.' He said those households were no longer classified as hardcore poor as of July 31, 2024. According to him, as of April 29, another 234 households were moved out from that category, under the second phase. Tunku Ismail said this when officiating the fourth term of the 15th Johor State Legislative Assembly at Bangunan Sultan Ismail, Kota Iskandar. The Regent said he was pleased with the state government's commitment to safeguarding the people's welfare. 'I would like to express my appreciation to the state government for implementing various initiatives in collaboration with the Federal Government to make the elimination of hardcore poverty in Johor a reality. 'This commitment clearly reflects the concern and determination of the Johor government in safeguarding the welfare of its people, especially those in need.' He also said that the state must not overlook the needs of Johor citizens as it moved towards becoming a developed state. 'I hope priority will be given to the people of Johor when it comes to job opportunities and that greater efforts will be made to create more employment, especially high-paying jobs. 'Johor's economic growth must benefit all its people. 'The income levels of Johor citizens should also rise accordingly to help cope with the increasing cost of living,' he said. On a separate matter, Tunku Ismail said the Johor royal family hoped that all Johor citizens would have access to affordable homes. 'Housing for the people of Johor has always been a priority of the Johor royal family. 'Through the Johor Affordable Housing Scheme (RMMJ), every Johor citizen should be able to own a home without shouldering a burden that is too heavy to bear. 'A total of 21,000 units of RMMJ were completed as of last March, which is 70% of the target of 30,000 units by 2026. Of that number, 16,000 units have been occupied so far,' he said. In April, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state government planned to build 50,000 more affordable homes by 2029, after delivering 16,000 units in the past three years.
Sinar Daily
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Sinar Daily
Malaysia only talks while neighbours overtake in football
Tunku Ismail compared Malaysia's football progress with that of its regional neighbours. Tunku Ismail compared Malaysia's football progress with that of its regional neighbours. SHAH ALAM – Johor Crown Prince (TMJ) Tunku Mahkota Ismail has expressed frustration over what he perceives as a backward mindset among certain individuals involved in the development of Malaysian football. In a direct post on X, the owner of Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) wrote, "Everyone talks as if we are World Cup champions. They want change but still have a stone age mentality." TMJ's comments come amid an ongoing debate about the future direction of Malaysia's football, especially regarding the inclusion of foreign expertise and the use of heritage players in the national squad, Harimau Malaya. His comments come amid an ongoing debate about the future direction of Malaysia's football, especially regarding the inclusion of foreign expertise and the use of heritage players in the national squad, Harimau Malaya. Tunku Ismail compared Malaysia's football progress with that of its regional neighbours. 'Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam are far ahead. They have upgraded football facilities and brought in foreign expertise. We only talk,' he said. The statement appears to be a response to recent criticisms from football legend Datuk Santokh Singh. Santokh had voiced concerns over the Football Association of Malaysia's (FAM) decision to bring in foreign professionals, arguing that it marginalises local talent. He also expressed reservations about the growing presence of heritage players in the national team, describing it as an easy path to success. More Like This Newly appointed Real Madrid's coach Xabi Alonso gives a press conference during his official presentation at Real Madrid Sports City in Valdebebas, near Madrid, on May 26, 2025. Real Madrid announced in a statement on May 25, 2025, that Xabi Alonso has been appointed the new coach of Real Madrid with the 43-year-old Spaniard to take over from June 1, and lead the team at the Club World Cup. "Xabi Alonso will be the Real Madrid coach for the next three seasons, from June 1, 2025 until June 30, 2028,". (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP)
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
TMJ: 'Use me fully for Malaysian football development'
JOHOR BARU: The Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has urged Malaysian football fans to "make full use" of him for the betterment and development of the sport, particularly involving Harimau Malaya. He believes this is a better approach than just hoping for Malaysian football to improve. Tunku Ismail, who is popularly known as TMJ, said there are people who don't want to see the naturalisation programme succeed. "They can't attack me directly, so instead, they criticise Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), the M-League, and the national team. "I will continue to work on developing JDT and supporting the national team in whatever way I can. So you (football fans) should use me fully," he said. Tunku Ismail added that local football fans must distinguish between domestic competition and support for Harimau Malaya at international level. "JDT is recognised by Fifa and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and we are among the top 10 clubs on the continent. Local football fans should be supporting that achievement. "But they can't separate domestic competition from national interest because of rivalry. For me, the two are completely different," he said.
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
TMJ slams river polluters, cites burden on public funds
ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Regent of Johor, His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, has expressed disappointment over the irresponsible actions of individuals who recently dumped rubbish into rivers in the state. Tunku Ismail said that such behaviour burdens the state government, which has to spend public funds on cleaning efforts. Stricter laws should be enforced against individuals or parties who continue to indiscriminately dispose of rubbish in rivers or any other location within the state, he said. "I am disheartened to hear and witness that there are still irresponsible parties disposing of waste into rivers recently. "Public funds used for river cleaning should instead be utilised for development purposes. "Such incidents should not occur, and I urge the Johor government and relevant authorities to hold discussions and implement harsh penalties against those who continue to carelessly dispose of rubbish into rivers or elsewhere," he said. Tunku Ismail made the remarks during the opening of the Fourth Session of the 15th Johor State Legislative Assembly at Bangunan Sultan Ismail today. Also present was the Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. Earlier, it was reported that a man was caught red-handed on a motorist's dashcam discarding rubbish into a river in Taman Sri Plentong, Masai, on May 5 at about 6.30pm. The motorist confronted the man and also lodged a police report. A company responsible for throwing away rubbish into and by the river in Taman Sri Plentong, Masai, was fined RM1,000 last week, but the penalty was criticised by social media users who felt it was too lenient given the severity of the offence. Meanwhile, Tunku Ismail urged tourism operators in the state to maintain cleanliness and avoid greed-driven actions that could harm the tourism ecosystem. He also advised tourism operators to work with the state government to contribute ideas and effort in advancing Johor's tourism sector. "Please always maintain cleanliness and avoid greed, which can damage the ecosystem of tourist sites. "Every plan should be systematic and take all aspects into account to ensure the preservation and value of natural beauty," he said. Tunku Ismail said that Johor is fortunate to possess beautiful natural landscapes and historic heritage buildings capable of attracting tourists from around the world. Therefore, he urged the Johor government to upgrade existing tourism infrastructure. "This matter requires the full attention of the state government to allocate resources for upgrading infrastructure and promoting tourism," he said.
New Straits Times
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
TMJ talks faith and family with ex-All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams
KUALA LUMPUR: The Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, recently sat down for an interview with former All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams, during which he spoke candidly about faith, purpose, and his hopes for the people of Malaysia. In an Instagram post, Williams expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to speak with the Johor Crown Prince. "Before travelling back home, I managed to sit down with the Crown Prince of Johor and Malaysia, @hrhcrownprinceofjohor, to hear some great insights about faith, purpose and his vision for the people in this beautiful country," he wrote. In the two-minute and 45-second video clip, Tunku Ismail reflected on the fleeting nature of life and the impermanence of blessings. "No matter how good life is, we must never forget that it can change in a split second. Everything we are given can be taken away just as quickly," he said. This perspective, he said, had deepened his appreciation for time spent with loved ones. "That's why, whenever I'm with my family, I always say 'Alhamdulillah' — because we never know (what tomorrow may bring)." Williams also asked the Crown Prince how he managed to project a strong sense of authority while remaining relatable, and how he balanced faith and family in his leadership. Tunku Ismail credited his upbringing and military training for shaping his character. "I believe it's down to how I was raised, by my parents. My grandfather also had a significant influence in my life. Military training saved me — it made me who I am today. "And of course, faith plays a crucial role. It defines who we are. We are Muslims, and in today's world, being grateful for your blessings is vital." He also highlighted the importance of interfaith respect in Malaysia's multicultural society. "We have many races — Chinese, Indians — and many religions — Christians, Buddhists… but Islam teaches us to respect all races and faiths," he said.
