Two local councils added to special economic zone

Mohd Jafni: Johor is looking forward to the implementation of Urban Redevelopment Act.

Pengerang Municipal Council (MPP) and Pontian Municipal Council (MPPn) are now included in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) development area.

Johor housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the initial plan was to have four local councils in JS-SEZ: Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG), and Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu).

“But we believe that there would be more investment coming into the state through JS-SEZ, which is why the state and Federal governments agreed to add the other two local councils.”

Asked to comment on JS-SEZ’s impact on affordable housing, Mohd Jafni said it was expected to increase.

“There is not much land left in Johor Baru.

“This is why we have shifted our focus to other areas such as Pasir Gudang, Pontian, Iskandar Puteri, and Kulai,” he said.

Affordable housing prices remain at RM50,000 for category A, RM100,000 for category B and RM150,000 for category C under the state housing policy, said Mohd Jafni.

On the Urban Redevelopment Act (URA), which is being finalised by Housing and Local Government Ministry, he said the state government was looking forward to its implementation.

“We want to create future-proof developments that are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) under the sustainable cities and community initiatives,” he added. — By REMAR NORDIN