Pasir Gudang Estuarine Crocodile Sanctuary in Tanjung Langsat will receive a RM5.5mil upgrade as allocated for under Johor Budget 2025.
Pasir Gudang is not ready to host a multitude of visitors under the tourism initiative mooted for next year, according to two local leaders.
Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) chief whip Datuk Mohd Amin Ahmad said this was mainly due to the ongoing road expansion along Pasir Gudang Highway.
“I believe we still need more time as the road expansion is only expected to be completed by the end of 2025,” he said, adding that Visit Pasir Gudang Year 2025 had yet to be officially launched.
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The plan was mooted by former Pasir Gudang mayor Datuk Asman Shah Abd Rahman who was replaced by Datuk Mustaffa Kamal Shamsudin on Oct 1.
Permas assemblyman Baharudin Mohamed Taib also suggested that the initiative be postponed to 2027 to allow sufficient time for infrastructure improvements.
Mohd Amin: RM1.5mil set aside to establish a ceramics village in Pasir Gudang.
“While the current highway expansion is a positive step, it would not be enough to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles and growing population in Pasir Gudang.
“What we need right now is construction of elevated highways to ensure smoother travel between Pasir Gudang and Johor Baru,” he said.
Baharudin also called for public cooperation in cleaning up Pasir Gudang’s four main rivers – Sungai Plentong, Sungai Masai, Sungai Kim-Kim and Sungai Buluh.
“These rivers are contaminated with wastewater, chemicals and rubbish and pose significant health hazards.
“The state government has estimated that RM89mil is needed to clean up Sungai Masai alone,” he said, adding that he hoped the Federal Government would step in with a budget allocation.
Mohd Amin noted that significant upgrades were being implemented in Pasir Gudang to position the city as a tourism hub.
The city has received allocations for various development projects as part of Johor Budget 2025.
Baharudin: Visit Pasir Gudang initiative should be postponed to 2027.
These include RM5.5mil to upgrade Pasir Gudang Estuarine Crocodile Sanctuary in Tanjung Langsat.
“Additionally, RM1.5mil has been set aside for the establishment of a ceramics village in Pasir Gudang.
“The village will showcase the region’s rich ceramics heritage and provide a platform for artisans to display their craft.
“The city’s Muzium Layang-Layang, celebrating the art and tradition of kite-making, will also benefit from RM200,000 in upgrades,” he said.
To address environmental concerns and improve the city’s natural attractions, Mohd Amin said that RM2mil had been allocated to improve water quality in rivers.
“These include cleaning and rehabilitating Sungai Buluh and Sungai Tukang Batu.
“The goal is to elevate the rivers’ water quality from Class IV (polluted) to Class III (suitable for aquatic life), contributing to a healthier ecosystem,” he said.
Mohd Amin is optimistic that these projects will not only boost tourism but also improve residents’ quality of life by creating more vibrant urban spaces. — By REMAR NORDIN
