Onn Hafiz (third from right) at a ‘Jualan Kasih Johor’ programme in Johor Baru earlier this year. This programme was expanded with the additional funds.
Johor government has allocated over RM209mil more under the state’s Budget 2025 to boost people-centric initiatives and address the rising cost of living.
Announced by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi during the state assembly sitting, the additional funds will go to 42 new initiatives across various sectors.
State agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said it reflected the government’s goal to reinvest Johor’s strong economic performance in its people.
The Buloh Kasap assemblyman said Johor’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 6.4% in 2024, the highest nationwide, while state revenue surpassed RM2bil last year and was projected to hit RM2.5bil this year.
“Investments recorded in the second quarter of 2025 reached RM56bil, cementing Johor’s position as Malaysia’s leading investment destination,” he added.
The southern state also continues to lead in agriculture, recording RM27.2bil in sales value, a national record.
Zahari said the encouraging performance enabled Johor to introduce and expand initiatives that would directly benefit the rakyat.
He said his portfolio had been allocated RM20.56mil to fund four key programmes, including RM13.7mil to expand the “Jualan Kasih Johor” programme.
“The allocation also includes one-off RM200 cash assistance for more than 34,000 agro-food farmers, breeders and fishermen.
“These measures are designed to ease the burden of smallholders and rural communities, especially those in the lower- and middle-income groups,” he said.
Earlier this year, the state government announced RM4.62mil for 10 initiatives benefitting Felda settlers and RM3.87mil for nine programmes involving the Orang Asli.
“These allocations reflect the government’s concern for the welfare of all segments of society, particularly vulnerable groups who are more exposed to the effects of rising living costs,” said Zahari.
He also said food aid boxes under the “Bantuan Kasih Johor” programme would be distributed to Felda schemes across the state.
“The initiative is among those announced by Onn Hafiz during the state-level Felda Settlers’ Day celebration on June 29,” he said.
A total of 27,642 boxes is expected to be distributed to settlers this month.
“The funds in aid of Felda settlers will go to mosques and surau, village development committees, women’s groups, youth associations, and education support, among others,” added Zahari.
