Onn Hafiz tabling Johor Budget 2026 during the state assembly sitting in Kota Iskandar. — Filepic
MORE than RM150mil has been allocated for 55 initiatives to empower Johor’s youngsters in 2026.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the initiatives, under the “Orang Muda Johor” pillar, aimed to uplift the younger generation and prepare them to lead the state to a more prosperous and competitive future.
“The youth are the backbone of Johor’s progress.
“This budget reflects our commitment to nurturing their potential, which is through education, opportunities and empowerment.”
Onn Hafiz said this when tabling Johor Budget 2026 during the state assembly sitting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar.
Among the key education initiatives, he said, was the “Back to School – School Uniform Assistance Programme” which will benefit 189,000 students from B40 and asnaf (hardcore poor) families with an allocation of RM28.8mil.
Another major initiative is “Johor Student Loan Scheme” which will provide RM18mil in financial assistance to 2,100 students from B40 families pursuing tertiary education.
“To bridge the digital divide, Johor will also distribute 5,000 laptops under the ‘Johor Student Laptop Aid Programme’, involving an allocation of RM13.56mil, while another RM9mil will be channelled to assist 10,000 students with their university registration fees,” he said.
In a bid to produce globally competitive talent, Onn Hafiz announced the “Orang Muda Johor Scholarship” worth RM4.95mil for students pursuing undergraduate studies at the world’s top 20 universities.
“Johor will also continue supporting students in Islamic studies abroad through ‘Dermasiswa Luar Negara Timur Tengah’, benefitting 300 students in Egypt and Jordan with RM3.81mil in funding,” he added.
The state has also allocated RM3mil for student loans in medical, dental and pharmaceutical fields abroad, and RM650,000 for the “Dato’ Onn Memorial Scholarship”.
“The state has set aside RM1.4mil to provide free bus rides during festive seasons for Johor students studying within Peninsular Malaysia and flight ticket assistance for those in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
Other allocations announced included RM2.52mil meal assistance for 12,000 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students receiving tuition, RM2.2mil for the “SPM Academic Strengthening Programme” and RM15.72mil to continue upgrading Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (SRBJ) under its second phase.
“The government has also earmarked RM12.8mil to upgrade Johor Skills campuses in Pasir Gudang and Kota Tinggi, alongside RM4mil to enhance YPJ University College.
“Special needs students will benefit as well, with RM1mil allocated for schools catering to children with cerebral palsy.”
Onn Hafiz said some RM5.4mil would support 931 huffaz (memorisers) through the “Incentive for Quran Memorisation” programme, while RM2mil would assist 20,000 asnaf students with religious school fees.
He said Johor Budget 2026 placed strong emphasis on youth leadership empowerment.
“Among the initiatives are RM2.45mil for the ‘Southern Volunteers Programme’, RM6.4mil for the ‘Johor Youth Leadership Programme’ and RM560,000 for the ‘Johor Heritage Ranger’ initiative.
“The state will also organise Johor Youth Day 2026 and ‘Dewan Muda Johor’ programme, each receiving RM500,000, to nurture civic awareness and political literacy among young people.”
To strengthen youth governance, Onn Hafiz said RM300,000 had been allocated for the Johor State Youth Council, while RM200,000 would go towards supporting the Johor Student Leaders Council and RM100,000 was set aside for the Johor OKU Youth Council.
