Initiative will drive digital transformation, innovation across economic sectors
Johor government will establish an artificial intelligence (AI) council as part of efforts to position the state as a regional hub for AI and data by 2030.
Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi (pic) said the initiative, one of several outlined under Johor Budget 2026, was aimed at driving digital transformation and innovation across key economic sectors.
“Johor AI Council will play a pivotal role in making Johor a regional AI and data hub by 2030,” he said when tabling the state’s 2026 budget during the Johor State Assembly sitting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar.
He said the state was also enhancing digital infrastructure and public service efficiency through several initiatives, including the establishment of the Johor Integrated Complaints Centre.
With an allocation of RM2.65mil, the centre will streamline public feedback across government agencies.
To strengthen the state’s digital systems, RM6.08mil has been allocated to upgrade hardware infrastructure for the iSPEKS system, while RM4.25mil will go towards developing Johor Land Revenue System Version 3.0.
Another RM700,000 will go towards improving the digital communication strategy for public housing programmes, ensuring faster information delivery.
With an allocation of RM500,000, the JohorPay mobile app will be expanded with 19 new payment modules, while Maju Johor Premium WiFi Service will be introduced with free Internet access at key locations such as hospitals, bus terminals and public housing schemes, supported by RM272,000.
Onn Hafiz said a study on the development of an electronic Land Development Application (e-LCM) system would be conducted to expedite land development applications, while the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFC-J) Digital Transformation project would allow investors to submit enquiries and applications for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) online.
The state also plans to launch an online permit application system for entering permanent forest reserves, with RM490,000 allocated for its development.
Meanwhile, RM820,000 will be allocated to enhance geographical information solutions (GIS) and remote sensing technology in Johor National Parks, while drones and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) tools will be deployed to monitor quarrying operations and resource movement.
Onn Hafiz said Johor would also boost its investment promotion activities through Johor Global Investment Quest, which has been allocated RM5mil to attract high-impact investments, open new markets and strengthen Johor as the region’s premier investment destination.
Other investment-related programmes include the Johor Economic Forum (RM500,000), Made in Johor branding campaign (RM500,000) and Invest Johor Strategic Branding and Website Enhancement (RM400,000).
The state will also hold engagement sessions with investors (RM100,000) and host the Asean Quantum Summit (RM100,000) as part of its international outreach and technology-driven investment efforts.
Onn Hafiz said these initiatives reflected the state government’s commitment to innovation, technology and service excellence as Johor moved towards becoming a competitive, digitally advanced economy.
