A JOHOR assemblyman has proposed Putrajaya return at least 40% of tax revenue the state contributes to the national economy.
Kota Iskandar assemblyman Datuk Pandak Ahmad said the percentage was reasonable as Johor contributed about RM48bil in annual tax revenue to the Federal Government.
“Despite contributing significantly to the national coffers, Johor only receives RM1.4bil from the Federal Government through the annual Budget.
“I think it is fair for the state government to request 40% of the tax revenue be returned to Johor, amounting to about RM19.2bil.
“This will help cover the cost of infrastructure upgrades and development such as alternative public transport to disperse traffic from the Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) and construction of Hospital Sultanah Aminah 2,” he said in the debate session of the state assembly sitting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar.
Separately, Stulang assemblyman Andrew Chen highlighted the pressing need for traffic dispersal strategies as cross-border traffic at the Johor Causeway was expected to surge to more than half-a-million daily users once the RTS Link opens in 2027.
The head of the state’s opposition bloc said Johor Baru’s road network must be strengthened to cope with the heavier flow, particularly around the city centre and Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex.
“The proposed Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system could significantly ease pressure on city roads and alleviate congestion.
“The three proposed ART routes are the Iskandar Puteri line (14.78km), Skudai line (18.8km) and Tebrau line (14km).
“For optimal efficiency, I recommend adding a fourth line – a city centre ‘circle’ route’ – linking these three corridors and enhancing overall connectivity,” said Chen.
He said the upcoming skybridge network under the Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD) development would also improve mobility, but stressed the need for a more comprehensive walkway network.
“At present, pedestrians rely mostly on five-foot ways or gaps between buildings.
“We need wider, well-planned and safer pedestrian walkways that connect the IIBD and surrounding areas.”
To support RTS Link commuters, he suggested introducing a dedicated shuttle bus loop within a 2km radius of the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar CIQ to speed up passenger dispersal.
Chen also called for stronger collaboration between the Transport Ministry’s BAS.MY initiative and the state’s Bas Muafakat Johor to streamline public transport services and boost ridership.
Shorter internal loops and additional frequencies on high-ridership routes could reduce the waiting time for passengers and encourage more people to take the bus, he said.
“The cashless payment options should be expanded to speed up boarding and reduce dwell time at stops.
“Coordinated planning between all public transport stakeholders would improve efficiency, reduce congestion and support Johor’s goal of building a greener, more inclusive and sustainable urban mobility ecosystem.”
