The condition of Ulu Sungai Johor due to the pollution.
The state is making serious efforts to properly manage its water resources and transform Sungai Johor to tackle pollution issues.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has allocated some RM55.3mil for various initiatives including RM44.5mil to improve the water distribution system in Batu Pahat and to change the main pipe in Redong, Segamat.
Other allocations include RM1.1mil to rent a telemetric station to monitor water quality, RM850,000 on a dam emergency response plan, RM600,000 towards water monitoring, and RM500,000 to have a catchment management plan for the Juaseh Dam in Segamat.
“The state government will also spend RM7mil to carry out the Sungai Johor transformation to curb pollution issues along the river, and another RM700,000 for the Johor Clean Programme,” he said when unveiling the state’s 2026 budget during the state assembly sitting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar.
Almost 1.2 million people in four districts – Johor Baru, Kota Tinggi, Kulai and Pontian – were without water for up to four days after four water treatment plants had to be shut down due to pollution caused by sand mining along Sungai Johor on Oct 31.
Onn Hafiz: State will spend RM7mil transforming Sungai Johor to curb pollution issues.
On another issue, Onn Hafiz said the state government had set aside RM15mil to implement initiatives under Visit Johor 2026.
He said the allocation would involve promotions and international publicity along with organising international-level events in the state.
“We will also be using the allocation to maintain and upgrade facilities at national parks and eco parks statewide including for manpower development, especially those involved in the tourism sector,” he said.
Onn Hafiz also announced that the monthly allowance for all of Johor’s village heads and Orang Asli tok batin would increase by RM300, from RM1,200 presently, beginning January next year.
This is expected to benefit some 667 village heads and 46 tok batin.
The state is expected to spend an additional RM2.6mil on the initiative.
“This additional allowance is to recognise the sacrifices and duties of the local community leaders for their role in being a bridge between the state and the rakyat,” he added.
