JOHOR has welcomed an increase in federal funding for rural development, which reflects continued commitment to improving infrastructure, welfare and livelihoods across the state.
State agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said Johor received RM323.3mil from the Rural and Regional Development Ministry for 2026, representing an 11% increase compared to 2025.
He said the allocation was discussed during the second Rural and Regional Development Ministry’s coordination meeting with rural executive councillors (Mexclub) for 2025.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister.
“Johor records its appreciation to the ministry for the increased allocation, which demonstrates the Federal Government’s continued commitment to strengthening rural development in the state,” he said.
He added that the allocation would enable Johor to further enhance essential services and infrastructure in rural communities, particularly those facing longstanding development gaps.
The Buloh Kasap assemblyman said the Johor Budget 2026, tabled by Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, also reinforced the state’s rural development agenda with RM65.7mil allocated for nine key initiatives.
Zahari said the initiatives covered various areas, including welfare and social programmes, early childhood education, and village infrastructure, as well as efforts to improve the well-being of Felda settlers and Orang Asli communities.
During the meeting, he raised several implementation-related issues, including the need to expedite the appointment of contractors for the Rural Water Supply Project for the Orang Asli community at Sedohok in Kahang.
He said delays could slow down project implementation and affect residents who were in urgent need of reliable water supply.
“The project must be implemented and completed as soon as possible so that the benefits can be enjoyed by the local community,” he said.
Zahari also stressed the importance of closer coordination and stricter monitoring of projects at the pre-implementation stage to ensure approved allocations translate into tangible outcomes.
In another matter, he said Johor government had presented land titles to Felcra Tebing Tinggi scheme settlers in Jementah, Segamat.
He said a total of 919 participants finally received their land titles after waiting since 1998, describing the occasion as a meaningful and long-awaited milestone for the settlers.
“It is hoped that the granting of these land titles will serve as a catalyst for improved well-being and a more secure future for the families of the recipients,” he added.
