MB: Johor set to become southern region economic hub

JOHOR BARU: Johor is set to become a southern region economic hub after the Klang Valley with the implementation of the 11th Malaysia Plan, says Mentri Besar Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

He said the state would also benefit from the High Speed Rail line that connects Kuala Lumpur and Jurong in Singapore.

“Other aspects in the plan such as providing affordable homes, schools, a hospital and reviving the Gemas-Johor Baru double-tracking project will have a positive impact on the state’s growth as well,” he said in a statement here yesterday.

Mohamed Khaled also said the implementation of the LNG regasification terminal in Pengerang, which generates power to the Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex (PIPC) project, is set to change the country’s oil and gas landscape.

Johor Public Works, Rural and Regional Development Committee chairman Datuk Hasni Mohamad said the state was ready to get the Gemas-Johor Baru double-tracking project up and running.

He said the state had done all the necessary relocation of residents, compensation and realignment for the project and was awaiting instructions from the Federal Government.

“The double-tracking project should not be delayed any further as it will disrupt the state’s flood mitigation efforts, especially in the Genuang and Segamat areas.

“We can also construct an underpassage for water to flow as the area is prone to floods,” he added.

He said there was a minor setback with some families living near the proposed double-tracking route in Kluang being unhappy about the relocation site, adding that the state was working with them to address the matter.

On floods, state Health and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat said Johor needed about RM5bil to tackle the problem.

Johor has received RM500mil for three flood mitigation projects in Segamat, Gemas and Muar.

“All the projects are ongoing and slated to be completed in phases by the end of next year,” he added.

Ayub said the RM500mil allocation was approved by the Federal Government following major floods which hit the state in 2006, 2007 and 2011.

“Although we have already received part of the allocation, we hope for more funds under the 11MP to carry out projects in other districts,” he said in an interview yesterday.

Other districts that also need funds are Batu Pahat, Kluang, Mersing and Kota Tinggi.

“We are studying the long-term solutions to prevent recurring floods by upgrading the drainage system statewide,” Ayub said.