Exco: We’re trying to make sense of PM’s comments

PM Tun Dr Mahathir speaking to reporters after the Pribumi townhall meeting on Aug 24. - Bernama

JOHOR BARU: The Prime Minister’s statement on foreign ownership in the mammoth Forest City project came as a shock for the state government, a state exco said.

Johor Housing and Rural Deve­lopment Committee chairman Dzul­kefly Ahmad said matters related to land, water and forest were within the purview of the state government, but there had been no discussion between the federal and state governments on the issue.

“We are still trying to make sense of this new move as we have yet to be informed,” he said, adding that they would seek clarification from the Prime Minister’s Department.

“We already have in place a requirement that foreigners can only purchase properties worth RM1mil and above.

“The previous government also introduced policies to include international zones within the project and other parts of Johor,” he said, referring to the zone foreigners are allowed to purchase units from.

He said the federal government’s move would have huge implications on the real estate sector in the state and hoped that all parties would not jump to conclusions over Tun Dr Mahathir Moha­mad’s comments.