Johor govt to find win-win solution for abandoned malls, says exco man

JOHOR BARU: Johor will find a win-win solution to address abandoned shopping malls around Johor Baru city area, says Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor.

The state housing and local government committee chairman added that there are a few shopping malls that have been abandoned for a long period of time here.

“There are nine key strategies under the Johor Bersih initiative, which also touches on abandoned buildings in the state, especially in the city centre,” said Mohd Jafni.

He added that some of the abandoned malls identified are Skudai Parade, Danga City Mall and JB Waterfront City.

Mohd Jafni said this when met after launching Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) publicity program and public participation in the Sungai Tebrau special area draft plan here on Thursday (July 13).

He added that even though some of the buildings have been abandoned for such a long period of time, these premises still have their respective owners.

The Bukit Permai assemblyman said that these owners had sold the lots inside their buildings to traders such as JB Waterfront City, which has sold 300 of its lots to traders.

“Solving this issue is not as simple as many people think as demolishing it involves legal issues and huge financial complications,” said Mohd Jafni.

“The real estate value of these abandoned buildings is high with the current value as it is within prime area. But the state government is working towards finding a win-win solution on this matter,” he added.