JOHOR BARU: The year 2025 will be a crucial year for the state government and the people of Johor, marking a "defining moment" in its economic trajectory, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The Johor Mentri Besar added that business as usual is no longer an option, and there is a need for an extraordinary approach to governance and development.
“This year holds significant importance due to the recent signing of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) agreement between Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
“The JS-SEZ is expected to transform Johor’s economic landscape by attracting high-impact investments across multiple sectors, creating job opportunities, and fostering human capital development with a focus on high-skilled industries and bilateral economic collaboration,” he said.
Onn Hafiz added that these developments would not be possible without the collective hard work and unity of Johoreans.
“None of this can be achieved without the racial harmony we have cherished all these years. I call upon everyone here to strengthen our unity as one big Johor family. I am ready to work as a team with all of you to advance Johor,” he said.
He said this during a speech at the Chinese New Year celebration organised by the Johor Baru Tiong Hua Association at Wisma Tiong Hua, here, on Wednesday (Jan 29).
His speech text was read by Johor investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han.
Meanwhile, Lee echoed the sentiment, saying that 2025 is a pivotal year for the state.
“Besides the JS-SEZ, Johor has launched various other initiatives, including the Special Financial Zone in Forest City, highway expansions, flood mitigation projects, and water channel projects.
“This year will be particularly busy for Johor as we anticipate rapid development,” he said.
Lee called for cooperation between all sectors of society and the federal and state governments to ensure the success of these initiatives.
The annual Chinese New Year celebration at Wisma Tiong Hua attracted approximately 300 attendees.
