(clockwise from top left) Vanitha, dahlia, nor azman, Tan, See and Joseph. — ZaZaLI MuSa/The Star
BANGSA Johor has its own role to play in helping the Johor government achieve its vision and mission to transform Johor into a developed state by 2030. The Star speaks to six Johoreans about their hopes and expectations for the state reaching new heights within the next five years.
Legal secretary Dahlia Nonteh Mohd Mokhtar, 47, said they all have to work together with a common goal to see their beloved state develop further.
“We already have the right ecosystem, but we still need the human factor to ensure that our journey to becoming a developed state is a success,” she said.
Dahlia added that with just under five years to go, the journey ahead may not always be smooth, but with the “never give up” attitude of Bangsa Johor, it can be done.
Digital marketing specialist Marcus Tan said the next five years will be exciting to watch as Johor transforms itself into a developed state.
“Everybody is watching closely, not only Bangsa Johor but also Malaysians in general, to see whether we will meet the 2030 target or not,” he said.
Tan, 32, pointed out that the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is poised to see a diverse range of economic activities unfold in the state, without depending on just one sector.
He said this will lead to a robust and diversified economy and advanced technological infrastructure where the service sector dominates.
Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation (Jaro) general manager Joseph Roy Arputham said he hopes charity bodies will benefit immensely with the developed economy.
“Charity bodies like ours depend on grants from both the state and federal levels, as well as donations from individuals, businesses and corporate bodies,” he said.
Joseph added that when the economy is stable and strong, charity bodies can expect good financial contributions from generous donors.
With steady funds in the coffers, charity bodies can take in more underprivileged and unfortunate individuals into organizations such as Jaro to provide skill training, he noted.
Civil servant Nor Azman Mohd Isa urged the state’s representatives to put aside their political differences to ensure the success of the 2025-2030 blueprint.
“Always raise issues concerning the well-being and welfare of the people during the state legislative assembly sittings or outside the August House,” he said.
The 56-year-old said economic-related matters should not only be their focus as Johor moves toward becoming a developed state, but also day-to-day issues that require their attention.
Nor Azman added that, as elected representatives, taxpayers and voters expect them to address many issues with short-, medium- and long-term solutions.
Jeff See Shiang Tun, who started working in Singapore in 2024, said he is looking forward to coming back and working in Johor Baru in the future.
“The lack of job opportunities, plus the strength of Singapore’s currency, is the main reason why Johoreans and locals from other states migrate to work in Singapore,” he said.
See recalled how Johor lawmakers had for many years raised the issue of losing locals to Singapore, but the problem remains unresolved to this day.
The 33-year said he hopes there will be more job opportunities and growth prospects as Johor prepares to become a developed state about five years from now.
Financial administrative assistant Vanitha A/P T. Sivaraja, 47, said she is looking forward to a better transportation network within Iskandar Malaysia.
“We are still far behind when it comes to comprehensive transportation connectivity in Iskandar Malaysia, unlike in the Klang Valley,” said Vanitha.
She added that the federal and Johor governments need to address the matter with fewer talks and publicity stunts, focusing instead on delivering results for the benefit of the rakyat in Johor.
