ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor will ensure that revenue collected from the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) directly benefits the rakyat, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The Johor Mentri Besar said that these benefits will be channelled to the people through various programmes and initiatives designed to tackle issues like inflation and the rising cost of living.
“Inflation and the rise in living costs will happen whether or not the JS-SEZ is implemented,” he told the state Legislative Assembly at Kota Iskandar here yesterday.
“It’s our job to ensure the blow is softened on the people.”
He noted that last year, Johor recorded its highest-ever revenue, collecting over RM2.1bil.
To address economic challenges, the state government has launched programmes such as food basket distribution, the Jualan Kasih sales programme offering cheaper goods and the Johor affordable housing scheme.
The state is also collaborating with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to conduct spot checks, ensuring a sufficient supply of subsidised cooking oil packets.
“Although (inflation) is a global and national issue, the revenue from the JS-SEZ will be channelled to the rakyat through programmes and initiatives,” he said in response to a question posed by Muszaide Makmor (BN-Sedili), who asked about the state government’s efforts to ensure that the presence of JS-SEZ investors would not cause a rise in living cost.
Meanwhile, Onn Hafiz said efforts have been carried out to provide job opportunities for locals.
The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry has set conditions for investors in the manufacturing sector to allocate 80% of their jobs for locals while the rest can be for foreign labour, he said.
“In Johor, job opportunities and salaries are among our top priorities when meeting with JS-SEZ investors.
“The majority of the companies we met with are aligned with the state’s requirements to offer a base salary of RM3,500 for diploma holders and RM4,000 for degree holders.
“However, the condition is that they must justify the salary with their productivity and their skills must match industry needs,” he said, adding that the state government is also providing the necessary skills training programmes.
The Mentri Besar was replying to Datuk Zulkurnain Kamisan (BN-Sri Medan), who wanted to know whether conditions have been set by the state government to ensure investors employ local talents and provide attractive salaries.
