JOHOR BARU: Tackling inflation will be a key focus for Johor as the state moves towards achieving developed status by 2030, says Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
He noted that the cost of living, particularly in Johor Baru, is becoming increasingly expensive for locals compared to other parts of the country.
"My main challenge now is addressing inflation in Johor. Thousands of Singaporeans cross the Causeway, especially on weekends, to do their grocery shopping here, and we are seeing food and rental prices going up," he said.
"For example, a plate of nasi lemak with fried chicken here is around RM9, while the same dish in Kuala Lumpur costs only RM7. That clearly shows Johor is becoming more expensive."
He made these remarks during his speech at the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia’s (ACCCIM) 79th annual general meeting at a hotel here on Sunday (July 13).
Onn Hafiz emphasized the need for the state government to find effective mechanisms to tackle inflation and ease the financial burden on the people.
"Recently, a developer told me that about 300 units of his housing project were sold out completely. This shows that properties here are selling like hotcakes.
"But at the same time, property prices in Johor are either rising or already higher than some in Singapore. We need to develop more affordable housing so that locals still have a chance to own a home," he added.
Onn Hafiz, who is also the Machap assemblyman, called on the business community to work closely with the state government to tackle these issues.
"The reason I am raising this is because I know I cannot do this alone. We must work together to make Johor, and Malaysia as a whole, more prosperous.
"We are ready to collaborate with you hand in hand to ensure that this is not a zero-sum game but a win-win situation for everyone, especially the people of Johor," he said.
