JOHOR BARU: Johor is enhancing cooperation with Singaporean agencies to strengthen its urban planning, social welfare and environmental sustainability initiatives.
A series of engagements were recently held between the state government and the republic’s Finance Ministry, Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and National Parks Board (NParks).
State housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said an online meeting with Singapore’s Finance Ministry discussed the implementation of the Community Development Council (CDC) Voucher scheme, which has helped Singaporeans cope with the rising cost of living.
Under the scheme, citizens can redeem vouchers at local businesses such as markets, supermarkets and hawker stalls
“This exchange is important in strengthening Johor’s welfare and community-based assistance system.
“The CDC Voucher model provides valuable lessons for improving the state’s Bantuan Kasih Johor digital aid ecosystem, making it more inclusive and efficient,” he said.
Mohd Jafni said the state government is committed to adopting a “learn and localise” approach by tailoring global best practices to local needs and ensuring aid reaches the people without bureaucratic hurdles.
“Through such engagement and knowledge-sharing, we can strengthen Johor’s social policy framework to make it more impactful and responsive to people’s real needs,” he added.
The Bukit Permai assemblyman said he also led a state delegation to NParks to study sustainable landscape management, biodiversity conservation and resilient green development.
The visit included briefings and site tours at Jurong Lake Gardens and Rifle Range Nature Park, where the delegation examined Singapore’s City in Nature strategy – a model that balances economic growth with ecological well-being.
“Concepts such as integrated community parks, the Park Connector Network and Tree Banks offer valuable insights for Johor’s City in Nature initiative.
“These ideas can enhance green infrastructure planning and community engagement within our local authorities,” he said.
He said the state government believes such collaborations will empower local authorities and improve residents’ quality of life through greener, smarter and more inclusive urban planning.
Mohd Jafni said the Johor delegation also engaged with URA to strengthen cross-border collaboration in urban planning, housing and sustainable development, particularly within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
During the meeting, Johor officials were briefed on Singapore’s Draft Master Plan 2025, vertical development concepts, traffic management systems and the integration of public housing with amenities and transport networks.
“URA’s comprehensive urban planning approach inspires Johor to refine its long-term planning strategies,” he said.
He added that the collaboration will feed into Johor’s Smart City Blueprint 2030 and Agenda Bangsa Johor Bahagia, focusing on projects with high social and economic impact, particularly in Iskandar Malaysia and the JS-SEZ.
