ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor has introduced a fresh round of aid and expanded existing initiatives to help ease the cost of living, with Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announcing a RM138mil allocation under Bantuan Kasih Johor (BKJ) Phase Four.
Onn Hafiz said the new package would benefit more than 600,000 people across various groups, including senior citizens, housewives, small traders and students with disabilities, as part of the state’s continued efforts to safeguard the people's welfare amid global economic uncertainty.
He added that Johor remained on strong economic footing despite external challenges, recording the highest investment inflows in Malaysia, creating over 80,000 jobs and achieving a state GDP growth of 6.4%.
"State revenue has also surpassed RM2.6bil, with RM1bil already collected as of April.
"Every increase in state revenue will be returned to the people through high-impact initiatives that can be directly felt," he told the state assembly on Monday (May 4), adding that earlier BKJ phases had already rolled out more than 100 initiatives worth nearly RM400mil.
Onn Hafiz was replying to questions by Nor Rashidah Ramli (BN-Parit Raja), Tan Chong (BN-Bekok), Anuar Abdul Manap (BN-Pemanis), Datuk Mohamad Najib Samuri, (BN-Parit Yaani), Mohd Yusla Ismail (BN-Senggarang), Haslinda Salleh (BN-Tenang), Datuk Mohd Fuad Tukirin (BN-Bukit Naning), and Tan Eng Meng (BN-Pekan Nanas).
Among the key measures he announced was the expansion of the Jualan Kasih Johor programme, with an additional RM30mil allocation, bringing the total to RM45.4mil.
The initiative offers essential goods at subsidised prices and is expected to benefit over 750,000 households statewide.
Onn Hafiz also highlighted housing assistance under the Perumahan Kasih Johor programme, which has an allocation of RM137.8mil this year, including cash aid for first-time housebuyers, renters and those moving into their first homes, alongside continued efforts to build and repair houses for the needy.
In addition, he said the Infaq Jumaat Johor programme has been expanded, with funding increased to RM26.9mil this year.
The initiative is now implemented weekly at 538 mosques and surau, providing financial support at the community level.
While acknowledging that there is more to be done, Onn Hafiz said the state government would continue to enhance its aid programmes if revenue continues to grow.
He stressed that the ultimate goal is to ensure sustainable development while protecting the wellbeing of Johor's people.
