‘Welfare of Johoreans at the core of border checks’

Mobility as priority: Transport infrastructure upgrades are among the aims set out for Johor under the Maju Johor agenda, says Onn Hafiz (left) if given the opportunity to govern the state for another term. — File pic

PETALING JAYA: The welfare of the thousands of Johoreans ­waking before dawn to brave long queues at the Johor-Singapore checkpoints is the main reason behind the frequent border inspections by Johor caretaker Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

“I feel really sorry for our nationals who cross the border to work in Singapore. Getting up early and working late every day is like a nightmare,” he said.

Onn Hafiz noted that nearly 300,000 people begin their day as early as 4am to endure long queues before heading to work in Singapore.

“The daily commute between Singapore and Johor seriously affects people’s quality of life.

“Many times, officials tell me everything is fine. But on social media, I see a completely diffe­rent story,” he said during a joint interview with Chinese-language media.

Onn Hafiz said this is why he regularly conducts on-site inspections at the checkpoints instead of relying solely on official reports.

Although immigration and border control fall under federal jurisdiction, Onn Hafiz said the state government cannot ignore the issue as it directly affects Johoreans.

Besides pushing for smoother border clearance, he said the state government is also working to create more high-paying jobs in Johor so fewer residents would feel compelled to make a daily commute to Singapore.

On the timing of the state election, Onn Hafiz said the dissolution of the Johor state assembly now is the most practical option.

Although the assembly was due to expire automatically only in April next year, he noted that February would coincide with Chinese New Year celebrations while March would overlap with Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Onn Hafiz said the period between November and January would also be unsuitable due to the northeast monsoon season and the risk of flooding.

“That only leaves the window between June and October,” he explained.

Onn Hafiz also cited concerns over potential global economic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainties in the coming months, saying he wanted to seek a fresh mandate before those challenges intensified.

He said the decision to dissolve the assembly had received the consent of both His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.

“The decision was not made on my own. It was carefully consi­dered and received the necessary consent,” Onn Hafiz said.