JOHOR BARU: Continued targeted financial assistance, housing aid for youths and quality job opportunities are among pledges that Johor Barisan Nasional has made in its election manifesto.
Its chief Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the 63-point manifesto themed “Maju Johor, Kestabilan Dikekalkan, Kemajuan Diteruskan” was drawn from the state government’s achievements over the past four years.
Out of the total, he highlighted 11 initiatives offered by the coalition, namely strengthening the Bantuan Kasih Johor initiative through a more targeted approach, as well as empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“We aim to create 200,000 new and quality jobs, including those with premium salaries, for Johoreans.
“This is to be done through quality investments, high-technology industries and the expansion of strategic economic sectors across the state.
“Economic growth must translate into jobs that provide income, skills and a better future for the people of Johor,” he said.
For housing, Onn Hafiz, who is also caretaker mentri besar, pledged a RM100mil fund to help low-income families build subsidised homes on their own land, including second-generation Felda lots.
He also pledged to continue housing assistance programmes, including the first home assistance, move-in assistance and rental assistance schemes.
“This includes a rental deposit scheme to help youths aged below 35 who face difficulties with upfront rental costs,” he added.
Onn Hafiz said the manifesto is built around six main pillars covering governance, economic development, social safety nets, infrastructure and basic needs, security, cleanliness and environmental sustainability, as well as youth development.
“We want to waive business licence fees for the first year for hawkers and petty traders, while increasing its interest-free micro-financing fund by RM100mil through collaboration with financial institutions.
“SMEs would also be strengthened through business matching programmes, vendor development, capability training and digitalisation efforts to allow local businesses to benefit from major investments entering Johor,” he said.
The manifesto also placed emphasis on education, pledging to strengthen the Johor Youth Education Fund with RM100mil to widen access to higher education, technical and vocational education and training, professional certifications and future skills training.
Onn Hafiz said they would continue the RM200 Johor student incentive programme for those pursuing studies at public universities, polytechnics and community colleges.
“Johor is not starting from zero. The foundation for development and stability has been built over the past four years.
“Now, the people have a choice whether to continue the momentum of progress that is already taking place or allow it to stop halfway,” he added.
