JOHOR BARU: Johor’s record of posting the highest gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the country is a testament to the state government’s leadership and direction, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said the Statistics Department’s (DOSM) latest report showed Johor’s GDP outperformed other states with a growth of 8% last year, up from 6.5% in 2024.
"The impressive growth of 1.5% is no small matter because the numbers reflect the state’s economic performance under caretaker Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi’s administration.
"Coupled with the jobs created and the recent launch of the Johor Economic Transformation Plan, which is expected to develop each district according to its strengths and potential, the state is moving in the right direction," he said at a dinner event with groups and residents from the Greater Johor Baru area on Thursday (July 2) night.
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Dr Wee’s speech came a day after DOSM announced that Johor recorded the highest GDP growth among all states last year, equivalent to RM170.9bil, from RM158.3bil in 2024.
Data showed the state’s growth was driven mainly by the services sector, which expanded 9.9%, compared with 6.0% in 2024.
DOSM also attributed the increase to stronger performance in the utilities, transportation and storage, information and communication technology, wholesale and retail trade, food and beverage, as well as accommodation subsectors.
Johor was also among four states nationwide that outperformed the national GDP growth rate of 5.2% last year.
During his speech, Dr Wee also introduced five Barisan Nasional candidates from MCA who are contesting in the 16th Johor state election: Tan Hiang Kee (Skudai), Bong Seng Heng (Stulang), Teow Chia Ling (Puteri Wangsa), Chan San San (Johor Jaya) and Tai Chee Chee (Senai).
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"They are contesting seats that make up the Greater Johor Baru area and possess experience in local councils and professional careers.
"We hope for the people’s support so we have a stronger team to back the mentri besar to realise bigger plans for the state," he said.
Onn Hafiz, who was also present, asked the community to support the candidates on polling day on July 11.
"After I announced Barisan will contest all 56 seats in the state polls, the other side made me public enemy number one and made all sorts of remarks against me.
"But I am sure the rakyat know that I am a leader for all, and the state government has been colour-blind in helping the people of Johor including welfare and education matters," he added.
