MB: Initiatives will ensure socio-economic progress

ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor government has expressed confidence over the four new initiatives introduced by the Federal Government to boost the state’s socioeconomic development, said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

He said the state’s development agenda was based on meticulous planning and preparation. It was also done in line with the Federal Government’s national development agenda to ensure Johor residents enjoyed socioeconomic progress.

Khaled said the BRT is jointlydeveloped by the Federal Government and Johor through Iskandar Regional Development Authority.

The route would involve special lanes and iconic stations within Iskandar Malaysia.

“The first phase is scheduled to start operations by 2021 and this project will connect 90% of routes in Iskandar Malaysia that covers 51km, 39 stations and three hubs,” he said in his speech during the Ekspo Johor Berkemajuan Kota Iskandar here yesterday.

It was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Khaled said the BRT operation would ply routes passing 16 shopping malls, 27 schools and higher learning institutes as well as five hospitals and medical centres.

On housing, he said four more projects would be carried out in Johor involving the construction of 1,830 units at a cost of RM360mil.

He added that Johor was the third highest state to receive People’s Housing Projects (PPR), with 8,278 units already completed by Sept 30 costing RM575mil.

Khaled said the state has also outlined its commitment to preserving the environment.

“The state government always believes that development and progress should not forsake nature.”