S’pore to be first investment stop for Johor govt

JOHOR BARU: The Pakatan Harapan state government plans to make Singapore its first “investment stop” as the island republic is strategic and the closest to the state.

New International Trade, Investment and Utilities Committee chairman Jimmy Puah said it is important for the state to continue to be business-friendly and attract investments.

“I hope to recommend to our new Mentri Besar Datuk Osman Sapian to have Singapore as the first destination to visit.

“We want Singaporeans and global investors to continue investing in Johor,” he said.

Puah, who is Johor PKR deputy chief, said the people’s expectation of the new government was high and it was time “to walk the talk”.

“The elections are over and we have to start work. I have resigned from my legal practice and will focus on my state duties,” he added.

Puah said he is looking into three major areas in their election manifesto such as providing 10 cubic metres of free water monthly to the B40 group, ensuring sustained and minimal interruption of water supply, and reviewing the water tariff in the state.

He noted that the free water supply to the B40 group, comprising those earning less than RM3,000 a month, would benefit almost 500,000 people.

“We have to look at the mechanism used in Selangor for free water. We are also looking at giving rebates,” he said, adding that water issues were something close to him as he had been highlighting about it since GE13.