‘Johor can be new powerhouse’
> Projects currently undertaken in state will bring major impact to the people, says Najib
BATU PAHAT: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak has expressed confidence on the potential of Johor as the new economic powerhouse in the country.
This was based on several projects being undertaken that are expected to act as a catalyst to bring a major impact to the people, Bernama reported.
Najib, who is also finance minister, said among these projects are the Iskandar Economic Region, Pengerang refinery, Kuala LumpurSingapore high-speed rail and the Desaru Coast and Rapid Transit System connecting Bukit Chagar in Johor to Woodlands in Singapore.
“These projects will turn Johor into a new economic powerhouse.
“As Selangor is facing water woes and the people there are carrying buckets, Johor has a much better future,” he said when launching the Malaysian Unit Trust Week at the Batu Pahat Stadium yesterday.
He also expressed appreciation to Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) for contributing RM700,000 to expand the haemodialysis unit at the Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital here, as well as its commitment to build 5,000 affordable homes nationwide.
Najib said he has had discussions with PNB chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar on the number of affordable homes to be constructed in Johor.
“He said it can be done if the state provides the land, and Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has said that Johor can provide the land anytime.”