MUAR, July 1 (Bernama) -- Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has dismissed claims that development in the state is uneven and has forced residents to migrate elsewhere, stressing that development across all districts is guided by a comprehensive plan.
Onn Hafiz, who is also Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, explained that under the Johor Economic Transformation Plan (JETP), the state’s development framework is planned comprehensively, with strategic emphasis placed on equitably addressing the unique socioeconomic priorities of each district.
He said Johor’s steadily growing macroeconomic performance is being translated into welfare assistance to ensure that all members of the Bangsa Johor community benefit from the state’s prosperity.
“In terms of the development of every district, we have the JETP, which provides for a more comprehensive approach whereby each district has its own development focus.
“I am confident that as Johoreans witness the state's economy continuing to grow, the benefits of that economic growth are genuinely being felt by Bangsa Johor, particularly through the Kasih Johor assistance initiative. Therefore, the claims being propagated by certain parties are simply untrue,” he told reporters after attending a community engagement programme in Parit Raja here today.
Also present was BN candidate for the Maharani state seat, Datuk Ashari Md Sarip.
Apart from the JETP development framework, Onn Hafiz said development momentum in the state’s northern region is also being strengthened through high-impact industrial zones, including the Maharani Energy Gateway energy hub.
The implementation of the mega project is expected to create new business value chains and generate extensive employment opportunities, thereby boosting the domestic economy and reducing the outflow of the local workforce.
Commenting on the progress of the BN campaign machinery after more than a week of campaigning for the Johor polls, Onn Hafiz, who is also contesting the Machap state seat, expressed gratitude that the campaign had been proceeding smoothly and for the positive response received from residents in the Muar district.
He also called on the entire coalition campaign machinery to maintain its positive momentum and to continue conducting a healthy and professional campaign in the lead-up to polling day.
-- BERNAMA
