KUALA LUMPUR: The Johor 2023 State Budget provides a balanced and pragmatic approach to the State's finances, and fully supports Iskandar Investment Bhd's efforts towards creating a sustainable future metropolis in Iskandar Puteri.
The recently tabled state budget, themed 'Maju Johor: Makmur Bersama Rakyat' (Develop Johor: Prosper with the People), presented a surplus budget of RM1.73 billion.
IIB president and chief executive officer Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim said the tabled budget was inclusive for all levels of society, and outlines the state government's strategy to restore the economy and empower the people's well-being.
"As a catalytic developer for Iskandar Puteri, IIB has played its role for more than 15 years in developing and successfully delivering signature and iconic projects.
"IIB has been playing its part in developing the Johor State by providing soft infrastructure through job creation, business opportunities for entrepreneurs, talent development and elevating the quality of life of the people of Iskandar Puteri," he said in a statement.
Idzham said IIB lauds the State Government's plans to encourage more affordable housing development and the implementation of Fast Lane Approval to speed up the approval period for public housing proposals.
"This is in line with IIB's plan to create more affordable living in Iskandar Puteri which coincides with the government's aspiration to provide opportunities for all levels of society to own high-quality and high-value homes at affordable prices," he added.
Apart from that, Iskandar Puteri will also benefit from an allocation of RM2.5 million for landscape works and sculpture construction to create pleasant surroundings and improve the quality of life of the community as well as to entice more tourists into the township.
The State Government is also giving focus on the younger generation, with proposed initiatives to improve the education ecosystem through efforts in developing post-pandemic students and increasing the level of competence as well as the development of educators in Johor.
"Through IIB's Education Division, EduCity Iskandar, we aspire to be the catalyst that alters the education landscape in Malaysia and we fully support the State Government's initiatives for the generation that represents the future of the Nation," Idzham said.