ISKANDAR PUTERI: The federal government has approved 510 upgrading projects worth RM4.7 billion for Johor, including the construction of the Sultanah Aminah 2 Hospital (HSA2).
Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the approved allocations were for upgrading works in the state this year, while part of the allocation was for the construction of HSA2, and upgrading works to the existing Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA).
The remaining funds will be channelled towards the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and the Special Financial Zone (SFZ) incentives and initiatives, among others.
This was the outcome of the Johor State Development Meeting in Putrajaya, today, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Onn Hafiz said the main agenda of the meeting was to discuss seven development initiatives and projects, which included HSA and HSA2 constructions and upgrading works, JS-SEZ and SFZ, and also highway upgrading projects works and flood mitigation plans.
Upgrading works at the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) complexes in Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) and Komplex Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB), and proposed traffic management and public transportation upgrading project in the state's capital, and the state water supply project issues were also brought up.
The Johor delegation led by Onn Hafiz met 12 ministers.
Onn Hafiz said it was the first time an intergovernmental meeting between the state government delegation and federal government was held in Putrajaya and chaired by the prime minister to discuss Johor-related developments projects.
He expressed his gratitude to the federal government for approving the projects and thanked the ministers who went to the ground in Johor, to experience the obstacles faced by the people and witnessed the situation firsthand.
He added both the state and federal governments common interest are to enhance the country's economy, while recognising Johor's potential as a new economic hub will further boost investments, for the benefit of the people.