ISKANDAR PUTERI, April 30 — Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail praised the state’s economic achievements, which have recorded impressive figures over the past four years with investments totalling RM272 billion. 

He said the achievement also includes Johor’s success in creating history with investments worth RM110 billion last year.

Tunku Ismail said this figure was the highest ever recorded by any state in Malaysia.

“This achievement has also indirectly opened up more than 80,000 job opportunities for Johoreans and Malaysians.

“I was also informed that the state’s revenue continues to increase, reaching RM2.68 billion in 2025, thus demonstrating the strength of the economic base, in addition to the state government’s effective management of resources and revenue.

“This success is driven by the implementation of strategic initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) which is the main catalyst for investor confidence and overall economic growth,” he said when officiating the Johor state legislative assembly’s new session at the Sultan Ismail Building in Kota Iskandar here today. 

Tunku Ismail said these achievements indicate that Johor is on the right track to emerge as a model state.

He expressed hope that the momentum will continue so Johor not only progresses but also emerges as a superior, competitive and respected model state at both national and regional levels.

“Since my appointment as the Johor Regent, I have stressed that my priorities are to strengthen the economy, care for the welfare of the people, improve the quality of education, improve infrastructure and enhance the health system,” he said, adding that these priorities are aimed at ensuring Johoreans enjoy a better, stable and secure life.

ISKANDAR PUTERI, April 30 — Johor Regent, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, today called on the federal government to expedite approval for a rail transit system that will integrate with the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.

He said the federal government must give urgent support and attention to such projects in ensuring seamless connectivity and to reduce the city’s traffic congestion.

“There is an urgent need to ensure that Johor is prepared to face the increased movement of people.

“I hope that all necessary considerations and approvals can be expedited to ensure that the public transport system in Johor is truly capable of supporting economic growth and the well-being of Johoreans,” he said when officiating the Johor state legislative assembly’s new session at the Sultan Ismail Building in Kota Iskandar here today. 

The RTS Link, scheduled to begin operations on January 1, 2027, is a four-kilometre (km) shuttle service connecting Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands in Singapore.

Upon completion, the RTS Link will be the third land crossing to Singapore and is expected to further reduce the severe congestion that is experienced along the Causeway Johor.

With a peak capacity of 10,000 passengers per hour each way, the RTS Link aims to enhance cross-border connectivity and foster stronger Malaysia-Singapore ties.

It has a projected daily ridership of 40,000.

Once operational, it is expected to transform the commute for the 350,000 people who use the Causeway daily, one of the busiest border crossings in the world.

On March 12, Malay Mail reported that a light metro people mover (APM), similar to that of the Light Rail Transit (LRT), is the ideal solution for a rapidly growing mid-size city like Johor Bahru.

Malcolm Owens, an Australian public transport expert with four decades of experience in helping to design and operate metro systems in Asia, said that other systems proposed such as the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), while potentially costing less, was not cost effective and would not cope well with the traffic and passenger increases projected for Johor Bahru.

The LRT-style APM system is capable of loads of up to 10,000 to 30,000 persons per hour per direction, while the ART is only expected to be able to cope with 3,000-5,000.

APMs are already used across the Causeway in Singapore on its Sengkang and Bukit Panjang LRT lines, as well as more than 50 cities globally.

ISKANDAR PUTERI, April 30 — The Johor Regent, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, has again reiterated his call for the return of 25 per cent of the state’s income tax revenue.

His Majesty said the return of tax revenue would enable Johor to not be too dependent on the federal government and also ensure the development and welfare of the people. 

Tunku Ismail said Johor is one of the main contributors to the country’s revenue, but the revenue does not commensurate with the development and welfare needs of the people.

“Therefore, I would like to urge the federal government that it is time for at least 25 per cent of the tax revenue generated by Johor to be returned to the state. 

“This is important so that Johor can manage the needs of the people more efficiently without having to rely entirely on the lengthy approval process,” he said when officiating the Johor state legislative assembly’s new session at the Sultan Ismail Building in Kota Iskandar here today. 

Tunku Ismail hopes that Johor can stand independently in line with its role as a major contributor to the country’s economy. 

He said Johor has successfully attracted investments totalling RM272 billion, including creating history last year when it recorded RM110 billion in investments, the highest ever achieved by any Malaysian state.

“This achievement has opened up more 80,000 job opportunities for Johoreans and Malaysians.

“I was also informed that Johor’s state revenue will continue to increase to RM2.6 billion. This shows the strength of the state’s economic fundamentals as well as the state government’s efficiency in managing its resources and revenue,” he said.

Last year, Tunku Ismail had raised the same issue when he was reported to have requested the federal government to consider the return of 20 to 30 per cent of the state’s tax revenue.

JOHOR BARU, April 30 — The Johor Regent, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, today congratulated Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA) in Johor Bahru for being recognised as one of the World’s Best Hospitals 2026.

He expressed confidence that the achievement was the result of joint efforts by the state and federal governments in improving healthcare services, facilities and overall efficiency, with Johor’s health system now on the right track.

“At the same time, various initiatives such as improving facilities, implementing digital systems and innovative approaches to reduce congestion in hospital services have also succeeded in improving the experience and comfort of patients,” he said when officiating the Johor state legislative assembly’s new session at the Sultan Ismail Building in Kota Iskandar here.

The recognition of HSA was awarded by Newsweek and Statista.

In a related development, Tunku Ismail also called for staffing and equipment issues at Pasir Gudang Hospital to be resolved immediately without delay.

He said this was necessary as the health sector is a critical area that cannot be delayed.

“I want the full operation of the Pasir Gudang Hospital to be expedited,” he said.

On June 29, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad reportedly said that the Pasir Gudang Hospital, which was officially handed over to the Health Ministry, will operate in phases starting August 1, 2025.

However, the opening of the new hospital was postponed to this year due to several technical issues including a shortage of health workers, especially doctors and nurses.

The Pasir Gudang Hospital began operating in phases starting late last year with several initial facilities and services to meet patients’ healthcare needs.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — A mud flood in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) following heavy rain has raised concerns over a hillside development linked to a landscape project within the Bukit Kiara area.

The incident has prompted a stop-work order and an official probe.

The project is linked to plans for an arboretum within the broader Bukit Kiara green area, located directly opposite the Jalan Abang Haji Openg housing area and affecting about 300 homes.

What is the project about?

The site is located within TTDI, on land bordering Bukit Kiara.

The wider Bukit Kiara Federal Park (Taman Persekutuan Bukit Kiara), also known as Kiara Park, has long been designated for recreational and conservation use, with earlier plans including an arboretum — a curated space for the conservation and study of trees.

Environmental advocate Tan Sri Salleh Mohd Nor, who has been involved in preservation efforts for Bukit Kiara, previously said the area was intended to be developed into a public park with Malaysia’s first arboretum for education and public access.

The idea was first mooted in the 1980s, although it did not materialise. Parts of the area were later developed into what is now the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.

In the current plan, the affected site near the Jalan Abang Haji Openg housing area is expected to house around 1,000 tree species as part of the arboretum project.

Why has the project halted?

Former TTDI Residents Association chairman Abdul Jabar Junid said intense rainfall over the past year and this year contributed to flooding in the area.

He said the situation escalated when a retaining wall collapsed on April 18 following soil movement and water runoff from the site.

“Residents were previously told trees would be cleared in stages, but we noticed hoarding went up and suddenly all the trees were gone,” he said when met in TTDI.

He added that residents had raised concerns earlier, warning that uncontrolled clearing could lead to soil instability.

Although a stop-work order has since been issued, residents remain worried about whether further rainfall could trigger another incident.

“There is no guarantee that if heavy rain comes again, water will not enter houses. Many residents here are senior citizens, and I am very concerned about their well-being,” he said.

Residents’ concerns

Residents are now urging relevant authorities, including the National Landscape Department, Public Works Department and Kuala Lumpur City Hall, to ensure the project is carried out safely.

A resident who requested anonymity said they were not opposed to the project but stressed that proper procedures must be followed.

“Right now, mitigation work is only being done after the retaining wall collapsed. This is something that should have been considered before tree clearing began,” the resident said.

The resident added that rapid tree clearing may have contributed to soil movement, while runoff from the hillside ended up at a retention pond near the retaining structure.

“There must be a better solution,” they said.

Other residents have also questioned why the site was chosen for the project, following resistance during a previous townhall session over plans involving tree clearing.

The National Landscape Department is an agency under the Housing and Local Government Ministry responsible for federal park development and landscape planning.

The ministry has yet to respond to requests for comment.

What comes next

The Public Works Department has been instructed to carry out a detailed technical investigation into the collapsed retaining wall.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the department will also assess structural integrity in the surrounding area and recommend mitigation measures.

Preliminary findings indicate that heavy rainfall caused water runoff from the hillside, which overwhelmed drainage capacity and contributed to the collapse of an earth bund and retaining structure.

The investigation will also examine drainage limitations in downstream areas, including obstructions linked to utilities, which may have worsened water flow and pressure.

Authorities are expected to propose further mitigation measures following the technical assessment.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 — The Malaysian Football League (MFL) will thoroughly examine the views and concerns raised by clubs during a roundtable discussion with Malaysia League (M-League) representatives here today.

MFL president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan said that such discussion sessions are not new; rather, they are part of the organisation’s ongoing practice of gathering feedback from all stakeholders.

According to Ab Ghani, all feedback received will be reviewed collectively to ensure the best approach is formulated for the benefit of all parties involved.

“This is not the first time. We do these things often, though we don’t always do them publicly or announce what we are doing. Many issues have actually been written about and discussed by the public previously.

“Today’s discussion was held because the league is nearing its end and the new season is expected to begin in August. Therefore, many clubs shared their respective difficulties, and these matters have been conveyed to the MFL,” he said when met immediately after the session concluded.

Elaborating further, Ab Ghani emphasised that the MFL’s primary role as the league operator is not focused solely on profit, but rather on ensuring that clubs remain competitive within the domestic football landscape.

“We will take note of all those views so they can be studied together. It is not a matter of MFL profiting or the clubs profiting; MFL’s role as the league operator is to look after these clubs so they are able to remain competitive in the M-League,” he said.

The discussion, chaired by Ab Ghani, was also attended by MFL Board Member Mustaza Ahmad, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) Club Director Datuk Seri Mohamad Jaifuddin Bujang, Kuching City FC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Iswandi Ali Hassan, Penang FC General Manager Jeffery Chew Gim Eam, and MFL CEO Mohd Shazli Shaik Mohd.

Ten other club representatives involved were from Sabah FC, Imigresen FC, Kelantan TRW, PDRM FC, DPMM FC, Selangor FC, Negeri Sembilan FC, Terengganu FC, Kuala Lumpur City FC, and Melaka FC.

Earlier, the roundtable discussion held at a hotel here was surprised by the arrival of JDT owner Tunku Mahkota Ismail while the session was underway. — Bernama 

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 — Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) owner Tunku Mahkota Ismail has outlined four core issues which he says continue to hamper the development of domestic football.

Tunku Mahkota Ismail said among the main problems long affecting the sport are the lack of structured grassroots development and a competitive youth competition system, which he said has impacted the continuity of national talent production.

He also stressed the need for an independent and professional refereeing body to ensure integrity and raise officiating standards to the highest level.

He said the lack of consistent sponsorship is another factor weakening the league ecosystem, along with poor financial discipline among clubs that continue to spend beyond their means.

“If you have RM12, you should spend less, not spend RM15. But when financial issues arise, everyone starts doing something irresponsible, which is blaming FAM (Football Association of Malaysia) and MFL (Malaysian Football League),” he said.

“Whereas financial management is handled by the clubs themselves. This is the main problem,” he added during a Malaysian Football League (MFL) roundtable discussion with Malaysian League club representatives, which was streamed live on MFL’s official Facebook page today.

At the same time, Tunku Mahkota Ismail also described infrastructure weaknesses, including pitch quality and stadium facilities, as key constraints that require urgent attention.

He welcomed the MFL initiative to hold the roundtable discussion but stressed that all parties must be honest and transparent in seeking solutions without presenting different narratives outside official discussions.

“If we are serious about developing football, we must solve these fundamental issues first,” he said.

Earlier, the roundtable discussion, also attended by MFL president Ab Ghani Hassan at a hotel here, was surprised by the presence of Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim while the session was ongoing.

Previously, several clubs had called for serious discussions, including the possibility of a broader roundtable involving all stakeholders in the Malaysian League, particularly amid growing financial concerns among most teams.

Recurring issues affecting the league include delayed salary payments to players and officials by some clubs, as well as rising operational costs, further worsened by ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. — Bernama 

MELAKA, April 29 — PAS is set to contest 16 of the 28 seats in the upcoming Melaka state election.

Melaka PAS Commissioner Zulkifli Ismail said the party has identified the following constituencies — Pantai Kundor, Paya Rumput, Klebang, Tanjung Bidara, Ayer Limau, Linggi, Taboh Naning, Rembia, Durian Tunggal, Ayer Molek, Pengkalan Batu, Telok Mas, Duyong, Sungai Rambai, Merlimau and Serkam.

He said PAS had resolved to field candidates for the 16 seats, selecting individuals with credibility, integrity and strong leadership qualities.

“This decision is in line with the announcement made by PAS Central Election Director Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor during the recent launch of Melaka PAS’ election machinery,” he said in a statement posted on the Melaka PAS Facebook page today.

The current term of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly will expire this December, setting the stage for the state election this year. — Bernama

JOHOR BARU, April 28 — Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Regent of Johor, received a courtesy call from Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof and state leaders today to discuss issues related to water supply and energy sustainability in the state.

In a Facebook post today, the Johor Regent said the meeting involved the deputy prime minister, who is also energy transition and water transformation minister, Fadillah; Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi; and Johor State Secretary Datuk Mohammed Ridha Abd Kadir.

Among the matters discussed were efforts to ensure a more systematic water supply system and sustainable electricity generation to guarantee sufficient resources for Johor’s future development needs.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 — Upgrading works at Taman Persekutuan Lembah Kiara in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) are expected to be completed by June, with authorities saying a recent retaining wall collapse nearby will not affect the project timeline.

According to a report by The Star, National Landscape Department (JLN) director-general Mansor Mohamad said the park upgrading project is now 98 per cent complete and remains on schedule, pending handover from the contractor.

He clarified that the incident on April 18 involving a collapsed wall and mud flow at Jalan Abang Haji Openg was linked to a separate Bukit Kiara Federal Park administrative zone office project and not the park itself.

Mansor said the earliest possible reopening of the park is in June, depending on when the contractor completes handover to JLN.

He added that delays had occurred as the contractor, appointed by the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), failed to complete pond desilting and related works within the revised timeline.

The project was initially scheduled for completion in November last year before being extended to February 11 this year.

“However, they still could not deliver the project,” he said.

Mansor said liquidated and ascertained damages (LAD) of about RM1,200 per day have been imposed on the contractor, totalling roughly RM76,000 so far.

DID has since instructed the contractor to complete the remaining works by end-April, after which the site will be handed over to JLN.

A one-month observation period will follow before the park is reopened to the public.

The RM6 million upgrading works, which began on July 8, 2024, include stream restoration, pond rehabilitation, sediment basin improvements, as well as repairs to railings and lighting.

At present, only unaffected sections of the park remain open to the public.

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