Projects worth RM10bil in limbo despite green light
Serious business: Onn Hafiz delivering his wrap-up speech during the state assembly sitting at the Sultan Ismail Building. — Bernama
JOHOR BARU: Over 200 projects worth a total of RM10.8bil in Johor have not been implemented despite receiving approval under the 11th Malaysia Plan.
Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the projects, which were approved in 2016, remain stagnant despite funds having been allocated.
'There are a total of 222 projects that are still in the pre-implementation stage.
'The state government views this as a serious matter as allocations for the projects have been approved, yet work has not been carried out.
'Imagine the number of development and upgrading projects, including those involving hospitals, schools and roads, that have not reached the people,' he said in his speech during the state assembly sitting yesterday.
Onn Hafiz said he brought the matter to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the Johor Special Development meeting on Friday, which was chaired by the Prime Minister.
'Every time we have our state action council meeting, I raise this issue and have the Implementation Coordination Unit follow up with the ministries involved.
'With the Prime Minister's approval, we have decided that all state executive councillors will meet with the ministries involved in the projects.
'This is to ensure that they are carried out as soon as possible for the benefit of the people.'
Onn Hafiz also thanked Anwar for approving nine major projects that would greatly benefit the people in the state.
'Out of the 10 projects we requested, nine have been approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
'This includes the Hospital Sultanah Aminah 2 project and several highways,' he said.
On a separate matter, Onn Hafiz said the state assembly has two more years left before the end of its term.
'As the Johor Regent has reminded us, this is not election season. Our term ends in 2027, which is still two years away.
'Let us find common ground to foster unity, not division, which will only harm the state we all love,' he said.
During the opening of the state assembly on Friday, Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim reminded assemblymen to focus on serving the people.
'You have all been elected to serve the people. So, focus on that responsibility.
'The people of Johor need assemblymen who are accountable and effective in serving them.
'They want representatives who can help drive the state's development and improve their standard of living,' Tunku Ismail added.
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