Latest news with #Johor
Malay Mail
10 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Japan backs Johor's rise as Asean smart mobility hub, eyes deeper tech, green investment ties
JOHOR BARU, June 19 — Japan has pledged continued support for Johor's transformation into an Asean benchmark for urban mobility by promoting smart transit solutions and cutting-edge transportation technologies. Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata said the initiative aligns with Johor's rapid economic growth, particularly fuelled by the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which is set to position the state as a key regional economic hub. He said the forthcoming Rapid Transit System, Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS), expected to be completed by late 2026, along with the proposed Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit System (E-ART), are key to improving public transportation in Johor. By utilising Japan's AI-powered traffic control systems and digitally optimised public transportation networks, Johor could significantly reduce traffic congestion and emerge as a transportation model not just for Malaysia, but for the entire Asean region, he said at the Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025 here Thursday. Co-organised by Iskandar Investment Bhd and Japan's Nikkei Inc, the two-day Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025 is hosted by the Johor state government with support from the Johor Economic Planning Division, Invest Johor, and the Iskandar Puteri City Council. He highlighted the strategic potential of the Port of Tanjung Pelepas and Johor Port, both of which are well-positioned to grow as competitive regional logistics hubs and play a larger role in international trade. He said Japanese stakeholders are eager to collaborate on enhancing operational efficiency and vessel traffic management at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas and Johor Port, aiming to strengthen Johor's role in international trade, generate quality employment, and significantly contribute to regional economic growth. As Johor continues to emerge as a key destination for data centres, Shikata underscored the significant environmental challenge posed by the high energy demand for cooling, noting that Japan's LNG-based cooling technology offers an environmentally friendly and efficient cooling solution. 'By adopting this technology, the data centres in Johor would significantly improve energy efficiency while reducing their environmental impacts as well as improving operational efficiency,' he said. 'We are also realising that green energy flow from Sarawak to Johor will not only secure a sustainable energy supply but also unlock new green investment opportunities in Malaysia for Japanese companies,' he added. Shikata said such cooperation is expected to accelerate sustainable economic growth in both Japan and Malaysia, as well as across the Asean region, in line with the vision of the Asean Power Grid actively promoted by Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'International student exchanges are vital for nurturing talent and future leadership, encouraging joint programmes between Japanese and Johor universities to strengthen bilateral cooperation based on trust and friendship,' he said. Shikata affirmed Japan's ongoing commitment to strengthening its partnership with Malaysia, stressing that collaboration between both governments and the private sectors in green investment, transportation, and education is crucial to building a brighter and more prosperous future for both nations. — Bernama
Independent Singapore
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Independent Singapore
Official says solutions are needed as parking problems in JB ‘will only get worse' because of SG workers
SINGAPORE: The lack of parking spaces in Johor Bahru because of people working in Singapore is bound to 'only get worse,' said State housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, on Wednesday (Jun 18). He told Malaysia's Star Metro that there is a need for win-win solutions for all parties concerned, which is why the local government is considering ways to address the issue, as vehicle owners seek to save money and choose not to leave their cars in pay-parking areas. Residents of Johor Bahru have highlighted the problem wherein individuals who are employed in Singapore end up hogging the city's parking bays. Mr Mohd Jafni said that more and more people, particularly business owners, have complained about the issue. Another report in The Star quoted a restaurant owner who pointed out, however, that while most of the vehicles belonged to people who work in Singapore, others have been left in parking spaces for several weeks or even longer. He sometimes resorts to placing chairs or water bottles in parking spaces to ensure that his customers have somewhere to park. 'It is not fair for us and our customers, especially since there is a proper parking area at the terminal with more than enough bays. They prefer parking here to avoid paying at the bus terminal, without caring about how it will affect others,' he told The Star. Another pointed out that the number of parking spots for JB residents living in the area isn't enough to begin with, and now they find themselves competing for these spots with those who work in Singapore. Since the parking space near her home is not fenced, she's had to park outside it during the times when all the other spaces were taken. 'It is frustrating not being able to park your car at the place you live in, because outsiders are taking up the bays,' she said/ See also Malaysia PM proposes common Asia trading currency Mr Mohd Jafni added, 'This issue was also raised during the recent state assembly sitting, and it seems to have gotten worse over time. We need to study this matter thoroughly before implementing any measures, so that we can come up with a win-win solution for all.' He added that the issue needs to be addressed sooner rather than later, as it will only worsen as more vehicles enter Johor and more residents own vehicles. 'I appeal to those involved to be more thoughtful. They could just pay a little extra to park at the many available parking areas throughout the city. They are affecting other people's livelihoods simply because they refuse to pay for parking,' he said, adding that if the government were to impose a two-hour parking limit, car owners would end up needing to pay more than if they chose to leave their car in pay-parking areas./TISG Read also: Johor Bahru eateries say they're losing customers as Singapore-bound workers fill the limited parking from 5am to 8pm See also First-Time Solo Trip to JB? We Gotchu Fam
Malay Mail
11 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Anwar: No RON95 price hike despite global oil surge, Iran-Israel conflict
ISKANDAR PUTERI, June 19 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government would not raise the price of RON95 petrol following the increase in global oil prices and the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. He said the decision was taken because of its impact on the people and the country's economy. 'Price fluctuations for oil are a common feature, but the latest spike was particularly abrupt and was triggered by the recent Israeli military assault on Iran. 'Previously, oil prices were low, but the increase this time has been quite sharp. The recent price hike is partly due to increased demand and also contributes to national revenue,' he told reporters after attending a close-door Johor PKR leadership event held at the Mall of Medini here today. Anwar attended in his capacity as the PKR president. Anwar, who is also the finance minister, assured that there would be no immediate changes to domestic oil prices. He said that any future price adjustments would be made after taking into account the needs and financial capacity of the people. Previously, it was reported that oil prices could soar to US$130 (RM553) per barrel if Iran decides to close the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran was considering closing the strait in response to the Israeli attack. The strait handles 20 per cent of global oil shipments and 80 per cent of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade for Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On a separate matter, Anwar denied that he knew the names of three senior policemen whose names will be presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar for the next Inspector-General of Police (IGP). He said that he will have to check. Earlier today, it was reported that the names of three IGP candidates to replace Tan Sri Razarudin Husain have been sent to Istana Negara. Razarudin will end his contract on June 22 after two years at the helm of the country's police force. It is understood that the three names mentioned are Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay; Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim and Special Branch director Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail.
Malay Mail
12 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Govt to clarify expanded SST, won't burden M40 or lower-income groups, says PM Anwar
ISKANDAR PUTERI, June 19 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government will provide a more detailed explanation regarding the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST), which will take effect on July 1. He acknowledged that there was confusion regarding the expanded tax and the government aims to ensure that its implementation will be done in a targeted manner. 'I agree that the government needs to give an explanation and to clarify the matter. 'What is important is that we do not want to burden the lower-income groups or the M40,' he told reporters after attending a close-door Johor PKR leadership event held at the Mall of Medini here today. The prime minister attended in his capacity as the PKR president. Anwar, who is also the finance minister, explained that previous general statements on the expanded SST had also caused some confusion. He gave an example of a statement saying that bananas were soon subjected to the SST, but clarified that this only applied to imported bananas. 'This issue has created some confusion where the public argued that even the poor consume fruits. 'This is an area where the government can address to the public in addition to making one or two changes,' he said. Anwar said taxation was an important feature for the government as it will see to better schools and public hospitals. 'We have to think of where the government can get funds to maintain public hospitals with better facilities and improved school buildings,' he said, adding that such taxes are mainly for those that are in the higher income bracket and foreigners.
Malay Mail
12 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
‘Don't underestimate JS-SEZ': PM Anwar hails Johor-Singapore zone as global benchmark for cross-border cooperation
ISKANDAR PUTERI, June 19 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has underscored the significance of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), describing it as an extraordinary model of cross-border cooperation that sets a new benchmark for bilateral economic collaboration. Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the strong partnership between Malaysia and Singapore has led to rising international interest in JS-SEZ, attracting investors from Japan, China, South Korea and Europe, and positioning it as a new global investment dynamo. 'Do not underestimate the importance of JS-SEZ. This is not an ordinary SEZ. 'Name me one other economic zone that involves two countries, built entirely on mutual trust and the spirit of working as one formidable team. That's what makes JS-SEZ unique,' he said during the closing ceremony of Nikkei Forum Medini 2025. Also present was Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. The prime minister also credited the zone's rapid progress to its clear policies, political stability and institutional support from both federal and state authorities. He said this includes the newly established Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre, which he described as a key enabler in expediting investment approvals. 'Every meeting brings new demands. If they don't get approvals at the state level, they come to us. And we facilitate, not for personal gain, but for the greater good. That's why this centre is becoming a showcase for other states and federal agencies to follow,' he said. He acknowledged the contributions of Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB), Khazanah Nasional and the Johor state government in making the JS-SEZ a reality. 'So you may have a politically stable may have clarity of policies, brilliant minds working. But you must have this pace of approvals, the commitment of both bureaucrats and executives in the field,' he said. Recalling his recent participation at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Anwar said JS-SEZ stood out not just because of its investment incentives, but because it is backed by strong governance. 'I'm not interested in giving out new incentives, we've given enough. Other countries may offer more generous packages. But what they lack is what we have, political stability, a strong coalition with a two-thirds majority, and the courage to admit and correct the abuses of the past like corruption and misuse of power,' he said. — Bernama
