Latest news with #Jafni
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Smart parking system adoption by Johor councils records positive results
JOHOR BARU: The adoption of a smart parking system by several local councils in Johor has led not only to better parking payment compliance by the public but also improved revenue collection by local authorities. State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Jafni Shukor said preliminary feedback from the councils showed that the digital shift has also given local authorities better monitoring over parking payments while easing the workload on enforcement teams. "Based on initial feedback, parking payment compliance has improved significantly. With real-time tracking, the council's respective enforcement teams - whose resources are often stretched thin — can now act faster and more efficiently," he told the New Straits Times. He said while several districts are still in the probation phase of using the digital parking system, the overall response has been positive, with measurable gains reported since the rollout began in stages last year. To date, the Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu), Mersing District Council (MDM) and Tangkak District Council (MDT), Pontian District Council (MPPn) and Mersing District Council (MDMG) have digitalised their parking systems through the Parkmax@Johor platform, a mobile application that allows users to pay, reload, extend time, and settle compounds without physical coupons. The digital parking system also features a video-surveillance system, enhanced with AI capabilities to boost the efficiency of parking operations. The system, operated by Southmax Sdn Bhd, also provides councils with a steady revenue stream, under a 70:30 revenue-sharing model. Southmax Sdn Bhd is a subsidiary of ITMAX System Bhd, a leading integrated digital infrastructure service provider. MBIP began fully digitalising its parking system from Jan this year; MDM from May 1 this year, while MDT and MPKu began in Sept and Aug last year, respectively. Jafni said all 16 local authorities in Johor, including two city councils, eight municipal councils and six district councils, are expected to eventually transition fully to a digital parking system. "The delays are mainly due to ongoing contracts with existing operators, while some councils are still testing the system," he said. The Johor government is systematically implementing its SmartCity integration agenda by adopting technology-driven solutions to improve urban living, governance, and sustainability. Other components of Johor's SmartCity framework include smart LED streetlights, digital licensing, integrated traffic systems, real-time flood monitoring, and broadband infrastructure, particularly across Iskandar Malaysia.
New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Night safari planned under Johor Zoo's RM7mil re-do ahead of Visit Johor 2026
JOHOR BARU: The Johor Zoo is undergoing a transformation that will bring new life to its century-old grounds, including its first-ever night safari experience under a sweeping RM7 million revamp. The phase 2 redevelopment is aimed at making the zoo a top-tier urban wildlife attraction for Visit Johor Year 2026, with works slated for completion by Dec 15, this year. State Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Jafni Md Shukor said works that began in early May were progressing well. It will elevate the country's oldest zoo into a modern, family-friendly destination with interactive, educational and immersive experiences. Among the upgrades under Phase 2 are improved animal enclosures, disabled- and stroller-friendly pathways, and the much-anticipated night safari dubbed "Zoo Malam". Jafni said the night-time zoo experience will allow visitors to observe nocturnal animals in a safe and engaging setting. "This is more than a facelift. We are reimagining Johor Zoo as a competitive, internationally benchmarked city zoo that celebrates heritage while embracing the future," he told the New Straits Times. The redevelopment comes on the back of the zoo's impressive performance since its reopening on Aug 31, last year. There have been over 500,000 visitors since its reopening following a four-year closure for major refurbishment. Spanning 12 hectares, the 96-year-old facility reopened with the support of RM9 million in the first phase redevelopment, with funding from the Johor Baru, Iskandar Puteri and Pasir Gudang city councils. Jafni said, buoyed by the strong turnout, visitor projections were estimated to surpass 1 million within a year, which is a 150 per cent surge. It has also driven a sharp revenue increase from RM1.5 million to RM7 million, a milestone that would place the zoo on a self-sustaining path. "The revitalised city zoo is fast regaining its place as a key tourism draw, setting the stage for further growth ahead of Visit Johor Year 2026. "The remarkable turnaround was achieved through a people-first approach and upgraded facilities that keep guests coming back," Jafni added. The zoo's central location in Johor Baru, combined with enhanced accessibility such as e-ticketing systems, shuttle bus services and newly themed zones, has attracted not only local visitors but also tourists from Singapore and beyond.
New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Night safari plan in RM7 million zoo revamp ahead of Visit Johor 2026
JOHOR BARU: The Johor Zoo is undergoing a transformation that will bring new life to its century-old grounds, including its first-ever night safari experience under a sweeping RM7 million revamp. The phase 2 redevelopment is aimed at making the zoo a top-tier urban wildlife attraction for Visit Johor Year 2026, with works slated for completion by Dec 15, this year. State Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Jafni Md Shukor said works that began in early May were progressing well. It will elevate the country's oldest zoo into a modern, family-friendly destination with interactive, educational and immersive experiences. Among the upgrades under Phase 2 are improved animal enclosures, disabled- and stroller-friendly pathways, and the much-anticipated night safari dubbed "Zoo Malam". Jafni said the night-time zoo experience will allow visitors to observe nocturnal animals in a safe and engaging setting. "This is more than a facelift. We are reimagining Johor Zoo as a competitive, internationally benchmarked city zoo that celebrates heritage while embracing the future," he told the New Straits Times. The redevelopment comes on the back of the zoo's impressive performance since its reopening on Aug 31, last year. There have been over 500,000 visitors since its reopening following a four-year closure for major refurbishment. Spanning 12 hectares, the 96-year-old facility reopened with the support of RM9 million in the first phase redevelopment, with funding from the Johor Baru, Iskandar Puteri and Pasir Gudang city councils. Jafni said, buoyed by the strong turnout, visitor projections were estimated to surpass 1 million within a year, which is a 150 per cent surge. It has also driven a sharp revenue increase from RM1.5 million to RM7 million, a milestone that would place the zoo on a self-sustaining path. "The revitalised city zoo is fast regaining its place as a key tourism draw, setting the stage for further growth ahead of Visit Johor Year 2026. "The remarkable turnaround was achieved through a people-first approach and upgraded facilities that keep guests coming back," Jafni added. The zoo's central location in Johor Baru, combined with enhanced accessibility such as e-ticketing systems, shuttle bus services and newly themed zones, has attracted not only local visitors but also tourists from Singapore and beyond.
New Straits Times
05-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Johor to build homes for low-income group excluded from e-Kasih database
ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor government will begin constructing subsidised homes in August under the state's Rumah Prihatin Johor (RPJ) initiative, targeting low-income residents previously excluded from the national e-Kasih database. e-Kasih is the country's national poverty database designed to identify and assist low-income households, including those in Johor. It serves as a centralised system to plan, implement, and monitor poverty eradication programmes nationwide. State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the move aims to close the gap for low-income individuals who do not qualify for government housing aid due to their absence from the e-Kasih list. "This RPJ programme targets those in need who are not registered in the e-Kasih system but still fall within the low-income and poverty bracket," he said after a state housing development engagement session here today. The pilot phase began in Machap and Bukit Permai and will soon be extended to all 42 state constituencies in Johor. Eligible applicants must own land or have written permission to use family owned land. The new houses, either two or three bedroom units, will be completed within seven months. Two housing options are offered: a three bedroom home priced at RM86,000 and a two bedroom home priced at RM66,000. Both are subsidised by RM30,000 from the state government, with the balance payable through personal financing by the applicants. Applications are now open and can be submitted at the nearest district offices. Jafni said approvals are expected within three months for applicants who meet the eligibility criteria. "This initiative is aimed at those who own land but lack the means to build. With the state subsidy, they will only need to bear RM36,000 or RM56,000 depending on the house type," he said. He added that under a separate scheme Rumah Kasih Johor (RKJ) the state government has committed RM67.5 million to build 500 units between 2023 and 2025. "So far, 50 units have been completed and handed over, 120 are under construction, and another 165 are in the implementation phase," he said. Jafni said both RPJ and RKJ are designed to provide not just housing, but also to significantly uplift the quality of life for Johor's underserved communities. "These are game-changing efforts to help those who have long lived without the dignity of a home to call their own," he added.
New Straits Times
05-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
No agents appointed for Johor affordable housing applications
JOHOR BARU: The Johor government has not appointed any agents or middlemen to handle affordable housing applications, including those under the Rumah Mampu Milik Johor (RMMJ) scheme. State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor stressed that all applications must be made directly by the applicants via the official e-Rumah Johor online portal. "Since the implementation of e-Rumah Johor at the end of 2022, developers are required to register and sell their units transparently through the online platform," he said today after the Johor Housing Development engagement session. "The system is legally enforced to eliminate fraud and prevent third-party interference in the application process," he added. Prior to 2022, applications were submitted manually and handled directly by developers. Jafni urged the public not to fall prey to advertisements or individuals claiming to offer affordable homes on behalf of the state or private developers. He said that despite the mandatory digital system, scams involving fake agents were still reported. "There were 18 fraud cases in 2023 alone, involving losses totalling RM155,000. "In some cases, applicants were charged up to RM15,000 by individuals posing as housing agents," he said. "Most victims were desperate applicants whose documents did not meet the eligibility criteria." He warned the public against engaging with any so-called agents claiming to secure housing approvals. "All applications must go through the e-Rumah portal. Those needing assistance should visit the state secretariat office in person," he said.
