Latest news with #StateInvestment
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Johor drafting measures to tackle rising food, transport and housing costs
KULAI: The Johor government is formulating mitigation measures to address rising food, transportation and housing costs, particularly in Johor Baru. State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Lee Ting Han said a discussion on the matter was held today with the relevant state executive councillors. The meeting also touched on efforts to improve public transportation services and expand the Muafakat Johor bus network, while seeking ways to ease the people's financial burden. "We take note of public concerns raised during on-the-ground engagement and through social media. "The people of Johor are worried about what's to come, given the state's rapid economic growth. "So, how do we ensure that people can benefit from this growth, so that everyone, especially the younger generation, chooses to remain in Johor and has access to promising career prospects? "These are some of the challenges we must address," he told a press conference after attending the Sirim Silaturasa 2025 event at the Sirim Johor office today. He was commenting on a recent statement by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who said that Johor Bahru's cost of living had surpassed that of several other major Malaysian cities. Lee said that supply and demand are among the factors contributing to the rising costs, in addition to the state's rapid economic growth. "On housing, we've received feedback that rental rates are quite high. "As announced by the menteri besar, we will accelerate the construction of affordable housing. "Initially, we aimed to build 30,000 units by 2030, but the menteri besar has raised the target to 100,000 units by that time. "We are now making plans to meet this target," he said. Lee said Onn Hafiz is expected to announce initiatives addressing these concerns in the upcoming Johor Budget 2026, scheduled in November. – Bernama
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Johor drafting measures to tackle rising food, transport and housing costs
KULAI: The Johor government is formulating mitigation measures to address rising food, transportation and housing costs, particularly in Johor Bahru. State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Lee Ting Han said a discussion on the matter was held today with the relevant state executive councillors. The meeting also touched on efforts to improve public transportation services and expand the Muafakat Johor bus network, while seeking ways to ease the people's financial burden. 'We take note of public concerns raised during on-the-ground engagement and through social media. The people of Johor are worried about what's to come, given the state's rapid economic growth. 'So, how do we ensure that people can benefit from this growth, so that everyone, especially the younger generation, chooses to remain in Johor and has access to promising career prospects? These are some of the challenges we must address,' he told a press conference after attending the SIRIM Silaturasa 2025 event at the SIRIM Johor office here today. He was commenting on a recent statement by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who said that Johor Bahru's cost of living had surpassed that of several other major Malaysian cities. Lee said that supply and demand are among the factors contributing to the rising costs, in addition to the state's rapid economic growth. 'On housing, we've received feedback that rental rates are quite high. As announced by the Menteri Besar, we will accelerate the construction of affordable housing. 'Initially, we aimed to build 30,000 units by 2030, but the Menteri Besar has raised the target to 100,000 units by that time. We are now making plans to meet this target,' he said. Lee said Onn Hafiz is expected to announce initiatives addressing these concerns in the upcoming Johor Budget 2026, scheduled in November. - Bernama
Barnama
7 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Johor Drafting Measures To Tackle Rising Food, Transport And Housing Costs
KULAI, July 18 (Bernama) -- The Johor government is formulating mitigation measures to address rising food, transportation and housing costs, particularly in Johor Bahru. State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Lee Ting Han said a discussion on the matter was held today with the relevant state executive councillors. The meeting also touched on efforts to improve public transportation services and expand the Muafakat Johor bus network, while seeking ways to ease the people's financial burden. 'We take note of public concerns raised during on-the-ground engagement and through social media. The people of Johor are worried about what's to come, given the state's rapid economic growth. 'So, how do we ensure that people can benefit from this growth, so that everyone, especially the younger generation, chooses to remain in Johor and has access to promising career prospects? These are some of the challenges we must address,' he told a press conference after attending the SIRIM Silaturasa 2025 event at the SIRIM Johor office here today. He was commenting on a recent statement by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who said that Johor Bahru's cost of living had surpassed that of several other major Malaysian cities. Lee said that supply and demand are among the factors contributing to the rising costs, in addition to the state's rapid economic growth. 'On housing, we've received feedback that rental rates are quite high. As announced by the Menteri Besar, we will accelerate the construction of affordable housing. 'Initially, we aimed to build 30,000 units by 2030, but the Menteri Besar has raised the target to 100,000 units by that time. We are now making plans to meet this target,' he said.
New Straits Times
17-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Pahang to set up AI tech zone, says state exco
KUANTAN: The Pahang government will establish a dedicated high technology zone to attract major players in the artificial intelligence industry. State Investment, Industries, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib said the zone, to be located in the state capital here, will offer special incentives through the Invest Pahang platform to encourage high-tech companies to establish operations in the state. "The Pahang high technology zone is specifically aimed for companies in AI, automation and big data. Its exact location in Kuantan will be announced in due course. "This dedicated zone is expected to draw AI companies to this part of the country, apart from the Klang Valley. These companies will become part of the AI ecosystem and contribute to the development of start-ups across Pahang," he said at the Pahang Skills Development Centre here today. Earlier, Nizar launched and closed the AI for Productivity Transformation and Speed Grid-Connected Photovoltaic programme at the centre in Semambu. Present were Yayasan Peneraju chief executive officer Ibrahim Sani and Pahang Skills chairman Datuk Mas'ut Awang Samah. He said the Pahang high technology zone was part of a long-term strategy to drive digital transformation, strengthen the economy and improve public services and quality of life in the state. "AI is no longer optional. It is essential. Today's business environment demands automation, intelligent analytics and the ability to make faster and more accurate decisions. "At the federal level, we already have the National AI Office in place. "Among other initiatives in Pahang, we are also establishing the AI data centre, which will serve as a new digital platform for marketing local agricultural products both domestically and internationally. "The centre is scheduled to begin operations in January next year. "Under the Smart Pahang initiative, Kuantan, Temerloh, Pekan and Bentong have been selected as pilot locations for the Smart City project. This includes the use of smart cameras for traffic and security monitoring, AI-powered solid waste management systems and flood and air quality monitoring using AI technology." Nizar said the state government was committed to expanding AI use in public administration, education, agriculture and tourism.
The Sun
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Pahang plans high-tech zone to attract AI and tech investments
KUANTAN: The Pahang government will establish a high-tech zone in the state, dedicated to attracting companies involved in artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and big data. State Investment, Industrial development, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman, Datuk Mohamad Nizar Mohamad Najib, said the initiative aims to draw investments from technology firms to the east coast region. 'The Pahang High-Tech Zone will be developed in the Kuantan area. Should there be any changes to the location, we will make an official announcement. We also aim to attract talent in the AI sector to be part of the ecosystem and support the growth of startup companies we are nurturing in Pahang,' he added. He said this to reporters after launching the AI for Productivity Transformation and officiating the closing ceremony of the Speed GCPV (Grid-Connected Photovoltaic) programme at the Pahang Skills Development Centre here today. Meanwhile, Mohamad Nizar expressed hope that Pahang Skills and the Pahang Foundation would collaborate to attract companies and fresh talent in the field of AI to the state. 'We in Pahang must be well-prepared to face both the opportunities and challenges that AI will bring. The state government will also explore potential incentives to encourage more AI companies to establish operations here, rather than limiting their presence to the Klang Valley or other states. He added that the state government is also exploring the development of floating solar farms, or floating photovoltaics (FPV), as part of its commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. He said the proposed solar farm would be built on a suitable lake or dam site, with the project expected to take two years to complete. 'We need to produce more skilled and knowledgeable technicians in the solar energy sector, both in Pahang and across Malaysia. So far, 288 participants have been trained in this field through the Speed GCPV programme,' he added.
