Johor poised to become new economic powerhouse: Najib

BATU PAHAT: Caretaker Prime Miniter Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak today expressed confidence on the potential of Johor as the new economic powerhouse in the country.
His confidence was based on several projects currently being undertaken, that are expected to act as a catalyst to bring major impact to the people.
Najib, who is also caretaker Finance Minister, said among these projects are the development of the Iskandar Economic Region (Iskandar Malaysia), refinery and petrochemical integrated development project (RAPID) in Pengerang, Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR), Desaru Coast and Rapid Transit System (RTS) connecting Bukit Chagar, Johor Baru to Woodlands, Singapore.
"Hence, these projects will turn the state of Johor as a new economic powerhouse in our country.
"More so, Selangor is currently facing water woes, the people are carrying buckets in Selangor, the state of Johor has a much better future," he said when launching the Malaysian Unit Trust Week (MSAM) 2018 in Batu Pahat Stadium here today.
The caretaker prime minister also expressed his appreciation and thanked Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) for contributing RM700,000 to expand the hemodialysis unit at the Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital here as well as the commitment of PNB to build 5,000 affordable homes nationwide.
For the state of Johor, he has also discussed with PNB chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar to increase the number of affordable homes to be constructed.
"He (Abdul Wahid) says on condition that the (caretaker) state government provides the land and Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (caretaker mentri besar) says that the Johor can give the land anytime.
"Even Datuk Ab Aziz Kaprawi (Sri Gading parliamentary seat incumbent) has also whispered that 200 units be built in Parit Yaani. If land is available … no problem, we give 200 units," added Najib. — Bernama