SHAH ALAM, June 23 — Johor has the potential to emerge as a high-income state if given the opportunity to be governed by Pakatan Harapan (Harapan), said Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan) vice-president Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said Selangor’s economic achievements demonstrate that a Harapan administration is capable of driving economic growth, raising incomes and creating employment opportunities across the board.
According to Amirudin, Selangor’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached RM432.1 billion in 2024, based on data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), while Johor recorded a GDP of RM158 billion.
“I am confident that if we are entrusted with leadership and receive strong support from our colleagues in Putrajaya, as demonstrated by the prime minister and Cabinet ministers, we can raise Johor’s economic value significantly.
“Johor has 56 state seats and Selangor has 56 state seats. I believe Harapan can increase Johor’s contribution to Malaysia’s GDP to more than 15 per cent if we are given the mandate to lead the state,” he said.
He was speaking at the announcement of Harapan candidates for the Johor state election at Padang Bukit Gambir Extreme Park in Tangkak tonight.
Amirudin, who is also Keadilan’s joint election director, said Johor remains categorised as a middle-income state, having recorded a GDP per capita of RM44,762 in 2024.
He said that with federal government support and effective economic reforms, Johor could join the ranks of high-income states such as Selangor and Penang.
“Johor’s income level remains trapped in the middle-income category, with an average income of RM44,762.
“With the support of the federal government and the reforms we are implementing in restructuring the national and state economies, I am confident that we can make Johor a high-income state if Harapan is entrusted with leadership,” he said.
He also compared investment performance and job creation between the two states, noting that Selangor generated 456,400 new jobs between 2022 and 2026, compared with 352,200 jobs in Johor.
The Selangor menteri besar said Johor has tremendous potential for growth if governed efficiently and if development is focused on all districts rather than selected areas.
“Johor’s children will not need to cross the Causeway every morning to Singapore in search of a livelihood. Johor can become a valuable destination for high-quality employment opportunities,” he said.
Amirudin said Harapan offers a more balanced development approach by ensuring progress and economic opportunities are enjoyed by all Johoreans, including those in rural districts such as Mersing, Kota Tinggi, Tangkak and Segamat.
He also cited Selangor’s Jualan Ehsan Rahmah initiative as an example of a programme that could be expanded in Johor to help residents cope with rising living costs.
According to him, Selangor recently increased the allocation for JER by RM5 million, bringing the total allocation to RM10 million in response to economic uncertainty and energy supply concerns.
“In addition to Jualan Rahmah, Selangor has Jualan Ehsan Rahmah. In light of the current financial challenges and energy supply concerns, Selangor announced a stimulus package. We increased the allocation for Jualan Ehsan Rahmah by RM5 million to RM10 million.
“Within six months, we will organise 776 Jualan Ehsan Rahmah programmes throughout Selangor. If we can do it in Selangor, God willing, we can expand Jualan Rahmah to Johor,” he said.
At the same time, Amirudin said Harapan’s manifesto, which will be unveiled soon, will outline various initiatives aimed at improving living standards and strengthening the state economy.
“We are not here merely to criticise or point out weaknesses. We are here with solutions.
“This manifesto is not a promise of things we cannot do. These are initiatives we have already implemented. We do so solely for the happiness and well-being of the people of Johor,” he said.
