JOHOR BAHRU, July 3 — Pakatan Harapan has launched its "Johor for All" manifesto as the coalition's pledge to voters for the 16th state election.
The manifesto was launched by Harapan Presidential Council member Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari, who is also Parti Keadilan Rakyat's co-election director, during a ceremony today.
Also present were Johor Harapan chairman Aminolhuda Hassan, Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching, Johor Keadilan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, and the coalition's candidates contesting the state election.
The proposal was presented jointly by three Harapan candidates in the state polls: Mazlee Malik (Puteri Wangsa), Suhaizan Kayat (Larkin), and Andrew Chen (Stulang).
Among the key pillars of the manifesto is the Johor Health Scheme, which offers health coverage of up to RM100,000 per year for B40 and M40 groups, as well as disabled persons, and reviving the Johor Health Card, targeting 500,000 beneficiaries.
For housing, 80,000 affordable housing units will be built over five years, with a target of 16,000 units annually, alongside the expansion of FELDA Second Generation Housing, prioritising young families and local workers.
In addition, a RM8,000 deposit assistance for first-time homebuyers through a rent-to-own scheme will be provided, with 50,000 young families expected to benefit.
Harapan also pledges to establish a RM500 million fund to strengthen youth development in the state.
Through the Johor Youth Fund, the coalition aims to benefit at least 50,000 young families across the state through various support programmes and economic development initiatives.
The fund, which will be Johor's largest for youth development, includes the Johor Premium Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, a Youth Entrepreneurs Fund, training in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and digital skills, as well as free tuition for SPM and STPM candidates from B40 households.
In efforts to strengthen the education sector, the target is for 100 per cent of schools in Johor to have gigabit Internet access and AI and robotics laboratories in all districts by 2030, with the involvement of 50,000 students annually.
In addition, digital libraries and modern learning centres will also be established in every district through strategic cooperation between schools, TVET institutions, higher education institutions, and the industry.
To support the local business ecosystem, a RM1 billion fund will be provided for small and medium enterprises, and Johor entrepreneurs to digitalise 20,000 businesses and create 10,000 new entrepreneurs in the ASEAN market.
In addition, Harapan also outlined its commitment to strengthening Johor as the country’s leading agri-food producer through the modernisation of the value chain and transformation of downstream industries.
The proposal focuses, among others, on enhancing the potential of high-value local commodities, particularly the durian and pineapple industries, while also committing to preserving and expanding permanent agricultural areas and increasing food production in Johor.
It also pledges to drive Johor as a hub for high-value industries by ensuring comprehensive development across all districts as engines of the state’s economic growth.
Among the industries emphasised are furniture manufacturing, the creative economy ecosystem, high-technology industries, the oil and gas sector, tourism, modern agriculture, fisheries, and food production.
Harapan also offers a commitment to reduce waiting times for Malaysia-Singapore cross-border clearance by 50 per cent through the Johor-Singapore Agenda outlined in its manifesto.
The target will be achieved through the full integration of the state transport system, combining the Rapid Transit System (RTS), the Electric Train Service, and the Bas.My initiative.
The manifesto also proposes dedicated lanes for cross-border workers, the implementation of the Johor Smart Mobility System, as well as improved connectivity and feeder bus networks linking Skudai, Kulai, Kempas, and Pasir Gudang to the RTS.
Under the proposal, Harapan also targets the creation of 250,000 new high-paying and decent job opportunities in Johor through the strengthening of various modern economic sectors and high-value industries.
This target will be achieved through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, with a focus on areas such as AI, the digital economy, smart logistics, and green technology.
To ensure improved living standards, the coalition is determined to provide 50,000 job opportunities annually, while also aiming to raise Johor’s median wage by at least 30 per cent.
“Harapan will also implement upskilling and reskilling programmes involving 10,000 workers in the state, focusing on AI, databases, automation, manufacturing, modern agriculture, and food production,” according to the manifesto.
It also outlines five 'Pencetus Perubahan Johor' (Johor Change Catalyst) initiatives, including the establishment of 250 MADANI childcare centres and workplace childcare centres to help women return to the workforce, as well as a RM50 monthly public transport pass for students, senior citizens and disabled persons.
Other initiatives include the establishment of the Johor Land Rights Tribunal to expedite resolution of outstanding land cases, and a RM1,000 Anak Johor Bonus for every child born in the state.
The Johor Return Programme has also been promised to bring back 20,000 Johor professionals from Singapore and overseas by 2031, offering employment and entrepreneurship incentives.
