JOHOR BARU: Johoreans from all walks of life reacted with optimism after the 2026 Johor Budget announced by the Menteri Besar yesterday pledged that “every sen will be spent on the rakyat.”
Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi tabled a RM4.45 billion budget surplus at the state assembly sitting held at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar.
He said Johor’s economy had surpassed expectations, with projected revenue of RM2.55 billion next year, marking the state’s strongest fiscal performance to date.
Some 260 initiatives to strengthen the economy and improve public well-being were announced, which he said would be channelled directly to the people.
The main focus will be on jobs, community development, sustainability and public services, with key initiatives in education, healthcare, housing and rural development.
Many were seen holding and flipping through the New Straits Times and Berita Harian newspapers, studying the incentives that ranged from direct welfare support to youth employment programmes.
For them, the budget’s surplus and welfare-heavy tilt offered what one resident called “a rare, good-news morning.”
Factory worker Siti Nurhidayah Ahmad, 32, said the cost-of-living measures could not have come at a better time.
“Groceries climb every month. If the state helps lighten that load even a little, it keeps us steady,” she said while reading the front-paged infographic for the second time.
Ride-hailing driver Lim, 22, said targeted assistance and skills programmes meant more than handouts.
“If I can enter a skills scheme and get a better-paying job, that’s long-term stability. Not just day-to-day survival,” he said.
University student Farah Nadia Nazman, 19, said the allocations for education and youth development were the “real win.”
“Anything that keeps education affordable is a lifeline,” she said, adding she welcomed the perks announced.
Single mother S.Sujatha, 36, said the incentives and people-centric allocations stood out as the clearest benefit.
“My daughter is moving to secondary school soon, and every ringgit saved on schooling matters. Support like this keeps us afloat,” she said.
Meanwhile, Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) today backed the 2026 Johor Budget, calling it a forward-leaning plan that strengthens welfare, skills development and long-term economic growth.
IIB, in a statement, said the six-pillar framework — covering welfare, economic resilience, education, healthcare, infrastructure and youth- aligns with its work in Medini, including tech-driven growth, investment promotion and talent programmes.
IIB added that initiatives under EduCity, the Johor Talent Development Council and the PRO Mahir programme will support a future-ready workforce.
“Medini’s development as a net-zero district and innovation hub complements the state’s ambitions under the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone.
“IIB will continue supporting the state’s priorities in investment, talent and sustainability as Johor transitions into 2026,” the statement read.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
