Anwar to Johor leadership: Do not let mega projects overshadow grassroots needs

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned Johor’s leadership against focusing solely on mega development projects, stressing that grassroots issues such as housing, local infrastructure and rural welfare must not be overlooked despite the state’s rapid economic growth and major federal investments.

While federal projects are transforming the state's economic landscape, the Prime Minister stressed that the state administration holds a critical responsibility to address the widening disparity between booming urban centres and neglected rural communities.

The call to action was delivered during the Johor Youth Open Dialogue Programme held at Felda Ulu Tebrau last night, as Anwar intensifies his campaign ahead of the upcoming state election on July 11.

Anwar acknowledged that initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and the Rapid Transit System Link have successfully attracted substantial investments, positioning Johor as a vital regional growth engine.

However, he pointed out a stark contradiction: while urban hubs like Johor Bahru are thriving, underdeveloped pockets persist just a short distance away.

The Prime Minister explicitly outlined the division of responsibility between the federal and state governments. He stated that while the federal government will handle multi-billion-ringgit mega projects, the state leadership must focus on smaller, immediate needs.

He urged Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi to look beyond large-scale projects, stating that while the federal government handles the JS-SEZ and RTS, the state government must take responsibility for smaller roads, suraus, public housing, and homes for the second generation.

He added that he handles the multi-billion projects, but the rest is the state's duty.

Anwar highlighted that federal allocations for Johor have surpassed those granted to states like Selangor, Perak, and Penang, underscoring the federal government's commitment to the state.

Despite this financial backing, he observed that areas located only half an hour from the vibrant, rapidly developing city of Johor Bahru still appear neglected and impoverished.

To bridge this gap, the Prime Minister called for a fair and inclusive development strategy that ensures benefits reach all levels of society, specifically mentioning Felda settlers, low-cost housing residents, and applicants for second-generation housing.

Beyond infrastructure, Anwar used the platform to address the youth, urging them to exercise discernment in the upcoming election. He encouraged young voters to reject divisive political narratives and racial fear-mongering, arguing that such tactics are out of touch with the current reality of Malaysia.

With polling day approaching on July 11, the Prime Minister has maintained a rigorous campaign schedule across constituencies including Layang-Layang, Senggarang, Semerah, Bukit Naning, Pemanis, Gambir, Serom, and Palong Timur. His engagements, ranging from community breakfasts to youth dialogues, consistently emphasize the necessity of a balanced approach to governance where economic progress does not exacerbate the divide between the haves and the have-nots. - July 5, 2026