Housing, jobs, business initiatives in BN’s Johor manifesto

PETALING JAYA: Housing, jobs and assistance for businesses are among the top initiatives announced by Johor Barisan Nasional in a 63-point manifesto for next month’s elections to the state assembly.

Johor BN chairman Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the manifesto builds on the coalition’s experience and track record in leading the state. It has six thrusts that cover governance, economic development, social safety nets; basic amenities and essential needs; security, cleanliness and environmental sustainability; as well as youth development.

Among the initiatives is a house rent deposit scheme for those below the age of 35 to meet the initial costs of securing rented housing.

Johor BN also pledged to improve home ownership with an allocation of RM100 million to help low-income families build state-subsidised houses on their own land, including second-generation Felda lots.

The manifesto also pledged to create 200,000 new high-quality jobs, including 100,000 high-income job opportunities specifically for Johoreans.

To reduce business startup costs, the coalition pledged to waive first-year licence fees for hawkers and small traders, with an additional RM100 million in interest-free micro-financing through collaboration with financial institutions.

Under education, the state BN chapter said it would allocate RM100 million to the Johor youth education fund to expand access to higher education, technical and vocational education and training and professional certification.

It also pledged to continue the RM200 Johor student incentive for those pursuing studies at public higher education institutions, polytechnics and community colleges.

Onn Hafiz said Johor’s economic expansion must result in better wages, stronger skills development and improved career prospects for local residents, with Johoreans remaining the primary beneficiaries.

Tomorrow is nomination day when candidates file their papers for the elections, with polling taking place on July 11.