ISKANDAR PUTERI, The Johor government has announced a comprehensive RM209 million aid package comprising 42 initiatives designed to ease the financial burden of its residents amid the ongoing rise in the cost of living.
Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the assistance is expected to benefit nearly two million Johoreans, with targeted support provided to various groups, including farmers, fishermen, e-hailing drivers, veterans, single mothers, undergraduates, examination candidates, and senior citizens.
Onn Hafiz (third from right) at a ‘Jualan Kasih Johor’ programme in Johor Baru earlier this year. This programme was expanded with the additional funds.
“This is proof that revenue growth is not just about figures on paper. What matters most is how every Bangsa Johor, in every district, can feel the impact of government initiatives in their daily lives,” he said during the Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Johor State Assembly today.
The Menteri Besar stressed that the aid package reflects the state government’s priority of ensuring that Johor’s economic growth is translated into tangible benefits for its people, especially those in vulnerable groups.
The initiatives under the RM209 million package include a mix of direct financial assistance, subsidies, incentives, and social support programmes aimed at reducing the financial strain faced by households. According to Onn Hafiz, these efforts are part of Johor’s broader strategy to strengthen social protection and enhance the people’s overall well-being.
He was responding to a question raised by Kota Iskandar assemblyman Datuk Pandak Ahmad, who had asked how the state government intends to address the challenges of rising living costs while ensuring that state revenue is effectively channelled back to the people.
Earlier this year, Johor had already distributed RM20 million in targeted aid, with RM5 million allocated to single mothers and another RM5 million channelled towards cancer patients, alongside several other welfare initiatives.
With this latest package, Onn Hafiz said the state hopes to provide immediate relief while also reinforcing Johor’s long-term commitment to inclusive growth.
“Johor’s economic progress must always be people-centred. The ultimate goal is not only to grow revenues but to ensure that every citizen, especially those most in need, can benefit from the state’s success,” he added.
