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Politics

PENGERANG, JULY 6 -- The welfare and long-term sustainability of fishermen in Sungai Rengit must be given serious and immediate attention, following a key engagement session between the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) leadership and the local fishing community, said Pakatan Harapan candidate for N39 Tanjung Surat, Faizul Abdul Ghani. The meeting, involving LKIM Chairman Tuan Haji Muhammad Faiz bin Dato’ Haji Fadzil and the Sungai Rengit Fishermen Association, provided a platform for local fishermen to directly voice long-standing issues affecting their livelihoods. Faizul said fishermen must not only be heard during specific seasons or occasions, but their concerns must be continuously addressed as they form a vital part of the local economy in Tanjung Surat, particularly in Sungai Rengit and surrounding coastal areas. Among the key issues raised was the fishing licence system, where concerns were expressed over inactive licence holders while active fishermen struggle to obtain proper licensing. It was also highlighted that out of nearly 300 fishermen in the area, a significant number are still operating without formal licences despite relying on fishing as their primary source of income. Fishermen proposed a comprehensive verification or field audit exercise by LKIM and the Department of Fisheries to ensure that licences are issued to genuine active fishermen, so that government aid, subsidies, and protection reach the intended recipients. The issue of licensing was also discussed in relation to Sungai Rengit’s strategic coastal location near international waters and close proximity to Singapore, where proper documentation is crucial to prevent enforcement complications or detention by foreign maritime authorities. In addition, fishermen raised concerns over shallow river mouth conditions, which have increasingly affected boat movement during tidal changes. They said the situation not only hampers access to fishing grounds but also poses safety risks and reduces daily income opportunities. Environmental concerns were also highlighted, including reported oil spill incidents involving nearby vessels. Fishermen called for clearer reporting channels and faster response mechanisms to ensure that such incidents are addressed promptly to prevent damage to marine ecosystems and fishing areas. Seasonal monsoon conditions were also discussed, as fishermen face income disruptions during periods when they are unable to go out to sea. They urged a review of eligibility conditions for fuel subsidy schemes to ensure that weather-related restrictions do not unfairly affect their access to assistance. Other issues raised included the need for coastal breakwater structures to reduce erosion, improved access to fishing nets due to rising costs, and the construction of new jetties closer to fishermen’s settlements to reduce travel distance, cost, and time while improving local economic activity. Faizul said he welcomed the commitment by the LKIM Chairman to escalate the issues raised to the Department of Fisheries for further action, stressing the need for concrete follow-up rather than discussions alone. “As the Pakatan Harapan candidate for N39 Tanjung Surat, I want to emphasise that the welfare and rights of fishermen are central to my Seven Commitments for the people of Tanjung Surat,” he said. He added that if given the mandate, he would continue to champion fishermen’s rights, particularly on licensing, infrastructure, maritime safety, equipment assistance, and economic protection in a more structured and sustainable manner. “Fishermen are not only contributors to the seafood supply chain, but they are an essential part of the Tanjung Surat community who must be defended through clear policies, attention, and real action,” he said. “Johor Ke Depan, Vote HARAPAN,” he added. -- MINUTESMY

Sungai Rengit Fishermen Call for Stronger Protection and Urgent Action on Licensing, Infrastructure and Environmental Issues – Faizul Abdul Ghani

PENGERANG, JULY 6 — The welfare and long-term sustainability of fishermen in Sungai Rengit must be given serious and immediate attention, following a key engagement session between the Fisheries Development .... read more

JOHOR, JULY 6 -- The development of high-quality childcare centres is a crucial investment in Johor’s future, as the state seeks to strengthen both its economy and family wellbeing, said Pakatan Harapan candidate for N40 Tiram, Nor Zulaila. As a mother of two young children, she said true progress should not only be measured by investment figures or economic growth, but also by how well a state supports families in raising the next generation. “Johor today has more than one million children. This means every policy we implement must take into account the needs of future generations,” she said. She noted that Malaysia’s Department of Statistics (DOSM) data shows Johor recorded the highest growth in registered childcare centres (TASKA) in 2024, reflecting increasing demand for childcare services as more parents join the workforce. Sharing her personal experience as a working mother, Nor Zulaila said she understands the daily challenges faced by parents who must balance careers and family responsibilities. “I go through the same routine as thousands of other parents—sending my children before work and rushing back to pick them up,” she said. She stressed that childcare should not be viewed solely as a women’s issue or welfare matter, but also as an economic necessity. Access to quality childcare, she said, enables parents—especially women—to remain in or return to the workforce, improving household income and contributing to the state’s economic growth. Under Pakatan Harapan’s proposals, she highlighted plans to establish 250 MADANI childcare centres and workplace-based TASKA facilities across industrial zones, government offices, and communities throughout Johor. “The goal is not just to increase the number of childcare centres, but to ensure they are located closer to workplaces, reducing the daily burden on parents,” she said. She added that many women with skills and qualifications are forced to pause their careers due to limited access to suitable childcare. With proper support, she said, they can continue contributing meaningfully to both their families and the economy. “This is the spirit of Johor Untuk Semua. We want to build a state that grows economically while supporting young families, empowering women, and ensuring every child has the best possible start in life,” she said. She concluded that the best investment a government can make is not only in infrastructure, but in people. “By supporting parents, we strengthen families. By investing in childcare, we invest in Johor’s human capital,” she said. -- MINUTESMY

Quality Childcare a Long-Term Investment for Johor’s Future – Nor Zulaila

JOHOR, JULY 6 — The development of high-quality childcare centres is a crucial investment in Johor’s future, as the state seeks to strengthen both its economy and family wellbeing, said .... read more

SKUDAI, JULY 6 -- The spirit of bringing services closer to the people was highlighted during a community outreach programme in Skudai, where government representatives and community leaders engaged directly with residents through a casual kopitiam session and mobile service counter initiatives. Speaking at the programme, Kartiyaini Jeyapalan, said the approach reflects a commitment to ensuring that government services are more accessible, especially for those who may not have the time or means to visit government offices. “Closer to you. That is my approach. If you cannot come to the office, it is alright. We bring the office to you through our Mobile Counter. If you cannot attend talks, we come to you through casual kopi tiam sessions like this,” she said. She emphasised that informed decision-making is key, especially in the lead-up to the state election, noting that engagement sessions are meant to provide clear information on government initiatives, ongoing efforts, and future plans while also addressing public concerns directly. “Ultimately, the choice is in your hands. What matters is that decisions are made with sufficient information,” she added. During the programme, a Mobile Counter was also set up, allowing residents to check their eligibility and status for various government assistance schemes, including STR and BKJ, without having to travel to government offices. Kartiyaini highlighted the diversity of the Skudai community, noting that different groups require different approaches to engagement, from youth to senior citizens. She said inclusivity must be practiced, not just spoken about, to ensure no one is left behind. She also expressed pride in her team, noting that it reflects true inclusivity, with members ranging from 18-year-old youths to staff and trainees in their 50s and 60s. “We do not just talk about inclusivity. We practise it through action,” she said. She extended her appreciation to state assembly members Ho Chi Yang (Tanah Rata) and Woo Kah Leong (Pasir Bedamar) for joining the ground engagement efforts. “Together, we continue working to bring Johor forward,” she added. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: IG KARTIYAINI JEYAPALAN

Mobile Service and Community Outreach Bring Government Closer to the People in Skudai – Kartiyaini Jeyapalan

SKUDAI, JULY 6 — The spirit of bringing services closer to the people was highlighted during a community outreach programme in Skudai, where government representatives and community leaders engaged directly .... read more

FELDA PALONG, JULY 6 -- Chief Minister of Selangor, Amirudin Shari, has reaffirmed Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) commitment to creating more high-paying job opportunities, particularly for young people in Johor, in an effort to reduce their need to seek employment across the border. He said this while attending the Jelajah Harapan FELDA Programme together with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at Felda Palong, as part of a series of outreach programmes engaging with FELDA communities. Amirudin said the scorching hot weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of supporters who patiently gathered from early on to listen to the leadership’s address. He described the turnout as a strong sign of continued support for the government’s development agenda. In his brief speech, he reiterated PH’s commitment to strengthening Johor’s economy by creating quality employment opportunities, especially for the younger generation, so that they would no longer need to migrate or cross the causeway in search of better income. “It is time we provide these high-paying job opportunities to ensure Johor’s youth can build their future in their own state,” he said. He also urged voters to continue supporting Pakatan Harapan in order to sustain the state’s development agenda. “Vote HARAPAN, Johor ahead,” he added. -- MINUTESMY

PH Committed to Creating High-Paying Jobs for Johor Youth – Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari

FELDA PALONG, JULY 6 — Chief Minister of Selangor, Amirudin Shari, has reaffirmed Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) commitment to creating more high-paying job opportunities, particularly for young people in Johor, in .... read more

PRINCESS ISKANDAR, July 6 -- Pandak Ahmad, the Barisan Nasional candidate in Kota Iskandar, has pledged to accelerate affordable housing projects, improve road infrastructure, and push for the construction of a health clinic if he is re-elected to the Kota Iskandar seat at the July 11 Johor polls. Housing, jobs and the rising cost of living have emerged as the defining issues in the battle for Kota Iskandar, home to Forest City and part of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone as candidates offer competing visions for one of Johor’s fastest-growing areas. Pandak said his priorities reflected the concerns consistently raised by residents throughout his campaign. He also said voters wanted political stability. He contends that Johor’s multicultural society had benefited from an administration that serves all communities under the “Bangsa Johor” concept.  “People want to live in peace and prosperity. They want jobs and housing. When they face problems, it is our responsibility as elected representatives to become the bridge between the people and the government,” he said. Pandak said Johor’s ambition of becoming a developed state by 2030 would generate more jobs and business opportunities for residents. He pointed to Forest City as an example, saying the township had shed its reputation as a “ghost city” following the launch of the JS-SEZ and the Forest City Special Financial Zone. Umno, BN leaders can’t be arrogant Reflecting on BN’s defeat in the 2018 general election, Pandak acknowledged that the coalition had made mistakes by failing to properly explain issues such as the 1MDB scandal to the public. “The lesson we learned is that Umno and BN leaders must not be arrogant. We have to go to the ground, engage with the people and listen to them closely.” He said the experience had prompted BN to place greater emphasis on grassroots engagement, with all 56 candidates campaigning directly among voters to rebuild public confidence. The Kota Iskandar seat is a four-cornered fight involving BN's Pandak, Pakatan Harapan's Dzulkefly Ahmad, Perikatan Nasional's Anna Pravina and Bersama's Sahrudin Omar. Pandak won the seat in 2022 with 23,133 votes for a 4,360-vote majority over Dzulkefly, who held the seat from 2018 to 2022. Cost of living tops PN’s agenda Anna said the cost of living remained the dominant concern among voters she had met. Her priority, if elected, would be to ease the people’s financial burden while ensuring that they benefited from the state’s economic growth. Anna said many young Johoreans continued to leave for Singapore because they believed better salaries and career prospects were available across the Causeway. “We need to help ease the cost of living and improve opportunities for local people,” she said. “They want good jobs, better salaries and a secure future. I want to create enough opportunities so they can build their future in Johor.”  -- SOURCE : Minderjeet Kaur   -- CREDIT : FREEMALAYSIATODAY 

BN’s Pandak to put focus on housing, roads and clinics

PRINCESS ISKANDAR, July 6 — Pandak Ahmad, the Barisan Nasional candidate in Kota Iskandar, has pledged to accelerate affordable housing projects, improve road infrastructure, and push for the construction .... read more

PAGOH, Johor – Datuk Wira Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Chairman of the UMNO Malaysia Secretariat, continued his 9th day of the Johor State Election campaign tour by attending a meeting with party machinery and local residents at the Barisan Nasional Operations Room for the Bukit Pasir state constituency in Pagoh yesterday afternoon. During the session, he stressed the importance of intensifying campaign efforts as polling day draws nearer, including house-to-house outreach to ensure that the party’s message and agenda are effectively delivered to voters. He said that UMNO’s tradition has always been to serve the people at all times, not only during election periods, but consistently in its efforts to safeguard the welfare of the community. Commenting on the performance of the current representative, he noted that Ir. Ts. Fazli Salleh has demonstrated commitment and capability throughout his term as a Johor State Executive Councillor, with a commendable service record in developing the constituency and ensuring the well-being of the people. He therefore urged all campaign machinery to further strengthen their efforts in the final phase of the campaign to secure victory for the candidate in Bukit Pasir, and to help Barisan Nasional achieve success in Johor, in order to continue the state’s development and prosperity agenda. -- MINUTESMY

Datuk Wira Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Continues BN Campaign Trail In Bukit Pasir, Pagoh

PAGOH, Johor – Datuk Wira Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Chairman of the UMNO Malaysia Secretariat, continued his 9th day of the Johor State Election campaign tour by attending a meeting .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, July 6 -- Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said he has joined the Barisan Nasional (BN) Federal Territories machinery to assist the coalition’s campaign efforts in Johor by engaging with various communities on the ground yesterday. The outreach programme included meetings with Chinese and Indian communities, small traders, industry players, and representatives from the Iskandar Puteri Chinese Chamber of Commerce (IPCCC). The discussions focused on economic issues, business concerns, and challenges faced by local small traders and industry stakeholders. The campaign activities involved several state constituencies, namely: Kota Iskandar DUN: Pandak Ahmad Perling DUN: Pannir Selvam Puteri Wangsa DUN: Teow Chia Ling Johari said the ground engagement was aimed at explaining BN’s policies and commitments in strengthening political stability, economic development, and Johor’s progress for all communities. He added that grassroots support and a clear understanding of local issues are essential to ensure continued and effective development in the state. The campaign is part of preparations for the upcoming state election in Johor. -- MINUTESMY              

BN Reaches Out to Voters Across Communities in Johor Campaign Effort

JOHOR BAHRU, July 6 — Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said he has joined the Barisan Nasional (BN) Federal Territories machinery to assist the coalition’s campaign efforts in Johor by .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 6 -- Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has praised the unwavering commitment of Barisan Nasional (BN) supporters after a week of campaigning for the Johor state election, describing their dedication as a key strength in the coalition's campaign efforts. The BN Chairman said he was proud to witness supporters from all racial backgrounds working tirelessly, both on the ground and through digital platforms, to help secure victory for BN candidates in the upcoming polls. Zahid called on campaign workers to continue engaging with voters in a respectful and responsible manner by highlighting the strengths of BN candidates and presenting the coalition's policy offers to the people. He stressed the importance of maintaining good manners throughout the campaign, noting that Johor voters are closely observing the conduct and character of political parties during the election period. With only a few days remaining before polling day, Zahid also reminded supporters to take care of their health while carrying out campaign activities. Expressing hope for a positive outcome, he prayed that Allah SWT would grant strength, ease all campaign efforts, and bless BN with the best possible victory for the people of Johor. -- MINUTESMY

Datuk Seri Dr. Zahid Hamidi Commends BN Campaign Workers, Urges Respectful Campaigning Ahead of Johor Polls

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 6 — Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has praised the unwavering commitment of Barisan Nasional (BN) supporters after a week of campaigning for the Johor state election, .... read more

JOHOR, JULY 6 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged voters in Serom to give Pakatan Harapan a clear mandate in the upcoming Johor State Election to ensure the state's development agenda continues in a more organised, effective and people-centred manner yesterday. Speaking at the conclusion of his campaign programme in Johor, Anwar said the election is not merely about choosing a political party or individual candidate but about determining the future direction of Johor for the years ahead. He stressed that the decision made by voters on polling day would shape the state's political stability, economic growth and the quality of life for future generations. "Johor's future depends on the choices made today. This election is about building a stable government that can strengthen the economy, increase investor confidence, create more quality job opportunities and ensure the well-being of all citizens," he said. Anwar added that a strong mandate for Pakatan Harapan would enable the government to continue implementing policies that benefit the people while driving sustainable development across the state. He also called on voters to support Pakatan Harapan on polling day, expressing confidence that a stable and responsible administration would enable Johor to continue moving forward and deliver greater prosperity for all. The Johor State Election is scheduled to take place on 11 July, with political parties making their final appeals to voters ahead of polling day. -- MINUTESMY

PM Anwar Ibrahim Calls on Serom Voters to Give Pakatan Harapan a Strong Mandate

JOHOR, JULY 6 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged voters in Serom to give Pakatan Harapan a clear mandate in the upcoming Johor State Election to ensure .... read more

JOHOR, JULY 6 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday said Johor possesses all the necessary strengths to remain one of Malaysia's most developed states and continue serving as a key driver of the nation's economic growth. Speaking during the Johor State Election campaign, Anwar stressed that sustained progress depends on political stability, good governance, integrity and a government committed to serving the interests of the people. He said Johor's future should be guided by effective administration and long-term development rather than prolonged political disputes that could hinder the state's progress. "Johor has all the prerequisites to continue as a developed state and become a catalyst for Malaysia's economic growth. What is needed is political stability, wise administration, integrity and the determination to continue working for the people," he said. Anwar added that a strong mandate for Pakatan Harapan would enable the government to continue implementing its development agenda, strengthen the state's economy and ensure that prosperity is shared by all Malaysians. He also called on voters to support Pakatan Harapan in the upcoming Johor State Election, expressing confidence that a stable government would allow Johor to move forward with greater economic opportunities and inclusive development for its people. The Johor State Election will be held on 11 July, with political parties intensifying their campaigns across the state ahead of polling day. -- MINUTESMY

PM Anwar Ibrahim Says Political Stability Key to Johor’s Continued Growth

JOHOR, JULY 6 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday said Johor possesses all the necessary strengths to remain one of Malaysia’s most developed states and continue serving as .... read more

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