Pakatan Harapan (PH) has pledged to transform Johor into a strong economic powerhouse that is no longer viewed as a “feeder” state supplying labour to Singapore.
PH election machinery director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said future development plans for Johor must focus on creating high-quality job opportunities so that residents no longer need to cross the border daily in search of income.
He said Johor should be developed into a self-sustaining state capable of generating its own talent, wealth and economic opportunities.
Amirudin stressed that the goal is to ensure Malaysians, particularly Johoreans, can secure well-paying jobs locally instead of commuting across the Causeway.
He made the remarks while launching the PH Johor Election Manifesto at an event held in the state today.
He added that Johor has the potential to emerge as one of Southeast Asia’s key growth hubs if state and federal strengths are effectively aligned.
Amirudin also said ongoing strategic projects such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, and efforts to revitalise Forest City have already generated positive economic momentum.
However, he stressed that the benefits of these developments must be translated into higher-income jobs and broader wealth distribution across all districts, not just concentrated in the southern region.
He further noted that while Johor Bahru records relatively higher average incomes, areas such as Mersing and Benut continue to lag behind in economic development and income levels.
