Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid clarifies KEJORA’s proposed expansion focuses on development coordination, not land acquisition, with 96% public support.
KOTA TINGGI: The proposed expansion of the South East Johor Development Authority’s (KEJORA) development area is intended to coordinate development rather than acquire land in the affected districts, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the clarification was necessary to dispel public misconceptions that the agency intended to take ownership of land within the proposed expansion area.
He said KEJORA’s strong development track record, with projects achieving a 98.3 per cent success rate, was the main driver behind the proposal.
“The projects implemented have delivered strong results, supporting the Johor government’s efforts to expand development across south-eastern Johor, including Pengerang, which is experiencing rapid growth through mega projects and the tourism sector,” he told a press conference after officiating the KEJORA 2025 Excellent Service Awards and Appreciation Ceremony here today.
Also present was Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, who is also the Member of Parliament for Pengerang.
Ahmad Zahid said the proposal was also backed by a public feedback study conducted by KEJORA, with 96 per cent of respondents supporting the initiative.
However, he stressed that its implementation remains subject to the consent of the King of Malaysia, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, and the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail.
Separately, Ahmad Zahid said the Rural and Regional Development Ministry has allocated about RM138 million to KEJORA for development projects in the region.
“A total of 107 programmes have been implemented, while around 350 smaller projects will follow under the allocation,” he said.
He also expressed support for Azalina’s proposal to elevate Pengerang to district status and build a new hospital to meet the needs of its growing population.
Earlier, Azalina said Pengerang should be upgraded into a new district in view of its rapid development.
