PASIR GUDANG HOSPITAL, RM4,000 MINIMUM WAGE FOR JS-SEZ WORKERS AND SUFFICIENT WATER SUPPLY

In regards to the opening of the Pasir Gudang Hospital that is slated to begin operations soon, I urge the Health Ministry of Malaysia to take swift action in placing health workers to ensure the hospital is fully operational and meets the health-related needs of Johoreans. I also urge the Federal Government to expedite the approval and hiring process for vacancies that have yet to be filled and that is causing significant congestion at hospitals in this state such as the Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA), Sultan Ismail Hospital (HSI), Temenggong Seri Maharaja Tun Ibrahim Hospital and other hospitals facing a lack of health staffing.

As for new investments into Johor, I would like to advise all relevant companies to offer a minimum wage of RM4,000.00 to local university graduates at the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) to ensure the well-being of the workforce and attract quality local talents. All existing companies are also encouraged to reexamine their salary structures and consider raising the minimum wage for their local workers in Johor. I also urge the Federal Government to establish a clear policy or initiative to resolve the ‘brain drain’ issue in Johor.

Meanwhile, in tackling the issue of water supply, Johor appreciates the approval of the water supply project worth RM991 million by Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB) which will provide additional capacity of 260million litres per day (JLH) that was finalised through the Project Execution Letter (PEL) dated 7 July 2025. This project will strengthen the ability and maintenance of the water distribution system, especially in the JS-SEZ area.

In addition, Johor also aims for raw water infrastructure construction for 2,000JLH which will fulfill the requirements of the state until the year 2060. This includes the Sg. Johor TAPS Project with a 200JLH capacity, the Sg. Sedili Barrage Construction and TAPS Project with a capacity of 600JLH and the Sg. Pontian Barrage Construction and TAPS Project with a capacity of 100JLH that has been approved by the Federal Government under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12). This move is expected to support water supply needs of the industrial, commercial and domestic sectors in the medium to long term. Thus, potential new investors do not need to worry about any water disruption in the future.

The well-being of Johoreans is my priority. I will not abandon this priority and I will continue to speak up to ensure the voice of Johoreans is not subdued in the administrative and procedural complexities. Health services is not a luxury, it’s a fundamental right that should be accessible to every citizen, without long waits nor feeling left behind.

His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail, The Regent of Johor