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JOHOR BAHRU: As it revolves around the harsh economic impact caused by COVID-19, Johor is eager to develop its agricultural sector and position itself as a key food exporter to Singapore, said Chief State Minister Hasni Mohammad.
Speaking with CNA in an exclusive interview on Thursday (November 19), Mr. Hasni was asked about the state government’s plans to help businesses and residents affected by the pandemic.
He said the government seeks to focus on agricultural activities and create stable digital platforms for locals to participate in the concert economy.
“I think Johor has always been strong in our farming business and I would like to expand it even further. In fact, more than US $ 20 billion worth of food products are exported to Singapore, and if Johor can firmly position us, I believe our food industry will be a key contributor to our future economy, ”Hasni said.
Johor’s main agricultural products include oil palm, livestock, as well as fruits and vegetables.
Singapore reportedly imports about 37 percent of its chicken supply and 15 percent of its fish from Malaysia, among other products such as eggs, vegetables and milk.
Hasni added that expanding Johor’s agricultural sector would also boost the state’s food security. It will also mean that the southern state can act as a “food bank” for other countries, including Singapore.
Hasni said that serving as a food bank for Singapore would be an area of collaboration between the two neighbors.
READ: From shopping malls to hotels, Singapore places that have become quiet in Johor Bahru amid COVID-19
LACK OF DATA TO DETERMINE JOHOREANS WHO NEED HELP
Commenting on the broader efforts to help Johor recover from COVID-19, Hasni noted that many Johoreans have been laid off or are unemployed.
He said the state government is determined to help them with job opportunities or offer to train and improve them.
However, he acknowledged that the state government may not have enough data to collect accurate information on residents who require assistance.
“The only problem facing the state is the (lack of) data. We know for sure that everyone is affected (by COVID-19), but we need to know if our data covers those who require our help, ”said Mr. Hasni.
“(Now the data we have) definitely does not cover 100 percent of what exists. If it is less than 50 percent or 60 percent, it is definitely not enough. I have to do something because I want to be able to capture all those who need help in any way. If we have complete and accurate data, we can plan things much better, “added the prime minister.
JOHOR-SINGAPORE BILATERAL PROJECTS
Commenting on the Singapore-Malaysia bilateral projects, Hasni was optimistic that the two rail projects, the Rapid Transit System (RTS) link and the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore (HSR) high speed rail project, would benefit the johore us once they are completed.
The RTS Link aims to connect Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru with Woodlands in Singapore, serving about 10,000 passengers per hour each way to help ease traffic congestion on the Causeway.
Construction of the Bukit Chagar station is scheduled to begin Sunday afternoon through a virtual groundbreaking ceremony.
“(The RTS Link) is a game changer for us because, for the first time in history, we have such an advanced and updated mode of travel between Malaysia and Singapore. So I look forward to that launch and it will create jobs and boost the economy, ”Hasni said.
Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong gathered at the midpoint of the Causeway on July 30, 2020 to witness the ceremony marking the official resumption of the system liaison project. rapid transit (RTS). (Photo: Gaya Chandramohan)
Previously, it was announced that construction will take place in two phases. The development and civil phase will take place from 2021 to the end of 2024, while the commissioning and testing phase will take place from 2025 to the end of 2026.
Passenger service is scheduled to begin in late 2026.
Meanwhile, for the HSR, Hasni said he was optimistic that a decision will be made before the end of the year on whether both sides will continue with the construction phase.
He added that the project is something that “gives hope and expectations” to the locals, as it boosts job opportunities and economic activities in the region.
Artist’s impression of a KL-Singapore high-speed train (HSR) station. (Photo: MyHSR)
In September 2018, Singapore and Malaysia agreed to postpone the construction of the HSR until the end of May this year. Malaysia had to pay Singapore S $ 15 million for the costs incurred to suspend the project.
Malaysia subsequently requested an additional seven-month extension to allow both parties to discuss and evaluate Malaysia’s proposed changes to the project.
Mr. Khaw Boon Wan, who was then Singapore’s Minister of Transport, agreed to the “final extension of the suspension period” until December 31st.
Both countries had also announced that HSR service was expected to begin on January 1, 2031, rather than the original start date of December 31, 2026, as a result of that suspension.
The proposed HSR line aims to reduce travel time between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to about 90 minutes by train, from the current 11 hours on existing train services.
When operational, the line will offer an express service between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, a domestic service from Kuala Lumpur to Iskandar Puteri and a shuttle service from Iskandar Puteri to Jurong East.
During the interview, the prime minister also referred to the Johor Economic and Cultural Tourism office (JETCO) in Singapore, which is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2021.
Hasni said the office will make it easier for interested Singapore companies to start operations in Johor, as well as attract investment to the state.
READ: Johor state government to establish company in Singapore to boost business ties
He added that JETCO is also a vehicle for Johor state government officials to be seconded to various agencies in Singapore, so that they “can learn and be exposed to new ways of doing things.”
“We should learn from Singapore’s success stories,” Hasni said.
“In water management, the environment, how certain infrastructures are carried out, and even housing policies,” he added.
Tune in to CNA on Monday morning starting at 7am to see more of what the Chief Minister has to say about Johor’s economy and cooperation with Singapore.
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