Johor wants state capital to be progressive metropolis

The Johor government plans to develop the state capital, Johor Baru, into a cosmopolitan metropolis with a progressive economy, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

The idea is to create a metropolis that offers room to realise the aspirations of its creative, knowledgeable and innovative residents, he said at the launch of the Johor Baru City Council 2016-2020 Strategic Plan and
appreciation night here last night.

Khaled said it was anticipated that by 2050, 70% of the people in the country would reside in large cities and urban centres.
The menteri besar said the state government was convinced Johor Baru would develop more rapidly than other Malaysian cities because of its well-planned and enhanced economic growth.
He cautioned, however, that the targeted success would not be achieved without challenges and problems, and cited some of them as rising urban poverty, declining quality of life, traffic congestion and transportation and
environmental problems.

As such, he said, the city council’s strategic plan should be translated not just through a new mindset and strategies but also by focusing on the city administration, developing a vision and with an understanding of the assets, potential and resources.

The city council should also utilise all existing assets and infrastructure to ensure that Johor Baru developed into a smart and sustainable city, he said.

He also said that the council faced the challenge of branding Johor Baru in such a way for it to be well marketed around the world as a centre for sports, cultural activities, business opportunities and political forums. – Bernama, January 4, 2016.

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