JOHOR BAHRU: Because it pivots from the tough financial impression brought on by COVID-19, Johor is eager to develop its agriculture sector and place itself as a key meals exporter to Singapore, mentioned the state’s Chief Minister Hasni Mohammad.
Talking to CNA in an unique interview on Thursday (Nov 19), Mr Hasni was requested on the state authorities’s plans to assist companies and residents impacted by the pandemic.
He mentioned that the federal government is trying to give attention to agricultural actions and create steady digital platforms in order that locals could be concerned within the gig financial system.
“I imagine that Johor has all the time been robust in our agricultural exercise and I want to increase it additional. The truth is, greater than US$20 billion of meals product is exported to Singapore, and if Johor can place ourselves strongly, I imagine that our meals trade can be a key contributor to our future financial system,” mentioned Mr Hasni.
Johor’s main agricultural merchandise embody oil palm, livestock farming in addition to fruit and veggies.
Singapore reportedly imports about 37 per cent of its rooster provide and 15 per cent of its fish from Malaysia, amongst different produce like eggs, greens and milk.
Mr Hasni added that increasing Johor’s agriculture sector would additionally enhance the state’s meals safety. It is going to additionally imply the southern state can act as a “meals financial institution” for different international locations, together with Singapore.
Mr Hasni mentioned that serving as a meals financial institution for Singapore can be one space of collaboration between the 2 neighbours.
READ: From malls to motels, the Singaporean haunts which have gone quiet in Johor Bahru amid COVID-19
LACK OF DATA TO DETERMINE JOHOREANS WHO NEED ASSISTANCE
Commenting on broader efforts to assist Johor recuperate from COVID-19, Mr Hasni famous that many Johoreans have been retrenched or are unemployed.
He mentioned that the state authorities is decided to assist them with job alternatives or supply to coach and upskill them.
Nonetheless, he acknowledged that the state authorities may not have ample information, to precisely collate info on the residents who require help.
“The one subject the state is dealing with is the (lack of) information. We all know for a reality that everyone is affected (by COVID-19), however we have to know whether or not our information covers those that require our assist,” mentioned Mr Hasni.
“(Now the information we have now) undoubtedly doesn’t embody 100 per cent of these on the market. If it’s lower than 50 per cent or 60 per cent, then it’s undoubtedly not sufficient. I’ve to do one thing as a result of I need to have the ability to seize all those that require help in no matter type. If we have now full and correct information, we can plan issues out a lot better,” the chief minister added.
JOHOR-SINGAPORE BILATERAL PROJECTS
Commenting on Singapore-Malaysia bilateral tasks, Mr Hasni was optimistic that the 2 rail tasks, the Fast Transit System (RTS) Hyperlink and the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore Excessive-Velocity Rail (HSR) mission, would profit Johoreans as soon as they’re accomplished.
The RTS Hyperlink goals to attach Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands in Singapore, serving about 10,000 passengers per hour every approach to assist ease site visitors congestion on the Causeway.
Building for Bukit Chagar station is scheduled to kick off on Sunday afternoon through a digital floor breaking ceremony.
“(The RTS Hyperlink) is a sport changer for us as a result of for the primary time in historical past, we have now such a sophisticated and up to date mode of journey between Malaysia and Singapore. So I sit up for that launching and it’ll create jobs and it’ll enhance the financial system,” mentioned Mr Hasni.
Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong met on the halfway level of the Causeway on Jul 30, 2020 to witness the ceremony marking the official resumption of the Fast Transit System (RTS) Hyperlink mission. (Photograph: Gaya Chandramohan)
Beforehand, it was introduced that the development will occur in two phases. The event and civil section will happen from 2021 to finish of 2024, whereas the commissioning and testing section will happen from 2025 till the top of 2026.
Passenger service is focused to start out from end-2026.
In the meantime, for the HSR, Mr Hasni mentioned he was optimistic {that a} choice can be made earlier than the top of the 12 months on whether or not each side will proceed with the development section.
He added that the mission is one thing which “provides hope and expectations” to the locals because it boosts employment alternatives and financial actions within the area.
An artist’s impression of a KL-Singapore Excessive Velocity Rail (HSR) station. (Photograph: MyHSR)
In September 2018, Singapore and Malaysia agreed to postpone the development of the HSR till end-Might this 12 months. Malaysia needed to pay Singapore S$15 million for prices incurred in suspending the mission.
Malaysia later requested an additional seven-month extension to permit each side to debate and assess Malaysia’s proposed modifications to the mission.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan, who was then Singapore’s Transport Minister, agreed to the “ultimate extension of the suspension interval” till Dec 31.
Each international locations had additionally introduced that the HSR service can be anticipated to start out by Jan 1, 2031, as an alternative of the unique graduation date of Dec 31, 2026, because of that suspension.
The proposed HSR line goals to cut back journey time between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to round 90 minutes by practice, from the present 11 hours on present practice companies.
When operational, the road will supply an categorical service between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, a home service from Kuala Lumpur to Iskandar Puteri and a shuttle service from Iskandar Puteri to Jurong East.
In the course of the interview, the chief minister additionally touched on the Johor Financial Tourism and Cultural workplace (JETCO) in Singapore, which is slated to open within the first quarter of 2021.
Mr Hasni mentioned the workplace will facilitate Singapore companies who’re to begin operations in Johor in addition to appeal to investments for the state.
READ: Johor state authorities to determine firm in Singapore for enhancing commerce ties
He added that JETCO can be a car for the Johor state authorities officers to be seconded to varied companies in Singapore, in order that “they’ll study and be uncovered to new methods of doing issues”.
“We must always study from Singapore’s success tales,” mentioned Mr Hasni.
“In managing water, the setting, how sure infrastructure are carried out, and even housing insurance policies,” he added.
Tune in to CNA on Monday morning from 7am to see extra of what the Chief Minister has to say about Johor’s financial system and cooperation with Singapore.
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