Johor’s 2026 budget includes RM2.6 million for bus terminal upgrades, RM31 million for Muafakat Johor Bus, and RM44.5 million for water supply improvements.
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor state government is prioritising public transport improvements in its 2026 budget to align with rapid development and major projects like the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link.
Johor Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said strategic steps include studying the takeover of public bus terminals to standardise and improve management standards.
“This study will determine the best model to raise the terminals’ image so that they are more high-technology, cleaner, comfortable and safe according to APAD’s standards and benefit users directly,” he told Bernama.
He added that organised terminals with assured safety and systematic coverage would benefit the public while supporting the Smart City Agenda and Johor Singapore Special Economic Zone growth.
The state will upgrade Pasir Gudang City Centre Bus Terminal Complex and Penawar Bus and Taxi Terminal with RM2.6 million, while allocating RM31 million for the Muafakat Johor Bus initiative.
Another RM895,000 is allocated for the Smart Public Bus Terminal Digitalisation initiative and additional bus pillars along BMJ routes.
Mohamad Fazli said RM1.42 million has been allocated for the Johor Shuttle Bus, a free service to critical locations including Sultanah Aminah Hospital and Sultan Ismail Hospital.
The state will channel RM17 million via Johor Special Aid to 42,524 qualified taxi and p-hailing drivers, involving a one-off payment of RM400 each.
For water security and disaster resilience, RM7 million is allocated for environmental conservation including upgrading river basins and installing log booms.
Another RM2.55 million will tackle beach erosion in critical areas like Pontian, Mersing and Muar, while RM22.6 million is for drainage system work and flood hotspots.
Flood mitigation plans receive RM9.6 million, and RM44.5 million is channelled to upgrading the water distribution system.
This includes RM32 million to raise water pressure and build reserve tanks in end-of-supply areas like Rengit, Batu Pahat.
Main pipe replacement in Redong, Segamat will cost RM12.5 million to address old piping and low water pressure issues.
Critical fixes include improvements to calming pools in Kahang Dam and slope rehabilitation at Juaseh Dam, Segamat.
RM1.1 million is allocated for rental of Telemetri Stations to monitor water quality, with RM600,000 for water quality monitoring systems and RM850,000 for dam risk management.
For road maintenance, the state will receive RM655 million under MARRIS for maintaining 26,568 kilometres of state, local, village and agriculture roads.
Safety allocations include RM22.76 million for bridge upgrades and road expansion, and RM16.88 million specifically for street lamp installation and upgrades.
The Public Works Department’s strategic studies and new projects receive RM3 million, including an initial study on upgrading Jalan Gunung Pulai, while RM5.79 million is allocated for construction of the Gelang Patah-Pendas Bridge.
