Pakatan Harapan (PH) has launched its manifesto for the July 11 Johor state election, outlining a wide-ranging development plan aimed at transforming the state into the ‘Shenzhen of Southeast Asia’.
The coalition said its vision is inspired by Shenzhen’s rise into one of China’s leading technology hubs and centres on strengthening Johor’s economy, improving public services and creating better opportunities for residents.
A key pledge is to attract 20,000 Johorean professionals currently working in Singapore back to the state by 2031 through employment opportunities and entrepreneurship incentives.
Focus on healthcare, housing and transport
Among its major commitments, PH pledged to provide up to RM100,000 in public health insurance coverage for 500,000 Johoreans, particularly those in the B40 and M40 income groups as well as persons with disabilities.
The coalition also promised RM8,000 in assistance for 50,000 young families to help with first-home downpayments, alongside easier financing options, rent-to-own schemes and the construction of 80,000 affordable homes over the next five years.
Other proposals include a RM1,000 incentive for every child born in Johor, the establishment of 250 Madani childcare centres to encourage greater workforce participation among women, and a RM50 monthly public transport pass for students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
PH also plans to integrate Johor’s transport network with the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link and the ETS, with the aim of reducing border waiting times by 50%.
In addition, the coalition proposed introducing RTS feeder bus services in Skudai, Kulai, Kempas and Pasir Gudang, benefiting more than 300,000 Johoreans who commute to Singapore for work.
Youth and business development
PH pledged RM500 million for youth-focused initiatives, including technical and vocational education, artificial intelligence training, entrepreneurship programmes and free tuition for students from B40 households.
The coalition said about 200,000 young Johoreans would benefit from programmes designed to improve English proficiency and digital skills.
To strengthen the economy, PH also proposed a RM1 billion financing fund for small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs to support new businesses, digital transformation and export expansion into the Asean market.
The manifesto also outlines plans to position Johor as a leading agrofood producer while promoting high-value industries such as furniture manufacturing, the creative economy, oil and gas, tourism and modern agriculture.
PH aims to create 250,000 new high-paying jobs and raise Johor’s median income by about 30% over the next five years through artificial intelligence-driven upskilling, automation and smart logistics.
Manifesto designed for all Johoreans
Puteri Wangsa candidate Maszlee Malik described the manifesto as realistic and implementable, saying it addresses the needs of Johoreans from Felda communities to those who travel daily to Singapore for work.
He said the manifesto carries the theme ‘Johor for all’, adding that the coalition’s vision is centred on shared prosperity and safeguarding Johor’s future.
