Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim said the federal government is responsible for much of the revenue shortfall affecting Johor, responding to a remark that described the state as wealthy but beset by “leakages”.
He said his view is grounded in experience with development projects in Johor that were delayed or obstructed by Putrajaya.
Tunku Ismail noted Johor contributes more than RM40 billion annually to the federal coffers, yet only about RM2 billion to RM3 billion is returned to address the needs of nearly 4.9 million residents.
“When we contribute more than RM40 billion a year in state revenue, and only RM2 billion to RM3 billion is returned to us to take care of Johor’s 4.9 million people, how does that make sense? It is simply not logical,” he said.
demand for 25–30 percent return
He urged that at least 25 to 30 percent of revenue collected from Johor should be returned to the state, so that more development projects and welfare initiatives can proceed without prolonged federal approval delays.
Tunku Ismail said routine matters — such as repairing a school roof in Segamat, fixing damaged roads in Batu Pahat, and upgrading hospital facilities — should not be delayed simply because they await federal clearance.
healthcare delays and staffing shortages
He raised concerns over delays in key healthcare projects, including Pasir Gudang Hospital, shortages of doctors and medical staff, and the unresolved approval for Sultanah Aminah II Hospital.
Tunku Ismail said Pasir Gudang Hospital once faced cancellation before he pressed for four years to ensure the project continued. The hospital now operates but still lacks adequate medical staff, affecting service delivery to the local community.
“Who are the ones suffering? Is it the people who are suffering, or those at the top? It is the people who are suffering,” he said.
Tunku Ismail stressed that these project delays hinder Johor’s development despite the state’s major contribution to the national economy. He emphasised that the call for a greater return of revenue is not intended to create hostility with the federal government but to ensure Johor can better look after its people and accelerate development.
“We do not want to be hostile, confront anyone, or create problems for the government administering the country, but, they must take care of us as partners. It is time for the federal government to take seriously the lives of the people of Johor, their welfare, and the development of the state,” he said.
