Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has raised concern over the growing inflation in the state, citing a specific example where a plate of nasi lemak with fried chicken costs RM9 in Johor Bahru, compared to RM7 in Kuala Lumpur.
According to China Press, he said that although Johor’s economy is rapidly developing, residents are facing the pressure of rising living costs.
He attributed part of this issue to the influx of Singaporean visitors every weekend, who come to shop and dine across the border, boosting local business but also contributing to higher prices.
“We must explore a proper mechanism to address inflation, and work with government bodies and businesses to ease the financial burden on Johoreans,” he said during the 79th annual general meeting of The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), held in Johor Bahru.
Housing prices also climbing fast
Datuk Onn Hafiz added that property developers have seen surging demand, with one project selling 300 units in just a weekend.
However, this growth is causing house prices in Johor Bahru to rise sharply — in some cases matching or exceeding Singapore’s property prices.
He stressed that ensuring access to affordable housing for Johoreans must remain a priority.
Micro-managing every step in the process is key, not just for economic reasons, but to make sure the policies we implement truly meet people’s needs,” he said.
Not a competition with Singapore
Johor’s close proximity to Singapore — just 700 metres away — often leads to comparisons between the two, Onn Hafiz noted.
However, he clarified that this comparison should not be seen as a competition, but as a push to find mutually beneficial solutions.
He ended his speech by assuring business leaders that he is ready to collaborate with the private sector, adding in Mandarin, “I’m ready to work with you (ACCCIM) to move Johor forward.”
