RM9.8mil makeover for JB tourist spots

JOHOR Baru City Council (MBJB) will spend RM9.8mil to beautify entry points to the city and other places of interest to attract more tourists.

Mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said this was in preparation for Visit Johor Year 2026, which was announced by Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

“Infrastructure improvements will be carried out including upgrading of back lanes in the city centre to draw more visitors to the bazaar area.

“We will also adorn the walls of certain buildings with Johor-centric murals.

“To ensure the safety of visitors, we will instal more closed-circuit television cameras,” he said when chairing the council’s full board meeting.

Mohd Noorazam added that an extra RM3mil would be spent to upgrade camping grounds and the water theme park at Johor Baru’s urban forest.

Mohd Noorazam says funds have also been set aside to upgrade MBJB-owned premises. — Filepic

“A total of RM7.8mil will go towards the upgrading of MBJB-owned premises like business complexes, food courts and markets.”

The funds are part of the surplus budget tabled by the council for 2024.

Mohd Noorazam announced that MBJB’s projected revenue was RM550.67mil, an increase of 6.19% compared to last year.

The city council’s projected expenditure is RM549.13mil that will result in a surplus of RM1.54mil.

Mohd Noorazam added that many of the council’s services would be moved online.

A total of RM6.13mil will be allocated for the digitalisation programme that will be able to handle processes like business licence renewal.

“In January, MBJB will also introduce the eMerit system to grade dining outlets and toilets within its jurisdiction.

“Through the system, visitors and business owners will be able to find out the cleanliness and functionality of these premises and facilities.

Mohd Noorazam added that, MBJB would fully digitalise the parking system and do away with physical coupons.

“As such, we will add more online payment channels and upgrade existing ones to make them more user-friendly.”

He also said MBJB was celebrating the 30th anniversary of Johor Baru’s city status on Jan 1.

“I hope MBJB will continue to provide satisfactory services to the people.”