JOHOR BARU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is positive that hardcore poverty in Johor will be eradicated with the state's economic growth that is expected to flourish over the next one to two years.
He said about 2,000 people in the state are living below the hardcore poverty line.
"With Special Finance Zone (SFZ), Johor- Singapore Economy Zone and the state's first Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre, Johor's economic landscape is poised for growth compared with the other states in the country," he said, adding that the economic growth will contribute towards eradicating hardcore poverty.
He was at the Johor-leg Aidilfitri Madani 2024 celebration at Padang Begonia, Angsana Johor Baru Mall, here today.
Johor was selected for the first-leg of the celebrations, which will be held in seven states. The other states are Sabah on April 20, Melaka (April 22), Kelantan (May 2), Kedah (May 4), Penang (May 5) and Terengganu (May 9). More than 5,000 people attended the Johor-leg celebrations today.
Anwar also said Johor had enjoyed massive development recently, which included flood mitigation projects, widening of highways and other upgrading works.
"The upgrading works are for the benefit of the people. Its 'Fitra Ehsan'," he said.
"Fitra Ehsan" is an Arabic term meaning charitable giving or an act of kindness and generosity.
Anwar said the country's development should always prioritise the people's interest besides benefiting them.
"One's standing in the eyes of Allah will ascend when they embody noble traits such as kindness, integrity, dignity, principles, and love among the people, while abhorring bribery and the misuse of power," he said.
Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said RM4.7 billion worth of projects had been approved by Anwar, which included the flood mitigation projects.
He also thanked the prime minister for choosing Johor as the first destination in its Madani Aidilfitri celebration.
"Clearly, the country's top leader choosing Johor as the curtain raiser, undoubtedly brings joy to Johoreans," he said.
"Undoubtedly, Johor is a state filled with prosperity, and this visit will surely bring joy to us all," he said during the same event."
In attendance were Defence Minister Datuk Khaled Nordin, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, statesman Tun Musa Hitam, and the state executive council members.
