Tan Chen Choon

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 12 -- The RM30 million allocation for the Department of Environment (DOE) and the Chemistry Department under the 2020 Budget will be a boost for the Johor Sustainability Policy, said state executive council member Tan Chen Choon.

This would indirectly strengthen the role of DOE in tackling the threats of pollution in Johor following the state’s rapid development, said Tan, who is in charge of local government, urban wellbeing and environment.

“It would enhance the enforcement, preservation and conservation efforts of the DOE,” he said when commenting on the budget which was unveiled yesterday.

Meanwhile, Johor Public Works, Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Mohd Solihan Badri hoped the federal government’s RM85 million allocation to improve traffic flow at the Johor Causeway would improve the system efficiency, infrastructure facilities and enforcement.

Strengthening these three components is important to overcome the longstanding problem of traffic congestion at the causeway, he said.

In KANGAR, Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man said the RM50 million allocation for development of the Chuping Valley Industrial Area (CVIA) shows that the federal government gives priority to projects which have socio-economic impact.

Azlan said the CVIA, planned to be developed over 10 years for green technology industries by the Perlis government, would be a catalyst for the economic growth of Perlis.

He hoped the allocation would be received in full without any “gap” at the implementation level to make a success of the state government’s agenda to create an industrial area.

"I welcome the 2020 Budget, especially proposals related to Perlis, and view it as being able to bring benefits, in particular via infrastructure projects in the state,” he told reporters.

-- BERNAMA