ISKANDAR PUTERI, April 30 — The Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, wants the full operation of the Pasir Gudang Hospital (HPG) to be expedited.
His Royal Highness said this is crucial, given that the healthcare sector is critical and cannot be delayed.
“Although most services have started, issues regarding staffing and equipment must be resolved immediately without delay,” His Royal Highness decreed at the opening of the fifth session of the 15th Johor State Legislative Assembly at Bangunan Sultan Ismail here today.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad was previously quoted as saying that the HPG was expected to be operational after reaching at least 50 per cent readiness.
He said the Ministry of Health (MOH) was actively implementing thorough preparations with the Johor government to ensure that basic equipment, medical equipment and human resources were sufficient before the hospital began operations.
Meanwhile, Tunku Mahkota Ismail expressed his appreciation for the recognition of the Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) as one of the World’s Best Hospitals 2026 recently.
His Royal Highness said the achievement was the result of joint efforts between the state government and the Federal Government in strengthening the quality of services, facilities and the efficiency of Johor’s healthcare system, which is now on the right track.
“Various initiatives, such as facility upgrades, digital system implementation and innovative approaches, to reduce hospital congestion have successfully improved patient experience and comfort,” Tunku Mahkota Ismail said.
State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon was reported to have said that the recognition by Newsweek and Statista proved that continuous efforts to strengthen the quality of services and healthcare facilities are beginning to bear fruit.
He described the recognition as a catalyst for the state’s healthcare sector to move further forward and expressed his appreciation to all HSA staff for their commitment to providing the best services.
Meanwhile, Tunku Mahkota Ismail urged the state government to continue efforts to bring the poverty rate down to zero for about 6,500 poor people based on the achievement of achieving zero poverty for 4,612 hardcore poor on April 29 last year.
His Royal Highness said these efforts must be empowered so that no one who is in need is left behind in receiving assistance.
On the Automated Rapid Transit (ART) project, Tunku Mahkota Ismail hopes all considerations and approvals can be expedited so that the state’s public transportation system can truly support economic growth and the well-being of Bangsa Johor.
His Royal Highness stressed that the project required serious attention and support from the Federal Government because it is an urgent necessity to cope with the increased movement of people following the implementation of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link
Tunku Mahkota Ismail had previously expressed his concern over potential traffic congestion when the RTS Link begins operations early next year, as well as the ART project that has yet to be implemented.
The proposed ART project in Johor Bahru will have 32 stations spanning over 50 kilometres and is expected to cost about RM7 billion.
