Onn Hafiz (fourth from left) and other guests watching as the kuthu vilakku is being lit to officiate the Deepavali celebration in Taman Tampoi Indah.
JOHOR government will assist the Indian community in the state capital to get a plot of land for arts and cultural activities.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced this during the state Deepavali celebration in Taman Tampoi Indah, citing the importance of preserving the culture and arts of all races in Malaysia.
“I have spoken with Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman, and we believe we can provide a site to build a hall.
“Hopefully, we can have our Deepavali celebration at the new hall next year,” he added.
Onn Hafiz said the welfare of all races was important for the state government.
“We submitted a request to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim two months ago, for a crematorium specifically for Johor.
“When the Prime Minister announced it under Budget 2025, he gave an allocation for crematoriums to be built in Johor and other states as well,” Onn Hafiz said, referring to a RM20mil allocation for crematoriums in several states including Kedah, Johor, Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Penang.
“This shows that our efforts in Johor have benefitted people across the country, especially the Indian community.”
Earlier in his speech, Johor MIC chairman K. Raven Kumar, who is also state unity, heritage and culture committee chairman, requested assistance from the state government for a site to build a hall for arts and cultural activities for the Indian community.
“The hall is important as it will allow us to preserve and develop our arts and culture.
“Many artists have approached my office, requesting a place for them to perform.
“We need a piece of land from the state government to build the hall,” he said.
Also present at the event were Johor police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar, Mohd Noorazam, MIC vice-president Datuk M. Asojan, MIC Wanita chief S. Saraswati, Pulai MP Suhaizan Kayat and Perling assemblyman and Investment, Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong.
