Noorazam (centre) speaking with Nelson (third from left). With them are (from left) Johor bureau photographer Thomas Yong and journalists Remar, Farhaan, Venesa Devi and Yee Xiang Yun.
Star Media Group (SMG) Johor bureau won four awards at Johor Baru City Council’s (MBJB) media appreciation night.
The bureau was recognised as active media partner while journalists Remar Nordin and Mohd Farhaan Shah won first and second places respectively in the journalist award category.
Remar and news editor Nelson Benjamin also won the best article and publication awards for their exclusive story on MBJB seeking long-term solutions for the city’s stray animal issues.
The prizes were presented by Johor Baru mayor Datuk Noorazam Osman during the event held at Menara MBJB.
Winners of each category received a certificate and RM1,000 for first place, RM700 for second place and RM500 for third place.
In his speech, Noorazam expressed his appreciation to media members for MBJB coverage throughout the year.
“It is my hope that the good relationship forged between MBJB and the media will be strengthened and they will continue to help us channel vital information to the public.”
Noorazam said MBJB had received numerous awards and national-level recognition this year.
He said MBJB also forged cooperation at the international level with cities such as China’s Shantou, Japan’s Kyoto and South Korea’s Daegu.
He noted that Johor Baru had received a lot of media attention for the Rapid Transit System (RTS) project and Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
“Johor Baru is experiencing a transformation to become the nation’s main centre of economic growth after Kuala Lumpur.”
He said MBJB carried out 12 high-impact projects in 2024, with another 20 in 2025 that were expected to deliver positive impact for the local community.
“MBJB aims to collect RM570mil in 2025, with 68% from tax revenue, 23% from non-tax revenue and 9% from non-revenue receipts.
“Of the total income, RM327.9mil is allocated for operating expenses while RM242mil has been earmarked for city development, with a budget surplus expected at RM100,000,” he elaborated.
Nelson, who is also The Star’s Johor bureau chief, said he appreciated how Noorazam and his team were cooperative and forthcoming with journalists on various matters including sensitive ones like the city’s stray dog population.
“During my meeting with the mayor, he was very open and he acknowledged some of the council’s shortcomings.
“He spoke on how the council was willing to make changes and work with non-governmental organisations to start its own trap, neuter and release (TNR) programme.
“This is something really commendable as MBJB is also now planning to build a new shelter.
“I hope the other 15 local councils in Johor adopt a similar mindset and continue to engage with the media.”
Nelson added that the five awards presented to The Star was in recognition of the newspaper’s role in highlighting issues faced by the people and communities in Johor.
