Johor women, family and community development committee chairman Khairin-Nisa Ismail.
JOHOR BARU: A total of RM348.13mil has been allocated to the Johor Women, Family, and Community Development Committee as part of the state's Social Safety Net initiatives under the Johor Budget 2025.
Committee chairman Khairin-Nisa Ismail said the comprehensive allocation seeks to address various needs of vulnerable groups, focusing on financial assistance, child welfare, support for persons with disabilities (PwDs), and women empowerment.
"The Johor Chief Minister Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has unveiled the Johor Budget 2025 with the theme 'Maju Johor, Rakyat Sejahtera' (Progressive Johor, Prosperous People), which emphasises the well-being of the state's citizens and aims to ensure inclusive and sustainable development across the state.
"One of the most impactful initiatives in the budget is the increase in financial aid for senior citizens and children.
"Following the Federal Government’s announcement, the monthly assistance for senior citizens will be raised from RM500 to RM600, while child aid will range from RM200 to RM250 depending on the child’s age," she said in a statement here on Monday (Nov 25).
The Serom assemblyman added that these changes will benefit 232,503 recipients in Johor, with a total allocation of RM321.79mil, including contributions from both the Federal and State Governments.
"In addition to direct financial assistance, the budget introduces targeted programmes to support children and teenagers who have been orphaned due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The Anak Angkat Makmur Johor programme, which has been allocated RM1.8mil, will provide crucial aid to 1,200 children and teenagers, ensuring their needs are met during these challenging times," she added.
Childcare development also receives significant attention in the budget. With RM400,000 set aside for the construction of a Jauhar Child Care Centre (JCCC) at PPR Sri Stulang, the state aims to improve access to high-quality childcare facilities, said Khairin-Nisa.
"A further RM230,000 is allocated to enhance the quality of nurseries through the Star Rating Taska programme, ensuring these facilities meet stringent safety and cleanliness standards.
"Additionally, RM150,000 will fund the Child Support Team, which trains volunteers, community leaders, and local stakeholders in safeguarding children’s rights," she added.
The budget also prioritises the well-being and empowerment of PwDs. Initiatives such as the Kasih OKU Mobility Programme will benefit 280 individuals by providing free motorbike licences and health screenings.
Meanwhile, rehabilitation and skills training programmes are set to enhance the physical, speech, and life skills of 200 PwD trainees, she added.
"These efforts will be complemented by Disability Equality Training (DET) and Basic Job Coach Courses, initiatives designed to facilitate PwDs' entry into the job market, in partnership with employers," she said.
Women’s empowerment plays a central role in the 2025 budget. The government has allocated RM1.5mil to support women entrepreneurs by providing business equipment and entrepreneurship training to 1,700 women.
"Additional allocations include RM1mil for programmes that engage women and families at the district and state levels, and RM300,000 for a continued focus on women’s reproductive health through cancer awareness campaigns," she said.
Community-based support programmes also receive considerable investment. The state has allocated RM1.9mil to upgrade 29 Community-Based Rehabilitation Centres, 9 Senior Citizen Activity Centres (PAWE), and 1 Children’s Shelter across Johor.
"These facilities provide critical support services for vulnerable populations, including elderly citizens and children in need," she added.
The establishment of the Squad Mind-X @ Community initiative is another noteworthy addition. With a budget of RM350,000, this programme will offer social and moral support to families in the eKasih database through both physical and online platforms.
"This initiative reflects the state’s commitment to fostering community resilience and providing targeted support to families facing hardships.
"By allocating significant resources to social welfare, the Johor Budget 2025 demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring the prosperity and well-being of its people. Through its inclusive and forward-looking initiatives, the government aims to uplift communities, empower vulnerable groups, and create a more equitable and harmonious society in the state," said Khairin-Nisa.
