JOHOR BAHRU – The Johor State Government has announced the expansion of the Bangsa Johor Bahagia (BJB) initiative, a community-focused programme aimed at enhancing the quality of life in low-cost housing areas across the state.
The announcement was made by YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, the Menteri Besar of Johor, during an audience with Her Royal Highness Raja Zarith Sofiah, the Queen Mother, at Istana Bukit Serene on 10 November.
The audience was also attended by several senior state officials, including Dato’ Asman Shah Abd Rahman, Johor State Secretary, accompanied by his wife Datin Halimah Mohamed Rasip.
Others present were YB Dato’ Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, Chairman of the Housing and Local Government Committee; Dato’ Mohd Haffiz Ahmad, Mayor of Johor Bahru City Council; Prof SR Dr Maimunah Sapri, Head of the BJB Project; and Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Hisyam Rashidi of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
The BJB programme was first introduced in 2019 under the inspiration of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah.
It is jointly supported by the Sultan Ibrahim Johor Foundation and the Raja Zarith Sofiah Foundation, in collaboration with UTM and the Johor State Government.
The pilot project, known as BJB 1.0, was launched at the Kangkar Pulai New Town Flats and has since been recognised for improving community cohesion and living standards.
Building on this success, BJB 2.0 was rolled out at the Plentong Utama Flats earlier this year, further strengthening the programme’s reach.
The next phase, BJB 3.0, will extend to the Larkin Flats in Johor Bahru and the Temenggong Flats in Kulai. This expansion is expected to benefit more families living in stratified housing schemes, where challenges such as maintenance, social development, and economic opportunities are more pronounced.
According to the state government, the new phase will be carried out in partnership with the Johor Bahru City Council, the Kulai Municipal Council, and the Johor State Housing Development Corporation (PKPKJ).
The initiative will adopt a theme of heritage and renewal, with a strong emphasis on addressing socio-economic issues, youth empowerment, and intergenerational development.
The programme also aims to create platforms for residents to adapt to change, while fostering a stronger sense of belonging and resilience within communities.
By focusing on both physical and social aspects of housing, the BJB initiative seeks to ensure that residents not only have improved living conditions but also greater opportunities for personal and collective growth.
The expansion reflects Johor’s broader commitment to sustainable urban development and inclusive growth, aligning with national priorities to uplift communities in need.
