Johor bahru: The Johor government has committed approximately RM42.139 million since 2022 to bolster the healthcare sector within the state.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Health and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Ling Tian Soon announced that the funds have been strategically used to upgrade facilities, acquire additional medical equipment, enhance emergency departments, and provide one-off pantry assistance to hospitals, district health offices, dental clinics, and clinics across Johor. Datuk Ling emphasized the proactive stance of the state government, stating, "Although healthcare falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, we chose to act instead of merely waiting. We chose to help instead of looking for excuses," during his address at the Johor State Legislative Assembly sitting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail.

The state government acknowledges the pressures faced by healthcare institutions and has implemented various initiatives, including funding for locum doctors and medical assistants to alleviate workload in hospital emergency departments. Beyond healthcare, Datuk Ling, who also serves as the Yong Peng assemblyman, noted efforts in environmental conservation. The number of rivers classified under severe pollution levels has been halved from 14 to seven, with ongoing rehabilitation projects targeting Sungai Segget and Sungai Danga to achieve the goal of zero polluted rivers by 2030.

Additionally, the state has allocated RM600,000 to address human-elephant conflicts, successfully relocating 26 elephants from July last year to the present month, demonstrating the government's comprehensive approach to both public health and environmental challenges.