Johor Bahru: The establishment of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) has positively impacted property sales in Johor, according to State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor. The initiative has helped reduce the number of unsold properties, especially serviced apartments.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, house sales in Johor have shown an upward trend of more than 15 percent from 2022 to 2024. Out of 102,438 serviced apartment units constructed, only about 11,810 remain unsold, with the percentage continuing to decrease. The launch of the JS-SEZ by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has driven this increase in sales.

During a press conference held after the Back To School Donation Presentation Ceremony, where 950 students received school supplies and cash donations from Yayasan Sejahtera Kulai, Mohd Jafni emphasized the state government’s commitment to building 30,000 affordable housing units by 2026. This year, the target is set at over 8,000 units.

From 2022 until December 31, 2024, a total of 13,461 affordable housing units have had their keys handed over. This year, more than 8,000 units are expected to be built, marking the highest record for construction in a single year. Nearly 2,000 units have already been launched in Iskandar Puteri, Mersing, Kluang, and Simpang Renggam, with additional launches anticipated in the fourth quarter.

The construction of affordable housing projects spans all districts, with half located in Johor Bahru, particularly in Iskandar Puteri and Pasir Gudang. Mohd Jafni also noted the state government’s efforts to address ‘sick’ projects, successfully completing eight projects involving 3,500 units and a property value of RM700 million from 2022 until last year.