Kota tinggi: The construction of the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia Teaching Hospital (HPUSIM) in Mukim Sedili is expected to serve as a major catalyst for development in the Kota Tinggi parliamentary constituency, said its member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamed Khaled, who is also Defence Minister, mentioned that the project is currently in the planning and detailed assessment phase, which includes evaluating costs and selecting a suitable contractor. He highlighted that the project is being carefully planned and reviewed, emphasizing the importance of cost considerations before proceeding with the appointment of the contractor.

The Defence Minister further stated, “Therefore, we expect to see progress from this initial stage within the next two to three years. It’s not a matter of approving the allocation today and starting construction tomorrow,” during his speech at the Kembara Lestari @ Kota Tinggi programme organised by the Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Foundation at Felda Lok Heng Barat.

He elaborated that the first phase of the project would involve an estimated allocation of RM900 million and is anticipated to bring significant economic benefits to the people of Kota Tinggi, especially in the Sedili area.

Previously, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, also expressed confidence that the HPUSIM project would have a positive impact on infrastructure development and the well-being of the local community, indicating that the project is poised to stimulate the local economy and benefit the people of Johor overall.