Johor bahru: A surprise visit to the Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) is nothing unusual for Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, but one encounter with a wheelchair-bound woman remains among the most poignant moments of his time leading the state. Her simple request for help to buy disposable diapers left a lasting impression on him and revealed the difficult realities still faced by some members of the Bangsa Johor community.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the woman called out to Onn Hafiz from a distance during his visit. When he approached her and inquired about her needs, she expressed the necessity for assistance in purchasing diapers. This encounter prompted Onn Hafiz to reflect on the plight of many others in similar situations, individuals who are ill and unable to afford basic necessities. He shared in an exclusive interview with Bernama, led by editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, that this moment strengthened his determination to eradicate poverty in Johor.
He emphasized that the state government will continue to support those in need, underscoring that basic necessities should not become a burden for the populace. Onn Hafiz noted that Johor had achieved zero hardcore poverty two years ago, focusing now on aiding over 4,000 people still classified as poor. He highlighted the importance of a comprehensive approach to poverty alleviation, aligning with the call by the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, for collective action.
In June last year, a video of Onn Hafiz's interaction with the woman at the hospital went viral, garnering significant attention online. Besides requesting diaper assistance, the woman also hoped for the construction of another hospital in the state to alleviate congestion at HSA.
The state government's previous successes include lifting over 5,000 heads of households out of the hardcore poverty category by April last year. The focus has since shifted to those classified as poor, with 8,249 heads of households recorded as of October 31 last year. These efforts are in line with Tunku Mahkota Ismail's aspiration to ensure no Johorean remains in poverty.