KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Johor has benefitted from higher federal allocations compared to the revenue it contributed between 2023 and 2025.
He explained that Johor contributed about RM14 billion in revenue, but the Federal Government channelled RM16 billion back through projects, administration and development.
Speaking at the Pakatan Harapan candidate announcement ceremony for the Johor State Election in Tangkak, Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the figures were presented to give a clear picture of Putrajaya’s commitment to Johor’s growth and well‑being.
He contrasted allocations under the previous administration with those under the current Madani Government, noting Johor previously received RM6–7 billion annually in operating expenditure, but this has now risen to RM8.7 billion.
“This increase proves our commitment to prioritising Johor’s development and the welfare of its people,” he said, adding that Johor is now the third‑largest recipient of operating and development expenditure after Sabah and Sarawak.
Operating expenditure rose from RM7 billion in 2022 to RM8.7 billion in 2026, while development expenditure jumped from RM2.3 billion to RM4.8 billion. Johor was also listed as the second‑largest recipient of cash aid under Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan_Asas_Rahmah (SARA), after Selangor.
Anwar’s defence comes against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny in Johor, where His Royal Highness (HRH) Tunku Mahkota Ismail, has been vocal about governance and development priorities.
The Prime Minister emphasised that federal allocations must be understood as part of Putrajaya’s long‑term commitment, while cautioning political actors not to drag the royal institution into partisan contests.
With Johor’s state election looming, Anwar’s remarks are seen as both a rebuttal to claims of neglect and a gesture of respect towards the monarchy, positioning the Madani Government as committed to ensuring Johor’s prosperity while countering narratives of uneven development. – June 23, 2026