Johor Housing Advisory Panel Committee held first meeting yesterday

State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Md Jais Sarday said the meeting was chaired by former State Secretary Datuk Obet Tawil and was attended by most of its members, including former Johor Housing, Local Government, Works and Public Amenities Committee chairman Datuk Ahmad Zahri Jamil.

"The meeting discussed and studied all methods and procedures relating to the application and distribution of affordable houses in Johor, as well as on matters concerning Bumiputera quota.

"However I have yet to receive their report and recommendations which should be tabled to the state government first. We expect it to take another two weeks and if the state government agreed, then we will inform the media," he said.

Md Jais, who is also Mahkota assemblyman, said this to reporters after launching the Bas Muafakat Johor (BMJ) service for the district here today.

Md Jais had, on March 9, announced that a Housing Advisory Panel Committee would be formed in Johor to study procedures relating to the distribution of houses and real estate in the state.

He said the committee would comprise former executive council members, former Johor State Secretary, former state government officials and developers.

On BMJ service, Md Jais said it was a state government's initiative to reduce the cost of living of the people by providing two free bus services for the people in Kluang, beginning April 15.

BMJ was first introduced in Kulai, Pasir Gudang, Johor Bahru Tengah and Johor Bahru city last year, before being expanded to Muar, Batu Pahat, Kluang, Pontian, Segamat, Tangkak, Kota Tinggi, Mersing, Yong Peng and Simpang Renggam this month.