JOHOR BARU: The Johor government has spent more than RM10 million to improve healthcare services, infrastructure and its environment.
State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said he had visited 64 government clinics since the beginning of this year.
His portfolio of health and unity was changed to health and environment in a state government reshuffle in February.
A free medicine delivery service was implemented, which saved patients from making trips to clinics, while 354 medication pickup lockers were introduced in six locations in the state.
From the state government's RM10 million allocation, RM900,000 was allocated to deliver 12,000 packages monthly, while the pickup locker initiative received RM170,000 in funding, which benefitted 1,000 patients monthly.
A total of RM2.89 million was used to enhance 577 pantries and rest rooms in government hospitals and clinics for the benefit of health workers.
A total of RM2 million was spent on upgrading the healthcare equipment, with 55 clinics in rural areas having its facilities upgraded.
Some 98 government hospitals and clinics also had their facilities and amenities upgraded throughout the year.
Ling said RM1.13 million were allocated in their fight against drug abuse. There were 17 drug haunts identified in the state last year, which underwent a thorough clean-up.
He said while the drug dens were cleared, the addicts were rounded up and sent for rehabilitation.
The fight against drugs was a joint-effort between police and the National Anti-Drug Agency, he said.
Meanwhile, in its environmental efforts, the focus was on sustainability, including taking stern actions against those who polluted rivers.
A drive to clean and rehabilitate rivers was also taken, where 25 tonnes of waste were removed from 10 rivers in all districts of the state.
He said the efforts were taken to prevent further river contamination and coastal areas.
He said conservation projects included reforestation efforts, supporting the Johor Elephant Sanctuary, wildlife monitoring through camera installations and enhancing enforcement to safeguard natural habitats.
A total of RM2 million was spent to upgrade green tourism development, he said, where natural attractions like Gunung Ledang and Bukit Soga were upgraded to promote eco-tourism.
Ling added that Johor's trajectory toward becoming a developed state by 2030 was achievable.
"While challenges remain, we are committed to tangible progress that benefits all Johoreans. Our focus is clear—collaboration, not conflict, will drive Johor forward," he said.