Government urged to return 25 percent of Johor's tax revenue - Tunku Mahkota Ismail

Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the acting Sultan of Johor, has strongly urged the Federal Government to return a significant portion, at least 25%, of the tax revenue generated by the state. His Royal Highness emphasized that the current level of returns is disproportionate to Johor's needs for development and the welfare of its citizens, making it difficult for the state to manage its populace's requirements effectively.

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Therefore, I want to urge the Federal Government that it is time for a portion of the tax revenue generated by Johor, at least 25 percent, to be returned to the state.

During the opening of the fifth session of the 15th Johor State Legislative Assembly, Tunku Mahkota Ismail reiterated his call, stating that it is time for the federal administration to return a substantial share of Johor's tax income. This financial autonomy, he believes, is crucial for Johor to independently manage its people's needs without the lengthy and often cumbersome approval processes associated with the Federal Government. He stressed the importance of allowing the state government the space to be self-reliant in ensuring the continued well-being of Johor's residents.

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This is important so that Johor can manage the people's needs more efficiently without having to rely entirely on a very long approval process.

This is not the first time the Crown Prince has raised this issue. Last year, on July 22, he made a similar plea for the return of 25% of Johor's income tax revenue. He highlighted that such a return would empower Johor with the financial capacity to fund essential public needs, thereby eliminating the need for repeated applications and prolonged waits for federal approval.

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The state government needs to be given space to be independent to ensure the welfare of the people of Johor continues to be protected.

In addition to his fiscal demands, Tunku Mahkota Ismail lauded the state government's administrative efficiency and leadership. He proudly announced that Johor attracted a record RM110 billion in investment in 2025, the highest ever recorded by any state in Malaysia's history. Furthermore, he noted that over the past four years, Johor has attracted a total of RM272 billion in investments, generating more than 80,000 new job opportunities for its people. He also expressed appreciation for the state government's 'Bantuan Kasih Johor' (BKJ) initiative, which has benefited over 500,000 Johoreans regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or background, and expressed hope for its continuation.

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I am proud of the achievements of the state government in the last four years. In terms of economy, Johor has attracted investments totaling RM272 billion, in addition to opening more than 80,000 new job opportunities for the people of Johor and Malaysia.