Johor bahru: The increase in allowances for village heads, Orang Asli Tok Batin, and Quran and Fardhu Ain (KAFA) teachers is among the 35 initiatives introduced under the Johor Budget 2026 to drive and transform state governance. Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced that the allowances for these roles would see a rise by RM300 per month, from RM1,200 to RM1,500, starting January next year, supported by an additional allocation of RM2.6 million.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the allowances for KAFA teachers will increase from RM1,612 to RM1,762 per month, involving an allocation of RM5.92 million and benefiting a total of 2,150 teachers. Additionally, a one-off assistance for teachers' rooms will be provided, benefiting more than 54,000 teachers in 1,780 schools, including government religious schools, with an allocation of RM8.9 million.
A total of RM10 million has also been allocated to implement programmes in collaboration with several leading international universities, such as Oxford University, Harvard University, Stanford University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This was announced by Onn Hafiz while tabling the state's Budget 2026 at Kota Iskandar.
The establishment of the Johor Artificial Intelligence (AI) Council aims to position the state as a regional AI and data hub by 2030, with an allocation of RM774,000 for the implementation of the Counselling Clinic Programme. The initiatives under the Johor Budget 2026 are expected to strengthen governance and drive comprehensive transformation, ensuring sustained progress and benefits for the people.
Onn Hafiz emphasized that the move is part of a holistic effort to ensure effective policy translation, prudent state revenue management, and strengthened public trust. Each initiative underscores Johor's rapid progress in physical development and in fostering a culture of professionalism, solidarity, and innovation.
The Johor Budget 2026, amounting to RM2.546 billion, marks an increase from RM1.999 billion last year, focusing on the welfare and well-being of Johoreans while bolstering the state's fiscal position.