Kuala lumpur: The proposed expansion of the South East Johor Development Authority's (KEJORA) development area is aimed at coordinating development rather than acquiring land in the affected districts, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, emphasized the necessity of clarifying the purpose of the expansion to dispel public misconceptions that the agency intends to take ownership of land within the proposed expansion area. He highlighted KEJORA's strong development record, noting that projects have achieved a 98.3 percent success rate, which is the main driver behind the proposal.

"The projects implemented have delivered strong results, supporting the Johor government's efforts to expand development across south-eastern Johor, including Pengerang, which is experiencing rapid growth through mega projects and the tourism sector," Ahmad Zahid stated at a press conference following the KEJORA 2025 Excellent Service Awards and Appreciation Ceremony.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, who is also the Member of Parliament for Pengerang, was present at the ceremony. Ahmad Zahid mentioned that the proposal has the backing of a public feedback study conducted by KEJORA, with 96 percent of respondents supporting the initiative. Nevertheless, he noted that the implementation remains subject to the consent of the King of Malaysia, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, and the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail.

In a separate statement, Ahmad Zahid revealed that the Rural and Regional Development Ministry has allocated approximately RM138 million to KEJORA for development projects in the region. "A total of 107 programmes have been implemented, while around 350 smaller projects will follow under the allocation," he said.

He also expressed support for Azalina's proposal to elevate Pengerang to district status and build a new hospital to cater to its growing population. Earlier, Azalina had advocated for upgrading Pengerang into a new district due to its rapid development.