The Johor state government has set aside RM138 million under the fourth phase of Bantuan Kasih Johor (BKJ), its cost-of-living aid programme covering more than 600,000 residents.

Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced the package on 4 May 2026, with recipients including senior citizens, housewives, petty traders, and students with disabilities. The latest phase builds on three earlier rounds that delivered more than 100 initiatives worth close to RM400 million combined.

Groceries, Housing, And Community-Level Support

The Jualan Kasih Johor programme, which offers essential goods packages at subsidised prices, has received an additional RM30 million under BKJ Phase 4. That brings its total allocation to RM45.4 million, covering more than 750,000 households statewide.

On housing, the Perumahan Kasih Johor programme received RM137.8 million this year, making it one of the largest line items in the state’s aid package. The programme provides cash assistance for first-time homebuyers and renters, alongside funding for building and repairing houses for lower-income families. Eligibility is managed through the Perbadanan Kemajuan Perumahan Negeri Johor (PKPJ) and is limited to residents who are registered and living in the state. 

For renters, earlier phases of the programme offered RM200 per month for up to 10 months, though specific terms for Phase 4 are still being confirmed. BKJ sits alongside federal programmes like Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah and SARA, which provide separate cash and grocery aid to eligible households nationwide. 

Funding for the Infaq Jumaat Johor programme has also been increased to RM26.9 million this year. The initiative operates weekly across 538 mosques and surau throughout the state, distributing financial support at the community level. 

How Johor Is Funding These Programmes

Onn Hafiz said the state remains in a strong financial position despite global economic headwinds. Johor recorded state GDP growth of 6.4%, the highest investment inflows in the country, and the creation of more than 80,000 jobs. State revenue has exceeded RM2.6 billion, with RM1 billion already collected as of April.

The Menteri Besar said every increase in state revenue would be channelled back to residents through high-impact programmes.

Investment Momentum And The JS-SEZ

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), a joint initiative between Malaysia and Singapore formalised in January 2025, also featured in the announcement.

Onn Hafiz said investor confidence in Johor remains strong despite global uncertainties. A recent working visit to China, following earlier trips to Shanghai and Beijing, showed sustained interest among companies looking to expand into the state under the “China Plus One” strategy, where businesses diversify their manufacturing base beyond China.

More than 30 companies have expressed interest in expanding operations within the JS-SEZ. Global logistics firm DHL reportedly completed its expansion targets in Johor within two years, well ahead of the originally projected 15-year timeline.

The Rapid Transit System (RTS) linking Johor Bahru to Singapore is expected to begin operations by the end of 2026, cutting the cross-border commute to around six minutes between Bukit Chagar and Woodlands. For Johor residents working across the border, that changes the daily calculation on where to live and how much to spend on transport.

For Johor residents dealing with rising grocery bills, rental costs, or the upfront expenses of buying a first home, BKJ Phase 4 may help offset some of that pressure. Eligibility varies by programme, so it is worth checking with the relevant agencies, including PKPJ for housing and your nearest participating mosque or surau for Infaq Jumaat, to confirm whether you qualify.

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