[Photo: Iskandar Regional Development Authority chief executive Harun Johari wants to win hearts and minds.]

JOHOR BARU, MALAYSIA : The Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda) has vowed to speed up people-oriented projects in Iskandar Malaysia so that those living in the development corridor can get a share of the immediate benefits.

Chief executive officer Harun Johari said Irda, as the body responsible for the direction, policies and strategies in relation to development in Iskandar Malaysia, is now focused on winning the "heart and mind" of the people.

"We are pushing very hard to achieve this goal and for that we intend to speed up our projects, which can have direct benefits for the people. Of course, we will do so without compromising on quality," he said during a press briefing at Irda headquarters here yesterday.

Admitting there was a need for Irda to be more attuned to the needs of local residents, Harun said feedback would be gathered from them and this would be translated into immediate action.

"Now that we have a renewed endorsement from the prime minister, Irda will work even harder to benefit the people."

Harun said one of the projects to be speeded up was the improvement of the bus system, a short-term measure to improve the overall public transport system within the development corridor.

"The project's blueprint is now being drafted and we hope to push for its implementation as soon as possible."

Harun added that it was important for Irda to give priority to such people-oriented programmes to counter the perception that Iskandar Malaysia only served the interests of foreign investors.

"We need to make it known to the people that they are the ultimate beneficiaries of the project, as well as the future generations."

He said projects such as the upgrading of roads and drainage systems as well as pollution control were among those to be given priority.

"These projects are important not only to convince investors to come here but also to provide the people with better living conditions."

The government has allocated RM4.6 billion for such projects in Iskandar Malaysia under the 9th Malaysia Plan. --New Straits Times