JOHOR BARU: Developing the state further and improving the lives of Johoreans are the main focus of newly-appointed state executive councillors here.

       Johor tourism, environment, heritage and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar said that he would work hard to meet the people’s expectations.

       “There are high expectations – from Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar and the people – for us.

       “As such, we need to work very hard and not disappoint them. We have a big responsibility to fulfil but I believe we are all ready to take on the challenge. We have no time to waste, especially with the reopening of the border in just a few days,” he said.

       Raven Kumar, who is also Tenggaroh assemblyman added that he has started discussion with other government agencies for tourism plans for Johor following the reopening of the border.

       “There is a lot of planning involved. We need to work fast and efficiently to allow Johoreans, especially the tourism sector, to benefit from the border reopening,” he said.

       Meanwhile, state women, family and community development committee chairman Khairin Nisa Ismail said she believes Johor civil servants would be a great help to the new exco-line up.

       “Civil servants have been working for the people for many years and will play a very important role in helping us new excos to carry out our responsibilities. I will be meeting with the heads of departments related to my portfolio to discuss our plans for the people. I hope that my 30 years of experience as a lawyer would also help me work efficiently as a state executive councillor,” said Khairin Nisa, who is also Serom assemblyman.

       “It is exciting to look at the dynamic new exco-line up that includes people of various professional backgrounds and ages. I hope we can work together as a team for Johoreans,” she said.

       State agriculture, agro-based and rural development committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said he was honoured to be given the chance to serve the people.

       “No doubt it will be a challenge, especially as we are coming in at a time when the people are still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic.

       “However, I believe we will be able to carry the responsibility if we work together as a team,” he said.

       He said that his main focus is to help the people get their lives back together post-pandemic.