ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Finance Ministry will meet PLUS Malaysia Bhd this week to get its views on Johor's request for more lanes on the Yong Peng-Skudai route of the North-South Expressway.

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan (pic) said the request by the Johor government for the increase, from four to six lanes, was to reduce traffic congestion along the stretch.

"From Melaka to Seremban, there are already six lanes, while from Seremban to Kuala Lumpur there are eight lanes.

"(But) when you go to Johor, there are only four lanes, whereas Johor makes such a large contribution to the nation's wealth and income," he told reporters after the state-level 2023 Budget dialogue in Kota Iskandar here on Monday (Feb 6).

Apart from that, he said the Federal Government will also look into the state's health needs like hospital facilities, and flood problems, as well as schools in need of repairs.

Ahmad, who is Pontian MP, said the next budget dialogue session will be in Perak and Friday (Feb 10) has been set as the deadline for the ministry to receive proposals for the Budget 2023.

Commenting on the recent reduction in allocations, he said a retreat for the 148 government will be held in Putrajaya on Sunday (Feb 12) to discuss the matter.

Also present at the dialogue were Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and state secretary Tan Sri Dr Azmi Rohani. – Bernama

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/02/06/finance-ministry-to-meet-plus-over-johor039s-request-for-nse-lane-expansion