Rumah Pesona Johor, a domestic violence refuge, faces setbacks despite urgency of its mission.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has voiced his frustration over the delay in completing the Rumah Pesona Johor (RPJ) project, a much-needed shelter for women victims of domestic violence. Originally set for completion last year, the project remains unfinished, prompting concerns about its impact on vulnerable individuals who need immediate assistance.
The Rumah Pesona Johor (RPJ) project, initiated by the Johor state government through the Darul Ta’zim Family Development Foundation, was designed as a refuge for women escaping domestic violence. Equipped with various support facilities such as treatment rooms, prayer areas, and counselling services, RPJ was expected to provide a safe haven. However, despite its urgency, the project remains incomplete, sparking criticism from state officials.
A Shelter That Remains Just a Plan
The project was initially slated for completion in 2024, but construction delays have left the building unfinished. Onn Hafiz, accompanied by Johor State Women, Family, and Community Development Chairperson Khairin-Nisa Ismail, visited the construction site last Friday. Expressing his disappointment, he emphasized the importance of keeping development projects on schedule to serve the people effectively.
Strict Orders for Accountability
Onn Hafiz did not hold back in his criticism of the delays, stating that he had directed the appointed contractor to be more proactive. He insisted that regular updates be provided to the state government, ensuring greater transparency and accountability. “I have instructed the contractor to strictly adhere to the timeline. This project cannot afford further setbacks as it directly affects the welfare of our people,” he stated.
Government Commitment to Prioritizing Social Welfare
The Johor government has positioned itself as a strong advocate for social welfare projects, but delays like this undermine their efforts. The Menteri Besar emphasized that strict key performance indicators (KPIs) would be enforced to ensure timely project completion. He also assured the public that the state government remains committed to ensuring that RPJ will become a fully functional shelter offering protection and psychological support for women in distress.
Project Scope and Capacity
Once completed, RPJ is expected to accommodate up to 30 individuals at a time, providing essential counselling and psychotherapy services. The project includes repair works, upgrades, and the construction of new facilities to enhance its capability in offering temporary refuge to domestic violence survivors. The government hopes that RPJ will serve as a model for similar projects in Malaysia, creating a stronger safety net for vulnerable women.
Broader Implications for Women’s Rights in Malaysia
This delay is more than just a construction issue—it reflects broader concerns about how women’s protection initiatives are prioritized. Activists and stakeholders have urged the government to streamline social projects, ensuring that shelters and support services are promptly available. As domestic violence cases rise, the need for fully operational shelters like RPJ has never been more urgent.
The delay in RPJ’s completion raises serious concerns about the efficiency of public welfare projects in Malaysia. If projects meant to protect vulnerable individuals continue to face setbacks, it reflects poorly on the state’s ability to deliver meaningful social initiatives. Johor’s government must now ensure that RPJ is completed without further delay to provide the much-needed refuge for domestic violence victims.
Sources: Malay Mail (2025), The Sun MY (2025)
Keywords: Johor Menteri Besar, Rumah Pesona Johor, Women Protection, Domestic Violence Victims, Shelter Project
