PETALING JAYA (Nov 23): The Johor Bahru Central Municipal Council (MPJBT) will be officially renamed as Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), reported Bernama today.

Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar made the declaration at a ceremony held at the new MBIP office site yesterday, witnessed by the Permaisuri of Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah and their sons Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail and Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar.

Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Noh Omar, State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Md Jais Sarday, and State Secretary Azmi Rohani.

In his speech, Mohamed Khaled said the declaration is meaningful, as it will restore fame to the name Iskandar Puteri and bring rapid growth to the area, among other things.

He claimed the region had gone through overwhelming development progress that is unprecedented in the country.

"It has not only grown into one of the most well-planned development districts, but is also very cosmopolitan, internationally-oriented and directed towards future needs,” Mohamed Khaled said.