PENGERANG (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Johor has barred locals from selling land to foreigners.

Mentri Besar Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who disclosed this, said locals were selling off their plots to foreigners due to its rising value.

He said there were at least three recent cases of locals trying to sell land meant for agricultural use.

"Major development is taking place, especially after the initiation of the Rapid (Refinery and Petrochemicals Integrated Development) project.

"There is no doubt that many (foreigners) will be interested to acquire land here," he told reporters after launching the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of affordable homes in Taman Penawar Harmoni here on Sunday.

Stressing that the state government would not approve the sale of land to foreigners, Mohamed Khaled said those who wanted to put their land up for lease should consult the state government.

"We are willing to negotiate on this," he said.

The Mentri Besar also said the state government was studying the possibility of introducing a hire-purchase scheme to make it easier for Johoreans to buy affordable homes.

"We will work with the Southeast Johor Development Authority (Kejora) on this and on those who will be eligible to participate," he added.