Mahat Abdullah, one of the residents staying nearby, rejoiced when he learned about the plan to revive the project which had been abandoned for more than 10 years.

"I am glad that the state government is offering incentives to developers in a bid to encourage a revival of the project.

"It's a waste to leave such a big building idle. Lately, I saw some activities like people cleaning up the building and I also saw security guards patrolling the area," said Mahat.

Earlier, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Khaled Nordin had announced that developers who were keen to revive any of the city's six white elephants that have been abandoned for more 10 years would enjoy special incentives.

The six projects are Wisma Matex, Burmasi, Lot 1, Pacific Mall, Kemayan City and Menara Landmark.

Stevan Izam has echoed Mahat's sentiment that giving special incentives to developers was a good move.

"Abandoned projects are bad for the economy. They are also a major eyesore and encourage criminal activities as well," he said.

"It is indeed a relief that the state government is doing something about them."

- By NST