ALOR GAJAH, Nov 10 – Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Jegasilan K wants to develop Gadek into a modern agriculture and livestock hub to create more jobs for local residents.
The 45-year-old candidate believes Gadek has plenty of land that could support modern vegetable farming and livestock projects.
He said these developments could open up new economic opportunities, especially for young people who currently travel elsewhere, including Singapore, to find work.
Former Rubber Plantations Could Support Farming
Jegasilan suggested converting former rubber plantations into agricultural areas.
These locations could support different crops for local markets. They could also accommodate poultry and cattle farming projects.
As a local resident, he believes Gadek has strong potential to expand its agricultural activities.
However, he stressed that young people need proper training and guidance to lead these projects.
With the right skills, they could take part in farming and livestock businesses while creating employment opportunities within their own communities.
Reducing Youth Migration to Singapore
Jegasilan said stronger local employment opportunities could reduce the number of young people leaving Gadek for Singapore.
Working far from home can make it difficult for them to return during family emergencies and festive celebrations.
Therefore, he wants to encourage more economic activities within the constituency so young residents can build their careers closer to home.
Tourism Could Bring More Opportunities
Apart from agriculture, Jegasilan sees tourism as another area with room to grow.
He highlighted Gadek’s waterfalls, hot springs, accommodation facilities and natural attractions as potential tourism assets.
He believes local youths could help develop these attractions by contributing their ideas, skills and creativity.
Such efforts could create additional business opportunities for residents.
Residents Raise Water and Road Concerns
During his house-to-house campaign visits over the past week, Jegasilan said he received encouraging responses from Malay, Chinese and Indian residents.
He identified water supply, drainage and road conditions as some of the main concerns raised by the community.
Residents also want an elected representative who remains accessible and continues to help them after winning an election.
Jegasilan said people need a representative who stays connected with the community, rather than someone who only appears occasionally.
Four Candidates Contest Gadek Seat
Jegasilan faces three challengers in the Gadek state constituency.
They are S. Nadarajah from Barisan Nasional (BN), Laveen Balaprabhakaran from Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), and Laila Norinda Maon from Parti Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Putra).
The Election Commission has scheduled polling for Nov 14, while early voting takes place on Nov 10.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
