PONTIAN, July 8 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for Kukup, Cheah Chee Hong, has outlined plans to position the coastal constituency as a key beneficiary of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), saying both initiatives could unlock new opportunities for tourism and local businesses.
Cheah said Kukup, known as the southernmost tip of mainland Asia, is well-placed to capitalise on the expected increase in visitors travelling through Johor from Singapore once the RTS Link becomes operational.
He noted that the journey from Johor Bahru to Kukup takes about an hour, making the destination easily accessible to both local and international tourists seeking seafood, coastal attractions, and nature-based experiences.
However, Cheah stressed that transforming Kukup into a thriving tourism destination requires more than promotional campaigns. He said long-standing infrastructure issues must first be addressed to improve the overall visitor experience and quality of life for residents.
If elected in the Johor state election on July 11, Cheah pledged to prioritise the upgrading of basic infrastructure, including widening roads, improving street lighting, enhancing telecommunications coverage with better 5G connectivity, and strengthening waste management services.
He also proposed introducing a more systematic waste collection programme by appointing more efficient contractors to ensure cleaner public spaces.
To further boost tourism, Cheah said he hopes to collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to develop a more organised and comprehensive promotional strategy for Kukup, rather than relying solely on social media campaigns.
In addition, he proposed establishing a large night market near the Kukup International Ferry Terminal with between 100 and 200 stalls dedicated to local entrepreneurs.
According to Cheah, the initiative would not only attract more visitors but also create greater business opportunities for residents by supporting local vendors and small businesses.
“I want to create business opportunities, not just jobs,” he said.
Cheah will face Barisan Nasional candidate Israk Abdullah in the contest for the Kukup state seat.
He also called on Johoreans living or working in Singapore to return home and cast their ballots on polling day, saying every vote would help shape Johor’s future.
— MINUTESMY
