Kulai: Barisan Nasional (BN) is confident of securing strong support from voters in four Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) settlements within the Kulai parliamentary constituency in the 16th Johor state election.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kulai BN chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the settlements comprise FELDA Taib Andak, FELDA Inas, and FELDA Bukit Permai in the Bukit Permai state constituency, with nearly 7,000 voters, as well as FELDA Bukit Batu in the Bukit Batu state seat.

Jafni, who is defending the Bukit Permai seat, attributed the coalition's confidence to the Johor government's continued commitment under Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi to the welfare and well-being of FELDA communities. "Our support in FELDA areas was badly affected in the 2018 state election, but we saw some improvement in 2022. Over the past four years, the state government has successfully resolved many issues affecting FELDA communities."

The state government has channelled various forms of assistance, including education aid for FELDA children through the Johor Education Foundation (YPJ), and BN expects support in FELDA areas to continue improving. Jafni noted the Johor government had also resolved a long-standing land title issue affecting FELDA settlers, with 99.9 percent of ownership applications now settled, reflecting its commitment to safeguarding the interests of the community.

The State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman also appealed to the people of Johor to renew BN's mandate so that the state government could continue implementing its development agenda. "In the three state seats within the Kulai parliamentary constituency, we will do our very best not only to defend Bukit Permai but also to win Bukit Batu and Senai."

Jafni emphasized the introduction of numerous initiatives, programmes, and activities for Bangsa Johor over the past four years, asserting that one term is not enough, and a second term is required to enhance development for the people of Johor. Jafni faces a four-cornered contest against Muhammad Aidil Riduan Mohd Yusof of Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), Mohamad Shafwan Ani of Pakatan Harapan (PH), and M. Lina Manoh of Perikatan Nasional (PN).

Polling takes place on July 11, with early voting fixed for July 7.