Pulai sebatang: The contest for the Pulai Sebatang state seat in the 16th Johor state election on July 11 is shaping up as a clash between Pakatan Harapan's (PH) vision for sustainable development and Barisan Nasional's (BN) promise of continuity.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, PH candidate Haniff @ Ghazali Hosman, 46, is campaigning on a pledge to transform Pulai Sebatang into a must-visit destination through balanced development while safeguarding the livelihoods of fishermen and farmers. He describes the constituency as having untapped potential due to its strategic location, which includes Pontian town and proximity to economic growth corridors, offering significant opportunities for investment.

Haniff aims to attract investments that benefit residents without neglecting traditional economic sectors. He also plans to address long-standing grassroots concerns, such as compensation for fishermen in Pontian Besar and drainage problems causing frequent flooding in Parit Datuk's farming areas. His campaign has focused on walkabouts and house-to-house visits to better understand voter concerns, and he remains confident in PH's ability to replicate its 2018 success in the constituency.

Meanwhile, BN incumbent Hasrunizah Hassan highlights the proposed expansion of Pontian Hospital as a key issue raised by voters. She reports that approval has been granted for a new hospital block, with the procurement process underway. If re-elected, she intends to complete 25 remaining village road projects from the 75 applications identified since 2022 and to continue state welfare initiatives, including the 'Kasih Johor' assistance programme, housing aid, and first-home ownership schemes.

Hasrunizah's campaign combines traditional methods and social media outreach, emphasizing BN's track record over the past term. She believes their efforts and achievements warrant renewed voter support. After attending the Johor TVET MARA Roadshow at MRSM Tun Dr Ismail, she expressed hope that voters will trust them to continue their mandate.

Pontian MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan endorsed Hasrunizah and Benut BN candidate Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan as capable and well-educated candidates with proven records. He expressed confidence in their ability to deliver if elected and noted the high motivation of BN's election machinery, hoping it will maintain momentum until July 11.