Johor: Muszaide Makmor, the incumbent for the Sedili state seat from Barisan Nasional (BN), plans to expand agro-technology projects, in collaboration with public universities, into Felda areas as the main agenda of his manifesto in a bid to secure a second-term mandate. He said the initiative is part of his continued commitment to strengthening the rural community's economy and increasing residents' income, including that of Felda's second-generation settlers.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the modern agricultural projects, utilising the expertise of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), such as giant freshwater prawn farming, mud crab breeding and ginger cultivation, are expected to boost the income of local participants. Muszaide highlighted that the giant freshwater prawn hatchery and mud crab breeding projects, carried out in Sungai Sedili Kecil and Sungai Sedili Besar respectively, are among the initiatives that can create new income opportunities for the local community.
Muszaide recently visited Aping Timur, where residents expressed hope that such projects could be expanded into Felda areas to provide second-generation settlers with opportunities to earn additional income. He also announced the opening of an integrated palm oil mill in the area, expected to create over 200 new job opportunities for local youths, which aims to stimulate the domestic economy by preventing unemployment and the migration of young people out of the district.
In the upcoming Johor polls on July 11, Muszaide faces a three-cornered fight against former Sedili assemblyman Rasman Ithnain, representing Perikatan Nasional (PN), and Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Amirul Husni Onn. Rasman claimed that despite nearly 3,000 second-generation Felda lot recipients obtaining land titles through his past efforts, they have yet to build or occupy their homes due to a lack of basic infrastructure.
Rasman alleged that approvals for developing basic infrastructure had been deliberately delayed due to political issues, impacting residents who bear monthly loan repayments while their houses remain abandoned. He also raised concerns over disruptions to clean water supply, particularly during festive seasons, and vowed to urge the Johor government to secure a special loan from the Federal Government to resolve the utility crisis if he regains the mandate.
A total of 172 candidates are vying for 56 state seats in the Johor election, with polling day set for July 11 and early voting on July 7.