Muar: Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Bentayan state seat Ng Yak Howe has made reviving Muar town centre a key priority to address the migration of residents to suburban areas and revitalise its socio-economic activity. Ng, who is also the incumbent assemblyman, said the constituency covers more than half of Muar town centre, which has seen many premises left vacant after office hours following the movement of residents to the outskirts.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ng highlighted the challenge faced by the town centre due to the migration of residents. "The town centre faces the challenge of residents moving out. During the day it is busy because of business activities, but it becomes rather quiet after office hours. We want to attract more people, especially the younger generation, back to the town centre to revitalise the area through activities and businesses," he told Bernama during a walkabout in Muar town.

Ng has been proactive in collaborating with Bakri Member of Parliament Tan Hong Pin on initiatives such as cash vouchers and lucky draw campaigns to stimulate spending at local businesses. These measures aim to rejuvenate commercial activity and reduce the town centre's 18 per cent vacancy rate.

The former quality assurance engineer, with over a decade of industry experience, is seeking a third term in office. Ng has been active in politics for more than 25 years and currently serves as a Johor DAP committee member. In the upcoming election, he will face Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Chua Lee Huat in a direct contest for the Bentayan seat, which has 34,205 registered voters.

A total of 172 candidates will vie for positions in the 16th Johor state election, with polling day set for July 11 and early voting scheduled for July 7.