Simpang Jeram hopefuls target small traders, youth in Johor campaign

MUAR – Issues related to small traders and youth development are among the main focuses of Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates contesting the Simpang Jeram seat in the Johor election.

PH’s Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, the incumbent, said a people-friendly policy should be created to facilitate business licence applications and show empathy towards traders struggling with economic challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, among others.

According to him, the local authorities should be more reasonable, not arbitrarily seizing the equipment of traders who sometimes have to borrow to buy necessities.

“I may not agree to compromise on road safety issues, roadside stalls that endanger vehicles, or hygiene issues that must be addressed.

“However, the municipal council must be reasonable when dealing with the people. This is what I need to fight for, for the sake of the people of Simpang Jeram,” he said at a get-together with locals here.

The Pulai MP and Amanah deputy president said there were not many infrastructure issues in Simpang Jeram as the area was close to urban areas, but he wanted to focus on increasing the income of small traders affected by the pandemic.

Recognising the employment issues that plagued university graduates, Salahuddin said it was important that a stable state government was formed to create employment opportunities for young people.

Salahuddin will face Datuk Lokman Md Don of BN, Mahaizal Mahmor of Pejuang, and Zarul @ Mohamad Zahrul Salleh of Perikatan Nasional (PN).

Meanwhile, Lokman, who is contesting for the first time, wants to focus on youth development in the area because he believes young people need attention as future leaders to continue the country’s legacy.

The Johor Umno deputy information chief said that a local centre should be established as a reference location for the youths to highlight issues faced, obtain information, have counselling sessions, as well as an activity centre.

“From what I see, young people in Simpang Jeram have an interest in sports such as football and track and field sports. My dream is to take their talents to a higher level,” he said.

In the 14th general election, Salahuddin won the Simpang Jeram state seat with a 7,687-vote majority, defeating three other candidates.

The Election Commission (EC) has set March 12 as the polling date for Johor.

Based on EC data updated until January 21, 40,014 voters are registered in Simpang Jeram, which is under the Bakri parliamentary constituency. – Bernama, March 4, 2022