THE fate of fishermen and the future of the coastal economy in Tanjung Surat have emerged as the main agenda for Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for Tanjung Surat, Faizul Abdul Ghani.
Faizul said Tanjung Surat is not just a coastal area, but an important artery that connects the fishing community, FELDA areas, traditional villages and rapid development in Pengerang.
According to him, the time has come for such great potential to be translated into opportunities and prosperity that can truly be felt by the people.
“The fishing community is the backbone of the Tanjung Surat economy, and I want to fight for a fairer and more transparent fishing license system, strengthen jetty facilities and fishing bases and fight for regular river and estuary deepening works.
“This is all to ensure that fishermen have access to equipment, technology and support schemes during the monsoon season, so that local marine products can provide better returns to fishermen through strengthening marketing and the coastal economy,” he said.
Faizul explained that the decision to contest the Johor State Election (PRN) this time is not about changing the living standards of the fishing community alone, but also includes aspects of the second generation of FELDA and the future of the children of settlers.
The second and third generations of FELDA, he stressed, need to be allowed to build a future in their own homeland.
“I want to ensure that the housing issue of the second generation of FELDA can be resolved, in addition to expanding TVET training opportunities and skills that meet the needs of the industry.
“FELDA’s economic development needs support so that the children of settlers have more job options and entrepreneurship without having to migrate,” he said.
He drew attention to the fact that rapid development in Pengerang will not be meaningful if it cannot bring benefits to the people of Tanjung Surat.
“For this reason, the establishment of the Tanjung Surat Career Centre and collaboration with the industry are believed to be able to open up more opportunities for local entrepreneurs to become part of the industrial supply chain.
“Development is only meaningful when the local people also enjoy its economic benefits,” he said.
Faizul’s manifesto, which is based on the motto ‘Tanjung Surat Forward, Vote for HARAPAN’, also outlines four other agendas: strengthening infrastructure, changing the economy of settlers, small traders and the cost of living, developing eco-tourism, heritage and coastal villages, as well as prioritising the welfare of the people, youth and women.
All seven thrusts, he added, are not just election manifestos, but action plans built based on the voices of the people of Tanjung Surat themselves.
“As a State Assemblyman, I will be an effective liaison between the people, the Johor state government and the Federal government to ensure that every issue is fought for and every development opportunity is brought back to this area.
"I believe Tanjung Surat has all the strength to emerge as a developed, prosperous and competitive area," he said. – July 8, 2026