The small town of Bekok in Segamat is primarily known for its durian and natural beauty.
Its constituents want more job and tourism opportunities without Bekok losing the laidback charm that makes the place special.
As Johor heads towards polling day for the 16th state election on July 11, residents hope that more economic activities can be organised while addressing infrastructure needs and creating reasons for younger generations to stay.
Kopitiam owner Ong Lay Hoon said Bekok’s reputation as a durian destination drew visitors from Johor Baru and Singapore, with many making day trips to enjoy the king of fruits at the orchards.
She said Bekok’s appeal was that durian was available throughout the year, and joked that the town did not have a durian season.
“Many people come here to visit the orchards and enjoy the fruits.
“Since I have my own farm, I used to sell durian at my coffeeshop too, but I stopped because there are now too many people with durian orchards here and the competition is very stiff,” she told StarMetro.
Ong believed the town’s durian industry could be developed into a tourism product to bring more business opportunities to the community.
“Since this is a small town, many young people have left for Johor Baru and Kuala Lumpur to work. There are not many food and beverage outlets here.
“I hope there can be more business activities to spur the local economy,” she added.
For Kampung Melayu Baru Bekok resident Saadon Amin, 62, improved connectivity would go a long way in making life easier for locals.
The fritter seller said he was looking forward to the completion of the Paloh-Bekok road, which he said would significantly cut travel time between the two towns.
“At the moment, if we want to go to Paloh in Kluang, it takes about an hour even though it is just the next town because we have to travel about 80km.
“With the new road that’s expected to be completed next year, the journey will only take about 15 minutes or less. It will save us time and petrol costs,” he said, adding that many residents travelled to Kluang to shop as it offered more choices.
Saadon said Bekok has seen improvements over the years, including better roads and a proper traffic intersection leading into the town.
“Bekok is slow in developing because it is a small town. Many youngsters prefer to go out of the state to work, so we are becoming an ageing community.”
S. Raja, 55, who lost his job as a lorry driver, said he hoped more employment opportunities could be created.
“I depend on odd jobs to survive. Bekok’s economy is primarily agricultural, with few industrial operations.
“Despite the challenges, I am proud to be a resident here because it is a quaint little town surrounded by nature.”
Raja said Bekok’s attractions, including the waterfall at the Bekok Recreational Forest, could be further promoted to draw visitors.
“Bekok is also a stop along the Electric Train Service (ETS) intercity line, so it is convenient for people to come here.”
Residents of the Orang Asli village of Kampung Sri Tembayan hope basic infrastructure issues will receive more attention.
Salina Aya, who is from the Jakun tribe, said the drainage system near their homes was unable to cope with heavy rain, causing water, sand and debris to flow into their compounds.
“The drainage system behind our homes is not enough to contain the rainwater and water flow,” said the 61-year-old.
She said the road leading to the village burial ground had also been damaged by heavy rain, making it difficult for small vehicles to access the area.
“The burial ground also needs cleaning and tidying up. I hope the issue can be resolved soon to facilitate our burials and funeral rites.”
The Bekok state constituency has 27,317 voters, making it one of the seats with the lowest number of voters in Johor.
The constituency has a demographic composition of about 47.2% Chinese voters, 29.6% Malays, 18.7% Indians and 4.4% of other ethnicities.
It is also home to six Orang Asli villages.
In the March 2022 Johor state election, Barisan Nasional’s Tan Chong received 7,036 votes and wrestled Bekok from Pakatan Harapan with a majority of 3,569 votes.
The MCA candidate defeated Pakatan’s M. Kanan, who received 3,467 votes, Perikatan Nasional’s Tan Lek Khang (2,881) and Warisan’s A. Sandara Segaran (330).
Incumbent Tan Chong is seeking re-election in the 16th Johor state election, which will see a straight fight with Pakatan’s Tay Yok Jiuen.
