VOTERS of Layang-Layang are hoping to see more development and job opportunities in the constituency so that young people can remain and not have to travel far for work.
“There are not enough jobs here, so many have to travel far for work.
“As a result, they have very little time for themselves or their families.”
Rajaram himself had spent years travelling outside Layang-Layang for work as a contractor in Machap, and his children now face the same situation.
“I hope there will be more development to create jobs because Layang-Layang has remained largely the same for decades.
“Whoever wins this election must make sure this place enjoys the development other parts of the state have seen,” he added.
Trader Anuar Ibrahim concurred, saying there needed to be more development because job opportunities were limited.
“Many residents have no choice but to leave the Kluang district to find work.”
Anuar also said to help locals, including young families and first-time homeowners, affordable housing projects should be increased.
“I hope our next assemblyman will regularly go to the ground to understand issues faced by the community.”
Lai Ming Kang said Layang-Layang needed more development to attract visitors and create job opportunities.
“I think Layang-Layang has a lot of potential, but there is still nothing much for visitors to do here.
“Most people come here to eat or buy local products such as our famous banana crackers before continuing their journey.
“If there were more attractions and activities, people would have a reason to get off the train, spend time here and support local businesses instead of simply passing through,” said Lai.
He said the Electric Train Service (ETS) should be fully leveraged to boost tourism.
First-time voter Nurin Nadjwa Norisam said Layang-Layang remained a peaceful and pleasant place to grow up in.
“I am glad to call it my home.Development has been rather slow, but there have been some improvements, including the introduction of the ETS,” said the part-time clerk.
Nurin Nadjwa, who will soon be pursuing a diploma in logistics management at Kolej Profesional Mara in Bandar Penawar, Kota Tinggi, said most employment opportunities in Layang-Layang were concentrated in the agricultural sector.
“It is not that there are no jobs here, but most of them are in agriculture, which may not appeal to many young people.
“I hope after I graduate, I will be able to find a job in Layang-Layang so I can continue living close to my family.”
Layang-Layang, in the Kluang district, is a non-urban seat with some 25,181 voters.
About 56.43% of its voters are Malays, 28.30% are Chinese, 12.52% are Indians and 2.75% are of other ethnicities.
The Layang-Layang seat was formed during a redelineation exercise in 2003.
It was first contested in the 11th General Election in 2004.
In the previous state election, Barisan Nasional’s Abd Mutalip Abd Rahim from Umno won with a 2,815-vote majority over Dr Maszlee Malik from Pakatan Harapan (PKR), K. Alagenthiran from Perikatan Nasional (Bersatu) and Ahmad Shafiq Othaman from Gerakan Tanah Air (Parti Pejuang Tanah Air).
In the 16th state election, the seat will see a three-cornered contest.
Incumbent Abd Mutalip, who recently announced his exit from Umno to join Bersatu, will be defending the seat under the Perikatan ticket against Chua Jian Boon from Barisan Nasional (MCA) and B. Guna from Pakatan (PKR).
Layang-layang is a non-urban constituency with a focus on agriculture. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
Most of the jobs opportunities in Layang-layang are in the agriculture sector.
Lai: Layang-Layang needs to leverage on ETS to draw visitors.
Rajaram: Lack of job opportunities has forced the younger generation to seek employment elsewhere.
Nurin Nadjwa hopes to find a job in Layang-Layang to stay close to her family.
Anuar: There should be more housing projects in Layang-Layang to help locals own a home.
