State polls: Ecotourism a focus for Johol candidates

KUALA PILAH: For both Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional candidates contesting the Johol seat in Negri Sembilan, ecotourism and development will be their main thrusts as campaigning begins ahead of the state polls.

Barisan’s Saiful Yazan Sulaiman, who is the incumbent assemblyman, said ecotourism would be one of the aspects he would push on if given the people’s mandate.

"There are many clean rivers here (in Johol) and there is a potential for ecotourism to develop.

"We have begun this on a small scale such as creating campsites.

"The response, from tourists towards existing campsites, are positive," he said during an interview.

Among the locations he proposed are rivers in Inas and Air Mawang, Johol.

"In fact, there are already campsite operators in the area, but we want locals themselves to be involved in this," he said.

Saiful Yazan also envisioned a mini-estate being built for specific produce.

"There are many empty pieces of land here. Johol was originally a padi area.

"Perhaps some irrigation works can be done before we proceed with this (mini-estate)," he said.

Separately, Saiful Yazan said the narrative of his campaign would anchor on his track record as an assemblyman.

"In just a short while (one term), there have been additional facilities installed such as more automated teller machines and approvals for a fire station here.

"These have been requested by the people.

"We’ve also organised more recreational activities for the youths including bicycle and traditional sports programmes," he said.

"We also want to follow up on developing existing facilities in Johol, such as fire stations and improving the infrastructure of sports facilities here," he added.

Perikatan’s Kamarudin Md Tahir meanwhile said the Batu Maloi caves was one area that could be developed into a successful ecotourism location.

"Tourists are already frequenting the area but not on a large scale. If we upgrade the surroundings there, perhaps it can attract more people.

"The same can be said about Lubuk Bunga in Inas which has rivers, waterfalls and natural greenery," he said.

"Even smaller rivers are already attracting tourists which is why ecotourism is important for Johol.

"When this happens, the local community will also benefit," he added.

Separately, Kamaruddin also proposed for Johol to be upgraded into a district.

“This isn’t a new idea but in fact has been raised before but perhaps there was no pressing need for it then. It will be something I will push for once I enter office.

"Making a Johol district also means more developments for Johol and possibly setting up manufacturing factories here which creates more job opportunities for the locals here," he said.

"The issue in Johol now is there are no job opportunities. We need to create them," he added.