KUALA PILAH: Ecotourism and further developing Johol in Negri Sembilan will be the main focus of both Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional candidates vying for the seat there.
Barisan’s Saiful Yazan Sulaiman, who is the incumbent assemblyman, said ecotourism would be just one of the aspects he would push on if given the people’s mandate.
“There are many clean rivers here and there is potential for ecotourism to develop.
“We have begun this on a small scale such as creating campsites.
“The response from tourists towards existing campsites is positive,” he said during an interview.
Among the locations he proposed included rivers in Inas and Air Mawang in 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 crops and produce.
“There are many empty parcels of land here. Johol also used to be a padi planting area.
“Perhaps some irrigation works can be done before we proceed with this,” 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, there have been additional facilities installed such as more automated teller machines and approval for a fire station. These had been requested by the people.
“We’ve also organised more recreational activities for the youth, including bicycle and traditional sports programmes.
“We want to follow up on developing existing facilities in Johol, such as ensuring the fire station is completed as well as improving sport facilities,” he added.
Perikatan’s Kamarudin Md Tahir 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 all round,” he said.
“Even smaller rivers are already attracting tourists. This is why ecotourism is important for Johol.
“When this happens, the local community will also benefit,” he added.
Kamarudin also proposed for Johol to be upgraded into a district on its own.
“This isn’t a new idea but in fact has been raised before ... perhaps there was no pressing need for it then. It will be something I will push for if I enter office.
“Making it a district also means more development for Johol and possibly setting up manufacturing factories here which will create more job opportunities for the locals.
“The issue in Johol now is there’s no job opportunities. We need to create them,” he added.
