PEKAN NANAS: Expanding artificial intelligence (AI) education in schools will help prepare local youths for future jobs and new investments under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), says Barisan Nasional candidate Tan Eng Meng.
Tan, who is defending the Pekan Nanas state seat, said education and skills training were key to ensuring locals benefit from new investments coming into the area.
He said an AI learning programme, carried out with the Education Department, schools and corporate sponsors, started in June and is being implemented in stages in Tanjung Piai, including Pekan Nanas and Kukup.
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"The programme involves about 15,000 students in Tanjung Piai, including around 7,000 in Pekan Nanas.
"We want to improve digital education so our children are ready when more investors come here. If we bring in investment, we must make sure local youths have the skills to take up the jobs," he said in an interview.
Tan said Pekan Nanas faced a long-standing problem of young people leaving because of limited job opportunities.
He said this could change as the constituency is included in the JS-SEZ and is located close to Iskandar Malaysia.
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"If we can attract more investment and create better-paying jobs, we can keep our talent here and even attract others to Pekan Nanas," he said.
Tan said several companies were already operating in the area, including Alton Intelligent Technology Sdn Bhd and Eastbound Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
He said local representatives could help investors deal with government procedures through proper channels and work with the local council to speed up applications.
"Investors want speed and efficiency. They want to know how fast they can get approvals, build their factories and begin operations," he added.
Tan said infrastructure and basic services also remained key concerns in Pekan Nanas.
He said he would continue to monitor the state-approved affordable housing project involving about 1,250 units.
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"We admit that Pekan Nanas does not have enough affordable housing. The land has been approved and the local council has also given its approval.
"What we must do now is monitor the project and make sure it is implemented," he said.
Tan said the completed Kampung Sawah bridge would also help improve traffic flow, while another priority was a new centre for children with special needs.
He said a 1,672sq m (18,000sq ft) site had been identified for the centre, which would replace the existing rented premises serving 46 children.
"These children need space, proper facilities and suitable training equipment. Some parents tell me they do not expect their children to become rich or highly educated. They only hope their children can grow up well and become independent one day," he said.
Tan said the centre would also cater to children who need physical activities and equipment to help them focus and train better.
On local issues, Tan said the delayed waste transfer station remained one of the most pressing concerns in the constituency.
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He said the Federal Government project had been postponed several times, affecting garbage collection in Pekan Nanas and Pontian.
"When the waste transfer station is delayed, garbage lorries have to travel further. This affects the collection schedule and creates cleanliness problems.
"We hope the Federal Government can complete the waste transfer station as soon as possible. This is important for public cleanliness and the living environment," he said.
Tan said he also wanted to further improve the Pekan Nanas cultural street, completed with the cooperation of the constituency's MP, besides upgrading village roads and installing solar street lights.
He said his advantage was being a local who continued serving the constituency even after losing in 2018.
"When I lost, I did not leave. When I won, I served here full-time," he said.
MCA's Tan is facing Pakatan Harapan's Yeo Tung Siong, of DAP, for the third time.
Tan lost to Yeo by 1,308 votes in GE14 in 2018, but defeated him by 4,835 votes in the 2022 state election.
Pekan Nanas, officially known as N55 Pekan Nanas, has 37,446 registered voters. Malays make up the largest group with 20,901 voters (55.82%), followed by Chinese voters at 15,369 (41.04%), and Indian voters at 429 (1.15%), with other communities making up 747 voters (1.99%).
