MELAKA: A new township and an expanded Klebang waterfront are among Datuk Lim Ban Hong's plans to boost economic growth and tourism in the constituency.
The Barisan Nasional incumbent said the proposed Bandar Baharu Klebang, within the Straits of Malacca Waterfront Economic Zone (SM-WEZ), would tap the area's potential as a tourism, agriculture and industrial hub.
"This is the second pillar of my manifesto, focusing on the economy and opportunities for the people of Klebang," he said at the launch of his manifesto and performance report card in Klebang Besar here on Tuesday (Nov 3).
Lim also proposed expanding Klebang Walk with pedestrian and cycling paths, giving families more space for recreation while creating greater opportunities for traders to benefit from tourist footfall.
The area currently has about 400 traders operating on ordinary days, he said.
He also wants to promote agro-tourism and eco-tourism, while attracting investments to create jobs. Among the developments entering SM-WEZ are Berjaya International Hotel and Enstek of Melaka Shipyard.
On infrastructure, Lim said five flood mitigation projects worth about RM1.3mil had been implemented or were underway during his two terms.
He pledged to monitor the RM43.5mil Bukit Rambai irrigation project, which is expected to benefit about 418ha of agricultural land. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2027 and be completed by 2029.
Other priorities include upgrading fishermen's jetties, improving telecommunications coverage and monitoring the reconstruction of the Stulang Daeng bridge in Pulau Gadong.
Under community well-being, he will push for affordable housing, better healthcare access, upgraded sports facilities and more education and skills training opportunities for youths.
Presenting his 2021-2026 performance report card, Lim highlighted the 255-unit People's Housing Project (PPR) Klebang, which is awaiting its Certificate of Completion and Compliance, and the handover of keys for the 800-unit PR1MA Klebang 2 in April.
The RM9.4mil reconstruction of the Stulang Daeng bridge is expected to be completed in March 2028.
Lim is seeking a third term as the assemblyman. He won the seat in 2013, lost it to PKR in 2018 and regained it in the 2021 state election.
The MCA vice-president and Melaka state chairman, who was Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister from 2020 to 2022, faces a four-cornered contest against Pakatan Harapan's Farzana Hayani Mohd Nasir, Bersatu's Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Mohamad and Bersama's Young Jie Yu.
Polling is on Nov 14, with early voting on Nov 10.
