Nenggiri Residents Call For More Job Opportunities For Youth

By Mohd Noor Iqram Rosli

GUA MUSANG, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- There is a high demand for employment opportunities in the Nenggiri state constituency, where more than half of the population consists of the younger generation.

Since there are no industrial sites in the area, most residents rely heavily on traditional jobs such as working on rubber and oil palm plantations, farming, running small businesses, working as construction labourers or serving as mechanics.

Rahaziani Abdul Ghani, 39, a trader from Kampung Sungai Asap, said that to boost the local economy, more job opportunities must be created, especially for the youth, to ensure they can earn a stable income to support themselves and their families.

“In this village, many young people are self-employed and prefer not to migrate elsewhere. I believe setting up agricultural or manufacturing factories in this area is crucial to attract them to work locally.

“This is important for securing their livelihoods, preventing unemployment and empowering them to be self-reliant without depending on others,” she told Bernama when met at her home in Kampung Sungai Asap recently.

The Nenggiri constituency, nearly twice the size of Melaka, is currently facing a by-election. There are 20,259 registered voters, of which 12,387, or over 61 per cent, are young voters aged between 18 and 39.

Construction worker Muhammad Aisar Aniq Suhaimi, 21, from Kampung Sungai Asap B, suggested that more technical and vocational courses be offered in their area, as many of his friends are interested in repairing motorcycles and electrical appliances such as washing machines or televisions.

“When young people are exposed to such classes or skill courses, it actually helps them to increase their knowledge and could even allow them to open their own shops.

“This way, more young people in the surrounding areas will have the opportunity to find employment,” he said.

Besides employment opportunities, the lack of recreational facilities in the constituency, where nearly 70 per cent of the area is covered by forests and hills, is also a concern for the younger generation.

Aizat Abd Rahim, 29, from Kampung Jeram Tekoh, said that recreational or sports facilities such as badminton and futsal courts need to be built in strategic locations to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle among the youth.

“We’re all aware that Nenggiri is surrounded by hills and forests, and reaching some villages can take some time due to the distance.

“In my opinion, it would be beneficial for each village to have its own sports facilities tailored to the needs of the residents. For example, Kampung Jeram Tekoh could have a futsal court, while Kampung Renok could have a badminton court,” he said.

The Nenggiri by-election this Saturday is a straight fight between Barisan Nasional candidate Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani, who is representing the Unity Government, and PAS candidate Mohd Rizwadi Ismail representing Perikatan Nasional.

It was called after Kelantan State Assembly Speaker Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah declared the seat vacant on June 19 because its assemblyman, Mohd Azizi Abu Naim, had ceased to be a member of Bersatu on June 13.

-- BERNAMA