Infrastructure And Education Issues To Be Main Focus Of Dr Maszlee's Campaign In Puteri Wangsa

From Mohd Khairi Idham Amran

JOHOR BAHRU, June 30 (Bernama) -- Infrastructure issues such as chronic traffic congestion and school dropouts among teenagers are among the critical challenges forming the main focus of Dr. Maszlee Malik’s campaign for the Puteri Wangsa State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seat.

The Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate stated that besides traffic congestion and flash floods in areas like Kangkar Tebrau and Kampung Maju Jaya, poor road quality also demands serious attention following his own recent site visits.

"I experienced it firsthand driving a (Perodua) Myvi, it was really bumpy; it would be even more miserable on a motorcycle. Yet, that is what they face every single day," he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama recently.

Maszlee said that resolving these infrastructure issues requires a holistic approach through close cooperation between the state government and Federal agencies like the Public Works Department (JKR), rather than ad-hoc or rushed actions.

He noted that solutions to these infrastructure issues cannot be done in a hurry, but instead require holistic cooperation between the state government and ministries at the Federal level, such as the Public Works Department (JKR).

Apart from physical aspects, Maszlee, who is also a former Education Minister, voiced his concern over the school dropout trend among youths in the area, who are more attracted to entering the gig economy or working as manual laborers in Singapore due to the high currency exchange rate.

"This dropout issue occurs because there is a perception that even if they don't finish school, they can work in the gig economy, as riders and so on. That is number two; number one is that even if they don't study, they can go work in Singapore.

"Even if they become 4D workers (dirty, dangerous, difficult, degrading), the payout is still three times higher," he said.

He added that the pressure of the cost of living and high house prices for young people in the surrounding areas also poses a burden, as the purchasing power of the community working in Singapore has driven up local market prices.

"These issues require holistic solutions. The solution cannot just stop at the state government or DUN level alone," he said.

In relation to this, Maszlee emphasised the importance of synergy between the state and Federal governments to ensure that economic planning and development can be coordinated for the benefit of local residents.

The contest for the Puteri Wangsa DUN seat will see a five-cornered fight involving Maszlee (PH), Rashifa Aljunied (MUDA), Teow Chia Ling (Barisan Nasional), Nicholas Paul Vincent (Parti Bersama Malaysia), and Wang Wee Siong (Independent).

A total of 172 candidates are contesting in the Johor State Election, which will take place this July 11, while early voting is on July 7.

To get the latest news on the 16th Johor State Election, please visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/.

N41: PUTERI WANGSA - 128,723

1. Nicholas Paul Vincent    (Bersama)

2. Wang Wee Siong    (Bebas/IND)

3. Dr Maszlee Malik    (PH-PKR)

4. Rashifa Aljunied    (MUDA)

5. Teow Chia Ling    (BN-MCA)

(2022: Amira Aisya Abd Aziz: MUDA: Maj: 7,114)

-- BERNAMA