By Abdul Rahman Fahmi Abdul Aziz
MUAR, June 30 (Bernama) -- Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Bentayan state seat Ng Yak Howe has made reviving Muar town centre a key priority to address the migration of residents to suburban areas and revitalise its socio-economic activity.
Ng, who is also the incumbent assemblyman, said the constituency covers more than half of Muar town centre, which has seen many premises left vacant after office hours following the movement of residents to the outskirts.
"The town centre faces the challenge of residents moving out. During the day it is busy because of business activities, but it becomes rather quiet after office hours.
"We want to attract more people, especially the younger generation, back to the town centre to revitalise the area through activities and businesses," he told Bernama here today.
Earlier, Ng met traders and members of the public during a walkabout in Muar town.
To help revive commercial activity, Ng said he had worked closely with Bakri Member of Parliament Tan Hong Pin on initiatives such as cash vouchers and lucky draw campaigns to encourage people to spend at local businesses.
The former quality assurance engineer, who has more than 10 years of industry experience, said the measures were intended to help bring business back to the town centre's remaining 18 per cent of vacant premises.
Ng, who has been active in politics for more than 25 years, is seeking a third term and also serves as a Johor DAP committee member.
He will face Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Chua Lee Huat in a straight fight for the Bentayan seat, which has 34,205 registered voters.
A total of 172 candidates are contesting the 16th Johor state election, with polling on July 11 and early voting on July 7.
For the latest updates on the election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/.
-- BERNAMA
N12: BENTAYAN: 34,205 VOTERS
1. Ng Yak Howe (PH-DAP)
2. Chua Lee Huat (BN-MCA)
(2022: Ng Yak Howe : PH-DAP: Maj: 7,476)
