PH candidate wants Kukup to ride RTS, JS-SEZ growth

 Cheah Chee Hong says both initiatives have the potential to transform the state constituency, which is also known as the southernmost tip of mainland Asia.

Cheah Chee Hong said efforts to develop Kukup into a tourism destination cannot be reduced to slogans without addressing the basic issues faced by residents.

PONTIAN:

Pakatan Harapan’s candidate for Kukup, Cheah Chee Hong, wants the coastal town to benefit from the economic spillover of federal initiatives by leveraging its strengths in fisheries and tourism.

Citing the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, Cheah said these initiatives had the potential to transform Kukup, which is also known as the southernmost tip of mainland Asia.

He said the RTS Link, for example, would make it easier for international tourists arriving via Singapore to visit Kukup.

“The journey from Johor Bahru to Kukup takes only about an hour.

“They can come and enjoy the beauty of Kukup. The food is good and reasonably priced,” he told FMT in an interview.

However, Cheah said efforts to develop Kukup into a tourism destination could not be reduced to slogans without addressing the basic issues faced by residents.

If elected in the Johor election on Saturday, he said he would prioritise resolving problems such as narrow roads, inadequate street lighting, poor telecommunications coverage, including 5G, and waste management.

Cheah speaking with members of the public on the election campaign trail.

“If we want to turn Kukup into a tourist destination, we cannot just talk about it. The first step is to upgrade the basic infrastructure,” he said.

His proposals include the introduction of a more systematic waste collection system, including the appointment of more efficient contractors.

He also hopes to work with the tourism, arts and culture ministry to promote Kukup in a more organised and comprehensive manner.

“We can’t just upload something on Facebook and hope people will see it,” he said.

Beyond tourism, Cheah proposes setting up a large night market near the Kukup International Ferry Terminal, featuring between 100 and 200 stalls reserved for local residents.

He said the initiative would not only attract more tourists but also create business opportunities for the local community.

“I want to create business opportunities, not just jobs,” said Cheah, who will face Barisan Nasional candidate Israk Abdullah.

Cheah also urged Johoreans working or living in Singapore to return home to vote on July 11.

“Your vote is not just for one person, but for the future of Johor as a whole,” he said. - FMT