Residents of two villages on Pulau Tinggi urge the incoming Johor state representative to resolve jetty and housing issues for fishermen.
MERSING, July 9 (Bernama) — Residents of two villages on Pulau Tinggi have called on the incoming Johor state representative to resolve longstanding issues involving a rundown jetty and housing for fishermen.
The Kampung Pasir Panjang jetty and housing assistance for B40 fishermen in Kampung Tanjung Balang are among the main issues raised by the island community ahead of the Johor state election, with residents seeking greater attention to their safety and welfare.
Kampung Pulau Tinggi chief Rossana Hussin, 57, said the applications to upgrade the jetty and housing facilities were submitted to the Mersing District Office in March and had received positive feedback.
She said the jetty upgrade project should be expedited, given that the facility used by tourists and local fishermen has been deteriorating for years.
“Since around 2017, the jetty has fallen into disrepair, though some residents still use it. We continue to advise them to prioritise safety while awaiting further action,” she said.
She said Pulau Tinggi has a population of approximately 150 people residing in two villages.
Rossana, who has been Kampung Pulau Tinggi village head since 2024, said she hoped the new state government would prioritise housing repair assistance for fishermen in Kampung Tanjung Balang.
“The majority of residents are B40 fishermen, with some requiring housing repair assistance and others facing incomplete house repairs,” she said, adding that the assistance would help alleviate their burden while improving their comfort and wellbeing.
She expressed hope that the elected Tenggaroh state representative and relevant parties would help coordinate efforts to resolve the issues affecting the island’s residents.
Meanwhile, Mariam Mamat, 85, said she hoped the elected representative would prioritise efforts to revitalise Pulau Tinggi’s tourism sector and generate more employment opportunities for young people.
“Previously, this place was home to many residents, but the number declined as people moved away for jobs elsewhere and some settled in Felda schemes,” she said, adding that revitalising the island is important to prevent further migration.
About 2.7 million eligible voters are set to head to the polls on Saturday to elect 56 lawmakers who will serve in the next term.
N33: TENGGAROH: 39,001
1. Muhamad Amerul Muhamad (PN-Bersatu)
2. Mohd Youzaimi Yusof (BN-UMNO)
3. Md Yusof Dawam (PH-PKR)
(2022: K. Raven Kumar : BN-MIC : Maj: 1,356)
