06/07/2026 09:01 PM

Johor Polls: Md Yusof Outlines Vision To Transform Tenggaroh

By Nur Faradilla Mohamad

MERSING, July 6 (Bernama) -- Addressing second-generation Felda housing needs and strengthening the local economy are among the key priorities of Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Tenggaroh state seat, Md Yusof Dawam, in the Johor state election.

Md Yusof, 64, said the absence of a systematic settlement plan in the Tenggaroh Felda scheme was one of the main factors driving young people to migrate to urban areas, posing a long-term threat to the sustainability of the settler community.

"One of the issues consistently raised by settlers' children during the campaign is housing for the second generation. Many are forced to continue living with their parents because they cannot afford homes of their own.

"If given the mandate as the people's representative, I will propose to the government the establishment of a dedicated and well-planned second-generation settlement on 10 to 20 acres of land," he told Bernama here today.

The retired teacher said a systematic settlement was not merely a housing issue but also a strategy to ensure family-owned oil palm plantations continued to be managed by the next generation, preventing the assets from being neglected or transferred to outsiders.

Md Yusof also outlined his vision to transform the retail business sector in Felda settlements, which he said had remained largely unchanged since the 1980s.

He planned to propose the issuance of temporary land grants for the construction of modern business premises to create a more vibrant "small town" concept within the Tenggaroh Felda scheme.

"Tenggaroh is about 70 kilometres from Mersing town. Sometimes, residents who simply want to enjoy keropok lekor have to drive all the way there. "If we develop shop lots in a more systematic manner, the economic cycle will remain within the Felda community," he said.

On tourism, he hoped to maximise the potential of Mersing's iconic islands, including Pulau Besar, Pulau Tinggi and Pulau Aur, to generate direct economic benefits for local residents. 

He said this was crucial as several locations on the islands had frequently been chosen by foreign production companies as filming locations, yet the economic benefits had not been fully enjoyed by the local youth.

"However, the economic spillover has been limited because there are no tourism or sea transport companies operated by the younger generation here," he said.

On his campaign strategy, the Tangkak native, who has lived in Mersing for the past four decades, said he preferred a "personal touch" approach through a series of small-group meetings to better understand the aspirations of the people.

Drawing on his 16 years of service as an educator in Felda Nitar and his extensive experience in the education sector, Md Yusof expressed confidence that his close rapport with the local community would be a key asset in securing support.

The 16th Johor state election has attracted 172 candidates contesting 56 state seats. Polling is set for July 11, while early voting for security personnel will be held tomorrow.

For the latest updates on the 16th Johor state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor.

-- BERNAMA

 

N33: TENGGAROH: 39,001 voters

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)

 

 

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