08/07/2026 11:15 AM

Johor Polls: Ahmad Daniel Ready To Unlock Panti's Hidden Potential

By Marfika Adnan Haris Fadzilah

KOTA TINGGI, July 8 (Bernama) -- With its unique natural attractions that have yet to be fully explored, Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Ahmad Daniel Sharudin is determined to transform the Panti state seat into one of the district’s leading eco-tourism destinations if given the mandate in the upcoming Johor state election.

Ahmad Daniel, 54, said that revitalising the eco-tourism sector would not only help preserve the constituency’s natural heritage but also serve as a catalyst for local economic growth, particularly benefiting small business owners and the local community.

The former Kota Tinggi District Council (MDKT) member said that the Panti state seat is home to valuable natural gems, including the rapids at Kampung Temenin, which have significant potential to be upgraded and developed into an attractive destination for both domestic and international visitors.

“In Kota Tinggi, we are well known for our waterfalls. In Panti, however, we have beautiful natural rapids that remain largely untapped and require upgrading and rebranding.

“Insya-Allah, if we are given the mandate, we will improve the infrastructure there without compromising the original ecosystem, while creating another healthy recreational destination for both the local community and tourists,” he told Bernama.

The Johor-born candidate, who has a background in civil engineering, said sustainable eco-tourism development could also address another pressing issue in the constituency - the lack of quality employment opportunities for young people.

He said the limited economic activity in the area has forced some youths to seek employment outside the district, with some even crossing into Singapore in search of better job opportunities.

“Once the tourism sector flourishes, related industries such as homestays, restaurants and tour guide services will also grow, creating new business and employment opportunities for local youths,” he said.

In addition to his tourism agenda, Ahmad Daniel, who is also the state Amanah’s Syariah and Dakwah Bureau director, outlined three other key priorities in his manifesto: providing affordable housing, creating employment opportunities in the industrial sector, and upgrading ageing public infrastructure.

He described these plans as realistic and achievable, citing his political alignment with the current federal government administration as an advantage in facilitating their implementation.

On his campaign efforts, the Tenggara Amanah division chief said his team is now operating at full capacity, having successfully conducted face-to-face outreach in nearly 80 per cent of the Panti state constituency.

He acknowledged that the vast geographical size of the Panti state seat presents a challenge for his team to physically cover the entire constituency with only four days remaining before polling day.

Nevertheless, he remains optimistic that his message and campaign pledges will reach all voters through a final campaign push that makes aggressive use of social media platforms.

“For the remainder of the campaign period, we will further strengthen our digital strategy through social media to ensure our message reaches voters across all age groups,” he said.

Ahmad Daniel is set to face a three-cornered contest against Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali of Barisan Nasional (BN) and Alias Rasman of Perikatan Nasional (PN).

The 16th Johor state election will see 172 candidates contesting 56 state seats, with the outcome to be decided by 2.7 million eligible voters this Saturday (July 11).

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

-- BERNAMA

 

N34: PANTI: 41,407 voters

 

1. Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali (BN-UMNO)

2. Alias Rasman (PN-Bersatu)

3. Ahmad Daniel Sharudin (PH-Amanah)

(2022: Hahasrin Hashim: BN-UMNO: Maj: 5,854)

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