TANGKAK: Tangkak needs to have more tourism packages as a way to revive the local economy ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic, says Barisan Nasional’s candidate Ong Chee Siang.

       Ong, who is Ledang MCA Youth deputy chief, said it was challenging to balance the impact of the pandemic and the people’s livelihood.

       “We want to restructure Tangkak, including its economic and social activities, and find ways to boost tourism activities here. We want outsiders to come and visit Tangkak so that the area can be one of the top tourism spots in Johor.

       “This will help to revive the economy so that the locals can enjoy various opportunities,” he said.

       Ong also hoped to introduce a programme called “Keluarga Tangkak” (Tangkak Family) to revive Tangkak together.

       “I hope the voters can give me a chance as there has not been much development in Tangkak over the last 10 years.

       “So we hope to be able to bring the necessary changes,” he said.

       The 32-year-old state youth leader said he would try his best to attend all the programmes that he was invited to during the campaigning period.

       Later, Ong attended the wedding of Muhd Izzudin Mohd Nor, 24, and his wife Nadia Mohd Nasir.

       The father of the groom Mohd Nor Husin, 53, described Ong as a “friendly and capable candidate”.

       “Actually, I know him (Ong) personally and he is active in this area.

       “He is also very approachable and willing to learn.

       “I hope that the voters would give him a chance to represent Tangkak in the state assembly,” he said.

       Ong will be involved in a five-cornered fight against Pakatan Harapan, Perikatan Nasional, Parti Pejuang Tanah Air and an independent candidate.

       The campaign period for the Johor election will end at 11.59pm on March 11.

       Polling is on March 12.