JOHOR BARU: Fresh from their victory, newly elected first-time assemblymen here have pledged to give their best to the people.

       Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, who won the Bukit Permai seat, said he would focus on affordable housing, job opportunities and Internet coverage, among others.

       He spoke about the current Johor Affordable Homes Scheme (RMMJ) in Kampung Pertanian near Bandar Putra Kulai in which applications would open from October.

       “We also have 1,263 RMMJ housing units in the pipeline, including Perumahan Komuniti Johor (PKJ) Type A and PKJ Type B. All of these units will be priced below RM200,000,” he said when contacted yesterday.

       “I am also looking at the housing issues for Felda settlers, especially in Felda Inas, Felda Taib Andak, and Felda Bukit Permai.

       “Most of the concerns are coming from the second generation who want to have their own homes. We are not only looking at how to place a roof over their head but how to improve public roads and provide amenities in their area as well,” Mohd Jafni added.

       As for job opportunities for the youth in Bukit Permai, he said his main plan was to ensure that the industrial areas in Senai would prioritise locals looking for work.

       “We are located near Senai International Airport and industrial areas such as the Kulai Iskandar Data Exchange (Kidex) and Senai Industrial Park, where we can supply our youth to these industries so that they will not have to travel far to get to work.

       “For those who work as roadside hawkers or petty traders, I am going to ensure that each and every one of them is licensed under the local council so that they can get every government aid provided for small businesses,” he said.

       Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) secretary-general Amira Aisya Abd Aziz, who won the Puteri Wangsa seat, said she would set up a majlis rakyat (people’s council) where the public could be more involved in policies that were being drafted.

       “The set up of the majlis rakyat would allow the people to be involved in the discussions and be better informed on policies that would affect them.

       “I also think that we need to have more community centres where the people of Puteri Wangsa, especially youths, can go to for recreational activities,” said Amira, 27, who is the youngest assemblyman.

       She said she was also prepared to debate with Barisan Nasional bigwigs in the state assembly.

       “As the sole assemblyman from Muda, my performance would be a reflection of the party’s commitment to providing service to the people. I need to work very hard and take my role seriously,” she said.

       Pakatan Harapan assemblyman Arthur Chiong Sen Sern, who won the Bukit Batu seat, said he would focus on the development of his constituency.

       “The roads in Bukit Batu have not been improved for about five years and are in serious need of some upgrading.

       “This will be one the main things I will focus on as an assemblyman,” he said.

       He added that although he was disappointed with Pakatan winning only 12 seats, he would continue to work hard in his role as the sole assemblyman from PKR.