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JOHOR – Parit Raja’s long-standing flood problem remains a major concern for residents, but progress is finally being made through ongoing federal mitigation efforts, says DAP candidate for the seat, Shazwan Dzainal Abidin.
He said recurring floods have disrupted daily life in the constituency for years, but allocations provided under the Madani government have enabled mitigation works to move forward.
“This is actually a long-standing problem in Parit Raja. But under the Madani administration and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, allocations have been channelled for flood mitigation projects, including here in Parit Raja.
"The project is currently underway, and we hope it will provide a long-term solution to recurring floods in the area,” he told Sinar Daily.
Beyond flood mitigation, Shazwan said creating sustainable employment remains a major challenge. While the local economy is supported by manufacturing and plantation activities, job availability remains limited, forcing many residents to seek work elsewhere.
“There are still not enough job opportunities here. Many residents, especially school leavers and graduates, end up working in Batu Pahat, which is more than 20 kilometres away, or outside the area altogether,” he said.
To address this, Shazwan said there is a need to strengthen entrepreneurship, positioning small business development as a key pathway to retain local talent.
“I see many residents already taking the initiative to venture into business.
"So one of my focuses is to strengthen this sector by providing more support, access to resources and space for them to start and grow their own businesses,” he said.
Shazwan will be contesting against Barisan Nasional incumbent Nor Rashidah Ramli and Perikatan Nasional’s Dr Mohamed Maliki Mohamed Rapiee in a three-cornered fight.
In the 15th Johor state election, Parit Raja saw a clear victory for Barisan Nasional’s Rashidah, who secured 10,634 votes.