ALOR GAJAH, Nov 10 — Gadek has the potential to become a hub for modern agriculture and livestock farming, creating job opportunities for local youths and reducing their need to seek employment elsewhere, particularly in Singapore.

Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Gadek state seat, Jegasilan K, 45, said the area still had vast tracts of land that could be developed for modern vegetable cultivation and livestock farming.

He said former rubber plantations could be transformed into agricultural areas producing various crops for local markets, alongside livestock hubs for poultry and cattle.

“As a local, I see considerable potential to expand modern agriculture in the villages around Gadek, particularly through livestock farming and vegetable cultivation.

“We can introduce various crops that can penetrate local markets while developing poultry and cattle farming hubs here,” he told Bernama.

Jegasilan, who runs a tuition centre, said local youths could spearhead these initiatives if given appropriate training and guidance.

He said developing local employment opportunities could help reduce the number of young people migrating to Singapore, where working away from home often made it difficult for them to return during emergencies and festive occasions.

Apart from agriculture, he said Gadek also had potential to become a tourism destination, citing its waterfalls, hot springs, accommodation facilities and other natural attractions.

He said these attractions could be further developed by tapping the ideas and abilities of local youths.

On his campaign, Jegasilan said he had received encouraging responses from Malay, Chinese and Indian residents during his house-to-house visits over the past week.

He said water supply, drainage and road conditions were among the issues frequently raised, while residents also wanted an elected representative who remained approachable and accessible after taking office.

“They do not want a ‘weekly representative’, but someone who remains close to the people and is easy to reach whenever problems arise,” he said.

Jegasilan faces three challengers in the Gadek state seat contest — S. Nadarajah of Barisan Nasional (BN), Laveen Balaprabhakaran (Bersama) and Laila Norinda Maon (Putra).

Polling is set for November 14, with early voting on November 10.

For the latest news on the 16th Melaka state election, visit https://election.bernama.com/prn/melaka/2026/. — Bernama