YONG PENG: Turning Yong Peng into a modern farming hub is among the goals in MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong’s manifesto for Ayer Hitam.

Dr Wee, who is seeking his fifth term in the 15th General Election, has introduced a five-point manifesto for Ayer Hitam folks.

The Transport Minister said the “Five Promises for the Next Five Years” manifesto outlines his vision for the coming term if he successfully defends the parliamentary seat.

He pledged to make Yong Peng, a state constituency under Ayer Hitam, into a modern farming hub as the town is packed with agricultural and chicken farming activities.

“Their produce meet the standards and quantities to supply food such as fruits, vegetables, chickens and eggs to the whole country, as well as exports to Singapore.

“I also plan to pull in more investments and create new job opportunities for the locals.

“My third plan is to make Ayer Hitam, which is strategically located in central Johor, into a land transport hub if the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail project is to be resumed in the future,” he told the crowd at his manifesto launch at Taman Kota here on Saturday (Nov 12) night.

He added that Ayer Hitam also has the potential for a tourism route to complement the nearby towns of Paloh (Kluang) and Bekok (Segamat), which are known for their eco-tourism features.

“As for the younger generation, I aim to do more for them as they are our future.

“This is by empowering them with more opportunities and scholarships to further their higher education studies, help them to start up their own businesses in order to attract them to remain in their hometown and contribute to the local economy, to name a few,” he added.

Dr Wee, who first became Ayer Hitam MP in 2004, took the opportunity to thank voters who attended the manifesto launch amidst a drizzle, as well as for their support throughout the past 18 years.