Melaka polls: Pakatan’s Jegasilan wants to create jobs in Gadek through modern farming

In the Malaysian state of Melaka, candidate Jegasilan K from Pakatan Harapan is advocating for modern agriculture and livestock farming in Gadek to generate employment opportunities for local youth, thereby reducing the need for them to seek work in Singapore. The area is rich in potential for modern vegetable cultivation and livestock farming, as it still boasts extensive tracts of land that could be utilized.

Former rubber plantations could be transformed into agricultural areas producing various crops for local markets, alongside hubs for poultry and cattle. Jegasilan, a resident and owner of a tuition center, believes that introducing diverse crops and developing poultry and cattle farming hubs could help local markets. He emphasized that local youths could spearhead these initiatives with proper training and guidance, which would also help in mitigating the migration of young people to Singapore, often causing difficulties in returning during emergencies and festive occasions.

Apart from agriculture, Gadek possesses potential to become a tourism destination due to its waterfalls, hot springs, accommodation facilities, and other natural attractions. These attractions could be further developed by leveraging the ideas and abilities of local youths. In his campaign, Jegasilan has received positive responses from Malay, Chinese, and Indian residents during his door-to-door visits, highlighting issues such as water supply, drainage, and road conditions.

They also expressed a desire for an elected representative who remains approachable and accessible after taking office. Jegasilan is up against three candidates in the Gadek state seat contest — S. Nadarajah from Barisan Nasional, Laveen Balaprabhakaran from Bersama, and Laila Norinda Maon from Putra. The voting will take place on November 14, with early voting on November 10.

For the most recent updates on the 16th Melaka state election, visit https://election.bernama.com/prn/melaka/2026/.