SEGAMAT: Jementah is betting on tourism to revitalise the constituency's economy and to position it as a destination for nature-based and cultural experiences.
Jementah assemblyman Ng Kor Sim said with Jementah's limited industrial prospects, she sees tourism as its most viable economic driver.
"Given Jementah's geographical constraints, we must focus on sectors that can thrive here.
"Tourism has a lot of potential, with people increasingly interested in suburban and nature-based experiences. It is a perfect fit for Jementah and Segamat," she told the New Straits Times, today.
Jementah is one of the two state constituencies in Segamat. Key attractions include the Bekok Forest Reserve and its waterfalls, and Gunung Ledang, which is about 20km away.
The upcoming extension of the Electric Train Services (ETS) from Gemas to Johor Baru is anticipated to further boost tourist arrivals to Segamat.
"However, infrastructure remains a challenge, with accommodations currently limited. Plans are in motion to increase capacity, including a new budget hotel that is opening in December," she said.
She said promoting sports events like cycling would be taken into consideration if the state and federal governments can allocate the funds.
Ng is also in talks with local businesses to provide essential services like car rentals and chartered tour buses to make it easier for tourists to get around. Another collaboration is working with a local chicken rice restaurant, which houses Malaysia's largest train mural.
Ng is confident that the boost in the tourism sector will lead to job opportunities and economic growth in Jementah, Segamat and Tangkak.