AYER HITAM (May 3): Pakatan Harapan (PH) today launched a mini-manifesto for Ayer Hitam, called Wawasan Ayer Hitam, in its last ditch to sway enough votes to win the parliamentary seat in the upcoming 14th general election.

Among the main items that are included in the election pledge were establishing an institute of higher learning in the Semarang state seat, which focuses on modern agriculture, as well as turning Ayer Hitam into a hub for express buses in central Johor.

"Pakatan Harapan will develop this project which will bring economic opportunities to local businesses and residence. An entrepreneur bazaar will be set up there with traders being exempted from licences," said PH candidate for Ayer Hitam Liew Chin Tong during a press conference held here today.

The coalition also promises to turn Ayer Hitam, especially the state seat of Yong Peng, into an agro tourism, ecotourism and small town tourism centre for the region, and encourage the development and promotion of local cultural arts such as kuda kepang, barongan and others.

A comprehensive sports facility will also be developed in Yong Peng, as well as more affordable houses, with rent-to-own schemes being offered, especially to young newly-wed couples in Ayer Hitam.

The Federal Trunk Road 1 between Ayer Hitam — Yong Peng — Labis will also be upgraded, as well as the Federal Trunk Road 50 in Semarang, with street lights and other safety equipment and facilities to be installed, such as a pedestrian bridge in front of SMK Datuk Menteri.