Maritime engineer sets sights on fishery development for Sg Balang

MUAR: PKR’s Ayna Soraya Badaruddin intends to make use of her maritime engineering background to develop the fishery sector of Sungai Balang, the seat she is contesting in the July 11 Johor state election.

The Pakatan Harapan candidate said the Parit Jawa and Pantai Leka areas have huge potential but need better organised development, including jetty renovations, boat-landing facilities and the use of modern technology.

Soraya, a University of Southampton graduate, said these measures would improve fishermen’s catch, lower operational costs and open new economic opportunities for local residents.

“I want to use my experience in the maritime sector to generate new jobs and economic development for the people of Sungai Balang,” the 31-year-old told FMT.

Soraya, who worked in the oil and gas sector before entering politics, also wants to strengthen women in Sungai Balang, particularly single mums, through skills training and targeted aid or opportunities to generate their own income.

The deputy chief of PKR’s young women’s wing faces a three-cornered contest for the seat, taking on past assemblyman Selamat Takim of Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional’s Amin Sailan.

The seat, which falls under the Muar parliamentary constituency, comprises 73% Malay voters and 25% Chinese voters based on 2022 general election data.