RECOGNISING Muar’s role as Malaysia’s top furniture producer, Pakatan Harapan’s Simpang Jeram by-election candidate Nazri Abdul Rahman said he wanted to boost the promotion and development of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes for local youth.

The Muar Furniture Park (MFP), which spans some 400ha in Bakri, can provide local youth with jobs, said Nazri.

He expressed his commitment to giving Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia graduates who do not want to further their studies the opportunity to enrol in TVET programmes.

“There are National Youth Skills Institutes and vocational colleges capable of delivering suitable training here.

“The government encourages young people to join TVET programmes. Once they complete their training, they can be placed in suitable industrial sectors,” he told Bernama today.

The MFP will serve as an integrated hub for furniture production. Launched in April 2018, it is expected to be fully operational by next year.

Nazri said the Covid-19 pandemic and limited job opportunities have forced some 30% of Simpang Jeram youth to relocate.

“If they remain and work here, their living conditions will undoubtedly improve due to affordable costs of living and decent income.”

Last year, the national furniture industry recorded exports worth RM19 billion, with Muar contributing 60%.

In the Simpang Jeram by-elections, Nazri will be up against Perikatan Nasional candidate Dr Mohd Mazri Yahya and Independent candidate S. Jeganathan.

Polls for the Simpang Jeram state seat and Pulai parliamentary seat were called after the death of Salahuddin Ayub on July 23.

Early voting is on September 5, with polling on September 9. – Bernama, August 31, 2023.