Vast potential: Terengganu residents want economic progress to be top of the agenda for whoever forms the new government.
KUALA TERENGGANU: Ahmad Husni remembers the roaring days of the 1990s when young people didn’t need to leave the state thanks to the plentiful jobs from the booming oil and gas industry in Terengganu.
He used to work in the heavy industries that sprawled all over Kerteh, some 160km south of the state’s capital of Kuala Terengganu.
“Over time, the jobs related to oil and gas, and steel industries, declined to the point where we could not depend on them anymore,” said Ahmad Husni, 56, who started a grilled fish and seafood restaurant in Kijal after he retired.
But even the restaurant struggles to attract enough customers despite being on a main road between Kijal and Kemasik.
“Cars drive past without anyone even batting an eye at the shops here (in the commercial zone) because there’s nothing much around.”
Youth, including two of Ahmad Husni’s children, have left to work in Selangor.
His tale is repeated in many small towns and villages across the state, which is known for its rich oil fields that once provided jobs, revenue and business opportunities.
As the spillover effect from the oil and gas sector dries up, Terengganu residents want the politicians who win in the Aug 12 state polls to put economic growth at the top of their to-do list.
They are demanding that whichever new state government is formed bring in high-impact investments that can create jobs and boost incomes for their youth.
“Terengganu folk are a bit different from those of other states as they don’t want their children to migrate and work far away,” said Azan Ismail, a candidate in the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election that is happening concurrently with the state polls.
Barisan Nasional and its ally Pakatan Harapan are battling it out with Perikatan Nasional over 32 seats in the state assembly which will determine who will form the next Terengganu government.
Further north in Chanok, Setiu, Mohd Ariffin Hussin voiced similar demands, saying that the area’s oil palm plantations were not enough to keep young people from migrating.
“We hope that the new state government is able to get factories to open up in the district so that our children don’t need to venture out of Terengganu,” said the 73-year-old.
In nearby Merang, a popular jumping off point for snorkelers, island hoppers and visitors to Pulau Redang, most of the stalls selling swimwear and snacks at the public jetty remained shuttered on a weekday.
The only businesses that were open were the counters for boat operators, such as the one run by Mohd Faizul Ku Mansor, 39.
“During the week, we are grateful to get even one trip. In the past, we used to get two to three trips during the day.
“Now, we’re dependent on the trips we get during the weekend,” he said.
Over in Kuala Terengganu, a 50-year-old goldsmith at the iconic Pasar Payang said he only wished that whoever wins does not make things harder for ordinary folk like him.
“They all act the same. As long as we can still survive despite what they do, it is enough more me,” said the artisan who declined to be named.
During The Star’s visit, few customers were seen perusing the stalls at the market that features some of Terengganu’s best crafts and delicacies.
