AYER KEROH: A target of 25,000 affordable homes and 25,000 job opportunities over five years are among the key economic pledges in the joint Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional manifesto unveiled at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) today.
The coalition pledged to build 25,000 affordable homes over the next five years to help first-time buyers secure housing and address affordability concerns.
It also committed to creating 25,000 job opportunities, alongside one-off technical training grants for youths from B40 households pursuing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) certifications.
Melaka BN chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the manifesto sought to balance immediate welfare needs with long-term capacity building by expanding entrepreneurship opportunities and vocational training pathways, enabling local youths to build careers without having to leave the state.
“For young people entering the workforce, we offer 25,000 employment opportunities,” he said.
“There are young people seeking jobs to build their future, and young couples dreaming of their first home.
“This is the reality of life that guided us in framing this joint manifesto,” he added.
The housing and employment targets are part of a wider manifesto comprising 113 initiatives under six pillars, with the theme “Membina Masa Depan Melaka, Memakmurkan Negara” (Building Melaka’s Future, Prospering the Nation).
Of the 113 initiatives, 20 priority commitments have been identified to improve the daily lives of people across Melaka.
Ab Rauf, who is also the caretaker Chief Minister, said the pledges were intended to address people’s needs at different stages of life, while ensuring economic growth translated into sustainable livelihood opportunities, support for micro-businesses and higher-skilled jobs for the next generation.