Contenders jostling to ‘upgrade’ Merbok

SUNGAI PETANI: Candidates contesting in the 15th general election (GE15) for the Merbok parliamentary seat have pledged to promote the constituency as a tourist destination.

One of the attractions in Merbok that has a unique history that many are unaware of is the Sungai Batu Archaeological site.

Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Nor Azrina Surip said this ancient “Kedah Tua civilisation” site would also be a gem for the country on the international stage.

“The Sungai Batu Archeological site, was proven through carbon dating as being older than the Angkor Wat in Cambodia. We used to have a great human civilisation here.

“This site is like a diamond that should be regarded with great respect because its history is intertwined with the history of the world and the site is of outstanding universal value.”

Meanwhile, Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin, said Merbok is endowed with natural beauty that can be developed as an eco-tourism destination in Kedah.

He added that the Tanjung Dawai area within the parliamentary constituency is well-known for seafood products such as salted fish and belacan, which could also attract visitors to Merbok.

“Tanjung Dawai needs to be upgraded to help residents boost their income,” he said.

Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Mohd Nazri Abu Hassan said a new bridge needs to be constructed across Sungai Semerling to reduce traffic congestion on the existing bridge.

There will be a five-cornered fight for the Merbok parliamentary seat between Nor Azrina, Shaiful Hazizy, Mohd Nazri, Datuk Mohammed Mosin Abdul Razak (Pejuang) and Khairul Anuar Ahmad (Warisan).