Johor polls: Bukit Batu voters’ election wish list starts with better jobs and ends with smoother roads
KULAI, July 2 — Rising cost of living, better job opportunities and improved infrastructure are among the key concerns of residents in the Bukit Batu state constituency ahead of the 16th Johor state election.
Most residents met by Bernama hope that the elected representative and the state government to be formed after the election will prioritise resolving these issues, which they say have a direct impact on their daily lives.
Taman Sri Pulai 1 resident Kelvin Chong, 58, said the state government, particularly the Bukit Batu elected representative, should focus on creating more quality job opportunities with competitive salaries to help the people cope with the rising cost of living.
“People are hoping for more job opportunities with better salaries. The cost of living in Johor is getting higher, and prices of goods are also affected by its proximity to Singapore,” said the businessman in the logistics sector.
Vegetable and fruit seller Tew Chong, 48, expressed hope that more initiatives would be introduced to reduce production costs in the agricultural sector, allowing crop prices to remain reasonable.
He said that the recent rise in the cost of fertilisers, pesticides, labour and transportation had forced sellers like him to increase the prices of vegetables and fruits to cover operating costs.
“If production costs are reduced, we don’t have to raise prices significantly. This will also allow consumers to enjoy more affordable vegetables and fruits,” he said.
Another resident, Muhammad Yusof Abdullah, 64, said efforts to upgrade infrastructure in the Bukit Batu constituency should be given attention, particularly the maintenance of roads, drainage systems and public facilities used daily by residents.
The retiree said the rapid development in the area must be supported by better facilities to ensure the comfort and safety of residents.
“For example, along Jalan Sri Putri, there are many potholes and uneven road humps that can cause vehicles to break down. We are also worried that something untoward may happen. If infrastructure can be improved, it will definitely bring more comfort to the people,” he said.
The Bukit Batu state seat is witnessing a five-cornered contest featuring incumbent Arthur Chiong Sen Sern of Pakatan Harapan (PH), R. Kumaran (Barisan Nasional – BN), M. Premanand (Parti Ikatan Demokratik Malaysia – MUDA), G. Tamili (Parti Bersama Malaysia – Bersama) and Independent candidate Datuk Kamaruzaman Ali.
Johor is holding its state election, with polling set for July 11 and early voting on July 7.
