Muhammad Zulhalmi Zulkarnain said older flats, particularly Flat Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, needed upgrading.
“This will not only improve the living conditions of residents but also project a more positive image,” said the quality inspector, who previously lived at Flat Taman Jaya Mas for more than 25 years.
He said ageing infrastructure in older residential areas should be given greater attention.
“Many of the older housing areas have drainage systems that were built based on outdated specifications,” said Muhammad Zulhalmi.
“When there is heavy rain, water overflows resulting in flash floods.
“At the same time, new housing developments should not affect the liveability of older neighbourhoods.”
He hopes that the next assemblyman will ensure no community is left behind.
“Skudai has adequate public facilities and amenities.
“I hope the next assemblyman will continue with improvements, create more business opportunities for young people and ensure everyone benefits from Skudai’s development,” said Muhammad Zulhalmi.
Echoing him was Nur Zahirah Mat Zain, who said older flats in Skudai should be upgraded to improve residents’ quality of life.
“The shortage of spaces has led to illegal parking,” she said.
“Some people leave their cars here before crossing into Singapore for work, making it even harder for residents to find parking.”
Another Skudai voter M. Satish hopes to see cleaner surroundings, better roads and reduced traffic congestion.
“These are basic issues that have a direct impact on our daily lives,” he said.
The health, safety and environment officer, who travels to Singapore for work daily, said more recreational spaces were needed.
“I would also like to see more playgrounds and parks,” said Satish.
“Local councils should ensure they are fitted with outdoor gym equipment to benefit the public.”
He added that the next assemblyman should maintain a visible presence on the ground and remain easily accessible.
Numerology instructor Arren Lim said Skudai had grown into a well-developed township with good amenities.
“I have been living in Skudai for more than 20 years and I think the area has developed well,” he said.
Lim hopes whoever is elected as the next assemblyman will continue building on this and work in the best interest of residents.
Skudai is an urban seat with some 106,579 voters.
About 61.04% of its voters are Chinese, 22.19% are Malays, 14.12% are Indians and the remaining 2.65% are of other races.
The Skudai state seat was formed during a redelineation exercise in 1994.
It was first contested during the 9th General Election in 1995.
In the previous state election, Pakatan Harapan’s Marina Ibrahim from DAP won the seat with a 13,943 majority against Lim Soon Hai from Barisan Nasional (MCA) and Khoo Kong Ek from Perikatan Nasional (Bersatu).
During Nomination Day on June 27, it was revealed that Pakatan’s J. Kartiyaini from DAP, Nicol Tan Hiang Kee from Barisan (MCA), Eugene Chua Meng Chong from Parti Bersama Malaysia and Amir Syafiq Ameer Soekre from Parti Sosialis Malaysia will be contesting.
The Election Commission has set July 11 as polling day, with early voting on July 7.
