‘Senai roads need to keep up with town’s growth’

Senai voters say there is a need to widen and improve roads in the constituency.

BETTER roads, smoother traffic flow and more public facilities are among improvements Senai voters are hoping for.

Cheng Wee Yong, who runs a food stall, said there has been a lot of im­­­provement and development in Senai, but it was more concentrated towards the town area.

Cheng says development in Senai centres mainly in town.

“Some residents may not feel the impact of this development,” said Cheng, who has been living in Senai for over 40 years.

“Congestion has also worsened with more people and businesses moving to the area.

“The spike in population, with many people moving to Senai to work in Singapore, has contri­buted to the worsening congestion, which is the main issue that needs to be addressed,” he said.

Clerk Nur Atikah Mohamad Yazid hopes priority will be given to improve roads to keep pace with Senai’s growing population and industrial development.

“The roads, especially those around Pekan Senai, should be widen­ed.

“Compared with neighbouring constituencies, Senai’s road network is no longer sufficient for the number of people living and working here,” she said.

Atikah says Senai International Airport (right) is great for the constituency but more can be done for youth spaces.

Atikah, who has lived in Kam­pung Baru Senai since childhood, said traffic congestion has become increasingly common during peak hours.

“I hope the authorities can find long-term solutions to improve traffic flow because congestion is a daily issue.”

She also hoped more recreational spaces are created for young people.

“Senai International Air­port gives visitors a good first impression, but more can be done to beautify the rest of Senai and have more places where young people can gather for recreational activities.”

Retiree P. Mani said des­pite rapid development over the years, Senai remained a comfortable place to live.

“I think Senai has grown well. There has been a lot of development, but overall it is a good place to live.

“I hope the authorities will continue maintaining roads and public infrastructure so that residents can continue enjoying good quality of life.”

Mani says Senai’s liveability for existing residents and newcomers must be preserved.

He hoped Senai’s development would continue at a steady pace, while its liveability is preserved for existing residents and newcomers.

On the same note about traffic congestion, technician Mohd Haiqal Mohd Sulaiman said the problem has become more noticeable over the years as Senai continued to grow.

“I hope long-term solutions can be implemented to improve traffic flow.”

Mohd Haiqal also hoped more public facilities would be provided to cater to the needs of the growing community, and that the next elected representative would be approachable and engage closely with residents.

Senai is an urban seat with 66,635 voters.

About 55.10% of its voters are Chinese, with 28.99% Malays, 12.87% Indians while the remaining 3.04% are of other races.

The Senai state seat was for­med during a redelineation exercise in 2003, and was first contested in the 11th General Election in 2004.

In the previous state election, Pakatan Harapan’s Wong Bor Yang from DAP won the seat with a 5,921-vote majority against Kenny Shen Poh Kuan from Bari­san Nasional (MCA) and Yeo Kwee Kwang from Perikatan Nasional (Bersatu).

On nomination day on June 27, the seat was confirmed to see a three-cornered contest between incumbent Wong, Tai Chee Chee from Barisan (MCA) and Tew Chien How from Parti Bersama Malaysia.