FOR many voters in Machap, which is in the Kluang district, the issues that matter most are not political rhetoric but the everyday challenges affecting their livelihoods.
As campaigning picks up ahead of the 16th Johor election, residents say bread-and-butter concerns − such as the rising cost of living, reliable water supply, better roads and stronger local economic opportunities − will ultimately decide their votes.
Located under the Simpang Renggam parliamentary constituency, Machap is a mixed rural and semi-urban seat comprising traditional villages, new housing areas, agricultural land, and small commercial centres.
According to the latest electoral roll, Malays make up the majority of voters at 65.60%, followed by Chinese (27.04%), Indians (5.46%), and other ethnic groups (1.91%).
The constituency has long relied on agriculture, small businesses, and commuting workers. Because of this, economic stability and better infrastructure are the top priorities for residents.
Security guard Azizi Hussien, 55, said his family was finding it difficult to cope with rising prices, despite living in a relatively small town.
He said the cost of groceries and household necessities forced many families to tighten their belts.
“I hope whoever forms the next state government will prioritise measures to ease the cost of living and reduce the financial burden on ordinary households,” Azizi said.
Housewife Nur Aisyah Zainal, 49, said residents had not forgotten the severe water supply disruption that hit the area earlier this year.
She recalled how dry weather caused water levels at the Machap Dam to plunge, resulting in scheduled water rationing that disrupted daily routines.
“I hope there won’t be another water disruption because it was very difficult for families, especially those with young children,” she said.
The water supply disruption in February affected thousands of consumers across parts of Kluang and Pontian after the dry spell depleted water levels at the dam, forcing scheduled supply interruptions before the situation gradually improved.
Businessman Tan Wei Jian, 61, believes improving road infrastructure should be high on the state’s agenda.
He pointed out that nearby Sedenak had emerged as one of Johor’s fastest-growing investment hubs due to the development of data centres and industrial parks.
Tan said Machap should benefit from the spillover effects of those investments through better connectivity.
“Road infrastructure must see an improvement because Sedenak, which is nearby, is growing fast with new economic developments,” he said.
He added that traffic through Machap town had increased significantly as motorists used inner roads to avoid congestion on the North-South Highway when travelling towards Kluang or Johor Baru.
Better roads, Tan noted, would improve traffic flow, enhance safety and make Machap more attractive for future investment.
Trader V. Murugan, 42, hopes the government will establish a local economic centre where small traders can market their products.
He said such a facility would provide better opportunities for micro and small businesses while stimulating economic activity within the constituency.
“Small traders need a dedicated place to sell their goods. It would help improve the local economy in Machap,” he said.
His views reflect a wider hope among local entrepreneurs that economic growth in nearby areas will eventually create opportunities closer to home.
Johor voters will go to the polls on Saturday. Johor last held a state election on March 12, 2022, when Barisan Nasional secured a two-thirds majority by winning 40 of the 56 seats.
Pakatan Harapan won 12 seats, Perikatan Nasional secured three while Muda won one.
Machap has traditionally been regarded as a Barisan stronghold and is one of two state seats under the Simpang Renggam parliamentary constituency.
The incumbent assemblyman, Umno’s Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi was appointed the 19th menteri besar in 2022.
For this election, Onn Hafiz will be defending his seat against Pakatan Harapan’s Nur Hafiz Roslan (Amanah) in a straight fight.
