MERSING: Life on Johor’s islands comes with its own set of challenges and, as the state heads to the polls tomorrow, residents say their votes will go to the person who can make their daily lives better.
For many islanders who depend on fishing as their main source of income, their long-standing concerns include the lack of resources to repair equipment, rising living expenses and a slow recovery in the tourism sector.
Pulau Sibu fisherman Abdul Kadir Seikh Idrus, 66, said his biggest hope was for the fishing community to receive the support it needs.
“Despite spending our lives at sea, many of us here face challenges getting licences, applying for subsidies or equipment-related assistance.
“I will vote for the candidate who provides what the people truly need,” he said.
Another islander, Seikh Mohamed Seikh Idrus, 56, hoped that the fishing licence renewal can be made easier so more fishermen can qualify for government assistance.
Trader Ainun Rajab, 48, said running a business on Pulau Sibu is costly as the goods are transported by boat from Tanjung Leman on the mainland.
She said the transport fee costs about RM400 per trip.
“It is difficult to keep prices affordable. Having more tourists will help local businesses, but the tourism industry has yet to go back to pre-pandemic levels,” she said.
Another resident, Raubah Ibrahim, 72, said the next assemblyman must work hard to revive the tourism industry.
“Since the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been fewer tourists and this has affected the island’s economy.
“Besides that, I would like to see urgent attention given to damaged roads, a collapsed school wall and ageing public facilities.”
Over at nearby Pulau Tinggi, Mohamad Basri Bakil, 32, said he wants an elected representative who truly understands the island life, from earning a living at sea to improving basic infrastructure.
“I will see which candidate is willing to look after the welfare of the island communities, since we are separated from the mainland,” said Mohamad Basri, who works as a school security guard during the day before heading out to sea at night.
He hopes damaged street lights on the island would be repaired soon to improve residents’ safety.
Veteran fisherman Sarudin Ibrahim, 70, said development for island communities should continue beyond elections.
“Politicians come with all sorts of promises before an election but after they win, we rarely see them again.
“We need continuous development, especially better infrastructure like street lights.”
It takes about a 40-minute boat ride to reach Pulau Tinggi and nearby Pulau Sibu from the Mersing Jetty.
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