Ahead of the Nov 14 polls, residents of Felda Hutan Percha in Alor Gajah and Felda Air Kangkong in Jasin want the next government to address employment, household expenses, housing and basic facilities.
Chemist Dhaswini Gunasegaran, 25, had hoped to build her career closer to home, but eventually found employment in Kuala Lumpur following unsuccessful job applications in Melaka.
The Universiti Malaysia Terengganu graduate now faces rental and travelling expenses that have added to her financial commitments.
A second-time voter, Dhaswini said younger generations should judge political parties by what they can deliver rather than inheriting their families’ political loyalties.
“I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to stay with my mother. I applied to several companies here, but I didn’t even get an interview.
“If there were more opportunities in Melaka, we wouldn’t have to travel so far to earn a living.
“Whoever wins should help those who genuinely need assistance, regardless of race or political affiliation.”
Dhaswini, who holds a degree in analytical and environmental chemistry, said even if salaries in Melaka were lower, the savings on accommodation and transportation could make working closer to home worthwhile, provided suitable jobs were available.
Student Aiswria Suresh, 21, is grappling with a different financial challenge while pursuing a diploma in early childhood education.
Her course fees total approximately RM27,000, while weekly travel between Melaka and Kuala Lumpur costs about RM200.
Aiswria, who stays with relatives while studying, hopes the next government would improve public transport and extend greater assistance to Felda families.
“The travelling cost alone is expensive, and that doesn’t include food or other expenses. People here need better facilities and more assistance to make their lives easier,” she said.
Housewife Noraini Jasman, 58, said younger generations were increasingly making independent choices about who should lead them, placing greater emphasis on whether elected representatives could address everyday concerns.
The second-generation settler said working adults and those raising families were particularly conscious of the responsibilities involved in choosing their representatives.
“The most important thing is to elect a representative who puts the people’s interests first,” she added.
Letchimy Thamusamy, 66, said rising household expenses had made even routine trips for medical appointments a financial burden.
A return journey to hospital in the city could cost RM70 to RM90, leaving less money for groceries and other necessities.
With utility bills and other household commitments continuing to mount, the housewife hopes the next government would provide more consistent assistance to struggling families.
“Even RM200 a month would help me buy groceries. I am not asking for much,” she said.
Former imam Tauzah Othman, 66, said small traders are caught between rising operating costs and customers unwilling to pay higher prices.
Recalling earlier Felda incentives, he said economic stability matters more to ordinary families than political promises.
“When prices go up, customers don’t want to buy. But if we sell cheaply, we cannot cover our costs.
“We just want to sit at the coffee shop, have a drink and live peacefully without feeling pressured,” he added.
