MELAKA: From stretching their grocery budgets to enduring traffic jams and worrying about job opportunities, urban voters are looking beyond election promises for meaningful improvements to their everyday lives.
Mior Hishamudin Ariffin, 61, said rising living costs were putting increasing pressure on household budgets, with everyday necessities becoming harder to afford.
“Previously, RM50 could buy quite a lot of groceries. Now, you may need RM100 or even RM200.
“Even when salaries increase, prices continue to rise. We must also think about those who are self-employed and do not enjoy the same benefits as government employees,” said the pensioner.
Mior Hishamudin acknowledged improvements in infrastructure and traffic management over the past five years but said Melaka’s growing popularity among tourists had also brought heavier congestion.
“Tourism has improved, and more people are coming to Melaka, especially during weekends. But that also means heavier traffic on our roads.
“There have been improvements to road layouts and junctions, but more still needs to be done,” he said.
Jamaludin Yahya, 62, said the next state government should focus on improving economic opportunities and public safety.
The food outlet worker from Kampung Tanah Merah, Kerubong, said he hoped more assistance would be extended to senior citizens alongside efforts to create jobs and support local businesses.
“We need more opportunities for people to earn a living, and senior citizens should not be forgotten.
“Anything that can help people earn money would be good,” he said.
Jamaludin also raised concern about road accidents and illegal racing.
“Road safety is important. We don’t want accidents or illegal racing putting people at risk. Residents should be able to feel safe in their own neighbourhoods,” he said.
Alice Gaikai Yee, 27, said worsening traffic congestion and flooding were among the problems she hoped the next state government would tackle as development continued across Melaka.
The property development worker, originally from Ayer Keroh and now residing in Cheng, said motorists were increasingly frustrated by congestion.
A second-time voter, Alice acknowledged government financial assistance but believed infrastructure improvements should remain a priority.
“There has been financial assistance from the government, but we also need improvements to things that affect our daily lives, especially traffic and flooding,” she said.
Nor Shahira Sahat, 33, said more employment opportunities were needed, particularly for younger Malaysians seeking financial stability.
The housing development worker from Kerubong said she believed younger voters were becoming more politically engaged but said practical concerns should not be overshadowed by political sentiment.
“Young people are paying more attention to elections now, but what matters is whether there are enough opportunities for us to build a better future,” she said.
