Mahkota voters hoping for economic boost

The flags of candidates’ parties lining the roads of Mahkota state constituency which is gearing up for a by-election. — Bernama

VOTERS are looking forward to good news from the winning candidate for the Mahkota state seat in the Kluang parliamentary constituency of Johor.

Among them is trader S. Jayanthi, who has been running her family-owned sundry shop on Jalan Station in Kluang town for 11 years.

The mother-of-four said many small businesses had closed since the Covid-19 pandemic and this had negatively impacted the local economy.

“Kluang used to be very busy but now it is like a ghost town, especially at night.

“The few shops that are still around will close early because there is no business,” she said.

Jayanthi said Kluang town would only see a high number of shoppers during festive seasons, while there were hardly any customers on regular days.

“Something needs to be done to help local businesses and revive the town,” she added.

Mahkota is one of two state seats under the Kluang parliamentary constituency.

The other is Mengkibol, which is currently held by DAP’s Chew Chong Sin.

Mahkota constituency has 66,318 registered voters, with 54.5% Malay, 34.2% Chinese, 7.8% Indian and 1.8% from other ethnic groups.

It is home to the old Kluang train station and two army camps – Mahkota and Padang Tembak.

The seat fell vacant after the death of Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain on Aug 2.

The by-election will see a straight fight between Barisan Nasional’s Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah and Perikatan Nasional’s Mohamad Haizan Jaafar.

Sharifah Azizah won the seat with a 5,166-vote majority in the March 2022 state election.

Voters’ election wish list

Social worker Peter Soo said many voters were small business owners whose main concern was their livelihood.

“The new elected representa-tive must bring in investments to Mahkota.

“Kluang is not developing like Batu Pahat and Muar.

“Among the economic sectors that should be looked into is tourism.

“Kluang has a lot of potential with its natural beauty and coffeeshops,” he added.

Soo said investments would create more employment opportunities for local youths, as currently many were forced to head to Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru or Singapore for better-paying jobs.

Businessman R. Punithan, who runs a goldsmith shop on Jalan Station, said businesses were looking forward to the completion of the Gemas-Johor Baru electrified double-track rail project next year.

“The train service between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru runs through Kluang but the older trains take a longer time.

“The new Kluang train station is ready but not used while waiting for the double-track project to be completed,” he said.

Punithan believes the new train service will attract more visitors and potential investors.

Syed Hussien (centre) making his rounds after Nomination Day on Sept 14.

Local issues on their mind

Retiree Othman Pileh stays in Taman Ilham, which has over 3,000 residents.

The neighbourhood has experienced flash floods for over 30 years.

“During the monsoon season, a few minutes’ downpour will see water rising.

“The previous assemblyman was able to get an allocation to upgrade some of the drainage.

“We are hopeful that the new representative can continue her legacy and ensure the whole housing area can have a better drainage system,” he added.

Self-employed Sim Geok Peng said the new assemblyman must go to the ground often.

The mother-of-four is hopeful the winning candidate will help upgrade public parks in the constituency.

“The equipment needs to be safe for both children and adults, especially the elderly,” she said.

Cashier Noor Azreena Azmi is concerned about the rising number of dengue cases in her neighbourhood.

“I have a six-month-old baby at home and as a new mother, the number of cases reported in Taman Intan is very worrying.

“There is an average of five to six cases per month,” she noted.

Mohamad Haizan riding a bicycle on his campaign rounds.— Photos: THOMAS YONG/The Star

Brisk by-election business

Businesses offering accommodation and food are enjoying brisk sales in the run-up to the Mahkota by-election on Sept 28.

Kluang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Datuk Teo Ee Piau said the by-election had put Kluang town in the spotlight.

“Our members include those who operate hotels, homestays, restaurants, coffeeshops and hawker stalls,” he said in an interview.

Teo said this was the first time a by-election was being held within Kluang district.

“Previous general elections and the state election in 2022 had also helped boost the local economy.”

Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia Johor liaison chairman for Kluang district Zolkefli Mohd Noor expects the crowd to grow as the voting day nears.

“Stalls and night markets have seen their business booming over the past few weeks.

“It will get better a day before the by-election and on voting day itself as people return,” he said.

Kluang Petty Traders and Small Businesses Association Law Chin Long said the timing was good as it coincided with the school holidays.

“However, the improvement in sales has not been as significant as we have anticipated for a by-election,” he added.

The new Kluang train station, built for the Gemas-Johor Baru electrified double-track rail project.

Candidates’ pledges

Local issues are the top priorities for both the Barisan and Perikatan candidates.

Syed Hussien said he would focus on flood mitigation.

The businessman and Kluang Umno Youth chief said the problem persisted despite efforts by the state and Federal governments.

“Floods is a critical issue in most areas and Kluang is no exception.

“Many parts of Kluang, in particular around Mahkota, have faced severe flooding in the past,” he noted.

Kluang’s potential as a tourism destination needs to be harnessed, say stakeholders.

The 40-year-old said that if elected, he would look at riverbank fortification efforts which were initiated by Sharifah Azizah, particularly in flood-prone areas such as Taman Ilham.

Mohamad Haizan, 61, said the high cost of living was a common complaint among voters he met while campaigning.

The businessman and former state footballer said traders had told him that the cost of raw goods was so expensive, they could hardly make a profit.

“If they hike up their prices, they are afraid they will lose customers,” said the Kluang Bersatu committee member.