Voters in Simpang Jeram are expressing their desires for the next assemblyman to be an approachable individual who will prioritize infrastructure improvements in the Johor state constituency. Khairul Hazli Maya, a warung owner, believes that having a representative who regularly engages with the community in person is crucial for effective communication. He emphasizes the need for upgraded roads in the area due to the increasing population and traffic congestion. Khairul also highlights the challenge of finding local workers for his business, as many young people prefer to work in other cities with higher salaries. Encouraging job opportunities and local economic development are important for retaining youth in the area.
S. Letchumy, a retiree, hopes the next assemblyman will allocate funds for a Hindu temple in Simpang Jeram as there are currently no temples in the vicinity. She relies on her children for transportation to the nearest temples, which can be difficult due to their busy schedules. She also expresses the need for improvements to the public transport system, as the current options are limited to school and factory buses.
Robert Tan, a stall owner, identifies the rising cost of living as his main concern. While he acknowledges that local councils are addressing most issues, he believes they can be slow in responding to complaints and inquiries. Tan hopes the assemblyman will raise this matter in the state assembly and advocate for initiatives to alleviate financial burdens on constituents.
Solehan Sulaiman, a deliveryman, desires a people-friendly assemblyman who can address the day-to-day challenges faced by the community. He specifically emphasizes the need for upgrading the drainage and irrigation system in areas prone to flash floods. He also mentions the issue of potholes, highlighting their danger during the rainy season. Additionally, Solehan hopes for the establishment of a Hindu burial ground and proper facilities for the community’s final rites.
Soo Geok Eng, a restaurant owner, calls for road upgrades in several areas, including Jalan Jeram Masjid, Kampung Jeram Tepi, and Taman Bakri Jaya. She particularly emphasizes the urgent attention required at the Simpang Jeram Masjid junction in Jalan Parit Ulu to alleviate congestion and prevent accidents. Soo also believes that promoting the uniqueness of Simpang Jeram in the tourism industry can help small businesses thrive.
The Simpang Jeram state seat is a part of the Bakri parliamentary constituency, which is currently held by Pakatan Harapan MP Tan Hong Pin. The constituency comprises Malay (51.87%), Chinese (44.58%), Indian (2.53%), and other communities (0.99%). The by-election was triggered by the passing of Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub on July 23. The seat has historically been known for its furniture production and ornamental plants, as well as its famous dishes, such as asam pedas and otak-otak.
In the forthcoming by-election on September 9, three candidates will be competing for the Simpang Jeram seat: Nazri Abdul Rahman from Pakatan Harapan, Dr Mohd Mazri Yahya from Perikatan Nasional, and independent candidate S. Jeganathan. Nazri has extensive engineering experience, Dr Mohd Mazri is a vascular surgeon, and Jeganathan is a businessman and activist. In the previous state election, the late Salahuddin defended the seat with a majority of 2,399 votes.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
