The people in the Chini constituency are hoping that local leaders will use the current campaign for the state seat by-election to listen to their grievances.
Issues relating to public welfare, infrastructure and development are among the woes faced by the locals in the China Felda Cluster as well as local villages and Orang Asli settlements which the future people's representative and leaders must give attention to.
To the locals, the by-election is the best platform for them to voice their problems which have yet to be resolved.
Ibrahim Aman, 49, a first-generation Felda settler, said the problem of disrupted water supply in the Felda Chini area which has been a common occurrence since 30 years ago must be given immediate attention and resolved.
"Please settle this matter. Improve the water plant. We have had enough of the contaminated red water here," he told Bernama.
In 2017, the Federal Government allocated RM18 million for the construction of an off river storage (ORS) reservoir at the intake point of the Mentiga River, but the project has been delayed since then.
Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said recently that the project, which is expected to start in September, will take about a year to be completed.
It will benefit more than 33,000 residents in the Felda Chini Cluster as well as villages like Paloh Hinai, Kampung Mambang, Kampung Padang Rumbia and Gumum.
Another local settler Othman Saad, 67, urged the government to resolve the problem of housing for new generations of Felda settlers who now have to stay in their parents' homes.
He said the government has to come up with a mechanism which will allow the children of settlers to work the land independently and buy their own homes.
There should also be more job opportunities for youths here so that they do not have to migrate elsewhere to earn a living, he said.
"Rather than allowing outsiders to buy homes here, it is better to help them (second generation Felda settlers) first. Once the young migrate and we (the older generation) die, the village will also die," he said.
Fruit seller Rusdiyah Arkib, 43, also raised the issue of basic infrastructure, saying she wants to see more street lights, while sinking roads with holes must be repaired for the sake of public safety.
"This is no small issue as it affects our safety. The Salong-Kuantan road is full of holes as big lorries ply it and there have been many accidents involving locals along the road, especially at night," she said.
Meanwhile, youths here are hoping for a sports complex for them to hold recreational activities.
"There used to be a sports complex here, but it was taken over. So now we do not have a specific place for our sports activities like futsal, sepak takraw and badminton," Mohd Dinie Jaffar, 25, said.
The Chini state seat by-election covering a 590.23 square kilometre area, sees a three-cornered fight between Barisan Nasional (BN)'s Mohd Sharim Md Zain and two Independent candidates, Tengku Zainul Hisham Tengku Hussin and Mohd Shukri Mohd Ramli. Polling has been set for July 4.
There are 20,990 registered voters here comprising 20,972 ordinary voters and 18 early voters.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Jun 25 2020
To the locals, the by-election is the best platform for them to voice their problems which have yet to be resolved. - FILEpic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.