MELAKA, Nov 9 — Competitively paid job opportunities and assistance for the upkeep of places of worship are among the key issues raised by the Indian community in the Paya Rumput state constituency, which they hope will receive attention from the candidates elected during the Melaka state election.
Mechanical engineer Sathesh Kumaar A/L Gunasegaran, 24, said graduate employability and competitive salaries were important benchmarks in determining who should be elected to serve the residents of Paya Rumput.
He said the state government and the incoming elected representative should formulate initiatives to narrow the salary gap in Melaka and bring it closer to the level offered in states such as Johor, in order to prevent the migration of local talent.
“Among the issues I can highlight for the younger generation is, first and foremost, the unemployment rate. Perhaps Melaka is not on par with states such as Johor in terms of how they have brought about changes in salaries and job opportunities.
“Besides that, I also hope candidates can introduce activities or programmes that benefit school students and help improve their education and living standards,” he told Bernama.
Sharing similar views, electrical and electronic engineering graduate Kuhan, 24, who goes by a single name, said Gen Z youths like him faced difficulties entering the job market if existing industrial areas in Paya Rumput were not fully utilised.
“It’s really not easy to find a job. Even as a fresh graduate, I’m actually struggling to get one. But honestly, I feel that if we vote for the right party that can establish a proper foundation for our country, we as Gen Z can lead the country and have a better future with a stronger foundation,” he said.
Apart from employment and salary issues, the Indian community in Paya Rumput also hopes that the welfare of its religious institutions, particularly places of worship, will receive attention from the constituency’s incoming elected representative.
K Selvie a/p Kannon, 58, said the Indian community in the constituency appreciated federal government assistance such as the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR), Rahmah Basic Contribution (SARA) and other forms of aid, but also hoped that the needs of places of worship would be addressed.
The mother of five hopes that the elected representative for Paya Rumput will help ease the financial burden of relocating a temple from its former site to a new site purchased by the community.
“This assistance is not for personal gain, but for the benefit of the younger generation and our grandchildren and future generations, so that they can worship in comfort and safety,” she said.
The Election Commission has set November 14 as polling day for the Melaka state election, while early voting will take place on November 10.
For the latest news on the 16th Melaka State Election, visit: https://election.bernama.com/prn/melaka/2026 — Bernama
