KUCHING: New infrastructure and improvement to amenities, and more job and economic opportunities are among the main demands of voters on those who will be elected in the Sarawak state election.

       Voters in rural areas want their elected representatives to ensure that basic amenities were not only provided but also consistently maintained.

       Abidin Misi, who lives in Kampung Debak Laut in the Saribas constituency, said his elected representative must make sure that the villagers had the basic infrastructure and power supply.

       “The roads around Debak town are in bad condition and hopefully the elected representative can look into improving this,” said the 55-year-old.

       Stephanie Apui, a voter in the Mulu constituency, said the assemblyman of the rural area must make sure that there was telecommunication connectivity too.

       “The elected representative must constantly engage with the local communities to ensure that everything is in good order,” said the 35-year-old executive.

       As for voters in urban areas, many want an improvement to their livelihoods through new economic and job opportunities.

       Engineer Bong Chan Siong, 39, said elected representatives must make it a priority to develop human capital for their constituents by bringing in new investments, introducing new jobs and setting up access to training or skills uplifting.

       “This is also beside the fundamental task of resolving the people’s basic problems, such as rubbish collection, road resurfacing and flooding issues,” he said.

       Education counsellor Joycelyn Luui said those voted into the state assembly must look into enacting laws and policies that cared for the social safety net.

       “There must be a greater care and support system for people especially those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic,” said the 35-year-old.

       Shipping executive, Albert Tay, 55, wants his assemblyman to bring in new investments to help revive the state economy.

       “We cannot depend solely on shipbuilding. The timber business is at its dusk and no longer a strong pull for prospective investors.

       “New economically viable prospects must be sought. Other developments will naturally follow once the economy is revived,” he said, adding that Sibu had been losing out to other cities and towns in the state despite its strategic location.

       Senior general manager of a property development company, Eddy Puah, 52, wants his elected representative to provide an achievable five-year development masterplan for Sibu.

       He also called on elected representatives to show the voters their five-year report cards before the next election.

       “Did you achieve what you said you would do five years ago? If not, why? If yes, great!” he said.

       E-hailing driver Ngu Wu Pow called for speedier construction of the Pan-Borneo Highway, saying construction was too slow.