JERLUN: Skyrocketing prices of paddy farming input, high cost of living, bad road condition, poor water supply and the impact of climate change are among the grouses raised by the constituents in this Malay heartland.
For paddy farmer Aziz Jalil, 69, the increasing cost for paddy farming, particularly after the pandemic, is a bane.
"The cost of operating a paddy farm has increased by over two-folds over the past months. I could make a net profit of just RM400 after spending RM1,600 on the costs.
"Things got worse as bad weather ruined my harvest. I had to rely on selling fruits to supplement my income but I barely make ends meet," lamented the seasoned farmer.
The jump in essential items' prices further piled the pressure on many Jerlun households, most of whom rely on paddy farming and agriculture activities.
"I wonder if politicians understand our predicaments," said the father of four.
His friend, Roslan Ali, 55, a durian trader, said his business took a beating as only a handful of people could still afford to spend for the king of fruits.
"I hardly get customers among the locals. With an average monthly income of RM1,500 they have to prioritise on necessities, not durian.
"Hence, most of my customers are from Jitra and Alor Star," he said.
According to Roslan, petty traders in the constituency need help to weather this challenging time.
He also moaned about the poverty issue in Jerlun which he believed if unaddressed, may lead to growing social injustice.
For Zahalia Md Isa, 55, the plaguing treated water supply woes to her village is affecting her daily life.
"It is a major headache for us. The population here is growing but nothing has been done to improve the water services.
"The authorities said to enlarge water pipes they need to get approval from the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada).
"We hope our elected representative will speak and carry our voice to the parliament," said the vegetable trader.
Like other residents in Jerlun, Zahalia also prayed for roads in the constituency to be properly maintained.
Jerlun was held by Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir who retained the seat in the previous general election with 5,866 votes.
The former Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) deputy president had then contested as a Pakatan Harapan candidate under PKR.
Mukhriz is in a four-cornered competition to retain his seat.
The other contenders are former Jerlun MP, Datuk Othman Aziz from Barisan Nasional; Dr Abd Ghani Ahmad (Perikatan Nasional) and Dr Mohamed Fadzil Mohd Ali, Pakatan Harapan.