Land and water woes among key issues for Kelantan voters

 

Kelantan’s decades-old water problem and its rising land premiums are among key issues on Kelantan voters’ minds going into the 15th general election (GE15).

Several voters met by Malaysiakini noted that the PAS-led government in the state has failed to resolve its water problems despite its long grip on power.

“Kelantan is synonymous with water problems. The PAS government in Kelantan has failed to address it to this day even though they have administered the Kelantan government for decades.

“The water pressure will drop during festive seasons, and worse yet, colour will be akin to teh tarik. That’s what Kelantan folk have to face.

“I think the Kelantan government has so far failed to tackle the issue although they are part of the (federal) government,” private sector worker Abd Halim Che Muhammad told Malaysiakini.

Abd Halim Che Muhammad

The long-running water woes have become campaign fodder for PAS’ political rivals BN and Pakatan Harapan, who play up the issue against the Kelantan government.

Meanwhile, the livestock breeder Mohd Noor Mahasan said apart from water, the increased land premium is a cause that parties contesting in the election should champion.

He said the increase is a burden, especially for those who have few means.

“Not only that, the process of breaking up lots to get the land title takes more than a year. The increased premium is unreasonable compared to the quality of the service,” he said when met in Bachok.

Mohd Aiman Ismail

Another voter Mohd Aiman Ismail said the supply of clean water in Kelantan should be given serious attention.

“The water problems are nothing new, it has gone on for decades with no end in sight. The people want this issue to be resolved immediately.

“The Kelantan government has failed to tackle the issue to this day. I hope whoever forms the government after this would give special priority to the water problems,” he said.

Muhammad Faqrul Azam Ibrahim

Another youth voter, Muhammad Faqrul Azam Ibrahim, hoped the contesting parties would pay attention to the needs and wants of the youth.

“Kelantan needs much development including water, roads and other basic infrastructure.

“Politicians should certainly pay attention to the demands of young voters,” he said.

Islamic party PAS has been in power in Kelantan since 1990. Kelantan voters, however, will only vote for parliament representatives in this coming general election on Nov 19 as the state assembly was not dissolved. The state election will be held next year. - Mkini