They said the new assemblyman must urgently address these issues with both the Penang and federal governments.

School administrator Johari Mat Karim, 50, said whoever wins today must improve traffic within the Seberang Perai districts without relying on highways.

“Getting to the polling centre took me an hour. It is the same every day,” he said.

Edwin Mok, 36, and Evelyn Phuah, 34, both IT engineers working on the island, said they are frustrated with the nearly two-hour commute from Bayan Lepas to Simpang Ampat.

“There must be urgent solutions to resolve congestion at peak hours,” said Mok, a resident in Bandar Tasek Mutiara.

Engineer K Gobal, 62, said the next assemblyman should prioritise the welfare of those in Seberang Perai Selatan.

“He must be neutral and fulfil all promises made. He must look into the problems affecting the Indian community and the education needs of the poor. Stop coming to us only during election time, meet us more often,” he said.

Darrshini Krishnan, 22, called for improved cost of living assistance and the provision of upskilling opportunities for the youth.

First-time voters Aimi Sofea Faiz and Siti Aishah Idrus, both 18, said they consulted their parents on the better candidate but their final choice was based on character.

“It is not so much about the party’s values, but we make our decision based on the person’s profile and his character,” Aishah said.