The streets of “railway town” Kluang, once echoing with the sounds of bustling trade, are alive again with the influx of “political tourists”.
Kopitiams serving the iconic Kluang coffee are overflowing with patrons, so much so that a minister who came down to campaign found himself waiting in line with dozens of other customers before snagging a table.
This vibrant scene reminds Ah Kok of the bustling business atmosphere that thrived before the Covid-19 pandemic and the movement control order.
“I have been in business for 25 years. After the MCO, sales plummeted. There were days when I had no customers, and many other shops closed down as well,” he told FMT.
“We couldn’t even stay open until nightfall because there were no customers during that time.”
Now, Ah Kok hopes the bustle will continue after the by-election.
He is looking forward to the future, in hopes that either BN’s Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah or PN’s Haizan Jaafar – the candidates vying to become the next assemblyman – can help revive business in the area.
“Please help breathe new life into business here,” he said.
The Mahkota seat, which falls under the Kluang parliamentary constituency, is home to 66,318 registered voters, with a demographic breakdown of 56% Malays, 34% Chinese, 8% Indians and 2% others.
Ah Kok’s aspirations for business revival resonate with fellow traders like food and drinks trader Lin Hoong Chiat, 34, and Masnira Ali, 36, who owns a shop selling umrah and haj supplies.
“Food and beverage business may still be okay, but it is limited to until 7pm. If possible, let’s revitalise this area so that it is as lively as the area near Kluang Mall,” Lin said.
Masnira said the new representative must be more “active” in their efforts to boost business in the Mahkota constituency.
“Be diligent in going down to the ground and propose new attractions to reinvigorate business. If possible, upgrade the bus station to draw more visitors,” she said.
Azizi Munir, 42, suggested that the government build a public university in the Mahkota constituency to help catalyse economic growth and benefit local residents.
“It would attract people from outside to move to Kluang, whether as employees or students. This would create a demand for rental homes and food businesses.
“In terms of facilities, I think it’s sufficient. The roads are not an issue, just the usual congestion during peak hours, which shows that Kluang is developing,” said Azizi, who works as a security guard.