Melakans are hoping the newly elected state government will prioritise economic growth, create more employment opportunities and address everyday issues such as the rising cost of living, poor infrastructure and parking shortages.

While acknowledging that development has taken place in the state, several residents said more needed to be done to ensure its benefits reached local communities, particularly younger people struggling to build their careers.

For 68-year-old Tam Lay Onn, economic development should remain a priority, but the state government must also pay greater attention to problems affecting residents’ daily lives.

Tam Lay Onn, 68. (Credit: Ikhwan Zulkaflee/TRP) He said parking shortages had become increasingly frustrating, particularly as Melaka’s tourism industry continued to attract visitors and put pressure on available parking spaces.