Melaka: The 'Jelajah Ketua Menteri Sayang Rakyat' is not merely a seasonal or campaign tour but a continuation of the 'Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat' (WRUR) initiative, designed to directly address and resolve public concerns, announced Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. This approach allows the state government to handle public complaints more intimately and ensure that resolvable issues are promptly addressed.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative began two years ago, predating any election sentiment, as part of the state government's ongoing commitment to the welfare of its citizens. The announcement was made by the Chief Minister following the 10th series of the Jelajah Ketua Menteri Sayang Rakyat at the Pengkalan Batu state constituency in Taman Cempaka. The event was also attended by state Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communications Committee chairman Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan and Pengkalan Batu assemblyman Datuk Kalsom Noordin.
Chief Minister Ab Rauf highlighted that eight issues, previously identified under the WRUR and 'Hari Exco Bersama Rakyat' (HEBAT) programmes, have been successfully addressed within the constituency through this tour. A notable resolution involved acquiring land for a Muslim cemetery, with a Chinese landowner offering a 50 percent discount on the market value, an act that touched the local Muslim community profoundly.
Further, the state government took steps to repair five dilapidated houses and provided a new house worth RM100,000 under the 'Baiti Jannati' programme by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). Additionally, an open hall was handed over by the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) for the community's benefit in the Pengkalan Batu constituency.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of a hands-on approach to ensure elected representatives fully understand the needs of their communities. He noted that the WRUR programme has now covered 25 series, with only five state constituencies remaining. The state government is committed to continually listening to public complaints, concerns, and suggestions to refine state policies and administration further.