Barisan unveils three step plan to fast track Sabah water and power projects Settle the basics first: Lye and his son Ricky, who run a stall selling noodles in Kota Kinabalu, want broken roads fixed because roads are not simply infrastructure but the backbone of mobility, business activity and daily survival. KOTA KINABALU: Livelihood concerns – especially the long-neglected state of basic infrastructure – continue to dominate the Chinese community’s priorities, even in urban areas. Many of those met say the condition of roads, which they described as “mooncraters” in districts and towns, has become the clearest indicator of whether elected leaders are delivering. To them, roads are not simply infrastructure but the backbone of mobility, business activity and daily survival. At a coffee shop in Lintas here, long-time hawker Lye Kwong Woh, 60, said the failure to fix basic necessities has left many feeling shortchanged. “Get the basics done well first. Roads are what allow people to move around to earn a living – that’s what drives the economy,” he said. He added that elected representatives must stop passing the blame. “Don’t say it’s federal responsibility. MPs must still bring the people’s voices to Parliament. So do the right thing,” he said. Lye, who lives in Taman Suria and has run a Penang prawn noodle and Hokkien mee stall in the city for decades, said what people want is not grand promises but visible improvements. “Whoever wins must show real commitment. Do the small things properly first – maintain the roads, fix drainage, keep the city clean,” he said. “These are not big political projects, but they matter to people’s daily lives.” He added that many voters have become more discerning. “People today are not so easily convinced. They want to see action, not just hear speeches,” he added. His son Ricky Lye, 32, said the economic squeeze is affecting younger earners more. “Last time, it was easier to make a living. Now competition is higher and we need to work harder to earn a living. “The roads are in terrible condition – not safe and not good for daily travel. Fixing them is crucial because that’s what allows everyone to earn a living,” he said. Ricky also called for more thoughtful urban planning. “Sabah has plenty of land. Develop commercial areas properly with enough parking spaces. Even big places like Lintas are always short on parking,” he said. For septuagenarian Uncle Yap, who has lived through decades of political cycles from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu, the current frustrations feel all too familiar. “Things that should have been done were not done. Focus went to the wrong places,” he said. “People suffer and feel cheated. I’m almost 80 – I’ve seen leaders come and go. Many talk big but don’t deliver.” He urged voters to assess candidates carefully and for leaders to remain visible after winning. In Dah Yeh Villa, a homemaker who only wants to be known as Leah, 45, said recurrent flash floods are her main concern. “This area floods every time there’s heavy rain. I don’t know why nothing changes. It has been like this for years,” she said. When asked about voting, she was unsure. “What’s the point of voting if the problem is still the same?” Leah replied. Her nephew Darren Lee, 23, who recently graduated from Universiti Malaysia Sabah and is working part-time, said infrastructure gaps also shape young people’s decisions about staying or leaving. “I want better connectivity so I can build a life here with a decent salary without having to leave my family for Kuala Lumpur or other big cities,” he said. Andrew Lim, 37, a Grab driver from Sandakan but now living in Penampang, said that some days he avoided certain routes because there are too many potholes. “It wastes fuel and time. When roads are bad, trips get delayed and passengers complain. It affects our business,” said the father of one, who relocated to the state capital for better opportunities. Lim stressed that urban roads should not be in such poor condition. “KK is the capital. At the very least, the town roads should be decent,” he added. Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates! Tags / Keywords: Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/11/20/voters-just-fix-the-mooncraters