PIC BY BULETIN TV3/ASYIHA ARIFFIN
MELAKA: Free health screenings and dedicated transport services for senior citizens are among the initiatives Barisan Nasional candidate for Bandar Hilir, Jasmine Lok, plans to introduce if she wins the state election.
Lok said many senior citizens in the constituency lived alone because their children worked elsewhere and rarely returned home, making access to healthcare and transport an important concern.
“If elected, I plan to introduce a dedicated transport service, called the ‘Jasmine Care Van’, to take senior citizens to hospitals or health clinics for regular check-ups,” she said when met during a walkabout at the Ujong Pasir night market here last night.
Lok, who has been a Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) councillor since 2022, said she had also been providing free health screenings throughout the campaign in collaboration with the MCA Crisis Relief Squad.
She said the service was brought directly to public gathering spots, including night markets, to make it easier for residents to undergo health screenings at no cost.
“With the rising cost of living and increasing prices of goods, health screenings at private facilities can be quite expensive. That is why I bring the CRSM team to night markets to provide free screenings.
“The service will continue and be expanded if I receive the people’s mandate,” she said.
Apart from senior citizens’ welfare, Lok said traffic congestion and a shortage of parking spaces were among the other concerns raised by residents.
She said worsening congestion in Bandar Hilir was partly due to the constituency’s status as a major tourist destination.
“Bandar Hilir is the heart of Melaka City and home to world-renowned tourist attractions such as the Clock Tower and Menara Taming Sari. There have been complaints about insufficient parking spaces and serious traffic congestion.
“However, I am confident that the congestion can be resolved with proper planning,” she said.
On her campaign, Lok said feedback from the local community had been positive so far.
However, she acknowledged the challenge of contesting in Bandar Hilir, which is considered a Pakatan Harapan stronghold.
“I dare not make any predictions because the outcome is in the hands of the voters.
“As a voter myself, I would want a representative with a good track record of service and performance.
“However, as a candidate, I will continue working hard to achieve the best possible result,” she said.