AYER KEROH: Monthly water subsidies and free ambulance services are among the key pledges in the joint Barisan Nasional–Perikatan Nasional (BN–PN) election manifesto unveiled at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) today.
The coalition pledged free domestic water for households consuming less than 20 cubic metres, or 20,000 litres, a month.
It also promised a free state-wide ambulance service under its ‘1 PBT 1 Ambulans’ model, with each local authority operating dedicated vehicles to reduce the cost of medical transportation for the public.
For parents facing examination-related expenses, the coalition also pledged free tuition classes for all Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) candidates in Melaka.
Melaka BN chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the pledges were aimed at easing household expenses related to utilities, housing, healthcare and children’s education, and providing financial relief to the people.
He said the commitments had been assessed in terms of financial sustainability and administrative feasibility to ensure they could be implemented if the coalition secured a mandate in the state election.
113 initiatives across six pillars
The cost-of-living measures form part of a broader manifesto comprising six pillars and 113 initiatives, including 20 priority commitments aimed at improving people’s daily lives.
Titled “Membina Masa Depan Melaka, Memakmurkan Negara” (Building Melaka’s Future, Prospering the Nation), the manifesto covers key areas such as affordable housing, education, employment, healthcare and economic infrastructure.
Ab Rauf, who is also the caretaker Chief Minister, said the pledges were not merely a list of figures and programmes, but measures intended to address the needs of people at different stages of life, from young families to senior citizens.
He said the manifesto also outlined plans to prepare the state for future challenges, including rapid technological changes, shifts in workforce demands and broader economic transitions.
The joint manifesto marks a significant development in Melaka’s political landscape, with BN and PN campaigning under a shared platform for the first time.