Source : Bernama
JASIN, November 1, 2026 – Barisan Nasional (BN) incumbent for the Rim state seat, Datuk Khaidirah Abu Zahar, says resolving long-standing local problems and unlocking the constituency’s tourism and economic potential are among her priorities if she is re-elected in the 16th Melaka state election, Bernama reported.
Khaidirah, 42, who is popularly known as Dira, made the remarks to Bernama while meeting residents in Chohong, Jasin, on Sunday, the first full day of campaigning, according to the national news agency.
She is in a straight fight for the seat against Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Esma Eazreen Husin, according to the candidate list released by the Election Commission (SPR) after nomination on October 31.
Drainage and flash floods
Khaidirah said several complaints that residents had raised for years had been dealt with during her five years as their elected representative, especially problems with drainage and flash floods in several areas of the constituency.
“Alhamdulillah, over the past three years or so, I can sleep peacefully even when there is heavy rain,” she said, according to Bernama.
She said cooperation with local authorities and government agencies had also been stepped up so that trees are pruned regularly and community clean-up activities are held for the safety of residents. Welfare efforts, she added, had included repairing dilapidated homes and providing allocations for urgent repairs to public facilities.
Tourism and local products
Khaidirah said she wanted to grow Rim’s economy by developing local products, improving residents’ skills and promoting existing attractions, rather than relying only on large-scale development projects.
“Rim has various attractions and potential, including Tasik Chinchin, scenic rivers, local food products, batik enterprises and ecotourism destinations that could be promoted through more attractive tourism packages,” she said.
She added that the area had trails suited to adventure sports and that homestay programmes could be expanded so visitors could experience village life, Bernama reported in its Malay-language story.
A call for a clean campaign
On the contest itself, Khaidirah said she would keep going down to the ground and carrying out her duties to residents as usual. She said she hoped the campaign would stay healthy and respectful, free of insults, personal attacks and accusations, including among supporters on social media, so the contest remained mature and harmonious.
Khaidirah is the Jasin Umno division vice-chief and a former State Deputy Investment, Industry and TVET Development Committee chairman. She is the daughter of the late former Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Abu Zahar Ithnin and was an actress and television host before entering politics, Bernama said.
The Bernama report did not carry a response from Esma Eazreen or Pakatan Harapan on the Rim contest.
Key dates
The SPR has fixed November 10 for early voting and November 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka state election, with 79 candidates contesting the 28 state seats and 687,697 registered voters, according to the SPR.
Credit : Bernama
About The Author
