KLUANG - Kluang offers residents a leisurely and harmonious lifestyle, free from the hustle and bustle commonly found in larger cities.
Despite growth and development, it features a blend of historic and modern architecture, serving as an administrative, industrial, and commercial hub, while maintaining a remarkably clean environment.
A stroll through the town reveals a diverse range of branded businesses, from restaurants to clothing stores, pharmacies, sports equipment shops, and financial institutions, coupled with excellent basic amenities and recreational facilities, which provide a high quality of life.
It is no surprise, then, that Kluang was recognised as one of the top 10 Happiest Cities in Malaysia in 2022, as determined by the Happiness Index study conducted in conjunction with World Happiness Day the same year.
Chia Hang Kiang, a 68-year-old lifelong resident of Kluang, attests to the town's appeal, citing the relaxed and harmonious atmosphere as the primary reason for choosing to remain in his hometown.
"Kluang is excellent and peaceful. Everything is within a 5 to 10-minute drive, so there's no heavy traffic or stress. I hope that living here will help me live a long life because it's so calming.
"Every morning, I don't have to rush out like I would in other cities. I can wake up, get ready, and go out for a cup of coffee before opening my shop," explained Chia, who runs his family's biscuit business.
Selamat Isman, 65, also spoke highly of Kluang. He moved to the town 34 years ago and believes it was the best decision he ever made.
"I was able to build a family in a safe and suitable location, although it's still a developing area," said the former Johor Bharu resident, who finds the cost of living in Kluang to be more affordable.
"Life in Johor Bharu was quite hectic and expensive for me. After careful consideration, my wife and I chose to settle in Kluang. Alhamdulillah, we were able to buy land, gradually build a house, and raise our five children here," Selamat shared.
P. Sokie, a 60-year-old snacks vendor, has lived in Kluang for many years and appreciates the harmonious relationship among the different races.
Sokie, who runs her business with her husband, K. Ramalingam, has built strong bonds with her customers over the past 32 years and has never thought of moving away.
"Here, Malays, Chinese, and Indians can sit together and just chat. We can see this in coffee shops where people from different backgrounds interact. When someone is sick, their neighbours check on them. We are not shy about asking for help too because we are always willing to help each other," she elaborated.
"I hope this spirit of unity is upheld among the people of Kluang. Even as we progress, we must maintain this sense of community, especially among the younger generation," she added.
Kluang, located approximately 100 kilometres north of Johor Bahu, has been in the spotlight recently due to the upcoming Mahkota state assembly by-election.
The by-election, scheduled for Sept 28, will see a straight contest between Barisan Nasional candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah and Perikatan Nasional candidate Mohamad Haizan Jaafar.
The seat became vacant following the death of incumbent Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain, who was also a former Johor Umno Wanita chief, on Aug 2 while receiving treatment at the Enche' Besar Hajjah Khalsom Hospital here on Aug 2. - BERNAMA