Chinese new villagers want better basic infrastructure, job opportunities and more community spaces as the Government pledges support under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had said the socio‑economic level of Chinese new villages would be strengthened through the Kampung Baru Development Master Plan, which would provide financing for entrepreneurial activities, including the preparation and upgrading of hawker sites.
Lim says the Prime Minister’s announcement on 13MP is encouraging.
At Selangor’s Seri Berjuntai New Village in Bestari Jaya, which has about 2,500 residents, village chief Chiang Yoke Leong said employment prospects were limited.
“There are more job opportunities in other towns like Ijok,” he said.
On infrastructure, Chiang said that while some drainage upgrades have been carried out, those projects were “few and far between”.
He also highlighted the lack of a waste collection facility, adding that tourism had yet to take off in the village.
“Most people bypass our village, but with funding and new proposals we hope to build up some kind of cottage industry or tourist sites,” he said.
Kampung Cempaka New Village chief Theresa Lim said Anwar’s announcement was encouraging.
“It is good news for new villages,” she said.
Lim said that while most residents in the Petaling Jaya village were senior citizens, a younger community still remained.
“There is potential for them to get some kind of funding to start a business in the village.
“As for infrastructure, the situation can be improved with better roads and proper drainage,” she said.
Lim also hoped for more green spaces for the village’s elderly folk.
