Residents want heritage status

RESIDENTS in Batu Arang are urging the authorities to give the town heritage status. In the same vein they claim that they do not want to be left behind in terms of development.

Their rationale is neighbouring townships like Bandar Tasik Puteri and Bandar Kota Puteri are fast developing and Batu Arang residents do wish to be are left trailing behind.

It is estimated that the combined population of residents in Bandar Tasik Puteri and Bandar Kota Puteri would rise to 250,000 in the next five years.

According to Batu Arang Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) secretary Ahmad Rafie Yob Batu Arang certainly needs a lift from the governments in view of the huge developments taking place in the neighbouring towns.

“Batu Arang was once nicknamed ‘Mini Gold’ hill. It could be developed into a tourist attraction,” said Ahmad Rafie.

He said Batu Arang is celebrating its centennial status this year.

“The century-old town was declared to have commercial value in extracting coal in 1911.

But he said there is a need to preserve this town and its old buildings to boost its appeal to tourists.

“Unique places like the police station, brick factory, mine air shafts, public hall and others should be restored and maintained for future generation,’’ said the 61-year-old.

The town committee members had submitted a proposal to Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) in March to restore the buildings in order to make it a heritage town.

In the proposal, Ahmad Rafie suggested that a tram route be built in the town that would eventually lead into the Selangor Fruit Valley.

“The religious remnants like a mosque, temples and churches left behind is a testimony to the multi-faith populace in this town.

“There are 16 large mining ponds here that have vast potential for water sports and activities like fishing competitions.

Ahmad Rafie said there should be a railway line connecting this town to Kuang or Rawang to boost the economy of the people in the town.

“There is a beautiful scenery of huge trees beside along the road at Jalan Kota Puteri and I suggested to place a plaque of the famous people in Batu Arang so that the future generation could appreciate,’’ he said.

Among the notable names were former MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, who had worked in Batu Arang and MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Michael Chong used to go to school there.

Related Stories: Batu Arang still boasts of its rustic charm Brief history on Batu Arang