Working together: Chong (right) and Lim posing together during a press conference on the manifesto in Raub. — ART CHEN/The Star
RAUB: Developing Raub’s agriculture, stimulating local economic development and solving the long-overdue water supply issues are among the 13 points in Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Chong Sin Woon’s manifesto.
“I have seen and experienced the hardships facing the people in Raub since I came about two years ago during the height of the pandemic, such as flash floods, bridge collapses and freak storms.
“My team and I have been on the ground to help and distribute aid to the needy, while making an effort to engage with the people at various kampung and villages,” said Chong during a press conference at the Raub Parliament Gallery on Jalan Tun Razak yesterday.
With Raub being the home of the popular and precious Musang King while also growing oil palm, cocoa and groundnuts, Chong said he would be the bridge linking the farmers and state government to resolve land matters and seek the best solutions for all related issues.
“There are many young and budding agropreneurs in Raub.
“I want to do more for them by providing training so that they master the skills and knowledge,” said the MCA secretary-general, adding he also wanted to bring in agriculture technologies from South Korea, Japan and China.
He also wants to cooperate with durian farmers to develop downstream industries such as durian pulp processing, durian by-products, and agro-tourism attractions, making this a significant endeavour for Raub.
Chong noted the need to make the access roads to farms and orchards better to ensure the safety of all workers.
On healthcare, Chong said Raub only gets specialist visits from doctors once a month. He cited the urgency to upgrade the existing Hospital Raub, and even suggested the need for a specialist hospital.
“I have contacted our Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin for a discussion on how to realise this,” he said.
Considering the inconsistency of Internet coverage in Raub, Chong wants to improve digital communication and connectivity here, saying that “facilitating online learning and conferencing are crucial for our students, especially those from underprivileged families”.
Following complaints from the community, Chong also said he would get support to build a proper hall that can host wedding functions in Raub.
Raub Umno division chief Tengku Abdul Rahman Tengku Perang, who was present to show his support, stated that Raub Umno and its machinery and grassroots are fully behind Chong and Lim Teck Hoe, who is contesting the Tras state seat.
He added that Chong had indeed called Khairy about having a specialist hospital in Raub and that he was sure Chong would be a dedicated MP.
Raub MIC permanent chairman Datuk K. Muniandy also expressed his full support for Chong, saying the party would give the fullest cooperation to Chong in his plan to further develop Raub.
