Local issues are voters’ concern

Homeward hopes: (From left) Fatin, Verghese, Faieruz and Muhd Nabil.

HULU SELANGOR: Better paying jobs, public transport and an energetic assemblyman who won’t disappear after the polls – these topped the list of what Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) voters want from the by-election.

As constituents prepare to cast their votes on May 11, residents of various backgrounds said they also hope that their new elected representative would bring in a 24-hour convenience store and free school bus services.

The concerns regarding local issues were acknowledged by one of the by-election’s candidates, Pang Sock Tao, who said KKB voters had come to her with concerns such as clogged drains and flash floods.

“To me, these (local issues) are the focus of the by-election,” the Pakatan Harapan candidate said when met during a walkabout to meet voters in Pekan Kuala Kubu Baru recently.

Kindergarten teacher Fatin Najwa, 25, said she wants an experienced representative who can assist in community development and be readily available to serve constituents.

She said she also hopes the new elected rep could boost wages in the constituency, known for its hill town in a remote part of Hulu Selangor district, which is slightly more than an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur.

“Although there are job opportunities here, the wages aren’t high, which is why many young people leave for the city. I’ve also considered moving to the city for work,” she added.

Fatin said she hopes KKB’s new state lawmaker would also be able to spur business and bring in 24-hour convenience stores as they are a necessity for busy working parents like her.

Another resident, Faieruz Hanum, hopes the new rep can set up free school bus services to help lighten the burden of low-income households.

She also suggested that public transport be improved and the government encourage more affordable housing projects.

“So far, I’m pleased with the development here, especially considering the improvements in infrastructure compared with the past decade. Now, we just need to keep up with the demand for housing and transportation,” said the 43-year-old cashier.

Verghese Philip, a resident of Rasa, hopes the assemblyman will be active and present in KKB.

“It doesn’t matter if the candidate is originally from KKB, we want someone capable and dynamic.

“Experience can be accumulated and they can be guided,” said the 30-year-old, who also praised the efforts of its previous state assemblyman Lee Kee Hiong, whose death in March led to the by-election.

“Previously, KKB was known for being near Rawang. Now, it is famous in its own right, thanks to the development and efforts of previous representatives,” Philip added.

Besides Pang, the seat is being contested by Perikatan Nasional’s Khairul Azhari Saut, Hafizah Zainudin of Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) and Independent Nyau Ke Xin.

Phillip also urged the next elected rep to get speed-trap cameras set up at a busy traffic junction in Rasa to deal with speeding motorists who often cause accidents.

Waiter Muhd Nabil echoed Phillip’s sentiment that it was not critical for the new assemblyman to actually hail from KKB.

“They do not need to be a local to bring in development, as long as they are accessible to the people when needed,” said the 25-year-old.

“I hope to choose an experienced but young candidate,” he said, adding that the new state rep needs to create more job opportunities, especially for young people.

“I used to work in Johor, but due to the high cost of living there, I chose to return. Despite the higher income in Johor, I didn’t want to deal with the daily traffic, lorries, and factories.

“Coming back here, I find the environment comfortable and peaceful. I enjoy outdoor activities and hope the new representative will focus on promoting health and wellbeing through more outdoor opportunities,” he added.

KKB has 40,226 registered voters consisting of 39,362 regular voters, 625 police personnel, 238 military personnel and spouses, and one absentee voter residing abroad.