Urgent need to tackle Sg Bakap’s chronic woes

COME July 6, voters in Penang’s Sungai Bakap state constituency will once again head to the polls. It follows the death of PAS assemblyman Nor Zamri Latiff last month.

From calling for better road maintenance to the resolution of traffic, flooding and water woes, the community is hoping the next representative will listen to their concerns, engage with them regularly and work diligently to address pressing issues in the constituency.

Retired soldier Ali Yasak Zainal Abidin, 63, said that besides resolving issues like low water pressure and dry taps, the next assemblyman should look at providing better healthcare facilities.

“Low water pressure has been making our lives difficult.

“Enhancing the medical facility here would be great as well. I am growing older and want the best healthcare as close to home as possible.

“It is vital to have a representative who can highlight these issues to the relevant authorities,” he said.

For years, residents in 12 areas in Sungai Bakap have been facing water cuts or experiencing low water pressure from 6pm to midnight.

It was reported that the worst experience was 20 consecutive hours daily for three weeks in 2022.

Another critical period was during festive seasons, when water disruption could go on for as long as 18 hours a day.

Teacher Amira Izzianti Azizan, 37, said her housing area along Jalan Sentosa had been facing random power cuts.

“It goes off for an hour or so. This month alone, there were three such incidents.

“We have informed the relevant agencies but the problem persists. We need someone who can address this for us.”

Amira said while her housing area did not have water issues, those living in neighbouring areas did.

Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, who is also Deputy Finance Minister, campaigning in Sungai Bakap.

“I know of many who struggle because they always face water supply disruption or low water pressure,” she said.

“These things disrupt their lives as they need to store water. Someone needs to help them,” she added.

Resident Mohd Hussein Abd Hamid, who lives in Taman Widuri, said residents had to put up with dry taps on some days.

“The low pressure causes hardship to those living on higher ground, especially the elderly and the sick.

“In some places, there is no water at all. Residents have to carry buckets of water from outside, which is very inconvenient,” he said.

Tan Chor Soon, 53, a lifelong resident of Sungai Bakap, spoke of other problems that needed the authorities’ attention.

“Some roadways get narrow, from a few lanes to one lane. This slows down traffic and creates congestion.

“Motorists are caught in traffic jam during the morning and evening rush hour.

The Sungai Bakap constituency population is predominantly Malay.

“The roads need to be widened or there needs to be a better traffic management plan.

“I live in Bandar Tasek Mutiara which used to be an oil palm estate,” said Tan.

“Things have changed drastically over the years and the roads here have become busier.”

He said the area had experienced flooding and problem of overflowing drains, which the assemblyman would need to look into.

Retired plumber D. Subramaniam, 67, who lives in Taman Puteri Gunung, said many of the roads lacked lighting.

“We need additional street lights and better tarred roads.

“I tend to walk around the area at night, and it is dangerous to walk in the dark,” he said, adding that the elected representative should reach out to the community and see to their needs.

Another voter, who requested anonymity, said he would vote for a representative who could bring changes to the place.

“Besides water issue, we also want better roads and public amenities.

“Some roads are congested, especially during peak hours as construction lorries and trucks are ply roads near the housing areas, which endangers the residents,” he said.

(From left) Abidin and Joohari at the nomination centre, Jawi Multipurpose Hall.

Candidate profiles

The Sungai Bakap by-election, following the death of incumbent Nor Zamri on May 24, will see a straight fight between Perikatan Nasional’s Abidin Ismail, 56, and Pakatan Harapan’s Dr Joohari Ariffin, 60.

Abidin is a familiar face in the area, having served as special officer to Nor Zamri before the latter’s death.

The Nibong Tebal PAS division vice-chairman was a logistics executive for 30 years.

His political career started when he became the Sungai Duri PAS branch secretary in 2005 – a post he held until 2015.

He has been deeply engaged in social activism in Sungai Bakap since 2012, serving in various positions in the area’s community and mosque organisations.

PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden said Abidin’s extensive experience and deep connection with the community were seen as an advantage for Perikatan, despite criticism and scrutiny of the latter’s lack of academic qualifications.

“Abidin has a good understanding of the area’s issues and the needs of residents,” said Afnan.

“He has met with the people and knows their problems. Residents of Sungai Bakap are familiar with him and trust him to serve as the assemblyman,” said Afnan.

He said the people of Sungai Bakap wanted a representative who would be present and listen to their problems.

Joohari meeting voters at the Sungai Bakap night market.

He assured locals that Abidin could bring local issues to the state assembly and effectively relay the community’s concerns to state and federal agencies.

“We chose him because he can effectively handle local issues. If elected, he can continue with the good work of the late Nor Zamri.

“He used to prepare speeches for Nor Zamri and coordinated well with government agencies,” Afnan said.

Meanwhile, Joohari from PKR is a former teacher, a certified trainer and coach who holds a PhD from Universiti Sains Malaysia.

He is a former director of Aminuddin Baki Institute (northern branch), having worked closely with Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, who is Nibong Tebal MP, in handling parliamentary and party matters.

Penang PKR Wanita chief Nurhidayah Che Rose said Joohari’s strong educational background was beneficial for the people of Sungai Bakap, especially the younger generation.

“He is a candidate with strong focus on education and a deep commitment to improving the infrastructure in the constituency.

“This makes him a standout and popular candidate in Sungai Bakap,” she said.

Nurhidayah said Joohari aimed to reduce the school dropout rate to zero and wanted to maintain high education standards.

Abidin engaging with community members of Taman Widuri.

“He believes that education is the backbone of our future and will work tirelessly to ensure every child has access to quality education if elected,” she noted.

She said Joohari was also keenly aware of pressing issues such as water supply problems.

According to Nurhidayah, Joohari had visited several affected areas to understand these concerns ahead of the election campaign period.

“Seeing the challenges faced by residents drives Joohari to finding sustainable solutions,” she added.

A total of 39,279 people are eligible to vote in the by-election.

Malays make up the majority of voters at 59.36%, followed by Chinese (22.54%), Indians (17.39%) and others (0.71%).

The Election Commission set July 2 as the early voting date, while July 6 is polling day.

In the Penang state elections last August, Nor Zamri, who was Nibong Tebal PAS chief, defeated Pakatan candidate Nurhidayah Che Rose with a majority of 1,563 votes.