Maintaining progress in Semenyih | The Star

HAVING just set up a carwash business at the parking space of a hypermarket in Taman Pelangi, Kamaruddin Abu Bakar has one main wish – that the new Semenyih assemblyman maintains the area’s peace and prosperity so his new venture will be successful.

“The district has seen much economic progress and voters like me are hoping the status quo will remain,” said Kamaruddin, 60.

One indication of progress lies in the rise of property prices. A double-storey terrace house in Taman Semenyih is now priced multifold higher than 30 years ago.

Kamaruddin, who hails from Kampung Sungai Jai, a village in Beranang sitting at the border between Selangor and Negri Sembilan, believes progress should spread to the rural areas.

Kamaruddin hopes peace is maintained so his new carwash business can be successful.

“Programmes promoting agricultural products that are unique to Semenyih can be introduced,” he said.

He also wants more to be done to unite the different communities in the district.

“For instance, festive open houses can be held for residents of Kampung Rinching, Ecohill and Taman Tan Sri Manickavasagam to get together,” he suggested.

At the new township of Eco Majestic, resident Alex Tan, 46, and wife Caffee Wong, 42, hoped solutions could be found for the problem of rank odours in the area.

Describing them as acrid fumes as well as smells akin to animal waste, they said the odour was stronger at night or after the rain.

(Above) Tan and wife Wong wish for better public transportation.

The couple also want better public transportation and more sports amenities.

“Due to lack of good public transport, parents have to make private arrangements to send their children to school.

“The trip can cost RM160 per month, one way. Even ride hailing services are not readily available,” said Wong.

Echoing the request for accessible public transport was Ain Halim Mohd, 29, boutique owner at Eco Majestic.

“Having a bus service will be helpful for boutique staff and other workers,” she said.

Bandar Sunway Semenyih Jalan 1 Residents Association chairman Asmadi Adnan said better public transport services would greatly benefit residents of affordable housing projects in Taman Desa Mewah and Bandar Sunway Semenyih.

Posters of Wan Zulaika from Barisan Nasional and Nushi of Perikatan put up in Kampung Rinching Hilir in Beranang.

He also complained about poor lighting on Jalan Semenyih.

“A row of 20 lamp posts from the Shell petrol station to Kiara Plaza and up to the Semenyih Road Transport Department are not functioning. This is obviously a danger to motorists at night,” said Asmadi.

The state seat of Semenyih will see a straight fight between Hulu Langat Umno Wanita chief Wan Zulaika Anua of Barisan Nasional and Selangor PAS information chief Nushi Mahfodz of Perikatan Nasional.

In her manifesto, Wan Zulaika said that in addition to issues like traffic congestion, she hoped to address the lack of playing fields and non-completion of a school in Taman Pelangi Semenyih.

“My vision is to have a mini stadium in Semenyih one day,” said Wan Zulaika.

Meanwhile, Nushi, who served as a councillor with Kajang Municipal Council in 2014, is aiming to make a change for the better in cleanliness, development and community services.

“Together, we will unite and do the best for Semenyih to develop its human capital and make the residents happy,” Nushi said in a social media post.

Semenyih, with an estimated 40,000 voters, together with Dusun Tua with an estimated 50,000 voters, come under the Hulu Langat federal seat.

Mohd Sany Hamzan from Amanah is the Hulu Langat MP.

In the 2018 state elections, the Semenyih seat was won by Bakhtiar Mohd Nor from Bersatu with 23,428 votes.

When Bakhtiar died of a heart attack in 2019, Barisan’s Zakaria Hanafi was elected assemblyman after winning the by-election with 19,780 votes.