State polls: ‘I understand the struggles of Batang Kali people’

SON of a former rubber tapper, Datuk Mohd Isa Abu Kasim believes he knows the Batang Kali constituents’ sentiments and struggles.

The 58-year-old said that as a schoolboy, he helped his father on their 2ha plot in Ulu Rening, Batang Kali.

The Hulu Selangor Umno division chief is Barisan Nasional’s candidate for the Batang Kali constituency.

Born and bred in the Batang Kali area, Mohd Isa feels he has a lot in common with the farmers and villagers there.

“There is a need to improve transport service in the area.

The Barisan candidate hopes to promote the tourism attractions of Batang Kali including Hulu Tamu hotsprings.

“The Selangor Free Bus service here presently gets very good support from the locals but it should increase the frequency of buses and add more routes,” he said.

He also wants to provide more activities for the youths of Batang Kali so they can be more productive with their time.

“We have identified a 1.3ha plot in Bukit Sentosa, Rawang, to be turned into an extreme sports hub for BMX, football, skating and offroad activities.

“We hope one day, they can represent the country in these sports,” he added.

Mohd Isa, who was Batang Kali assemblyman from 2008 to 2013, also noted the presence of many foreigners in the area.

“The folk in Batang Kali say their livelihoods are at stake,” he said and pledged to tackle the issue.

Mohd Isa, who resides in Kampung Melayu Rasa in Rasa, Hulu Selangor, highlighted that Batang Kali had many tourism spots that could be promoted to boost the economy.

“For instance, we have Hulu Tamu Hotsprings in Hulu Tamu, Tasik Widuri in Bukit Beruntung, Telaga Tujuh in Serendah, Lata Gapi waterfalls, Serendah waterfalls and Rumah Hutan Bonda Rozita.

“Batang Kali is also an automotive hub with major players such as Tan Chong Motors, Perodua and Toyota plants operating here.

“We plan to create more opportunities for youth to develop their automotive skills,” he said.

He emphasised that his passion was always to serve the people of Batang Kali.

“I have many relatives in this area. My heart is with the people here because I was born, married and even started my career here,’’ he said.

Mohd Isa started his career in politics as Hulu Selangor Umno Youth chairman in 2001.

He is facing Perikatan Nasional candidate Muhamad Muhaimin Harith Abdullah Sani from Bersatu in a straight fight.

Batang Kali seat was won by Harumaini Omar (then with Pakatan Harapan) in the 2018 general election with a 51% majority.

The seat was declared vacant in February this year by Selangor Speaker Ng Suee Lim after Harumaini failed to attend the state assembly sitting for more than six months.