HULU SELANGOR – Voters in Selangor’s Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB) state constituency are keeping a tight lid on their voting preferences but are highlighting the pressing need for their next representative to take decisive action against crime.
The local residents have raised multiple concerns, particularly regarding the safety of women and the issue of alcoholism, which has been a contributing factor to a series of violent incidents.
They have also expressed dismay over the perceived increase in robbery cases and the lack of visible patrols by law enforcement, leading to growing apprehension about their personal safety and property security.
Siti Nur Shafina, a first-time voter who helps her mother with their restaurant business, voiced her distress about the escalating crime rate in KKB affecting their livelihoods.
“Our restaurant business is struggling due to the frequent gang fights in KKB, making it incredibly challenging to make ends meet.
“As a woman, I constantly feel unsafe due to the harassment from drunkards, jeopardising the safety of my sisters and myself. There’s a pressing need for better security measures for young women here,” she said.
Iyyati Nur Din, a local business owner, said that the local council has failed to adequately address the concerns of the people and incorporate them into their actions.
“Despite consistently reporting issues such as the disruptive behavior of intoxicated individuals and the poor condition of public restrooms, there has been a lack of effective response from the local authorities over the years.
“The disturbances caused by these outsiders, not local residents, have remained unaddressed,” she said.
Highlighting the concern for property safety, Danial Rashid expressed his anxiety about the perceived increase in robbery incidents in KKB.
“Last Friday, I witnessed a robbery in our neighbourhood, and this incident has significantly heightened my worries about personal safety within this area.
“Our streets no longer feel as secure as they once did, and the absence of visible patrols by authorities has exacerbated these concerns. It’s crucial for the next representative to prioritise resolving this issue to restore our peace of mind,” he said.
Meanwhile, a resident known as Joey, underlined the importance of the next elected state government taking proactive steps to preserve the township’s historical heritage.
“Instead of focusing on modernising KKB, the new state government should tap into its tourism potential.
“Kuala Kubu Bharu possesses a wealth of historical architecture, and it’s imperative for the state government to promote it more effectively on social media to attract both visitors and potential investors.”
Speaking to Scoop, Syed Hidayat Syed Hassan, the councillor of the Hulu Selangor Municipal Council, and who represented Pakatan Harapan’s incumbent candidate, Lee Kee Hiong, assured that if re-elected, the incumbent will prioritise addressing the people’s concerns.
“While the crime statistics in Kuala Kubu Bharu are not as high as in other parts of Selangor, and YB Lee is committed to working closely with the police to tackle this issue.
“YB Lee genuinely cares about the well-being of the residents, particularly women, and we are dedicated to collaborating closely with the relevant authorities to find solutions,” Syed said.
Lee is in a four-corner fight against Perikatan Nasional’s Henry Teoh Kien Hong, Parti Rakyat Malaysia’s Chng Boon Lai, and Muda’s Siva Prakash Ramasamy in the upcoming elections. – August 9, 2023