KANGAR, May 6 — Although the Sanglang state seat is located more than 25km from Kangar town, its people have never been excluded from development carried out by the state government over the past 20 years.
Despite the Opposition having held the state seat for four terms, the Barisan Nasional (BN)-ruled state government has continued to focus on the area, bringing high-impact development such as the integrated jetty project in Kuala Sanglang.
A resident, Ziafitrah Abdullah, 48, said Kampung Sanglang saw rapid growth which has helped in improving the socio-economic status of the community.
“We don’t feel like we are in an Opposition area, the BN-led state government has always paid attention to the people here,” she told Bernama in the run-up to the country’s 14th General Election (GE14).
She said the state government’s concern over Sanglang was also clear as in its election manifesto, BN pledged to develop Bandar Baharu Kuala Sanglang by providing affordable housing and commercial buildings for the benefit and convenience of the locals.
“With more residential areas complete with various facilities, Sanglang is poised for further growth to become a focal point,” said Ziafitrah, adding that the state government took an interest in the welfare of the people of Sanglang.
“Our area is often hit by storms which cause damage to our houses and in such situations, the state government is quick to respond and provide the necessary assistance,” she noted.
Meanwhile, Kampung Rama Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairman, Ku Hishamudin Ku Bakar said he worked closely with the grassroots and had served the people well, regardless of their political affiliations.
Sanglang and its 8,672 voters have been treated well just as those in other areas, he added.
Ku Hishamudin said the integrated jetty project costing almost RM1.8 billion was a bonus to local residents as it was a mega project that would completely transform the area’s landscape.
“It will spur economic development in Sanglang and jobs as the project will provide various opportunities to local residents to increase their income,” he said.
He said development projects in the area would be better managed if BN was able to clinch the seat from the opposition in the GE14 on May 9.
BN candidate, Dr Fathul Bari Mat Jahya lost to PAS candidate, PAS state commissioner Mohd Shukri Ramli by a majority of 121 votes in the last general election.
BN’s new face, Che Zaidi Saidin will face Mohd Shukri and Zolkharnain Abidin (PKR) in Sanglang in the GE14. — Bernama
