SEMENYIH: Located about three kilometres from Semenyih town, the Rinching Estate, one of the largest Indian community settlements in the Semenyih state constituency, has immensely benefited from the various initiatives implemented by the Selangor government.
The residents, when met here, stated their happiness with the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led government, and hoped that it would continue.
Suresh Doraisamy, 50, who works as a security guard said over the past 10 years, there were many visible changes in the area including the improvement of public amenities such as roads.
“It’s not only in terms of infrastructure development, but my wife also received assistance under the Kasih Ibu Smart Selangor (KISS) programme,” he said referring to intitiative to help mothers in the Bottom 40 target group to purchase essential items.
“But the most important thing for the Indian community here is that we want a clean government. If it is clean and trustworthy, everything will go well, and PH has a good track record in this regard,” added Suresh.
The Rinching Estate, which was once inhabited by workers of rubber and oil palm plantations, is part of the Semenyih state constituency which is set to have a by-election March 2.
Those currently living in the 40 houses located there no longer work in plantations, as the area has now been redeveloped into a housing estate.
Meanwhile, Wasanthi Atchutahsingh, 55, said she was satisfied with the performance of the state government, however, she requested for better public transport facilities from Semenyih to Seremban.
“The basic amenities are all good, I have also received a lot of help under the Peduli Sihat health scheme and Tabung Warisan Anak Selangor (Tawas) initiative,” she added.
PKR vice-president Dr A Xavier Jayakumar, who is also Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister said, meanwhile, he had begun helping the Indian community there when he was part of the Selangor State Executive Council.
According to Xavier, various local issues, especially relating to Tamil National Type Schools (SJKT) and temples had received due attention and assistance from the state government.
“I have also told the candidate (from PH) about the need to work with the Indian community leaders to solve any problems,” he said.
The Semenyih seat fell vacant following the death of its incumbent, Bakhtiar Mohd Nor, 57, on Jan 11 due to a heart attack.
It will be a four-cornered fight among PH’s Muhammad Aiman Zainali, Zakaria Hanafi (Barisan Nasional), Nik Aziz Afiq Abdul (Parti Sosialis Malaysia) and Independent candidate Kuan Chee Heng. – Bernama
