TAPAH - Damaged infrastructure, inadequate drainage and the need for better development are among the key issues Orang Asli residents in Kampung Sungai Kroh hope to address with the help of their future representative.
Community leader and Kampung Sungai Kroh Umno chief Tok Batin Alang Mi Alang, 60, identified infrastructure as an area in need of attention and voiced these concerns as the Ayer Kuning by-election approaches in another 48 hours.
"So far, the improvements have been great, but there are still challenges. The current field is damaged and during programmes, it turns into a muddy mess.
"The drainage system also needs repairs, as rainwater stagnates instead of flowing properly. If Barisan Nasional (BN) wins, we hope these issues can be addressed," he told Sinar Daily.
The community’s infrastructure concerns extended to clogged drains and broken cement drainage systems, which Alang hoped can be prioritised by the future representative.
"Better drainage and field repairs would make a significant difference for us," he added.
Alang also expressed gratitude for the community’s general comfort and standard of living.
However, he emphasised that continued support from BN was crucial to maintaining and enhancing their quality of life.
"We place our hopes on BN for further development, especially in improving infrastructure and resolving issues like the damaged field and drainage," he said.
With Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi set to visit Kampung Sungai Kroh tomorrow, Alang said he saw this as an opportunity to bring the village’s needs to the forefront.
He said they hoped to voice their concerns about the drainage and the field directly to the Rural and Regional Development Minister, as these were issues that affected their daily lives.
BN has long held a stronghold in Kampung Sungai Kroh, with Alang noting that the village has consistently supported Umno and BN since the 1950s.
The village, home to 270 residents and 47 households, boasts a high voter registration rate, with 174 local voters and 35 external voters who work outside the village.
"We are optimistic about achieving 100 per cent voter turnout.
"If possible, tonight we should contact those working outside to encourage them to come back tomorrow," he said.
Alang said transportation was not a barrier for voters who stated that the village has sufficient resources for the occasion.
"We have four local vehicles and seven from outside to transport voters. Some will even use motorcycles. There are no issues in this regard," he added.
The Ayer Kuning state by-election, which was being held following the death of incumbent Ishsam Shahruddin on Feb 22, is seeing a three-cornered contest between Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir (BN), Abd Muhaimin Malek (Perikatan Nasional) and Bawani KS (Parti Sosialis Malaysia)