By Sherilyn Pang
KOTA Anggerik is a constituency in Shah Alam that covers Setia Alam, Shah Alam Sections 1-16 and 18, Bandar Baru Klang, Bukit Bandaraya and Bukit Subang. Since 2018, Najwan Halimi has been the area’s state assemblyman, representing the 52,282 registered voters there and their families. Well known for his activism, Najwan has thrown down the gauntlet to ensure that their welfare is met, especially during these difficult months of the pandemic.
Selangor Journal (SJ): What is the main industry in your constituency?
Najwan Halimi (NH): Kota Anggerik’s economy comprises government-related businesses as the state government’s headquarters is based here in Shah Alam. The manufacturing and services sectors also drive the economy of the area with the manufacturing sector existing way before the city of Shah Alam was established. Most of them are found in Sections 7, 15 and 16.
In terms of Kota Anggerik’s contribution to the state, Shah Alam secured RM1,501,192 in total capital investment in 2019 that led to the creation of over 3,000 jobs.
Based on the Shah Alam City Council’s projection for 2021, approximately RM323 million of tax revenue and RM166 million of non-tax revenue will be gained on behalf of the state.
SJ: What is Kota Anggerik’s main attraction?
NH: That would definitely be the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque. Also known as the Shah Alam Blue Mosque, it is one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia. The mosque has the capacity to accommodate 24,000 worshippers at any one time. Its distinguishing feature is its large blue and silver dome. The mosque was commissioned by the late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah when he declared Shah Alam as the new capital of Selangor in the month of February 1974. It was completed in 1988 and till today, remains the structure that anchors the city of Shah Alam.
SJ: What are the concerns raised by your constituents and how do you address them?
NH: Most of them are concerned about the services provided by the local council. Problems relating to the city’s infrastructures, education as well as the setting up of small businesses are often highlighted to me. I always address them by engaging with the local authorities and facilitating the solution process.
SJ: What are your achievements so far?
NH: From as far back as 2018, I always make sure that there is allocation for young people to start their own business. Around 10 to 15 per cent of the state government’s allocation for local constituencies is used to help those whose business license application is approved. For instance, an individual who wishes to start a burger stall would receive between RM300 and RM500 if his/her total capital is RM3,000. Although the aid amount is limited, I hope it helps to lighten the burden of these aspiring business owners.
After about two years of the initiative, we have begun to see positive results. Some of these young entrepreneurs are now able to hire workers of their own.
Also, this year, I started an initiative for 2,000 local residents to take the Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test Kit (RTK-Ag) screening at just RM50 each to enable them to know their health status. It is important for them to find out whether they have been infected. We bear part of the cost for them.
I also started a food bank for the B40 and M40 groups who are immensely affected by the movement control order. Basic food items like rice and flour continue to be handed out.
Other than that, students from B40 households have also been given laptops so that they can carry on with their studies online. Not everyone is so privileged to be able to afford their own laptops.
We also supply free drinking water to eight schools in Kota Anggerik, upgraded their facilities and fixed the roads in the area.
The only challenge we have is community-building. I am working on encouraging neighbourhoods to establish residents’ associations so that problems within the neighbourhoods can be resolved as the residents can work together and share information with each other.
SJ: Describe your problem-solving method for the people of Kota Anggerik.
NH: First, I will identify and understand the problem. Next, I will determine how it can be solved step-by-step. If it is within my jurisdiction, I will assist in solving the problem immediately. If it is beyond my jurisdiction and falls under the purview of others, I will facilitate the process, follow up and always keep track of the development of the matter until it is resolved.
This article first appeared in the Selangor Journal monthly e-paper February edition, published on February 1, 2021.
