By Nasuha Badrul Huzaini
KOTA Damansara, a township under the purview of the Petaling Jaya City Council, has undergone significant development in the past few years, with shopping malls and residential towers sprouting up across its landscape. Spanning 4,000 hectares between Subang and Petaling Jaya, it is not hard to understand why the area is among the most sought after for those who want to enjoy urban city life that does not compromise on nature. As the state representative for Kota Damansara, Shatiri Mansor has promised that the wellbeing of its constituents will always be his priority. Here, he tells Selangor Journal more.
Selangor Journal (SJ): What is the primary industry in your constituency?
Shatiri Mansor (SM): Kota Damansara is well known for its aerospace industry as the Subang Skypark (Subang Airport) is located there.
SJ: What is the main attraction in Kota Damansara?
SM: One of the most visited places is the Kota Damansara Community Forest, which has become a popular destination for nearby residents if they want to go hiking or jungle trekking on weekends. In fact, many outsiders also choose to spend their quality time with friends and family there. Apart from that, Kota Damansara is famous for its uptown bazaar called Kota Dame, located in Section 6. Visitors would drop by this place for shopping and food hunting.
SJ: What are the concerns raised by your constituents and how do you address them?
SM: Among the more prominent issues we face is overdevelopment, resulting in traffic congestion and substandard public facilities. However, the Damansara-Shah Alam Elevated Expressway (DASH), which will be ready by year-end, will help to ease some of our traffic problems. It will provide the people here with a shortcut to the northern part of Selangor. We are also promoting the use of public transport such as the Mass Rapid Transit to help ease congestion along Jalan Sungai Buloh, Jalan Subang Airport, Persiaran Surian and Persiaran Mahogani.
SJ: What are your achievements so far in your constituency?
SM: I would say that my most significant achievement is providing better avenues for communication with my constituents by establishing the Whatsapp hotlines 012 361 6151/012 998 7220 as well as the shatirimansor.com website. These platforms have been of help, especially when the constituents want to file urgent reports or have specific questions to ask. My team and I will get back to them within 48 hours. We often receive complaints about damaged roads, domestic and bulk waste collection, clogged drains and wild monkeys and dogs.
SJ: What are some of your problem-solving methods?
SM: From day one since I took on the job, I have implemented an ‘open-door’ policy, which means anyone can come and see me at a specific time and day without making an appointment beforehand. My office is open from 7.30pm to 10.30pm every Wednesday. Unless I am unwell, I will be there. From the feedback we received, the constituents are comfortable with this approach as they can channel their concerns directly to me.
This article first appeared in the Selangor Journal monthly March edition, published on February 28, 2022.
