By Nasuha Badrul Huzaini
TAMAN Templer is a state constituency under the Selayang parliamentary district with nearly 50,000 registered voters. Located close to the capital of Kuala Lumpur, the place has been represented by Mohd Sany Hamzan since the last General Election in 2018. Mohd Sany is known for his jovial and approachable demeanour, and yet is firm when the situation calls for it, making him one of the more outstanding assemblymen at Selangor State Legislative Assembly sittings. In a recent interview with Selangor Journal, he speaks candidly about his constituency and the concerns of the residents of Taman Templer.
Selangor Journal (SJ): What is the leading industry in your constituency?
Mohd Sany (MS): In Taman Templer, the most famous industry is tourism as this area houses several tourist attractions including the highest flyover in the country, the Rawang Bypass, which connects Taman Templer with the Rawang area. For those who are interested in recreational activities such as hiking, Taman Templer is also known for its Commonwealth Forest Park Falls and Kanching Eco Forest Park.
SJ: What is the main attraction in Taman Templer?
MS: I would say that being located just a few minutes away from Kuala Lumpur is a huge plus point for Taman Templer. Undeniably, this area has been the preferred choice for people who have moved from their hometowns to settle, to be nearer to the city centre. Half of the residents in Taman Templer live in high-density areas like Kampung Selayang Baru and Kampung Selayang Indah. In fact, we are seeing more housing developments sprouting up in Taman Templer in order to cater to the growing number of residents.
SJ: What are the concerns raised by your constituents and how do you address them?
MS: Ever since I was elected as the state representative, the main concern in this area has always been flash floods. The floods happen due to the narrow tributary of Sungai Udang. At every Selangor State Legislative Assembly session, I make sure that this issue is addressed and answered by the state executive councillor. Since Taman Templer cannot avoid the flash floods, I am pushing the state government as well as the Federal government to expedite the land ownership transfer process for the purpose of widening the Sungai Udang road. If the road can be widened, God willing, maybe the flood problem can be resolved, especially for Kampung Selayang Baru.
SJ: What are your achievements so far in your constituency?
MS: To me, whenever I manage to resolve any issues in my constituency, I regard that as an achievement. I am representing the people, hence whenever I receive any complaints, I will make sure to monitor the issue and help to raise them to a higher level. However, I must admit that my capabilities are limited when, for example, a road expansion requires a budget of RM60 million but I am only given an allocation of RM800,000 a year. Nonetheless, I do my part which is to bring the voice of the people to the state assembly. I want to ensure that their voices are heard.
SJ: What are some of your problem-solving methods?
MS: For every complaint I receive, I will ensure that it is attended to within 24 hours. I think it is important to get to the root of each problem. For example, road issues — I will need to check which party the road belongs to. It could be under the authority of the Public Works Department (JKR) (Federal), JKR Selangor, or the local councils. Once I have figured out the owner of the road, I will liaise with their department officers and hold a meeting with them. We will discuss and find a way to solve the problem. If the matter cannot be resolved, I will forward it to the district level or state level. If we are stuck at a dead end, I will go all out to bring the issue to the Federal level. It is my duty to try all avenues.
This article first appeared in the Selangor Journal monthly May edition, published on April 25, 2022
