Selangor Journal
Kuala Kubu Baharu state assemblyman Lee Kee Hiong standing in front of a mural painted by a local youth from her constituency at a basketball court in Kampung Asam Kumbang, Kuala Kubu Bharu, on June 19, 2022. – Picture via FACEBOOK/LEE KEE HIONG

Adun Speaks: Nurturing an old soul

By Nasuha Badrul Huzaini

KUALA Kubu Baharu (KKB) is located in the northeast of Selangor, approximately 21 kilometres from Tanjung Malim in Perak and 66 kilometres from the Kuala Lumpur city centre. Represented by Lee Kee Hiong since 2013, the constituency is home to over 60,000 residents. Given its long history that dates back to pre-independence days, Kuala Kubu Baharu has many old buildings that feature the architectural styles of that era. Selangor Journal reaches out to its state assemblyman to learn more about the district.

Selangor Journal (SJ): What is the main industry in your constituency?

Lee Kee Hiong (LKH): The main industry in Kuala Kubu Baharu is agriculture where we have a few oil palm estates. We also focus on vegetable farming in Ulu Yam where most of the farmers supply their produce to the Selayang wholesale wet market.

SJ: What is the main attraction in Kuala Kubu Baharu?

LKH: Undeniably, we are very famous for our ecotourism activities as Kuala Kubu Baharu has many attractive recreational places such as the KKB Paragliding Park, which is operated by Cloud Bass, Chiling Waterfalls and panoramic hill views. Since the acronym for Kuala Kubu Baharu is KKB, it also stands for ‘Kiri Kanan Bukit’ or a place surrounded by hills.
On weekends, many cyclists come for their weekly ride because they find the routes challenging. For bird lovers, Kuala Kubu Baharu is a haven, especially in April, where the Hulu Selangor Municipal Council would organise the Wings of KKB programme to promote bird-watching activities. The programme is put on hold due to Covid-19 but hopefully, it can resume next year. Also, many people miss the fact that one-third of Fraser Hill belongs to Selangor and it falls under the Kuala Kubu Baharu constituency.

SJ: What are the concerns raised by your constituents and how do you address them?

LKH: Most of the constituents are elders and they are not used to technology. Their children live separately and only visit during the weekends or school holidays. Therefore, my office has become their go-to place to seek help or information regarding any assistance programmes provided by both the Federal government and the state government. My staff will help them to fill up forms, register for vaccination via their mobile phones and so on. Whenever we chat, they are also concerned about how they can increase their income because what they earn now is not sufficient to bear the continuously rising living costs. Some of them suggested more sustainable development in this area as another means to generate an income.

SJ: What are your achievements so far in your constituency?

LKH: I have been representing the people in Kuala Kubu Baharu for two terms now and throughout this time, I have helped to solve several flood issues and also ensured that the roads here are well maintained. I have also actively promoted this district to both local and international tourists. I have organised various tourism-related events such as the International Art Festival, published a book on bird photography and initiated the Street Basketball Challenge for the youths. I fully support the development of youth in Kuala Kubu Baharu.

SJ: What are some of your problem-solving methods?

LKH: I emphasise teamwork because I cannot do everything alone. I need a strong team and I am glad that I have established a very good team to help me with a wide range of issues. Even though I was not born here, I truly dedicate myself to the development of this area and the wellbeing of its people. The constituents can reach me easily via social media or by phone. I frequently check and read my email, Whatsapp chats, and direct messages on Facebook so there should not be a problem in contacting me should the people have something urgent to discuss.

This article first appeared in the Selangor Journal monthly August edition, published on August 1, 2022.

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