By the Selangor Journal Team
FOR Hee Loy Sian, preserving the identity of Kajang — with its vibrant community and close proximity to pristine greenery, while balancing between urban development and environmental preservation — is among his chief concerns.
Hee, who is the Kajang assemblyman, said the township, like many urban areas, grapples with the familiar challenges of traffic congestion and flash floods, among others.
Despite the problems that have impacted Kajang, Hee believes that these concerns should not overshadow the town’s unique offerings and local charms. He recognises that while certain problems need to be addressed, it is essential to highlight the positive aspects that make Kajang a special place.
Situated in the southern part of Selangor, Kajang enjoys the advantage of being surrounded by verdant landscapes and picturesque greenery. The town is flanked by the Chua and Langat rivers, which not only contribute to its aesthetic appeal but also serve as important water sources.
In addition to its cultural heritage and small-town allure, Kajang also benefits from excellent connectivity to major public transport lines as it is strategically located along the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line and the KTM Komuter train network, providing convenient access for residents and commuters, said Hee.
“Since the MRT has completed its recent loop with Putrajaya, it is quite easy for Klang Valley residents to get here and just enjoy eating their favourite satay or take a stroll in town.
“It is also convenient that Kajang is accessible through three major highways leading in and out of the Klang Valley,’’ said Hee in a recent interview with Selangor Journal.
Hee recognises and appreciates the significance of public transport connections and remains committed to advocating for their enhancement and improvement.
By promoting the use of public transport and ensuring its reliability and efficiency, it will play a crucial role in alleviating the persistent issue of traffic congestion in the township, said Hee.
“Kajang, being an ageing township, at over 100 years old with roads originally designed to accommodate smaller volumes of traffic, has struggled to keep up with the increasing number of vehicles on the road. So I am urging local residents to use public transport as much as possible,” he said.
Bringing people back
With such accessibility, Hee said that Kajang has untapped potential to cater to tourists looking for more immersive, eco, and cultural experiences.
“I think Kajang can offer a lot in terms of cultural tourism. The simplest examples are night or morning markets that provide local delicacies or unique foods,” he said, adding that these local flavours, not easily replicated, stand to offer a lot to tourists or people looking for a quick weekend getaway.
Hee recognises the significance of these markets as cultural and culinary attractions and wishes to do more to promote them.
He also acknowledges that the people of Kajang face a unique set of challenges, particularly concerning the dwindling economic activities within the town itself.
He pointed out that after 7pm, there is a noticeable decline in commercial activity, and many small businesses have shifted out of the main town to adjacent neighbourhoods.
This shift has created a gap in commercial activities within Kajang town, posing a challenge for local residents and impacting the overall vibrancy of the area, said Hee.
“I would like to see more activities within the town centre itself, and it is quite a challenge to reinvigorate the local economy. This is among the reasons why I think Kajang could benefit greatly from cultural tourism,’’ he said.
Another unique challenge facing Kajang is flash floods, a 20-year problem caused by the overflow from Sungai Langat.
The problem, however, has been largely addressed, thanks to a massive infrastructure project conducted by the state government to deepen and widen nearby Sungai Jelok.
An arch bridge was also constructed over the river to allow for better water management, as well as the construction of flood walls in strategic locations.
The comprehensive infrastructure projects undertaken to address the issue of flash floods in Kajang have cost the Selangor state government over RM100 million, and this substantial financial commitment highlights the government’s determination to tackle the problem and safeguard the residents from the devastating impact of floods, said Hee.
“These have resolved the problem of flash floods in the town area itself, but we are still working on floods affecting outlying neighbourhoods,” he said, adding that land ownership slightly complicates these projects in rural areas.
