By Yasmin Ramlan
HULU SELANGOR, May 8 — Kuala Kubu Baharu, widely renowned as a “healing” town, especially among city dwellers in the Klang Valley, is witnessing a surge in cafe establishments, enhancing its unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty.
The influx is probably due to the potential of rapid development compared with how things were a mere decade ago, with numerous franchises such as cafes popping up in town.
Among them is Il Mio Cafe, run by Tan Sue Suen, 39, who is a Kuala Kubu Baharu native and freelance copywriter. During a weekend visit to the cafe, Tan was seen busy talking with customers, many of whom were likely non-locals.
She enthusiastically shared insights into the area’s history and attractions, showing great familiarity with her hometown.
In a recent interview with Selangor Journal, Tan voiced her belief in preserving the town’s renowned qualities, speaking against overly rapid development.
“I don’t think it (rapid development) is suitable here. While it may offer convenience for the locals, we don’t necessarily need it. The small town should maintain its peacefulness, (which is what has made it) a main attraction for those living in the Klang Valley,” she said, highlighting several ecotourism activities in the vicinity.
Close to home
Nestled in Hulu Selangor, approximately 60km from Kuala Lumpur, the elderly and teenagers make up the majority of Kuala Kubu Baharu’s residents, as those of working age move to urban areas to earn a livelihood.
She said Kuala Kubu Baharu offers various nature activities in a tranquil environment with minimal traffic congestion.
Kuala Kubu Baharu is located nearby attractions such as Taman Eko Rimba Kuala Lumpur, Fraser’s Hill, and Genting Highlands.
Tan, who holds a master’s degree in tourism management from a Taiwan university, said these reasons were why she chose to make a living in her hometown, as well as staying close to her parents.
She shared that she opened her establishment, whose name is Italian for “my cafe”, 12 years ago after she completed her studies.
Adorned with vintage decor, Il Mio Cafe exudes a warm and cosy atmosphere. She was drawn to Kuala Kubu Baharu after a while of working in Kuala Lumpur, lulled home by the town’s tranquillity and minimal traffic.
Her father, who initially disagreed with her decision, suggested that working in Kuala Lumpur offered greater opportunities for someone with her education background. She said however that her mother was supportive from the beginning.
“I want to live here. It’s peaceful. There’s no stress (compared with living in Kuala Lumpur). Of course, you can’t expect the same level of convenience as in Kuala Lumpur, but this is a place where you can find peace and live decently,” she said.
“I believe there’s no need to develop an industrial area here solely for the sake of job opportunities. We already have that in Bukit Beruntung and Sungai Choh in Rawang, which are about a 30-minute drive from here.
“Let this place remain a peaceful town, without too much development,” she said.
She described how the town had adequate amenities such as public transport, schools, administrative services and eateries, but said the Kuala Kubu Baharu hospital fell short, especially for those with critical illnesses.
She said she has to drive her father, who has kidney disease, 40 minutes to Selayang Hospital for treatment.
On April 26, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said improvements to Kuala Kubu Bharu Hospital, such as the hiring of general practitioners since January last year, have reduced congestion at Selayang Hospital.
Dr Dzulkefly said other aspects needing improvement in government healthcare facilities in Kuala Kubu Baharu include addressing congestion in the pharmacy unit and providing additional parking spaces.
Historic charm
Azalinda Zubir, a 29-year-old food vendor and another Kuala Kubu Baharu native, echoed Tan’s sentiment. She said she preferred for the town to remain as it is.
However, she expressed hope the new assemblyman will enhance the town’s tourism industry, a cause initially championed by the late Lee Kee Hiong.
“I’m content with the current situation in Kuala Kubu Baharu, but I would appreciate more efforts to attract visitors to the town.
“I suggest introducing more activities for visitors. We could follow the example of Malacca, which promotes itself as a historical city.
“Kuala Kubu Baharu possesses such advantages, especially from the colonial era,” she said, referring to some colonial-era shophouses and buildings in town that offer a glimpse into the past.
The Hulu Selangor District Office, with its King George VI Memorial clock tower, and the old fire station, now a tourist information centre, are noteworthy landmarks in Kuala Kubu Baharu.
The town not only attracts visitors on the weekend, but also cyclists who enjoy the beautiful countryside at a relaxed pace.
In the heart of Kuala Kubu Baharu, the clean alleys are adorned with colourful murals, which reflect the town’s history.
Azalinda, a mother of three, refused to relocate to Kuala Lumpur like her friends did for better job prospects, and expressed hope for improved healthcare facilities in Kuala Kubu Baharu.
She spoke of her experience birthing one of her children, as she had to seek treatment at Selayang Hospital upon facing complications.
“I think that is the only area lacking, along with the need for more residential options. Other than that, I’m good,” said Azalinda, who resides in Batang Kali, about 15km from Kuala Kubu Baharu.
Lower living costs
Mat Azli Masri, 46, who is from Perak, talked about his reasons for maintaining his cafe in Kuala Kubu Baharu.
He said after working 22 years as a chef in Genting Highlands, about 80km from Kuala Kubu Baharu, he saw an opportunity to bring his expertise closer to home.
Residing in Batang Kali, he recalled challenges faced by his establishment named AZ’s Sweet Cafe, which opened in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. Despite myriad struggles, it managed to stay afloat, largely owing to the area’s lower living costs.
“Kuala Kubu Baharu is less congested and is peaceful. One of my favourite aspects is the controlled air pollution and the presence of nearby hills and greenery, plus it’s not far from Kuala Lumpur.
“We’re not in the city, yet we have no issues with internet connectivity,” he said, noting that most business owners in the area can efficiently operate their businesses with online transactions via QR codes, which brings convenience to all.
The cafe, originally intended as a joint venture with his 25-year-old daughter, who specialises in baking, now operates with a unique concept, with everything on the menu priced at RM3.
Offering dishes such as laksa and bakso bihun sup, he said the concept was inspired by a shop in his hometown of Parit Buntar, where everything was sold at RM1.
“There are numerous eateries in Kuala Kubu Baharu, and I aim to make a difference by offering affordable prices that cater to everyone. This price is commonly found in school canteens,” he explained.
Sharing Tan’s sentiment, Azli voiced concern about rapid development in the town. He noted a significant increase of 20 per cent in his shop rental fee since the arrival of food franchises in the area.
Despite these challenges, all three food vendors praised the safety of Kuala Kubu Baharu.
The by-election was called after the death of incumbent Lee on March 21 due to cancer. She was elected in the 13th general election.
Polling day is on Saturday, with early voting having concluded yesterday.
