By Sarawakian
2024 is now ending very soon. In a few weeks, we would welcome Christmas and then the New Year of 2025. Within the first month of 2025, the Chinese New Year would soon be at our doorstep.
How would we sum up the entire year of 2024? Nothing much actually. Our Prime Minister has travelled overseas more than ever before, and the economy does not feel like it is improving. Prices are increasing though.
The year of the Dragon did not seem to have made anything more than having a good run of peace on the political front. At least, from the point of view of the general population. Beneath the surface though, many fear the resurgence of complex and cynical plots.
There has been credible rumors of infighting with the main political players on both sides of the fence. It has been 2 years of which the current government has journeyed past. It is now about hitting mid-term. Yet, the pace has been wanting.
In Subang Jaya, one wonders as to how long the Government Health Clinic facility would take to be completed? Based on reports, it was said to have been approved last year and only in recent months did the tender begin. This is slated to begin construction in March next year and be completed in 2028. It seems to be rather slow when health should have always been the priority. I guess many have forgotten Covid-19 and how facilities are found wanting for the public.
The roads at the SS14 commercial area have also gone really bad. Many potholes seen and the area uncared for with rubbish seen on the grass median. The same could be said of SS15. Strangely, whilst we always see how change had stopped since the years of 2008 up till 2018. Thereafter, it all seemed to be stuck. What happened?
SS15 looks rather sad. Just look at the back lane. Remember Subang Uptown? Yes, that lane looks like a rather dangerous alley. If you were to walk around SS15 at night and criss cross the streets, you would surely feel fearful.
The bright spark is the rejuvenated Subang Ria Recreational Park. The facilities are being improved and the landscape cared for. Many unhealthy trees and shrubs have been removed and new rest areas created along the lake. This had attracted many to come to run, jog, walk or stroll around the main lake. Even the amphitheater is being repainted with some murals. It is in the hope that the amphitheater will one day come back to life with group activities. Imagine a space for youths to do performing arts or even mini dance competitions or school concerts.
On the other end, the Crocodile Farm seafood Restaurant would no longer be lonely. The new PARC, which is an acronym for “Project A Reka Cipta” is an up-and-coming creative hub. Not only does it house a café Unfold but it also now included a Japanese styled café, Tomo Tomo, Beng Beng Sourdough and even a Gelato place called, A Scoop Of. Nearby, you could even get to see a model house made by EPIC Homes. Many activities and social events have come to the PARC, and I would dare say that the Subang Ria Park really needs to consider proper parking areas. Otherwise, the green areas would be destroyed.
The only sad sight is when entering the park, you would see the once majestic Holiday Villa now closed and awaiting new owners to utilize the space. The construction next door by Dorsett has not yet been fully completed.
We wish to still ask for more haste in the provision of improved pedestrian connectivity from commercial areas to bus stops or even the LRT stations. Often, pedestrian walkways are not designed properly. Most are narrow, and without enough lighting of proper rest or shelter stops for use in case of rain and storms.
Taipan in USJ which is nearest to MBSJ has not seen much improvement with the back lanes. They remain places used for food preparation and the roads in bad condition. Perhaps when we have a stable Local Government, we can see improvement? Not much we can do when even the councilors are political appointees. The mayor is also appointed. When one is appointed, naturally they cannot be faulted for heeding their master’s call.
The people of Subang Jaya would remain voiceless. Interestingly, this is what happens when one is in power for too long. We have given one political party a chance to move swiftly. It had been promised without much help from the Federal. But, when we finally have the power, there is no commitment to ensure haste. Perhaps they are just planning for their next upgrade in positions. Selfishly forgetting who put them there in the first place at the ballot boxes. Political parties are the same when they stay too long. They fail to make haste.
The amount of vehicular traffic in Subang Jaya is just astounding. What would the solution be? Widen the roads at the expense of landscaping buffers and proper pedestrian walkways? Has the LRT helped with alleviating the use of cars within Subang Jaya? Why? The local government and the councilors and even the ADUN should get feedback so that things can improve.
2024 is ending soon. 2025 will be knocking on our doors. That is really the halfway point. I dare say that I would vote the other way if things do not improve. Why not? Maybe some drastic change can work to our advantage in really getting some improvements. Let us openly invite all the other political parties from now on to come here and hear the troubles we face. Tell us what they can do for Subang Jaya when you are in the office and perhaps your wish may come true. But first, it would be good to see how good you are at harping on the many community issues with the current local government and even the ADUN.
It is time for Subang Jaya to have some real competition for the current local government councilors. Remember which party appointed them. If they do not do their job properly, their master too must be punished.
But before that, let us celebrate Christmas and a Happy New Yar 2025!!!
Merry Christmas!
