By Sarawakian
We have reached the last month of the year 2025. Time flew, most would say, but then again time never sped up nor slowed down. It is the same seconds turning into minutes and turning in hours each day of each month for the entire year.
The month of December began at the tail of heavy rainfall on the days ending November. The phenomena of Tropical Cyclone Senyar were rare and within it had caused much flooding, fatalities and casualties.
Subang Jaya saw heavy rainfall almost daily and throughout the day. It was a good move by MBSJ to introduce a real time water level monitor at 10 elevated risk flood prone areas. You can go to this site to check: https://pair.mbsj.gov.my
The Yellow (Caution), Orange (Warning) and Red (Danger)indicators would provide you with the severity of each location. Not bad for something to be done in Subang Jaya.
Of course, our ADUN is busy with her short and not so short videos on Instagram. Two were particularly interesting as the YB attempted to explain the government’s efforts on flood mitigation and the patchy road repairs.
Good effort for the explanation and we do hope that the social media and traditional media is used more to disseminate information. Then again, in my opinion, the short videos are nothing more than to inform yet the result still is wanting. I do not believe that patching up the road surface is a great idea, and we need to wait to get this done, if ever. Subang Jaya is a city and we pay taxes. Do not tell us that next, the roads are under JKR and not MBSJ. All we want is what we see done and completed. Not explanations of which we are now so tired.
We would love to see councilors work harder and MBSJ make better effort especially with regards to all the bread-and-butter issues. Bread and butter issues in Subang Jaya should centre on the same repeated areas of sanitation and hygiene, safe back lanes, pedestrian focused connectivity and landscaping.
Imagine this, we were told that trees needed pruning and some to be cut down due to some disease. We wonder as pruning became felling of a whole tree. What was Subang Jaya with tree lined roads has now become one barren with more concrete structures. How many trees have been felled and pruned suspiciously to death? What about new ones? Anyone remembered the promise of new trees for each felled for the LRT project?
Okay, now look at the rodent issue. Not solved in SS15. Just focus on SS15. It has been lamented so much that it sounds like a constant nag nowadays. Yet to deaf ears. No one cares. Does the Government care? Do your councilors, local Government, Mayor or YB put enough effort?
You just need to go to SS15 and see for yourself. After that, take a walk over the unkempt pedestrian bridge to SS14. SS14 is another splendid example of neglect. Ah yes…some will say it is the commercial population’s fault for not being disciplined. So, does that mean enforcement is then delayed or ignored? It seems like a case of you do not do so I do not care. Strange.
Back lanes in SS15 are a classic case of a slum. What happened to being safe? Why waste time with colorful wall art when it is not safe to go and see? Bicycle lanes? It only came about after a critical incident. Then, some smart people decided we needed one. The well-planned lanes were drawn as part on one lane of an existing road lane. Brilliant! Does common sense exist?
Sanitation. Yes, we see bins at bus stops. Yet we see rubbish and litter remain uncollected. In some places, litter was even neatly scattered around bus stop perimeters, parks, and along road curbs. Who monitors the contractors’ work? These are paid with our taxes.
Subang Jaya a city is becoming worse off than before. Just take a walk around your housing area and commercial area. Have a look. While at it, have fun seeking how clean the walkways are towards the LRT stations and bus stops. At the stations and stops, these seem dirty enough to make you wonder.
Does anyone remember how the pedestrian bridge got dismantled near DaMen? It was for a project that has since gone silent after a succinct explanation that it would not proceed. Who was responsible for this? Now the crossing is on a narrow pedestrian crossing path. The traffic there remains a nightmare. When the roads change in the design flow near Summit USJ above KESAS, the old section remains with just a curb to create the flow. There is no effort to improve the unused section on an island or some sort. Every improvement in Subang Jaya creates an eyesore.
We have seen contractors in some parks doing some grass cutting but do not pick litter. When asked, they say it is not their job. Another contractor’s work. Grass cutting? Tree pruning? Good job? Take a photo and document as evidence of the work done. No one does spot checks. Did anyone notice the professional job of the workers cutting grass? So professional that the just swivel here and there a bit and it is done. Uneven. Not even neat edging. Who pays? Us, the taxpayers.
The problem with some of us is that when we could be blind loyalists. We support as long as it is our party. So wrong. When it is a spade, you call it a spade. Not a fork! Otherwise, you are no better than those deposed. Power corrupts. With great power comes great responsibility. Yet, how many remain responsible to the voters or those who put you in the position whether they support you or not? Your job is for the community. That is as easy as it can be articulated.
It proves that when you are too long in power, it comes back to square one. All the relentless efforts to improve only came with stressed leverage. It has become too comfortable for some if not many. Those who have blind faith better wake up. There are no permanent enemies in politics. You only get power from the people.
As we end 2025, let us all wish each other a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Have a blessed season and look forward to a brand new 2026!
