A small town in Hulu Selangor, Kerling, is home to a hot spring and a river, but it no longer bustles with activity as it once did. Located just an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, Kerling used to be a vibrant town frequented by youngsters participating in the National Service Training Programme (PLKN).
Since the abolition of PLKN in 2018, Kerling has transformed into a quiet, sparsely populated town where the majority of residents are elderly. Pekan Kerling, the main town area, has two primary shop lots, but most of the shops have closed down.
According to data from the Statistics Department, the number of residents below 65 years old in Mukim Kerling decreased by 53% in 2020 compared to a decade ago, while the population of elderly individuals aged 65 and above rose by 269%.
Laundry shop manager Dauwiyah Md Razali, 49, reminisced about the liveliness of Kerling in the past when trainees would engage in community service activities. However, she noted that the town is now quiet, with few seniors seen at the old folks’ home or around town.
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“Many shops have shut down, and even a resort that briefly operated for a large event struggled to sustain itself due to the dwindling population,” Dauwiyah remarked, highlighting the decline in business activity in Kerling.
Despite the quietude, Kerling still attracts local tourists who visit for camping trips on weekends and holidays. The town now offers camping sites near the river, hot spring, and farms to cater to this demand.
“We have only a handful of eateries, grocery stores, and workshops here. Even the local market has closed down, making way for a grocery store. I usually purchase fresh fish weekly in Kalumpang,” Dauwiyah shared.
Vegetable vendor Low Foong Kiew observed the significant presence of elderly residents in Kerling, noting the departure of younger individuals who seek job opportunities in urban areas. She operates her stall for a few hours daily due to the lack of customers.
While tourism brings some activity to Kerling, Mohd Faiz Akmal Bin Yahya, 36, is among the many youths who have relocated from the town in search of better amenities and living conditions. He moved to Rasa Tambahan in Kuala Kubu Baru to be closer to family.
Mukim Kerling Penghulu Mohamad Zaim Mohaimin described Kerling as an isolated area with two distinct communities – the traditional Malay village and the Chinese new village. He highlighted the challenges faced by senior residents who must travel far for essential services due to the lack of public transportation.
Kerling’s identity as an agricultural and leisure destination sets it apart from neighboring areas like Bukit Beruntung and Kuala Kubu Baru, which host commercial establishments and educational institutions, contributing to their economic vitality.
