Digital disparity an issue

Hulu Bernam villagers feeling isolated without access to Internet, says candidate

URBAN dwellers take Internet access for granted but those in the rural areas of Hulu Bernam are deprived of this utility that has become a basic need.

There is a necessity for Internet connectivity for all the people of Hulu Bernam, says Pakatan Harapan candidate Mohd Amran Sakir.

“Besides this, there is no bank ATM in these areas and I want to change this to make it more convenient for the 2,300 Felda families here.”

Among the areas he was referring to were Felda Gedangsa, Felda Suharto, Felda Sungai Tengi and Felda Sungai Tengi Selatan, Kampung Orang Asli Serigala and Kampung Orang Asli Changkat Bintang.

Businessman Mohd Amran, 59, who is with Amanah, had previously lost the seat to the Barisan Nasional candidate in the 14th General Election by a mere 20 votes in a three-way contest involving Pakatan, Barisan and PAS.

This time around, he thinks his chances are better as Barisan component parties such as Umno, MCA, and MIC are helping him on the ground.

Mohd Amran, who has been serving the constituency for seven years, said he was touched by the efforts of the Barisan team.

Muiz is the Hulu Selangor PAS committee member and Desa Anggerik PAS chief.

“It brought tears to my eyes.”

The father of five who lives in Serendah said the villagers complained about feeling isolated from the main community in the town “and it is very sad to hear this in a vibrant state like Selangor”.

“The second- and third-generation Felda settlers are requesting for their own land and I promise to look into it.

“Many of the people in the villages also want housing as the population is growing.

“I am also looking for Hulu Bernam to have its own township and eventually a shopping complex to boost the economy here,” said Mohd Amran.

Other areas of concern include widening the road network and having proper street lighting.

“For the women in Hulu Bernam, I plan to look into having programs like nursing, cooking, tailoring, and making handicrafts and souvenirs to increase their household income, as this will also boost the local economy,” said Mohd Amran.

He is in a straight fight against Perikatan Nasional’s Mu’izzuddeen Mahyuddin, also known as Muiz.

Muiz, 35, is the Hulu Selangor PAS committee member and Desa Anggerik PAS chief.

In the 14th General Election, Barisan’s Datuk Rosni Sohar (Umno) won the seat by a very narrow margin.

Rosni had 8,164 votes to Mohd Amran’s 8,144 votes while PAS’ Mohamed Salleh Ri garnered 2,554 votes.