Before the by-election on Saturday, Kuala Kubu Baharu residents have expressed hope that their new representative will boost tourism, improve facilities, and expedite regulatory processes in the relevant industries.
Speaking with FMT, several advocated for reviving Kuala Kubu Baharu's tourism potential, noting that it was the first heritage town designed by urban planners in 1930.
The 75-year-old trader Abdul Rahman Abdullah claimed that some locations, like hot springs, dams, Orang Asli villages, Ampang Pechah, Millennium Lake Park, and historical galleries, had not received enough attention in terms of advertising.
Rahman added that although there were outdoor pursuits accessible in Kuala Kubu Baharu, they weren't given enough publicity.
"In the end, this place just turns into a place where people stop for food before going on vacation to Fraser Hill," he remarked.
Concerns were also expressed by the locals regarding the upkeep of Taman Arif Utama's hot spring, and they demanded the inclusion of more amenities like guest restrooms.
Adventure sports operator Shafik Azmi expressed his expectation that business permit applications would be made simpler by the government because he believed there was a lack of clarity regarding classifications.
"The local council is unsure about which permit to give us," They exclusively write letters of support for adventurous hobbies like white-water rafting," the man stated.
"Once the permit is obtained, we can apply for a license from the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry, which will facilitate the application process for grants and insurance to expand our operations."
Shafik also hoped that regular supplies of water would prevent cancellations of reservations, especially those made by foreign customers.
The owner of a paragliding business, Nazri Sulaiman, urged the government to assist in reviving Bukit Batu Pahat's tourism industry. Previously, the area saw 1,000 visitors per month.
"There has been a monthly decline of 400 to 700 visitors since last year, possibly as a result of economic factors as well," he stated.
The constituency of Kuala Kubu Baharu, a state seat in Selangor, is diverse, with 46% of voters being Malay, 30% being Chinese, 18% being Indian, and 5% being other.
Pang Sock Tao (Pakatan Harapan), Khairul Azhari Saut (Perikatan Nasional), Hafizah Zainuddin (Parti Rakyat Malaysia), and independent Nyau Ke Xin will compete in the May 11 by-election in a four-cornered race.
Following the three-term DAP assemblyman Lee Kee Hiong's cancer-related death on March 21, the seat became vacant.