PETALING JAYA: Taman Templer state assemblyman Anfaal Saari is setting a new pace for societal development, with a keen focus on enhancing transport connectivity and fostering unity.
In a recent interview with Selangor Journal, Anfaal said she is working towards addressing the issue of first and last-mile connectivity and is committed to leveraging the state’s demand-responsive transit (DRT) services for her constituency.
This, she said, is particularly crucial considering Taman Templer residents have long been facing the issue of insufficient public transport links to major transport hubs such Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations.
Anfaal said this lack of adequate transport options is compounded by the increased traffic on roads leading to the Batu Caves roundabout, a critical artery to Kuala Lumpur.
Recognising the need for a multi-faceted approach to the issue, Anfaal is collaborating with local authorities, the Public Works Department (PWD) and Kuala Lumpur City Hall to devise solutions for smoother traffic flow around this major junction.
“Residents need to start their day early, between 6am and 7am, to avoid the severe traffic congestion. Otherwise, they face up to two hours of travel time to reach Kuala Lumpur.
“I have met with PWD and soon with DBKL. We hope to look into rerouting strategies in that area, although it’s quite a technical task. The congestion affects not just the residents of Taman Templer but also those who use that route regularly,” she said.
Additionally, Anfaal is exploring public transport solutions by discussing with local bus operators to extend their routes in her constituency.
“The closest MRT station is in Kepong. I’m in talks with Prasarana Malaysia Bhd to potentially expand their feeder bus services to areas such as Kampung Sungai Baru.”
Beyond improving the transport system, Anfaal is also deeply involved in addressing the persistent flooding of Anak Sungai Udang.
She noted that deepening the river is a crucial aspect of resolving this issue.
However, this has become more complicated due to the need for land acquisition along the river banks.
“We recognise this is a complex issue but are committed to finding a lasting solution.
“We are actively collaborating with the Irrigation and Drainage Department to resolve the situation effectively and efficiently,” she said, indicating a strong resolve to tackle the perennial problem in her community.
Anfaal explained that the flooding problems stemmed from the less-than-ideal town planning decisions made in the past.
She also expressed her commitment to finally addressing the long-standing issue of the uncompleted construction of the Selayang Mutiara Mosque.
She explained that the construction delays were primarily due to insufficient funding and the need for due diligence, which initially hindered the Selayang Municipal Council’s approval.
“We are taking concrete steps to resolve the issue. I have engaged with major stakeholders, including the Selangor State Development Corporation, which had previously agreed to contribute zakat funds.
“However, they have requested thorough due diligence by the mosque committee, a process I am actively facilitating,” she said.
In the Aug 12 state election, Anfaal, who is the daughter of former Hulu Kelang assemblyman Saari Sungib, won the Taman Templer state seat with a majority of 467 votes, or a total of 22,247 votes.
The 44-year-old first-time candidate defeated former state executive councillor and PAS candidate Zaidy Abdul Talib, who garnered 21,780 votes, while Muda’s Aida Rahman received 765 votes.
Meanwhile, the Taman Templer community service centre has introduced two initiatives for residents: volunteer services and free legal advice.
Anfaal said the service via the Sukarelawan KITA (Volunteerism, Innovative, Action, Trust) initiative will act as a bridge to assist the Taman Templer community.
“The community service centre’s doors will always be open to Taman Templer’s resident as a bridge to solve local problems.
“If you want to seek advice, learn more about the initiatives of the state government, or are looking for assistance, feel free to contact the community service centre team,” said the state executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare in a Facebook post recently.
The Taman Templer Community Service Centre, located in Taman Selayang Segar, Batu Caves, is open from Monday to Friday, except public holidays, from 9am to 5pm.
