By Zaki Salleh
IPOH: The role of an elected representative goes beyond receiving public complaints; it is about finding long-term solutions that improve the overall well-being of the community.
That is the principle guiding Jelapang assemblyman Cheah Pou Hian, who is now serving his second term as the constituency’s representative.
Pou Hian believes development must be carried out in a planned and inclusive manner, with the cooperation of government agencies, local leaders and residents to ensure sustainable benefits for the community.
Jelapang, which falls under the Batu Gajah parliamentary constituency, is a mixed area comprising residents from various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
According to him, among the most common complaints received from residents are issues involving potholes, clogged drains, waste collection, street lighting and public amenities.
He said some of these problems have persisted for years and require close cooperation between multiple agencies to be effectively resolved.
“Residents not only want their day-to-day problems addressed, but they also expect development initiatives that can create economic opportunities and improve their quality of life,” he said.
To ensure development is implemented in a structured and targeted manner, Pou Hian has adopted the Community Special Action Plan (PTKK) approach.
Under the initiative, the needs and potential of each community are identified before development programmes are planned and carried out in collaboration with government agencies, village heads, councillors and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
The assemblyman also convenes monthly constituency coordination meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation among stakeholders and resolving local issues collectively.
Among his key priorities is the development of First Garden as a new community and economic hub.
The initiative includes upgrading street lighting to energy-efficient LED systems and improving traffic flow in the commercial area to enhance convenience and accessibility.
A total of 23 additional streetlights have also been installed at several locations, including along the Ipoh-Lumut Highway, to improve public safety, particularly at night.
At the same time, Pou Hian is placing emphasis on the development of Papan town, which is rich in historical significance and tourism potential.
He said efforts to promote the area’s tin mining heritage could attract more visitors to Perak and contribute to the state’s tourism sector.
“Papan has tremendous historical value and deserves greater recognition. By preserving and promoting its heritage, we can attract more tourists while creating economic spillover benefits for the local community,” he said.
Pou Hian expressed hope that the comprehensive development plans being implemented across Jelapang would strengthen the local economy, create new opportunities for residents and improve living standards throughout the constituency.
“Our goal is to ensure that development benefits all segments of society and contributes to a more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future for the people of Jelapang,” he added.
