JASIN – While residents in other constituencies are struggling with flood problems and poor internet coverage, the same cannot be said about those living in Asahan.
This is because in Asahan, there are no petrol stations and banking facilities.
It may sound trivial, but for the over 30,000 individuals in the constituency that covers about 214km sq, the only petrol station is in Selandar, a 30-minute drive from Asahan town.
For Rosiah Osman, 50, this has affected the daily life of residents who rely on their transportation to move around.
“I am also puzzled by this. I have heard many times that a petrol station is going to be built. In fact, a spot has already been marked for a petrol station.
“But until now, it has been quiet. For those working outside of Asahan, they will fill their tanks in Jasin, Selandar town, or even Tangkak before returning home,” she said.
As an alternative, Asahan residents will buy petrol filled in plastic bottles for use in case of late night emergencies.
She said this has been going on for quite a while, adding that it is baffling how nobody wants to step forward to help solve the issue.
At the very least, a petrol station owner should come forward to grab this opportunity and turn the station into a goldmine by providing services apart from just selling petrol, she added.
Rosiah said Asahan is the route for those who want to go mountain climbing at Gunung Ledang, or if they want to enjoy the Asahan waterfall.
“I believe value-added services like having a petrol station will attract more tourists to use this route,” said the food stall operator.
Apart from Gunung Ledang, Bukit Batu Lebah located in the Senggeh Forest Reserve has also attracted hikers from outside the state, including Laman Tiga Budaya where the border stones marking Negri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor are placed.
Asahan boasts hilly terrains and has many tributaries that originated from Gunung Ledang. This has caused many residents to be involved in agriculture and rubber planting, among others.
Tan Chee Shin, 52 – who is among the 15,745 registered voters in Asahan – said the fast-growing agriculture sector means that farmers and traders need a bank to carry out their financial transactions.
Tan, who is staying in Chabau, said presently he has to travel to Tangkak or Jasin – which takes him about 30 minutes – if he wants to use banking services.
“An ATM with a cash deposit facility is good enough. It would make it easier for residents to withdraw or deposit money. Not many will use online banking here as the majority are not young people who will be more comfortable with online banking,” he said.
In the Melaka election, Asahan will see a six-cornered clash involving Fairul Nizam Roslan (Barisan Nasional), Dhanesh Basil (Perikatan Nasional), Datuk Seri Idris Haron (Pakatan Harapan), and independent candidates Mohd Noor Salleh, Azmar Abdul Hamid, and Mohd Akhir Ayob. – Bernama, November 14, 2021
