UTAR NEW VILLAGE COMMUNITY PROJECT

REPORT

NAME OF NEW VILLAGE:

SALENG 沙令

JOHOR

Project carried out by:

Name of student ID Number Course Year /Semester

1. Tan Hean Pang 1304364 Financial Economic Y1S1

DATE OF COMPLETION:

JANUARY 2014

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ABSTRACT

Saleng was established in 1951. It’s located in the district of Johor Bahru in the state of

Johor. Towns close to this new village are Kulai and Johor Bahru. The main attractions in

Saleng are its mosques and temples. Industrial and agricultural activities provide

employment for villagers.

Saleng

SALENG

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INTRODUCTION

Saleng is located in Johor Bahru, Johor.

Nearby towns include:

Kulai which is 5km northwest from Saleng.

Johor Bahru which is 28km southeast from Saleng.

The village is surrounded by oil palm estates. The local mosque and temples are its

main tourist attractions.

Its current population is approximately 20000. When the village was founded in 1951, it

had a population of only around 3000. Over the years, the population increased.

However, in recent years, many villagers have migrated to Singapore in search of better

employment opportunities. This is the reason behind its declining population in recent

years.

I interviewed the Village Head, Mr. Zheng, and his old friend, Mr Zhang.

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ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

The main sources of income in Saleng are as follows:

Industrial Activities: In recent years, many rubber plantations have been cleared and

factories are constructed. There are many opportunities for future investment because

this village is not far from the capital city and its upgraded infrastructures can

accommodate many new factories.

Agriculture. This is the traditional source of income for Saleng villagers and it

continues to support many families in the village.

SALENG

SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS PRACTICES

Saleng’s population is dominated by the Chinese (88%), followed by the Malays (7%)

and Indians (4%). The main languages spoken in this village are the Hakka dialect and

mandarin. The age breakdown of Saleng’s 20,000 residents is as follows: 23% in the 0-

14 age group, 70% in the 15-64 age group and 7% in the 65± age group.

Taoism, Buddhism, Islam, Catholicism and Hinduisms are practised in Saleng. This

religions diversity is reflected in its 6 mosques, 3 Chinese temples, 2 Hindu temples and

4 churches.

Catholic Church in Saleng

One of the Chinese temple in Saleng

SALENG

A mosque in Saleng

In addition to the religious festivals, other festivals held at the village include the

Chinese New year (also known as Spring Festival) and the Mid-autumn festival. These

2 festivals celebrated by the Chinese. During Chinese New Year, villagers hang red

paper cut outs and scrolls on their doors, and play with firecrackers and beat Chinese

dreems, especially when lion dances are performed. The colour red and loud noises are

believed to drive away a mythical monster who prayed on villagers in the olden days.

Red envelopes are passed out from married couples to children and people typically

wear new clothes from head to toe symbolize a new beginning in the brand new year.

The history of the Mid-autumn festival is just as interesting. The ancient Chinese

emperors worshiped the moon in autumn and believed that it would bring them a

plentiful harvest the next year. People celebrate by serving mooncakes to family

members, carrying lanterns and playing with fireworks.

SALENG

EDUCATION

Saleng has the following education institutions:

1 kindergarten with around 200 students and 13 teachers

1 primary school, namely SJK(C) Saleng; well-equipped facilities; over 1000 students

in the school; number of students still rising because this is the only primary school

available in the village.

Unfortunately, there is an absence of secondary schools in the village. Villages have to

spend time and money sending their children to SMK Senai, the secondary school

closest (8 km away) to Saleng.

The front gate of SJK(C) Saleng.

SALENG

INFRASTRUCTURE

AND FACILITIES

Medical facilities available

in the village are:

1 public clinic and 3 private clinic.

One of the private clinics in Saleng

Public clinic in Saleng.

Besides the clinics, other facilities available include a post office, a police hut, a

children’s playground, a basketball court, a driving schools, a public hall, a community

hall and an old folks home. Most of the facilities and amenities are well maintained.

The village would benefit from the setting up of a police station and a hospital.

Public hall in Saleng.

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Basketball court in Saleng.

Community

hall in Saleng.

Police hut in Saleng.

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Car driving school in Saleng.

A small playground in Saleng.

Security in Saleng needs improvement. The lack of a police station means that

there are very few police personnel in the village and there is no police patrol at night.

The road system in this village is satisfactory. There are quite a number of

speed bump along the road to control the speed of motor vehivles.

The drainage system is in good condition. It is managed by Indah Water

Konsortium, whichs provides good sewerage services within the village area.

Garbage collection in Saleng is adequate.

SALENG

PROBLEM

The main problems faced by Saleng are as follows:

Absence of secondary school: This causes considerate inconvenience to parents and

their children who have to commute 8km to the nearest school.

Absence of police station: The lack of police personnel is a factor leading to the

increase in crime rate.

Absence of a hospital. The local clinics are not adequately equipped to handle serious

illness and emergencies.

SALENG

RECOMMENDATIONS

In relation to the opportunities and problems mentioned above the following

recommendations are made.

1. The government should fund a hospital in this village. Alternatively it could improve

facilities for transport of emergency cases to nearby towns.

2. Ideally, a police station should be built in Saleng. Frequently police patrols will help in

fighting crime.

3. The village needs a secondary school and/or improved public transport to secondary

schools in nearby towns.

DISCLAIMER:

Information contained in this report was compiled by the University’s students on voluntary basis.

Although every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the report, the University accepts no

responsibility whatsoever for any errors or omissions, if any, the University reserves the right to make

changes on the information at any time without prior notice.

Should there be any queries regarding contents of the report, please contact:

Department of Soft Skills Competency

Tel: 03-79582628 ext 8274, 8656, 8269 (Klang Valley Campus)

05- 4688888 ext 2295/2297/2299/2300 (Perak Campus)

SALENG