Gerik MP in push for fairer distribution of wealth

In the constituency of Gerik in Perak, MP Fathul Huzir Ayob has vowed to address what he describes as injustice in the distribution of natural wealth to some 100,000 residents in the vicinity. 

Gerik's abundance of natural resources should mean that people can enjoy basic amenities without relying on facilities located far away, he said. 

But while Gerik's resources leave, the constituency itself continues to struggle with fundamental infrastructure problems. 

"There are still villages without tarred roads or streetlights," Fathul said in a recent interview with MalaysiaNow. 

"When night falls, it's difficult for the people to leave their homes." 

Fathul had spoken about the infrastructure issues plaguing his constituency while debating the motion of thanks on the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat on Feb 22. 

Gerik, a former Umno stronghold, fell to Perikatan Nasional at the 15th general election on Nov 19 last year. 

Fathul had defeated Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki with a majority of 1,377 votes. 

He said many complaints and pleas had been made throughout the years for more infrastructure development, but to no avail. 

"The people of Gerik have become indifferent," he said. "They've given up because they ask but get nothing in return." 

Gerik, which is located in the north of Perak bordering Thailand, is also the middle point between the east and west areas in the northern part of the peninsula.

Its natural resources include timber, gold, tin ore and, most recently, lanthanide. 

Fathul said a foundation should be established for the development of Hulu Perak, so that part of the land tax from corporate companies can be used to develop the area. 

"Ten percent of the taxes paid to the Inland Revenue Board can be channelled to this foundation," he added. 

He is also concerned about the health and tourism sectors in Gerik which he says have been neglected for a long time. 

"Hospital Gerik can handle normal deliveries, but if there are complications during the birth process, the patient has to be transferred to Hospital Ipoh or Taiping, which would take two hours," he said. 

"There have been no small number of mothers who end up giving birth in the ambulance." 

As for the tourism sector, he said Gerik has forests such as Royal Belum and mountains that attract the interest of environmentalists, but these too are not given much attention.