UTAR NEW VILLAGE COMMUNITY PROJECT

REPORT

NAME OF NEW VILLAGE:

PADANG SERAI 巴东色海

KEDAH

Project carried out by:

Student Name Student ID Course Year/Trimester

1. Adrian Goh Jun Yung 11ACB06833

Bachelor of

Computer Science

(Hons)

Y3/T2

2. Lim Yan Hooi 11ACB06882

Bachelor of

Computer Science

(Hons)

Y3/T2

DATE OF COMPLETION

JANUARY 2014

PADANG SERAI

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ABSTRACT

The name Padang Serai means “lemongrass field”. Padang Serai is a small

town located between Kuala Ketil and Lunas. Kuala Ketil is to the north of Padang

Serai, while Lunas is to the south. Geographically speaking, it is a little town situated

in Kulim district in the southern part of Kedah.

Figures 1 Google maps on the locating of Padang Serai village

\ Figures 2 Signage of Padang Serai

PADANG SERAI

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HISTORY

Padang Serai was established around the year 1945, right after World War II.

In contrast to its humble beginnings, Padang Serai is now a fast expanding town with

the mushrooming of many new housing estates and new businesses. Padang Serai is

famous for its "Pekan Sehari Ahad" or Sunday Market. The majority of residents in

Padang Serai are Chinese while the Indians and Malays form a minority

.

Figures 3 The RHB bank Islamic of the village

Resident inform us that in GE13, the race for the Padang Serai parliamentary

seat was between PKR vice-president N Surendran, Wanita MCA vice-chairperson

Heng Seai Kie, Berjasa’s Hamidi Abu Hassan, as well as Independents Othman Wawi

and Gobalakrishnan the incumbent, who left PKR in 2010 and is partyless.

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Figures 4 The M.C.A office of Padang Serai

Based on the information gathered from the residents here, during the 2008

election, Gobalakrishnan, who contested under PKR banner, trounced Boey Chin Gan,

of BN, by a majority votes of 11,738, and was voted Padang Serai MP.

PADANG SERAI

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EDUCATION

The SJK(C) Shang Cheng in Padang Serai was founded in the year 1948 and

registered as a Chinese school. In the year 1954, the number of students enrolled was

350 and there were 11 teachers. There were 7 classes in the morning session and 2

classes in the afternoon session. In 1955, the number of student again increased to

more than 440. There were a total of 11 classes and 13 teachers in the school.

As of June 2007, there were a school principal, three vice-principals, twenty

one teacher, a secretary, three janitors, a doormen and 2 sessions of three hundred

eighty students. As we can see, the school has gone through several stages of growth

and development over the years.

Until today, most families in Padang Serai still continue to send their sons or

daughters to SJK(C) Shang Cheng. Today, there are many alumni who have

illustrious careers and achievements.

Figures 5 The entrance of SJK(C) Shang Cheng in Padang Serai

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Figures 6 The front view of SJK(C) Shang Cheng in Padang Serai

Figures 7 The canteen of SJK(C) Shang Cheng

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Figures 8 The basketball court of SJK(C) Shang Cheng

Figures 9 The small football field of SJK(C) Shang Cheng

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ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

Traditionally, Padang Serai’s economy and development is dependent on

agriculture. Today, however, many villagers operate small business and their small

shops are often located in their homes.

There are now many businesses such as small coffee shops and restaurants.

Many villagers run their own hawker stalls such as roti canai stall. There are small

shop which sell groceries, prayer items, etc. In recent years, many families own

motorcycles and cars and, as a result, there are opportunities for vehicle repair

workshops.

There is only 1 bank, RHB Bank, in Padang Serai. Unfortunately, many

youths these days prefer to work in the urban areas where there are better career

opportunities. They therefore migrate from small towns like Padang Serai to the

bright lights of the cities.

Figures 10 The shop selling items used for praying is situated next to a coffee shop

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Figures 11 The vehicle repair center

Figures 12 The two local barber shops

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Figures 13 The grocery store selling daily necessities

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POPULATION

The population of Padang Serai consists of 56% Malay, 22% Chinese and 22%

Indian. The percentage of Chinese villagers has declined slowly over the years

because many Chinese youths choose to seek better opportunities in the urban areas.

Consequently, most villagers in Padang Serai are old and retiring.

22% Malay

22% Indian

56% Chinese

Ethic composition of the village (%)

Chinese Indian Malay

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Figures 14 The village surrounding

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PROBLEMS

Every village has its own problems and Padang Serai is no exception. Based

on our conversations and interviews with locals, Padang Serai’s main problems are

listed below:

(i) Garbage Collection

Figures 15 Garbage stream all over the garbage dump area

According to villagers, garbage is thrown all over the garbage collection site.

The garbage collection vehicle then collects the rubbish from this area. This garbage

dump attracts flies, rats, stray animals, etc. All in all, it is bad for public health.

(ii) Security

According to villagers, there are crimes in Padang Serai. Crimes such as

burglaries and snatch thefts in broad daylight occur in this small town. Villagers feel

that this occurs because of a lack of police patrol.

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(iii) Education and infrastructure

In Padang Serai, there is only one primary school. In addition, according to

the villagers, the school has limited facilities and funds for upgrade. Besides that,

Padang Serai lacks public facilities such as public phone and basketball court.

Furthermore, according to the villagers, there is no fire station nearby and this poses a

danger, especially during emergencies.

Figures 16 Example of SJK(C) Shang Cheng

PADANG SERAI

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RECOMMENDATION

Improve public infrastructure and facilities

It is recommend that public facilities such as a basketball court and public

telephones should be set up for the convenience of villagers. In fact, public phone

booths can be very useful when villagers need to contact the police or the fire

department urgently.

Improve education opportunities.

Education develops a generation of responsible individuals who understand

the form of proper conducts. Education changes one’s future. It is recommended that

facilities at the local school should be upgraded. The school authorities could appeal

to the federal government or private individuals/organizations for necessary funds.

Proper garbage disposal

A healthy environment is important for the quality of life. The management of

garbage disposal needs to be improved. Local authorities could start by providing

proper containers for garbage and arranging for regular garbage collection 3 times or

more very week.

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)