SPORTS has always been in the heart of Perikatan Nasional candidate Henry Teoh Kien Hong (pic), as he is keen to spread his passion among the people of Kuala Kubu Baru.
The 43-year-old businessman from Serendah, who is a father of two, was an avid basketball player during his schooldays and later a basketball coach and referee from 1996 to 2000.
He wants the district to be a sports hub but says it needs facilities to be upgraded or set up.
For example, he said Hulu Selangor boasted lush greenery with a scenic mountain range and waterfalls but there was a need to promote sporting activities towards a healthy lifestyle.
"In Kuala Kubu Baru, there is only the KKB stadium football field that meets the Fifa standard for football tournaments.
"There is a need for an additional international football stadium and rubberised badminton courts with proper facilities to cater for tournaments.
"As a sportsman myself, (I see that) many of the people living in Kuala Kubu Baru are retirees and would love to lead a healthy lifestyle but do not have any avenue for this," said Teoh, who has been the Serendah Basketball Club chairman from 2013 until now.
"They (the locals) are able to see it on television with tournaments held in many places but not in their town.
"Beside this, Kuala Kubu Baru town itself is perfect for eco-tourism as it has authentic local cuisine, 100-year-old buildings and a rich heritage of temples and culture.
"This could give locals the opportunity to provide accommodation, food and souvenirs for people here making it a perfect hub (for many activities)," said Teoh.
He added that with more facilities, he could coax tournament organisers to hold inter-district competitions here and boost the local economy.
Teoh, also the Hulu Selangor Cycling Club secretary since 2015, has not failed to engage in outdoor or sporting activities with the townspeople while campaigning here.
The Hulu Selangor Gerakan Youth chief since 2018 also aimed to turn the district into an automotive hub.
"(This would mean) more job opportunities for the youth, while increasing their skills," he added.
Teoh is in a four-cornered fight against incumbent Lee Kee Hiong (Pakatan Harapan), Dr Siva Prakash Ramasamy (Muda) and Chng Boon Lai (Parti Rakyat Malaysia).
Lee, who is aiming for a third term, was also a Kajang councillor from 2008 to 2013.
In GE14, she won the seat with a 7,134-vote majority against candidates from Barisan Nasional and PAS.
