TELUK INTAN: The story of a 'rat route' in Kampung Baru Pelawan is the best example of unity and cooperation, as villagers come together to help motorists stranded due to traffic congestion.
Despite the road’s imperfect surface, this 3km stretch of agricultural road has unexpectedly become an alternative route for drivers trying to reach Kuala Lumpur more quickly during holiday and festive seasons when the North-South Expressway is congested.
However, behind the convenience enjoyed by drivers of all races lies an extraordinary story of generosity from the villagers, mostly of Chinese descent, who willingly improve the road without expecting anything in return, ensuring a more comfortable journey for all users.
Fish farmer Lee Weng Foong, 52, along with his friends, has never complained even though they had to level the road without any compensation.
"When it rains, the road can become full of potholes and uneven surfaces, but we don’t give up. We use our machinery to repair the road, even in the middle of the night.
"This path allows motorists to travel just 3km to reach the main road at Kuala Bikam heading south," he told Bernama.
Lee said that after the road gained attention on social media through a post by Zairul Annuar Mohd Zain, 47, who shared how Chinese villagers helped his family and others use the 'rat route' to get home after Hari Raya, he and his friends felt proud and happy to have been able to assist.
"Kindness is always there, especially when we see how crucial this road is for so many people," added the Kampung Baru Pelawan native.
Meanwhile, Kampung Baru Pelawan village head Chin Yoon Kwong, 61, said they have not made any official request to designate the road an alternative route as the area is a former mining area surrounded by private agricultural land, including oil palm plantations and fish farms.
"What we can request is the installation of a telecommunications tower and streetlights to make it easier for villagers and passers-by to get a signal.
"If the local authorities want to improve the road, we would certainly welcome it. I am proud of the villagers’ actions in helping motorists last April. It was the right thing to do, helping those in need regardless of race,” he said.
Meanwhile, a farmer from Kampung Sungai SC Ayer Hitam, Hamdan Napiah, 63, praised the villagers’ efforts to unite and assist those in need.
"It’s a very good example, showing that we can all come together, regardless of race, to help one another," he said. – Bernama
