SHAH ALAM: Driving some 20 to 30 minutes away just to get to the nearest wet market has been a norm for residents of Jalan Kebun as there are none near their homes.
Jalan Kebun, which falls under the Sungai Kandis state constituency, is geographically located between Klang and Shah Alam but it is still far for residents to travel to the nearest wet market.
And their choices are limited to the Klang or Sri Muda wet markets which are mainly dominated by foreigners.
A resident of Jalan Kebun, Rosli Mohd Sani, 56, said folks living in the area have no choice but to patronise supermarkets as well as grocery shops that sell raw food such as chicken, fish and vegetables.
"The supermarket that we have now has been operating for five years. Prior to that, food traders like me are forced to go to supermarkets located in the Shah Alam city centre or the Klang wet market to buy raw items.
"Although there is already a supermarket in this area, it cannot be denied that the items offered at wet markets are the best choice and fresher. So it is right for residents to request for a wet market to be set up here," said Rosli when met at Kampung Batu 7 along Jalan Kebun, here, today.
Another resident, Surani Damin,44, said she preferred going to a wet market compared to supermarkets or grocery shops as she trusted the items sold there, especially chicken and beef.
"I am very particular with the aspect of slaughtering of the meats sold and I am doubtful when I buy it at the supermarket.
"This is a different scenario at wet markets where slaughtering is done on the spot before it is sold to buyers," she said.
Surani added that senior citizens also preferred going to wet markets as the environment was more laid back and it was easier for them to explore the premises compared to supermarkets.
She said aside from going to the supermarket and grocery shops, residents living around Jalan Kebun would have to wait to go to a wet market that is only open on Sundays.
"So I hope the new state assemblyman would be able to provide us with a wet market, here," she said, referring to the upcoming Sungai Kandis state seat by-election.
Folks in Sungai Kandis, including those in Jalan Kebun, will be casting their votes on Aug 4.
The by-election was called following the death of its three term assemblyman Mat Shuhaimi Shafiei who died of cancer on July 2.