SLIM RIVER: LOCATED between Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh, the tranquil town of Slim, previously known as Slim River, is seeing moderate growth to serve its residents.
Urbanisation is taking place, with developments in education, transportation and facilities dotting the landscape.
This is in stark contrast to the town's laidback setting in the 1980s, when it did not even have a single traffic light column. Traffic jams, especially during Hari Raya celebrations, would seem bizarre to locals.
Kindergarten teacher Rosnah Hasan, 53, said the small town now had a hospital, clinics and schools.
"Previously, we didn't have a hospital here. When I was little, whenever there was an emergency, my father had to drive to the health clinic in Tanjung Malim.
"This hospital was built in 2000 and has been a boon for the people here, especially for those from Bidor, Sungkai, Behrang and even the northern parts of Selangor."
But Rosnah wants more for her hometown, like a shopping mall or a cineplex, so that she and her family will not have to drive more than 70km to Rawang, Selangor, just to catch a movie.
"When it gets dark, Slim is a dead town. But I am happy for now, as there are enough facilities here and I am enjoying the simple life."
Azhar Daud, 63, said Slim needed to improve in terms of economy as youths were leaving for jobs in the bigger cities.
"This place also lacks tourism products. We only have the Sungai Bil waterfall and no other places of interest to go. Most people here go to Rawang and Kuala Lumpur during the holidays.
"But I am happy. I love the multiracial community and the peaceful environment," said Azhar, who is from Kampung Kuala Slim here.
In 1942, Slim River witnessed an important turning point in the country's history. The Battle of Slim River between the Japanese and British saw the end of the hope of the colonial master defending what was then Malaya.
Slim River was named after a British officer in the 19th century who is said to have accidentally sailed to the river instead of Sungai Perak, where he intended to go.
The main economic activities here are agriculture-based, such as oil palm and rubber plantations.
