PETALING JAYA: Halimey Abu Bakar pledged today to eradicate illegal activities and organised crime in Seri Setia, if he were given the mandate by voters.
The Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the state seat by-election, who is also a former district councillor, said he will not tolerate illegal gambling dens and unlicensed massage parlours which secretly offer sex services in the constituency.
“I promise to fully eradicate all these illegal and harmful activities which can leave a very negative impact on family institutions as well as the community,” the 46-year-old said while campaigning at the Seri Utama Election Operations Room today.
Having served with the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), Halimey is seen as being equipped with the experience necessary to address the problem in a holistic manner, and to make sure that enforcement takes place.
“(I) have been fighting illegal gambling and vice dens prior to this (by-election campaign).Throughout my time at the MBPJ, I continuously fought against social ills, especially in Zone 24, which is well-known for its illegal activities.
“I even joined some of the operations carried out together with the police, the local council and other enforcement agencies; and made sure that many of the illegal operators closed shop,” he said.
Meanwhile, Halimey affirmed his commitment to help and defend small traders, business operators and hawkers in Seri Setia.
He said among his plans to help empower small businesses is to provide them with proper stalls in a more comfortable environment.
“I am also willing to be a liaison between the traders and government agencies at the state as well as federal levels, if needed, especially in terms of obtaining proper licences to operate,” he added.
Halimey said that issues related to small traders and hawkers are close to his heart because his late father was also a trader.
“I saw his struggle and how he raised us with whatever little he earned from the business,” he said, adding that he would also try to educate traders and encourage them to adopt new business methods, including online marketing strategies, to improve their business.
The by-election on Sept 8 will see Halimey go head-to-head against Pas candidate Dr Halimah Ali.
The Seri Setia state seat fell vacant after incumbent assemblyman and Selangor executive councillor Prof Dr Shaharuddin Badaruddin passed away on Aug 2 after a battle with cancer.