Saturday, September 27, 2008
Safe Driving Tips for the Long Drive
For our residents who are going to balik kampung during this Raya festive holidays ... Have a safe journey. Read the Safe Driving Tips for the Long Drive from Motor Trader.
A Little Background on CGRC
This is just a summary of a post which we have published back in June 2008. Let's just recap and learn a bit more on the roles of CGRC (Canal Gardens Residents Committees) ahead of our planned CG AGM on 12th October 2008.
We, like you, are just the normal residents of Canal Gardens who gets irritated and frustrated with the security breaches. We constantly provide very vocal feedback to the service providers till the point where we believe we should consider changing them - once the existing Canal Gardens' outstanding issues are resolved. We believe the feeling is mutual.
From time to time, our CGRC members also organized community events through our very own funding, typically collected through ticket sales and/or collection from our Monthly Recycling Program. And NO - the CGRC members do not have privy to the "funds" details as these numero are under the control of our service providers. We too, just as you, would like to have access to all the details information on how each and every Ringgit and Sen is spent.
By the way, we need more volunteers ... care to join us? Email us at canalgardens@gmail.com. Thanks!
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Canal Gardens Residents Committees 2007-2009 comprises of volunteers who were elected at Kota Kemuning Canal Gardens Residents' Annual General Meeting (held on Sunday, 28th October 2007 at Centre Park's Basketball Court). These volunteers are normal residents of Canal Gardens, just like you and me or your neighbour buddy-buddy. We all have a day job (some even have two jobs) ... kita suma kena cari makan juga. We all go through daily traffic jam in the morning and evening. Some already left their homes by 6.30 am!!! We have our own families to look after - sending the kids to school, making sure they complete their homework, taking take of our elderly parents etc. We all, just like everybody else in Malaysia and Singapore, look forward to the weekends, public holidays and cuti-cuti sekolah.
But we all still try our very best to squeeze some time to plan and participate in CGRC activities which are mainly for benefits of the Canal Gardens residents - Recycling Day, Family Day, Golf Tournament and the Monthly Meeting. The CGRC members do not get any salary or allowance - not even discount for our own activities like Family Day and Golf Tournament. Some of the members spent their own money, sponsored gifts, and even made some personal sacrifices here and there for the overall well being of Canal Gardens. Some of our committees attend meetings held during office hours because the developer and other government agencies insist on doing it during "office hours". All in the name of helping to make Canal Gardens a better place for you, me and our families to live in, to play in.
The community is growing. New residents are moving in, more issues popping up like the continuos concern on security, some loose-cannons are driving recklessly, lalangs, canal aka longkang besar and dengue cases ... So come and join us. Pinjam tangan, pinjam kaki, Bersama-sama kita seiring sehati, Pastikan Canal Gardens satu contoh "GREAT" komuniti!
Interested - drop us a mail: CanalGardens@gmail.com. Terima kasih!
We, like you, are just the normal residents of Canal Gardens who gets irritated and frustrated with the security breaches. We constantly provide very vocal feedback to the service providers till the point where we believe we should consider changing them - once the existing Canal Gardens' outstanding issues are resolved. We believe the feeling is mutual.
From time to time, our CGRC members also organized community events through our very own funding, typically collected through ticket sales and/or collection from our Monthly Recycling Program. And NO - the CGRC members do not have privy to the "funds" details as these numero are under the control of our service providers. We too, just as you, would like to have access to all the details information on how each and every Ringgit and Sen is spent.
By the way, we need more volunteers ... care to join us? Email us at canalgardens@gmail.com. Thanks!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canal Gardens Residents Committees 2007-2009 comprises of volunteers who were elected at Kota Kemuning Canal Gardens Residents' Annual General Meeting (held on Sunday, 28th October 2007 at Centre Park's Basketball Court). These volunteers are normal residents of Canal Gardens, just like you and me or your neighbour buddy-buddy. We all have a day job (some even have two jobs) ... kita suma kena cari makan juga. We all go through daily traffic jam in the morning and evening. Some already left their homes by 6.30 am!!! We have our own families to look after - sending the kids to school, making sure they complete their homework, taking take of our elderly parents etc. We all, just like everybody else in Malaysia and Singapore, look forward to the weekends, public holidays and cuti-cuti sekolah.
But we all still try our very best to squeeze some time to plan and participate in CGRC activities which are mainly for benefits of the Canal Gardens residents - Recycling Day, Family Day, Golf Tournament and the Monthly Meeting. The CGRC members do not get any salary or allowance - not even discount for our own activities like Family Day and Golf Tournament. Some of the members spent their own money, sponsored gifts, and even made some personal sacrifices here and there for the overall well being of Canal Gardens. Some of our committees attend meetings held during office hours because the developer and other government agencies insist on doing it during "office hours". All in the name of helping to make Canal Gardens a better place for you, me and our families to live in, to play in.
The community is growing. New residents are moving in, more issues popping up like the continuos concern on security, some loose-cannons are driving recklessly, lalangs, canal aka longkang besar and dengue cases ... So come and join us. Pinjam tangan, pinjam kaki, Bersama-sama kita seiring sehati, Pastikan Canal Gardens satu contoh "GREAT" komuniti!
Interested - drop us a mail: CanalGardens@gmail.com. Terima kasih!
Police Tracking Down Notorious Leader of Tomei Robbery Gang
From The Sun, 25th Sept 2008.
Apparently, on May 13, two gunmen robbed a goldsmith shop at the Econsave supermarket in Kota Kemuning and escaped with jewellery worth about RM200,000.
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City police are in the midst of tracking down the head honcho of the notorious 'Tomei Gang' which is linked to a spate of goldsmith heists in the Klang Valley.
The police intelligence network has described the gang leader as heavily armed and dangerous, and linked to the murder of an underling who had planned the armed heists before the gang struck.
A police all-points bulletin (APB) has been issued nationwide to bring the culprit to book.
This follows the arrest of four suspected members of the gang in Klang and Jalan Ipoh between Aug 18 and Sept 4. They have been remanded till Sept 30.
Seized from the four were a .38 pistol -- believed to have been used in the robberies -- and .38, .65 and 9mm rounds of ammunition CID chief SAC II Ku Chin Wah said the arrests helped solve three armed robberies committed by the gang - two in the city and another in Selangor.
He said following interrogation of the four suspects aged between 26 and 39, the police had launched a hunt for the gang leader.
He said the 'head honcho' was suspected to be linked to the murder of a gang member on Aug 6, although the police had intially classfied the case as suicide.
Identified only as Bee Lee, the man was found shot dead in Taman Sungai Besi.
"Our initial investigations revealed that Bee Lee's role was to survey the goldsmith shop premises and plan the heists before giving the 'go-ahead' for the gang to strike.
"We obtained this feedback after questioning the deceased's wife who knew the gang leader," Ku told a press conference at the city police contingent here today.
He said the proceeds of each robbery was handed over to the gang leader at his home. The leader would, in turn, pay each of his underling between RM20,000 and RM30,000.
On July 20, three men, two with guns, struck the Tomei goldsmith shop at the Carrefour hypermarket in Wangsa Maju and escaped with jewellery worth about RM500,000.
A 32-year-old female employee was shot dead during the heist.
On June 20, two gunmen hit the M J Jewellery shop at the Econsave supermarket in Alam Damai, Cheras before escaping with jewellery worth about RM400,000.
On May 13, two gunmen robbed a goldsmith shop at the Econsave supermarket in Kota Kemuning and escaped with jewellery worth about RM200,000.
The police suspect that the heists were committed by the 'Tomei Gang'.
Meanwhile, the police anxious to contact Ngai Chan Hong, 29, @ Ah Seow @ Ah Soh @ Man to assist investigations into the activities of the gang.
His last known address was in Jalan Imbi.
Apparently, on May 13, two gunmen robbed a goldsmith shop at the Econsave supermarket in Kota Kemuning and escaped with jewellery worth about RM200,000.
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City police are in the midst of tracking down the head honcho of the notorious 'Tomei Gang' which is linked to a spate of goldsmith heists in the Klang Valley.
The police intelligence network has described the gang leader as heavily armed and dangerous, and linked to the murder of an underling who had planned the armed heists before the gang struck.
A police all-points bulletin (APB) has been issued nationwide to bring the culprit to book.
This follows the arrest of four suspected members of the gang in Klang and Jalan Ipoh between Aug 18 and Sept 4. They have been remanded till Sept 30.
Seized from the four were a .38 pistol -- believed to have been used in the robberies -- and .38, .65 and 9mm rounds of ammunition CID chief SAC II Ku Chin Wah said the arrests helped solve three armed robberies committed by the gang - two in the city and another in Selangor.
He said following interrogation of the four suspects aged between 26 and 39, the police had launched a hunt for the gang leader.
He said the 'head honcho' was suspected to be linked to the murder of a gang member on Aug 6, although the police had intially classfied the case as suicide.
Identified only as Bee Lee, the man was found shot dead in Taman Sungai Besi.
"Our initial investigations revealed that Bee Lee's role was to survey the goldsmith shop premises and plan the heists before giving the 'go-ahead' for the gang to strike.
"We obtained this feedback after questioning the deceased's wife who knew the gang leader," Ku told a press conference at the city police contingent here today.
He said the proceeds of each robbery was handed over to the gang leader at his home. The leader would, in turn, pay each of his underling between RM20,000 and RM30,000.
On July 20, three men, two with guns, struck the Tomei goldsmith shop at the Carrefour hypermarket in Wangsa Maju and escaped with jewellery worth about RM500,000.
A 32-year-old female employee was shot dead during the heist.
On June 20, two gunmen hit the M J Jewellery shop at the Econsave supermarket in Alam Damai, Cheras before escaping with jewellery worth about RM400,000.
On May 13, two gunmen robbed a goldsmith shop at the Econsave supermarket in Kota Kemuning and escaped with jewellery worth about RM200,000.
The police suspect that the heists were committed by the 'Tomei Gang'.
Meanwhile, the police anxious to contact Ngai Chan Hong, 29, @ Ah Seow @ Ah Soh @ Man to assist investigations into the activities of the gang.
His last known address was in Jalan Imbi.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
CANAL GARDENS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2008
Dear Residents,
Please be informed that our Annual General Meeting will be held as follow:
Date : Sunday, 12 October 2008
Time : 8.00 pm sharp
Venue : Canal Gardens Basketball Court
Among the agenda for updates:
Please be informed that our Annual General Meeting will be held as follow:
Date : Sunday, 12 October 2008
Time : 8.00 pm sharp
Venue : Canal Gardens Basketball Court
Among the agenda for updates:
- Canal
- Security
- Landscaping and Street Lighting
- Monthly Recycling
- Social/Sports Activities 2008/2009
- Financial position of the accounts of the Canal Gardens Residents Committee
- Registration of the Canal Gardens Residents Association
- Others
Your presence is much appreciated.
Lagoon Homes Community Blog
Discovered another Kota Kemuning Community Blog - Lagoon Homes. Check them out at
http://lagoon-homes.blogspot.com/
http://lagoon-homes.blogspot.com/
Monday, September 22, 2008
Chat Online within Canal Gardens Blog
Just installed a web part which will enable us to chat within our blog .... look for the CHATTER BOX on the right hand side.
So go ahead, Happy Chatting!
So go ahead, Happy Chatting!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
New Link: Kemuning Utama Permai RA Community Blog
Checkout another community blog - Kemuning Utama Permai RA Community Blog. Get to know more about what is happening within our community.
From the blog, we discovered:
1. Opening Ceremony of SJK(C) Chung Hua , Kota Kemuning on 18 Sept 2008, 10:00 am by Dato Seri Ong Ka Ting.
2. The JawatanKuasa Perbinaan SJK(C) Chung Hua, Kota Kemuning will be organizing a charity golf tournament at Kota Permai Golf anf Country Club on 23 Nov 2008. Click here for more info.
From the blog, we discovered:
1. Opening Ceremony of SJK(C) Chung Hua , Kota Kemuning on 18 Sept 2008, 10:00 am by Dato Seri Ong Ka Ting.
2. The JawatanKuasa Perbinaan SJK(C) Chung Hua, Kota Kemuning will be organizing a charity golf tournament at Kota Permai Golf anf Country Club on 23 Nov 2008. Click here for more info.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Hand in Hand Against Crime
Similar stories revolving community activities, patrolling with the police to make our community a safer place for all. From the Star, 16th September 2008.
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While walking alone at night is dangerous, having a group of police with you in their illuminating vests sure makes you feel safer.
As part of the Community Policing Programme, Damansara Kim residents will join the police when they patrol the neighbourhood.
According to Damansara Utama police station deputy head Sjn Mejar Jipa Langob, the programme will help the public to know more about the police’s role and job scope, hence it will lessen misunderstandings between both parties.
“It also enables the police and the community to work hand in hand to combat crime and foster ties between us (the police and the community),” he said.
At a recent patrolling session, there were 22 policemen patrolling with the residents, said Sergeant Tony Yap from the Section 8 police station.
Some came in patrol cars, some on bikes while others walked and interacted with the residents.
“The main objective is not to catch criminals during patrolling but to let them know that people are looking out for the neighbourhood,” he said.
Rukun Tetangga committee member Tan Eng Cheong, who took on the task of co-ordinating volunteers for the neighbour watch, said there were three zones in SS20 Damansara Kim.
“We are starting from the Southern Zone first, then we’ll get residents from the Central Zone and Northern Zone,” he said.
Residents met in a restaurant in the neighbourhood before splitting into a few groups for patrolling.
Tan said numbers gave strength hence he hoped that more residents would take part in the patrols.
“It’s like a member get member scheme, where we get more residents to volunteer for the patrol through residents.
“This is the second patrol we have. Last week, there were only five residents and tonight it has increased to 18,” he said.
Tan advised those who want to take part in the patrols to not bring handbags to avoid being victims of snatch thefts.
“Just place your valuables in your pocket or in a waist pouch,” he said.
The patrols not only promote awareness on safety but it also help in fostering the community spirit.
During patrols, it was an opportunity for residents to interact with their neighbours whom they rarely communicate with due to busy lifestyles.
SS20 resident Lee Teong Hooi and his wife, Chow Siew Mee, took along their children to the patrolling session to show their support.
“We should start them young and teach them about safety, loving the neighbourhood and being part of the community,” Chow said.
“The community policing programme is what we have always wanted. It is a chance for us to know our neighbours better,” he said.
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While walking alone at night is dangerous, having a group of police with you in their illuminating vests sure makes you feel safer.
As part of the Community Policing Programme, Damansara Kim residents will join the police when they patrol the neighbourhood.
According to Damansara Utama police station deputy head Sjn Mejar Jipa Langob, the programme will help the public to know more about the police’s role and job scope, hence it will lessen misunderstandings between both parties.
“It also enables the police and the community to work hand in hand to combat crime and foster ties between us (the police and the community),” he said.
At a recent patrolling session, there were 22 policemen patrolling with the residents, said Sergeant Tony Yap from the Section 8 police station.
Some came in patrol cars, some on bikes while others walked and interacted with the residents.
“The main objective is not to catch criminals during patrolling but to let them know that people are looking out for the neighbourhood,” he said.
Rukun Tetangga committee member Tan Eng Cheong, who took on the task of co-ordinating volunteers for the neighbour watch, said there were three zones in SS20 Damansara Kim.
“We are starting from the Southern Zone first, then we’ll get residents from the Central Zone and Northern Zone,” he said.
Residents met in a restaurant in the neighbourhood before splitting into a few groups for patrolling.
Tan said numbers gave strength hence he hoped that more residents would take part in the patrols.
“It’s like a member get member scheme, where we get more residents to volunteer for the patrol through residents.
“This is the second patrol we have. Last week, there were only five residents and tonight it has increased to 18,” he said.
Tan advised those who want to take part in the patrols to not bring handbags to avoid being victims of snatch thefts.
“Just place your valuables in your pocket or in a waist pouch,” he said.
The patrols not only promote awareness on safety but it also help in fostering the community spirit.
During patrols, it was an opportunity for residents to interact with their neighbours whom they rarely communicate with due to busy lifestyles.
SS20 resident Lee Teong Hooi and his wife, Chow Siew Mee, took along their children to the patrolling session to show their support.
“We should start them young and teach them about safety, loving the neighbourhood and being part of the community,” Chow said.
“The community policing programme is what we have always wanted. It is a chance for us to know our neighbours better,” he said.
Combating Crime Together with the Force
Plucked from The Star, stories by Oh Ing Yeen, 16th September 2008.
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WITH the increasing crime rate and the manpower shortage in the police force, community policing is perhaps one of the most practical measures to curb crime.
The programme was recently launched in Ipoh, Muar, and Sedili Kecil in Kota Tinggi,
In Selangor, ACP Arjuinaidi Mohammad of the Petaling Jaya police district has also announced that a pilot project of the programme would be launched at Damansara Kim.
Arjuinaidi had said that if the project was successful, similar programmes would be implemented in other areas in Petaling Jaya.
According to Chief Insp Thomas Sulok, the officer-in-charge (OCS) at the Damansara police station, the objective of the community policing programme is for the local community to co-operate and work with the police to monitor their residential areas.
“It will also increase the public’s confidence in the police. Community policing is also about having the presence of the police in the community,” Sulok said.
“Through activities such as patrolling together, we hope to lower the crime rate,” he said.
He said a meeting would be called to brief the residents about the purpose and operation of the programme.
“Damansara Kim was chosen for the pilot project because its residents association is active and there is encouraging response from the residents. It is also near the Damansara police station,” he said.
Residents interviewed by StarMetro said they were glad that the police had chosen their community for the pilot project.
According to Andrew Chong, a member of the SS20 Rukun Tetangga Jiran Mas, the community policing programme is a chance for the residents to become friends with the police personnel and work with the law enforcement officers to safeguard the security of the community.
One of the activities in the programme is Rondaan bersama PDRM (Patrolling with the Royal Malaysian Police Force), where residents go on patrol in their areas with the police.
SS20 resident Tan Eng Cheang, a Rukun Tetangga committee member, said everyone, including him, had been saying that they did not have the time but he now realised that they could do it if they were willing to make a commitment to the cause.
“We must help ourselves in order for others to help us. We cannot leave everything to the police as they lack the manpower and have limited resources,” Tan said.
“The police also need our support. By patrolling with the police, it will boost their morale as there have been many complaints that the police are not doing their job,” he said.
SS20 Rukun Tetangga chairman Eileen Thong echoed Tan’s sentiment.
“Instead of just complaining, residents should take a pro-active role and do their part for the community. We share a common concern for safety. We should get to know our neighbours and care for each other,” she said.
Thong urged RT committee members to take the lead and walk the talk by taking part in the neighbourhood patrol with the police.
“Activities like this also help to promote racial integration,” she said.
According to the flyers distributed to residents, the community policing programme involves groups of four to five residents accompanying the police to patrol in the various zones in their areas.
A team leader will be appointed and the person is responsible for informing the police of the patrol date and time.
According to Tan, the patrolling will be done on an ad hoc basis.
“It will not be a set routine or else the criminals would know the pattern and take advantage of the time where there is no patrol,” he said.
Tan said lately the police were more efficient in responding to calls from the public.
“The other day when there was a break-in at my neighbour’s house, they reached the place within five minutes,” he said.
Tan also urged his neighbours to join the Rakan Cop and be the eyes and ears of the police.
Meanwhile, residents from other areas have mixed reaction towards the programme.
Section 12 Residents Association chairman R. Rajasoorian said the programme could only succeed with the cooperation of residents.
“It’s a good idea but it depends on what time the patrol will take place as many of the residents are working,” he said.
Theodore Tan, the president of the resident association for the Alissia and Atilia areas in Ara Damansara, also feels that the residents’ cooperation is crucial.
“Our neighbourhood is a guarded community, where we hire security guards. But it will be good to have the police among us,” he said.
“However, I do not think that residents here would want to patrol with the police as they come back from work at different times and some may be too tired then,” he said.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WITH the increasing crime rate and the manpower shortage in the police force, community policing is perhaps one of the most practical measures to curb crime.
The programme was recently launched in Ipoh, Muar, and Sedili Kecil in Kota Tinggi,
In Selangor, ACP Arjuinaidi Mohammad of the Petaling Jaya police district has also announced that a pilot project of the programme would be launched at Damansara Kim.
Arjuinaidi had said that if the project was successful, similar programmes would be implemented in other areas in Petaling Jaya.
According to Chief Insp Thomas Sulok, the officer-in-charge (OCS) at the Damansara police station, the objective of the community policing programme is for the local community to co-operate and work with the police to monitor their residential areas.
“It will also increase the public’s confidence in the police. Community policing is also about having the presence of the police in the community,” Sulok said.
“Through activities such as patrolling together, we hope to lower the crime rate,” he said.
He said a meeting would be called to brief the residents about the purpose and operation of the programme.
“Damansara Kim was chosen for the pilot project because its residents association is active and there is encouraging response from the residents. It is also near the Damansara police station,” he said.
Residents interviewed by StarMetro said they were glad that the police had chosen their community for the pilot project.
According to Andrew Chong, a member of the SS20 Rukun Tetangga Jiran Mas, the community policing programme is a chance for the residents to become friends with the police personnel and work with the law enforcement officers to safeguard the security of the community.
One of the activities in the programme is Rondaan bersama PDRM (Patrolling with the Royal Malaysian Police Force), where residents go on patrol in their areas with the police.
SS20 resident Tan Eng Cheang, a Rukun Tetangga committee member, said everyone, including him, had been saying that they did not have the time but he now realised that they could do it if they were willing to make a commitment to the cause.
“We must help ourselves in order for others to help us. We cannot leave everything to the police as they lack the manpower and have limited resources,” Tan said.
“The police also need our support. By patrolling with the police, it will boost their morale as there have been many complaints that the police are not doing their job,” he said.
SS20 Rukun Tetangga chairman Eileen Thong echoed Tan’s sentiment.
“Instead of just complaining, residents should take a pro-active role and do their part for the community. We share a common concern for safety. We should get to know our neighbours and care for each other,” she said.
Thong urged RT committee members to take the lead and walk the talk by taking part in the neighbourhood patrol with the police.
“Activities like this also help to promote racial integration,” she said.
According to the flyers distributed to residents, the community policing programme involves groups of four to five residents accompanying the police to patrol in the various zones in their areas.
A team leader will be appointed and the person is responsible for informing the police of the patrol date and time.
According to Tan, the patrolling will be done on an ad hoc basis.
“It will not be a set routine or else the criminals would know the pattern and take advantage of the time where there is no patrol,” he said.
Tan said lately the police were more efficient in responding to calls from the public.
“The other day when there was a break-in at my neighbour’s house, they reached the place within five minutes,” he said.
Tan also urged his neighbours to join the Rakan Cop and be the eyes and ears of the police.
Meanwhile, residents from other areas have mixed reaction towards the programme.
Section 12 Residents Association chairman R. Rajasoorian said the programme could only succeed with the cooperation of residents.
“It’s a good idea but it depends on what time the patrol will take place as many of the residents are working,” he said.
Theodore Tan, the president of the resident association for the Alissia and Atilia areas in Ara Damansara, also feels that the residents’ cooperation is crucial.
“Our neighbourhood is a guarded community, where we hire security guards. But it will be good to have the police among us,” he said.
“However, I do not think that residents here would want to patrol with the police as they come back from work at different times and some may be too tired then,” he said.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Interruption Notice - Electricity
Received a notice from Tenaga Nasional that there will be an interruption on electricity on 18th September 2008 (Thursday), from 9am - 3pm as per their notice: TNBD/SNM/48946.
Tarikh Gangguan: 18th September 2008
Sebab Gangguan: kerja-kerja senggaraan pencawang elektrik
Masa: 9am - 3pm
Kawasan terlibat: P/E Town Centre 7/8/9
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The Lure of Kota Kemuning
The lure of Kota Kemuning
18 Aug 2008, The Edge Daily
18 Aug 2008, The Edge Daily
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Wide landscaped roads peppered with greenery, waterways, a thriving commercial centre and a golf course - these are some of the attractions of Kota Kemuning, 15km from Subang Jaya, Selangor. On a good day, it takes about 10 minutes to get to Kota Kemuning from Subang Jaya. The ride, however, is not always smooth, especially during peak hours as this toll-free exit is popular with many heading for Subang, Bandar Sunway and other parts of Petaling Jaya.
For those who do not mind paying tolls, there are various other exits to choose from to get to and from Kota Kemuning. The township, after all, is directly accessible via the Kota Kemuning Interchange on the Shah Alam Expressway and is linked to Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong, North Klang Valley Expressway, North South Central Link and the Federal Highway.
For those who remember, the 1,820-acre Kota Kemuning township was unveiled more than a decade ago by Hicom-Gamuda, a DRB-Hicom and Gamuda Land joint venture. In recent times, however, the boundary of Kota Kemuning has somewhat been loosely expanded to include neighbouring Bukit Kemuning.
In the early days of development, Kota Kemuning was hardly deemed attractive due to the lack of proper infrastructure, but the developer rose up to the challenge by building a RM90 million dedicated interchange for the township. The improved infrastructure and accessibility soon drew other players to the area. The list includes Paramount Corp Bhd's Kemuning Utama and Mah Sing Bhd's Kemuning Residence. At the adjacent Bukit Rimau is Amverton Park, a high-end bungalow project launched by Malton Bhd and A&M Realty Bhd (see box story).
Kota Kemuning has its charm. Residents Sanjay Kumaran and Stephen Ho have made the place their home for five and eight years respectively and have no complaints. "It is a well-planned township with many nice lakes and greenery. Another plus point is the golf club. Till today, the entire township has been well maintained," says Sanjay.
Ho bought his house in 2000. "I was already a member of the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club so the choice was obvious," he adds. Leon Woo of Aglow Plus real estate agency points to the green surroundings as one of the township's attractions. Woo stays in Kemuning Utama, a 525-acre gated and guarded development, just off the interchange of Kota Kemuning. According to him, he has lived in many other parts of Selangor but Kota Kemuning was his best choice.
Pollution and traffic woes
What about the "bad air" that affects Kota Kemuning at times due to its proximity to an industrial area? Woo says this does not happen often and that the affected areas are usually those located in the interior. Ho puts the blame on illegal land clearing elsewhere, and not the industrial area, for the pollution. "Often, the burning happens at night and the winds carry the smoke to Kota Kemuning. This is a well-publicised issue but the problem still persists because the authorities are not consistent in enforcing the law," he says.
What about the traffic jams? Woo insists it is not so bad in the mornings, while Wong says the congestion only happens between 7.30pm and 8.30pm along the Kesas Highway. Sanjay finds the traffic manageable as he only takes about 25 minutes to get to his office at Technology Park Malaysia in Bukit Jalil. "I think some of my friends who live in Subang take even longer to get to another part of Subang!" Ho feels that the lack of a proper traffic dispersal system at the Proton exit (Kesas-Persiaran Kuala Selangor interchange) is the main cause of the jam, which needs to be addressed. "Although work is underway to widen the highway at the stretch leading to the exit, it may only help slightly. The source of the problem lies in the poor traffic management along Persiaran Kuala Selangor," he says.
Well-planned township
Real estate agents find that Kota Kemuning appeals to those residents in Subang Jaya and Petaling Jaya who want to upgrade their homes. Paramount Corp's sales and marketing manager Chan Jy Mei says one of the reasons for the migration could be the lack of new freehold housing developments, with affordable prices. "Kota Kemuning is carefully planned, offering a conducive living environment," she adds.
When Paramount Corp launched Kemuning Utama in 2004, eager buyers queued at its sales office for five days. Chan feels that purchasers today are a more discerning lot. "They are no longer looking for just a house but other things as well, including perimeter fencing, private parks and a certain lifestyle." The same story was repeated at Kemuning Residences, which drew many residents from Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang and Petaling Jaya, seeking a better lifestyle. According to the developer Mah Sing, some came from Kuala Lumpur and outside the Klang Valley.
Value appreciation trend
Metro Homes principal See Kok Loong recalls that when Kota Kemuning was launched sometime in 1998, the value of the houses rose some 30% after they were completed and handed over two years later. He says subsequently, growth had been marginal because the prices were tagged higher. Besides, more houses were available on the secondary market.
Resident Ho says the value of his 22ft by 75ft corner unit has grown some 31% from RM350,000 (developer's price) to RM460,000. Sanjay notes that those who bought early are seeing capital appreciation of around 30%, but those who bought on the secondary market, like him, are not seeing much growth. "I probably can sell my house at a slightly higher price than what I paid for five years ago. At present, people who are buying in Kota Kemuning are those who want to stay and not invest," he adds.
Metro Homes' See notes that current launches in Kota Kemuning, like the Canal Garden terraced houses, are pegged at between RM360,000 and RM380,000, hill bungalows at RM1.3 million to RM1.5 million, and semi-detached homes are going for RM900,000 to RM1.1 million. A bungalow at Anggerik Eria, also in Kota Kemuning, is tagged at RM1.9 million. A&M Realty's Amverton Park bungalows start from RM1.5 million. In comparison, a bungalow in SS19, Subang Jaya, costs RM2.25 million. Hence, the draw of Kota Kemuning for young families.
While Kota Kemuning does not boast a mall, Ho says residents can always shop at the nearby Sunway Pyramid, Subang Parade and AEON Bukit Tinggi.
The building of another highway, Kemuning-Shah Alam Expressway, augurs well for Kota Kemuning. The highway will not only reduce the daily congestion on the Federal Highway and Kesas Highway, but it will also act as a link between the two. Thus, it is expected to boost the value of properties located along it. The 14.7km highway is being built by Island & Peninsular Bhd, with a dedicated interchange to its Alam Impian township. It will pass through Kota Kemuning and Bukit Rimau. It is expected to be ready by end-2009 at a cost of some RM700 million.
Community Events - Suggestions
It has been a while since we had our community events ... here are some suggestions from our residents:
- Organizing events such as walkathon and marathons inside Canal Gardens will be great during the weekends. Build up residents social relationship too (from Jo)
- Gotong Royong to clear some of the trees, longkangs etc to get rid of nyamuks
So we welcome more suggestion and/or volunteers to organize/help out/sponsor these community events. Stay tune!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Security Alert - Suspicious Contractors
Residents please beware of suspicious contractors ... keep an eye on the strangers as we are seeing more and more crooks getting into CG. Be more vigilant and alert.
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Dear friends,
Nowadays we are encountering many security breached issues at Canal Gardens. One of such incidents occured yesterday (3rd Sept) at 98B at around 5.45pm. That was the time I was on my way back from work and about to enter CG. Exactly between 5.40pm (in) and 5.58pm (out), a white pickup van with 3 passengers (2 Indians & 1 Chinese guys) stopped at my house with the purpose of repairing aircond, though neither my wife nor me called any servicemen to repair/service our airconds.
At that time only my maid and my 3 year-old son was at home and luckily the porch gate was locked (this I always request from my maid even though we live in a gated & guarded community). The Chinese guy rang the bell non-stop prompting my maid to rush out and ask them for purpose of visit. He mentioned my name, saying "Tuan (Name Removed) suruh repair aircond" and they were in a rush to get in. My maid refused to let them in and asked for documents and they showed a letter with my house address written on that paper with a handphone number 019 334XXXX.
She then tried calling that number (using house phone) and appeared that the guy on the other end said it was wrong number. She went out again to inform those guys about this but they hurriedly left when my maid said she will clarify the matter with me. All this happened within a 10 minutes span time. Although the guard had recorded all the details (Registration No: BFU 9823) but it still worries me what were their intentions. It looks like the moment I came into CG, they left. I contacted Mr.Sugu the Manager for the guards and he promised me to "search" the details of the van based on the registration number.
Today I went to the guard house to look for Mr.Sugu to clarify on his "search" matter, and he said he has not got the reply from his source. During that time (within 5 minutes) I noticed one guard was letting in a visitor's car without getting down the proper details. That guard just accepted the verbal explanation from that visitor and let him in. Seeing this I fired the guard and Mr.Sugu. If these nonsense can happen within 5 minutes, imagine the number of strangers coming in and out of our residential area.
The security is lapsing severely to an extent it needs serious review. The same incident happened when my brother came to visit me. He told them that he came to fetch my kids for tuition and he was allowed in. This is utter nonsense, we are not paying RM120.00 to get this kind of slacken service.
I suggest that we sit down and discuss in detail on how to take measures to curb more serious incidents from happening.
Among other things are:
1. limits contractors time in CG to max 5pm on weekdays and 4pm on saturdays
2. House owner to be contacted first if there's any visitor (either personnel or lorries)
3. To escort any lorries that comes in to CG beyond the stipulated time
4. Back gate entrance to be locked at all times. Now it is not locked, only latched
5. To improve the back gate guarding system by any improved means.
Let's all work together to make our neighbourhood a truly secure place.
Concerned resident / Road B
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Dear friends,
Nowadays we are encountering many security breached issues at Canal Gardens. One of such incidents occured yesterday (3rd Sept) at 98B at around 5.45pm. That was the time I was on my way back from work and about to enter CG. Exactly between 5.40pm (in) and 5.58pm (out), a white pickup van with 3 passengers (2 Indians & 1 Chinese guys) stopped at my house with the purpose of repairing aircond, though neither my wife nor me called any servicemen to repair/service our airconds.
At that time only my maid and my 3 year-old son was at home and luckily the porch gate was locked (this I always request from my maid even though we live in a gated & guarded community). The Chinese guy rang the bell non-stop prompting my maid to rush out and ask them for purpose of visit. He mentioned my name, saying "Tuan (Name Removed) suruh repair aircond" and they were in a rush to get in. My maid refused to let them in and asked for documents and they showed a letter with my house address written on that paper with a handphone number 019 334XXXX.
She then tried calling that number (using house phone) and appeared that the guy on the other end said it was wrong number. She went out again to inform those guys about this but they hurriedly left when my maid said she will clarify the matter with me. All this happened within a 10 minutes span time. Although the guard had recorded all the details (Registration No: BFU 9823) but it still worries me what were their intentions. It looks like the moment I came into CG, they left. I contacted Mr.Sugu the Manager for the guards and he promised me to "search" the details of the van based on the registration number.
Today I went to the guard house to look for Mr.Sugu to clarify on his "search" matter, and he said he has not got the reply from his source. During that time (within 5 minutes) I noticed one guard was letting in a visitor's car without getting down the proper details. That guard just accepted the verbal explanation from that visitor and let him in. Seeing this I fired the guard and Mr.Sugu. If these nonsense can happen within 5 minutes, imagine the number of strangers coming in and out of our residential area.
The security is lapsing severely to an extent it needs serious review. The same incident happened when my brother came to visit me. He told them that he came to fetch my kids for tuition and he was allowed in. This is utter nonsense, we are not paying RM120.00 to get this kind of slacken service.
I suggest that we sit down and discuss in detail on how to take measures to curb more serious incidents from happening.
Among other things are:
1. limits contractors time in CG to max 5pm on weekdays and 4pm on saturdays
2. House owner to be contacted first if there's any visitor (either personnel or lorries)
3. To escort any lorries that comes in to CG beyond the stipulated time
4. Back gate entrance to be locked at all times. Now it is not locked, only latched
5. To improve the back gate guarding system by any improved means.
Let's all work together to make our neighbourhood a truly secure place.
Concerned resident / Road B
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Baby Sitter Services
There have been quite a few requests from Canal Gardens residents seeking baby sitters here and here. We do understand the difficulties and challenges faced by working parents especially those from "outstations", in finding the right nannies and/or baby sitters.
We have received a request from one of the resident within Canal Gardens who is offering such services. Please note that we are helping to publish these information in good faith. We do not receive any "advertisement fees" ... it is all in the name of community service.
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I am a resident of Canal Gardens and from the posts I found out that some residents need childcare services and I'm currently offering that. Below is a description of the services I'm offering and I woluld like it to be posted in the Community Blog. I hope this will be approved by the administrator. Thank you.
Available: Childcare & After School Care Services in Canal GardensI'm offering homebased childcare for 0-3 yrs old children & after school care for 4-6 yrs old schooling children. Clean & comfortable environment, providing English reading programme. All materials are provided. Available from Oct 2008 onwards. Please feel free to call/sms me, Michelle at 014-9376187.
We have received a request from one of the resident within Canal Gardens who is offering such services. Please note that we are helping to publish these information in good faith. We do not receive any "advertisement fees" ... it is all in the name of community service.
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I am a resident of Canal Gardens and from the posts I found out that some residents need childcare services and I'm currently offering that. Below is a description of the services I'm offering and I woluld like it to be posted in the Community Blog. I hope this will be approved by the administrator. Thank you.
Available: Childcare & After School Care Services in Canal GardensI'm offering homebased childcare for 0-3 yrs old children & after school care for 4-6 yrs old schooling children. Clean & comfortable environment, providing English reading programme. All materials are provided. Available from Oct 2008 onwards. Please feel free to call/sms me, Michelle at 014-9376187.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Recycling Day: September 2008
Recycling Day is back - this Sunday - and we need you continous support - "materially" and/or "physically" ... you can bring us the recycables like old newspapers, magazines, boxes, plastic bottles etc. Or join us as part of the volunteer team ... Team A from 10am to 1pm and Team B from 1pm to 3pm. Or come and join us for a chat.
Date: 7th Sept 2008, Sunday
Time: 10am - 3pm
Location: Gazebo Near 2nd Exit
Date: 7th Sept 2008, Sunday
Time: 10am - 3pm
Location: Gazebo Near 2nd Exit
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