Residents in Ara Damansara pour out their woes
By Oh Ing Yeen, The Star, 26th August 2008 (Tues)
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Security, assessment rates, infrastructure, social and environmental issues were the main concerns of Ara Damansara residents at a recent meeting with Kota Damansara state assemblyman Dr Nasir Hashim and Petaling Jaya City Councillor Mohd Halil Haji Harun.
Residents Association chairman Theodore Tan said the objective was to have an open meeting with the relevant authorities to discuss issues pertinent to their community.
“This is the first session, hopefully there will be more,” he said.
Residents were mainly concerned about their safety such as the increasing antics of the mat rempits and also foreign workers in their neighbourhood. Thus, they requested for more police patrols.
A resident, who only want to be known as Linda, shared her close encounter with suspicious men who loitered in her neighbourhood.
She lodged a police report after her daughter told her that the men were eyeing their house and followed them by car when they were returning home.
“It’s important to involve children in community talks, too. I fear for my family’s safety as I have three young daughters,” she said.
She also pointed out that visitors scribbled their details in the log book at the guard post, making it difficult to read the IC and car numbers, hence defeating the purpose of having log books.
Nasir said the definition for “gated and guarded community” was vague and it was something that should be looked into.
Residents raised the issue of the Platinum Project that seemed to be stalled and hoped that MBPJ would ensure the project site would not turn into a drug addicts’ haunt or colony for illegal immigrants.
On environment issues, resident Chan Loy Poh said the lake near Ara Hill was not maintained well.
“The water is stagnant and infested with mosquitoes,” he said.
Mohd Halil provided forms for residents to write their complaints and encouraged residents in his zone to contact him directly about their problems instead of going through various departments in MBPJ.
“I will try to get the answers during committee meetings,” he said.
He also announced that spotlights would be installed at parks next month or by October.
Winchester RA chairman Ahmad Nizam was pleased with the meeting that provided an opportunity for residents to meet the relevant authorities, who seemed serious about solving problems.
However, not all had grouses. Resident Devindran Ramanathan said the rubbish collection in his area was good and the sweepers worked hard.
“Residents should play an active role and we should appreciate the good work done,” he said.
Also present at the meeting held at the lakeside along Jalan PJU 1A/1 were All-Petaling Jaya Selangor Residents Association Coalition (APAC) president Liew Wei Beng, Senior Inspector Zainal Abidin, Mohd Pouzi Che Nik from Sime Darby, MBPJ representatives Harun Saidin and Kamariah Yahya from the Environment Health Department and Development Planning Department.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Feedback and Suggestion from Concerned Resident
Been receiving quite a few feedback on the recent security breached reported on 23rd July.
Would like to share some of the feedback and suggestions here:
From Anonymous/Concerned CG Resident:
We can't put all the blame on the guards. Sometimes it is the residents fault. I am sure some guards get scolding from certain residents at times. So this put the guards in a difficult position. It would be more civilised to hold a meeting / dialogue session for representatives of CGRA-HGD-SECURITY to highlight the issues so that something productive will come out of this. I won't expect the Security people actually check this blog for security issues & neither does HGD. I won't expect them a bit to do that. But nothing wrong with that. Everyone has a choice.
Residents should also come up with suggestions so that a collective pool of ideas can be explored by CGRA. Good or bad does not matter. Certains good ideas sometimes derived from bad ideas.
The gap between the boom gates, firstly, is too wide & convenient for anyone to just zoom pass. How many times I have seen this - esp. bikes, peddle or motor type. Even walking in is a breeze. Got to the root cause first, not the guards. Once the boom gat gap can be settled, then we shall see how effective it is. HGD is at fault here as they are the one who negotiate for the boom gate. Surely, there are ways to extend the boom gate with some attachments.
Another suggestion I would like to make is add a sign on the boom gate. One indicating visitors & other for residents with electronic card (with a card icon as well in case some don't read or can't read!).
I would also like to highlight the bend in 98P. Despite the convex mirror placed, there are drivers that still don't seem to understand that it is a 2-way road. Some residents/visitors still "makan" jalan on this bend & it is dangerous. God only knows when there will be a head-on collision one day. Most of them who "makan" or "sapu" jalan do it as quite high speed as well. If this continues, a speed bump will be more effective than just a mirror.
On security, I have visited many Japanese plants in the past & have to say that security in these plants are the best in the country. One of the methods adopted by one is that the guards take digital photos of the vehicles coming in & out. They even demand the vehicles to open the boot for them to take photos of the contents in the boot! Photo will be taken for both front & back of vehicle, plus driver. The area of the security is covered, so no problem rain, snow & shine.
I suppose this idea can be expanded to see how it can be applied at CG security in a more friendlier manner & in the interest of the resident's security. After all, there is already a PC. A reasonable good digital camera cost RM 499. Photos can be uploaded into the PC for future ref &/or deleted when no longer needed. But I also wonder what the CCTV at the guardhouse can do?
A sign should be displayed at the guardhouse for visitors to surrender driving licence for entry. Language should be in Malay & English. With a driving licence icon will also help to those who can't read. These are not costly effects.
Would like to share some of the feedback and suggestions here:
From Anonymous/Concerned CG Resident:
We can't put all the blame on the guards. Sometimes it is the residents fault. I am sure some guards get scolding from certain residents at times. So this put the guards in a difficult position. It would be more civilised to hold a meeting / dialogue session for representatives of CGRA-HGD-SECURITY to highlight the issues so that something productive will come out of this. I won't expect the Security people actually check this blog for security issues & neither does HGD. I won't expect them a bit to do that. But nothing wrong with that. Everyone has a choice.
Residents should also come up with suggestions so that a collective pool of ideas can be explored by CGRA. Good or bad does not matter. Certains good ideas sometimes derived from bad ideas.
The gap between the boom gates, firstly, is too wide & convenient for anyone to just zoom pass. How many times I have seen this - esp. bikes, peddle or motor type. Even walking in is a breeze. Got to the root cause first, not the guards. Once the boom gat gap can be settled, then we shall see how effective it is. HGD is at fault here as they are the one who negotiate for the boom gate. Surely, there are ways to extend the boom gate with some attachments.
Another suggestion I would like to make is add a sign on the boom gate. One indicating visitors & other for residents with electronic card (with a card icon as well in case some don't read or can't read!).
I would also like to highlight the bend in 98P. Despite the convex mirror placed, there are drivers that still don't seem to understand that it is a 2-way road. Some residents/visitors still "makan" jalan on this bend & it is dangerous. God only knows when there will be a head-on collision one day. Most of them who "makan" or "sapu" jalan do it as quite high speed as well. If this continues, a speed bump will be more effective than just a mirror.
On security, I have visited many Japanese plants in the past & have to say that security in these plants are the best in the country. One of the methods adopted by one is that the guards take digital photos of the vehicles coming in & out. They even demand the vehicles to open the boot for them to take photos of the contents in the boot! Photo will be taken for both front & back of vehicle, plus driver. The area of the security is covered, so no problem rain, snow & shine.
I suppose this idea can be expanded to see how it can be applied at CG security in a more friendlier manner & in the interest of the resident's security. After all, there is already a PC. A reasonable good digital camera cost RM 499. Photos can be uploaded into the PC for future ref &/or deleted when no longer needed. But I also wonder what the CCTV at the guardhouse can do?
A sign should be displayed at the guardhouse for visitors to surrender driving licence for entry. Language should be in Malay & English. With a driving licence icon will also help to those who can't read. These are not costly effects.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Woes Related to High-Rise Living
See any similarities here? See any challenges?
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Woes Related to High-Rise Living
By Geetha Krishnan and Tan Karr Wei, The Star, 5th August 2008
THE high-rise pressure-cooker lifestyle is causing temperatures to rise among residents of apartments and condominium units, resulting in constant confrontation and conflicts between them and their joint management committees (JMCs).
Feuds, veiled threats, aggressive actions and even run-ins with the law are common features of the high-rise dwelling culture.
The common grouses include the usual disputes over sinking funds, maintenance charges, insurance, house rules and parking bays.
The more serious cases involve accusations of cronyism and covert dealings have also been hurled.
Under the Building and Common Property (Management and Maintenance) Act 2007, a developer is required to form a joint management body (JMB) to oversee the management and operation of the common areas at its high-rise projects.
The developer is given 12 months from the date of vacant possession to set up a JMB before strata titles can be issued.
The committee should comprise two representatives from the developer and eight to 12 owners of apartment or condominium units.
The Building and Common Property (Management and Maintenance) Act 2007 is meant to protect buyers and complements the Strata Titles Act.
National House Buyers Association secretary-general Chang Kim Loong, however, feels that it is still a long process for strata titles.
“The Building and Common Property (Management and Maintenance) Act 2007 is new. Hence, there are teething problems,” he said.
“The Federal Government, especially the Housing and Local Government Ministry, must be pro-active in educating both developers and buyers through means like proper guidelines, a hotline or even conducting brief courses,” Chang said.
“One reason there is feuding and uncertainty is because the act is there but the regulations are not in place. Another reason is with power lumbered over to buyers. Everyone seems to have a personal agenda and think the JMB is a gold mine,” he said.
“The residents associations and the Rukun Tetangga are powerless in raising and articulating issues because of legal restraints as the JMB, as a corporate body, can sue and be sued. Hence, although the residents associations can be consulted for checks-and-balances, they are hesitant to address the real issues,” Chang said.
The authority in this matter is the Commissioner of Buildings (CoB).
As a legal adviser, the CoB must determine the service charge of a property, ensure the building is insured, audit the building management fund, enforce house rules and advise on late payment interest for maintenance and service charges.
According to Chang, the Selangor Housing and Real Property Board (LPHS) previously performed the functions of the CoB but the Federal Government, through the Building and Common Property (Management and Maintenance) Act 2007, felt that local authorities should be entrusted with the job.
Chang feels that the board should continue to have control over the JMBs and delegate its tasks through sub-CoBs, which should comprise individuals familiar with housing and local government issues while having the necessary skills and qualifications to resolve disputes.
According to Selangor Housing, Building Management and Squatters Committee chairman Iskandar Abdul Samad, the state is aware of problematic JMCs and has plans to take over inefficient committees through local councils.
Iskandar said the housing board would serve as mediator when deemed necessary.
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Woes Related to High-Rise Living
By Geetha Krishnan and Tan Karr Wei, The Star, 5th August 2008
THE high-rise pressure-cooker lifestyle is causing temperatures to rise among residents of apartments and condominium units, resulting in constant confrontation and conflicts between them and their joint management committees (JMCs).
Feuds, veiled threats, aggressive actions and even run-ins with the law are common features of the high-rise dwelling culture.
The common grouses include the usual disputes over sinking funds, maintenance charges, insurance, house rules and parking bays.
The more serious cases involve accusations of cronyism and covert dealings have also been hurled.
Under the Building and Common Property (Management and Maintenance) Act 2007, a developer is required to form a joint management body (JMB) to oversee the management and operation of the common areas at its high-rise projects.
The developer is given 12 months from the date of vacant possession to set up a JMB before strata titles can be issued.
The committee should comprise two representatives from the developer and eight to 12 owners of apartment or condominium units.
The Building and Common Property (Management and Maintenance) Act 2007 is meant to protect buyers and complements the Strata Titles Act.
National House Buyers Association secretary-general Chang Kim Loong, however, feels that it is still a long process for strata titles.
“The Building and Common Property (Management and Maintenance) Act 2007 is new. Hence, there are teething problems,” he said.
“The Federal Government, especially the Housing and Local Government Ministry, must be pro-active in educating both developers and buyers through means like proper guidelines, a hotline or even conducting brief courses,” Chang said.
“One reason there is feuding and uncertainty is because the act is there but the regulations are not in place. Another reason is with power lumbered over to buyers. Everyone seems to have a personal agenda and think the JMB is a gold mine,” he said.
“The residents associations and the Rukun Tetangga are powerless in raising and articulating issues because of legal restraints as the JMB, as a corporate body, can sue and be sued. Hence, although the residents associations can be consulted for checks-and-balances, they are hesitant to address the real issues,” Chang said.
The authority in this matter is the Commissioner of Buildings (CoB).
As a legal adviser, the CoB must determine the service charge of a property, ensure the building is insured, audit the building management fund, enforce house rules and advise on late payment interest for maintenance and service charges.
According to Chang, the Selangor Housing and Real Property Board (LPHS) previously performed the functions of the CoB but the Federal Government, through the Building and Common Property (Management and Maintenance) Act 2007, felt that local authorities should be entrusted with the job.
Chang feels that the board should continue to have control over the JMBs and delegate its tasks through sub-CoBs, which should comprise individuals familiar with housing and local government issues while having the necessary skills and qualifications to resolve disputes.
According to Selangor Housing, Building Management and Squatters Committee chairman Iskandar Abdul Samad, the state is aware of problematic JMCs and has plans to take over inefficient committees through local councils.
Iskandar said the housing board would serve as mediator when deemed necessary.
Modern Look for USJ5 Guardhouse
Hmmm ... look canggih but not sure if the guardhouse design is functional i.e. if rains, and visitors have to register, basah also. Still prefer the one in Bukit Rimau or even Kemuning Utama ... doesn't look "sexy" but very functional.
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Modern Look for USJ5 Guardhouse
By Lim Chia Ying, the Star, 5th August 2008
Stylish: The new guard house with its automated boomgate is a modern marvel.
THE USJ5 Residents Association (USJ5 RA), which started as a neighbourhood watch, has evolved to become one of the most self-contained communities today.
Its gated and guarded concept has proven to be a success with crimes on the decline compared with when the neighbourhood watch was formed in 1999.
The association, which was formed in 2003, recently built a modern guardhouse in Jalan USJ5/4.
The guardhouse, which faces the main road, is hard to miss with its white concrete walls and glass panelling. It has become a symbol of sorts for the residents and, to many, is an icon of the area.
“We want residents to be proud of their community,” USJ5 RA president K.C.Tan said.
“The guardhouse had been planned for a while and when it was unveiled, everyone was positive comments.
“If we want to improve security, we have to do it well. Even the guards look smart too,” he said.
The official opening of the guardhouse was held last Sunday with USJ5 RA committee members and residents present.
Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) secretary Slamat Hamzah, Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannay Yeoh’s political secretary Edward Ling, councillors Datuk Dr Subramaniam Nadarajan, Ismail Kamal Abdul Rahman and Keshminder Singh, and Kelana Jaya MCA division chief Ong Chong Swen were also present at the launch.
Tan said the guardhouse cost about RM25,000 and the perimeter fencing and an automatic gate, RM42,000 and RM8,500, respectively, would be built soon.
“So far, we have collected about RM60,000, thanks to contributions from our residents. The perimeter fencing will cover just the bungalow area and should be ready in about two weeks,” he said.
USJ5 RA committee member YS Lore said the association was speaking to residents from the terraced and semi-detached homes about joining the RA. Currently, the owners of these homes have a committee association but it is not registered with the Registrar of Societies.
“We have 168 bungalows in our neighbourhood but only 120 have signed up as members. Each members pays about RM100 a month as our monthly expenses for operations and security run up to about RM12,000.
“We hope more residents will participate as with more funds, we can add more features like landscaping and CCTVs,” Lore said.
The association added that it would also upgrade other guardhouses within the neighbourhood and to have two more gates in Jalan USJ5/3B and 5/3.
Slamat said it was common to see neighbourhoods that were either gated and guarded, or just gated.
“Sometimes, it is a problem when only 50% of residents pay for security services especially when many are just students and tenants,” Slamat said.
Tan thanked the MPSJ for its support and approval for the perimeter fancing, adding that the committee managed to get about 85% of the signatures in the area.
Slamat also said boom gates were allowed for cul-de-sac areas with strata titles and he was not sure if USJ 5 could close the road during the day since the units had individual titles and the road was a public one.
“If it’s a through road, we usually don’t allow it; however, the gated and guarded guidelines are still being revised by the state government. Perhaps the councillors present today can look into this matter.”
It is learnt that the boom gate will come down from 11,30pm to 6am. During the day, guards will take down the numbers of any vehicles without stickers entering the area.
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Modern Look for USJ5 Guardhouse
By Lim Chia Ying, the Star, 5th August 2008
Stylish: The new guard house with its automated boomgate is a modern marvel.
THE USJ5 Residents Association (USJ5 RA), which started as a neighbourhood watch, has evolved to become one of the most self-contained communities today.
Its gated and guarded concept has proven to be a success with crimes on the decline compared with when the neighbourhood watch was formed in 1999.
The association, which was formed in 2003, recently built a modern guardhouse in Jalan USJ5/4.
The guardhouse, which faces the main road, is hard to miss with its white concrete walls and glass panelling. It has become a symbol of sorts for the residents and, to many, is an icon of the area.
“We want residents to be proud of their community,” USJ5 RA president K.C.Tan said.
“The guardhouse had been planned for a while and when it was unveiled, everyone was positive comments.
“If we want to improve security, we have to do it well. Even the guards look smart too,” he said.
The official opening of the guardhouse was held last Sunday with USJ5 RA committee members and residents present.
Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) secretary Slamat Hamzah, Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannay Yeoh’s political secretary Edward Ling, councillors Datuk Dr Subramaniam Nadarajan, Ismail Kamal Abdul Rahman and Keshminder Singh, and Kelana Jaya MCA division chief Ong Chong Swen were also present at the launch.
Tan said the guardhouse cost about RM25,000 and the perimeter fencing and an automatic gate, RM42,000 and RM8,500, respectively, would be built soon.
“So far, we have collected about RM60,000, thanks to contributions from our residents. The perimeter fencing will cover just the bungalow area and should be ready in about two weeks,” he said.
USJ5 RA committee member YS Lore said the association was speaking to residents from the terraced and semi-detached homes about joining the RA. Currently, the owners of these homes have a committee association but it is not registered with the Registrar of Societies.
“We have 168 bungalows in our neighbourhood but only 120 have signed up as members. Each members pays about RM100 a month as our monthly expenses for operations and security run up to about RM12,000.
“We hope more residents will participate as with more funds, we can add more features like landscaping and CCTVs,” Lore said.
The association added that it would also upgrade other guardhouses within the neighbourhood and to have two more gates in Jalan USJ5/3B and 5/3.
Slamat said it was common to see neighbourhoods that were either gated and guarded, or just gated.
“Sometimes, it is a problem when only 50% of residents pay for security services especially when many are just students and tenants,” Slamat said.
Tan thanked the MPSJ for its support and approval for the perimeter fancing, adding that the committee managed to get about 85% of the signatures in the area.
Slamat also said boom gates were allowed for cul-de-sac areas with strata titles and he was not sure if USJ 5 could close the road during the day since the units had individual titles and the road was a public one.
“If it’s a through road, we usually don’t allow it; however, the gated and guarded guidelines are still being revised by the state government. Perhaps the councillors present today can look into this matter.”
It is learnt that the boom gate will come down from 11,30pm to 6am. During the day, guards will take down the numbers of any vehicles without stickers entering the area.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Haze: Peat fire was no accident, says DOE
Haze: Peat fire was no accident, says DOE
By Hilary Chiew, The Star, Sunday August 3, 2008
Fires along a 3km stretch of peat swamp along the Elite highway between Shah Alam and the KL International Airport were deliberately set to clear the land for agriculture, said the Department of Environment (DOE).
Selangor director Che Asmah Ibrahim said the enforcement team that had gone there after receiving the first complaint on July 9 had recorded three incidents of open burning, the last on Aug 1.
“We investigated based on the fresh complaints and it is clear the fires were started to clear land for planting. On all three occasions, the fire was ignited in three different locations.
“The development is a joint venture between Pertubuhan Peladang Negeri Selangor and Salak Park Sdn Bhd. We had contacted the developer but he refused to come and talk to us.
"We've asked him to come to our office on Monday so that we can record his statement,” said Che Asmah who inspected the site on Sunday as 120 firemen took up position to douse the sporadic fire.
Open burning is an offence under Section 29A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and carries a maximum fine of RM500,000 or a five-year jail term, or both.
Che Asmah said the DOE had previously rejected the Environment Impact Assessment report of the developer for a mixed development project on the ecologically sensitive area. Subsequently, the developer changed the plan to agriculture, which does not require an EIA study for development areas below 500ha.
It is learnt that the total land size owned by the joint venture project is 658ha and it is sandwiched between the North Kuala Langat Forest Reserve and the Paya Indah Wetlands Sanctuary.
Asst Comm Abdul Razak Muda of the state Fire and Rescue Department said operations would focus on six main areas where the fire has spread, adding that visibility in the vicinity had been reduced to 0.5km.
Global Environment Centre director Faizal Parish said there was a high risk of more fires as most of the vegetation was cleared and the water level had dropped below the recommended 40cm for peat swamp.
Images obtained by Faizal showed that the area was logged last year and the peat soil had already degraded. The latest development will only lead to peat fires that could spread to the North Kuala Langat Forest Reserve.
By Hilary Chiew, The Star, Sunday August 3, 2008
Fires along a 3km stretch of peat swamp along the Elite highway between Shah Alam and the KL International Airport were deliberately set to clear the land for agriculture, said the Department of Environment (DOE).
Selangor director Che Asmah Ibrahim said the enforcement team that had gone there after receiving the first complaint on July 9 had recorded three incidents of open burning, the last on Aug 1.
“We investigated based on the fresh complaints and it is clear the fires were started to clear land for planting. On all three occasions, the fire was ignited in three different locations.
“The development is a joint venture between Pertubuhan Peladang Negeri Selangor and Salak Park Sdn Bhd. We had contacted the developer but he refused to come and talk to us.
"We've asked him to come to our office on Monday so that we can record his statement,” said Che Asmah who inspected the site on Sunday as 120 firemen took up position to douse the sporadic fire.
Open burning is an offence under Section 29A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and carries a maximum fine of RM500,000 or a five-year jail term, or both.
Che Asmah said the DOE had previously rejected the Environment Impact Assessment report of the developer for a mixed development project on the ecologically sensitive area. Subsequently, the developer changed the plan to agriculture, which does not require an EIA study for development areas below 500ha.
It is learnt that the total land size owned by the joint venture project is 658ha and it is sandwiched between the North Kuala Langat Forest Reserve and the Paya Indah Wetlands Sanctuary.
Asst Comm Abdul Razak Muda of the state Fire and Rescue Department said operations would focus on six main areas where the fire has spread, adding that visibility in the vicinity had been reduced to 0.5km.
Global Environment Centre director Faizal Parish said there was a high risk of more fires as most of the vegetation was cleared and the water level had dropped below the recommended 40cm for peat swamp.
Images obtained by Faizal showed that the area was logged last year and the peat soil had already degraded. The latest development will only lead to peat fires that could spread to the North Kuala Langat Forest Reserve.
531 hotspots in Sumatra, 40ha burning in Dengkil
More haze, more threat to our health ..... Be prepared, venture less outside especially to those with breathing problems. Use your treadmill instead of the evening/morning jog. It gets worse especially towards the night.
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531 hotspots in Sumatra, 40ha burning in Dengkil
By V.P. Sujata and Royce Cheah, The Star, 3rd August 2008
It's that time of the year again. It's the dry spell, the haze is coming back and the number of hotspots in Sumatra has jumped from 351 to 531 within 24 hours.
To make things worse, a 40ha peat forest in Dengkil has been burning for the last two days. And the weather is expected to stay dry for the next three days.
The Malaysia Meteorological Department said satellite images showed 531 hotspots over Sumatra as at 2.30pm yesterday.
According to the Department of Environment, the intensity of the haze would depend on the wind strength.
For now, Port Klang is the only area with an unhealthy API reading of 104 (a reading of 101 to 200 is considered unhealthy). Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur recorded moderate readings of 57 and 61 respectively.
Haze has been a perennial problem for Malaysia because of slash-and-burn activities practised by farmers in Indonesia.
The fire in Putrajaya could make things worse this year. Over 40ha of agriculture land at the 24th kilometre of the Elite Highway near the KL International Airport has been on fire for the last two days.
Sepang Kuala Langat fire chief Supt Sharikan Bustaman said the fire was burning beneath and above ground and the dry season had made matters worse.
About 70 firemen from nearby stations are fighting to put out the fire at the area, which is part of the Kuala Langat Forest Reserve.
In April, a fire spread over a 12ha site and it took firemen three days to put it out.
Supt Sharikan hoped for rain that would put the fire out completely.
He said farmers clearing agriculture waste could have started the fire that was reported on Friday.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd senior operations general manager Datuk Azmi Murad said the fire had not affected airport operations and visibility was fine, for now.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
531 hotspots in Sumatra, 40ha burning in Dengkil
By V.P. Sujata and Royce Cheah, The Star, 3rd August 2008
It's that time of the year again. It's the dry spell, the haze is coming back and the number of hotspots in Sumatra has jumped from 351 to 531 within 24 hours.
To make things worse, a 40ha peat forest in Dengkil has been burning for the last two days. And the weather is expected to stay dry for the next three days.
The Malaysia Meteorological Department said satellite images showed 531 hotspots over Sumatra as at 2.30pm yesterday.
According to the Department of Environment, the intensity of the haze would depend on the wind strength.
For now, Port Klang is the only area with an unhealthy API reading of 104 (a reading of 101 to 200 is considered unhealthy). Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur recorded moderate readings of 57 and 61 respectively.
Haze has been a perennial problem for Malaysia because of slash-and-burn activities practised by farmers in Indonesia.
The fire in Putrajaya could make things worse this year. Over 40ha of agriculture land at the 24th kilometre of the Elite Highway near the KL International Airport has been on fire for the last two days.
Sepang Kuala Langat fire chief Supt Sharikan Bustaman said the fire was burning beneath and above ground and the dry season had made matters worse.
About 70 firemen from nearby stations are fighting to put out the fire at the area, which is part of the Kuala Langat Forest Reserve.
In April, a fire spread over a 12ha site and it took firemen three days to put it out.
Supt Sharikan hoped for rain that would put the fire out completely.
He said farmers clearing agriculture waste could have started the fire that was reported on Friday.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd senior operations general manager Datuk Azmi Murad said the fire had not affected airport operations and visibility was fine, for now.
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