One of the things which we managed to improved in Canal Gardens - getting the MBSA to upgrade the (voltage) of our street lights as well as installing additional lights along the canal as well as the courts.
Well ... we'll try and do more in the coming new year.
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Lights in 27 parks in Subang Jaya
The Star, Tuesday December 23, 2008
More Subang Jaya residents will not have to jog in the park in the dark any more as the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) has installed lights in 27 parks under its jurisdiction.
At a press conference in her office, Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh said since November, most of the parks had been lit. There are about 50 parks in Subang Jaya.
USJ 11/3 Residents Association (RA) chairman Ng Peng Hin has noticed that more people going to the USJ 11/3F park and the nearby shops at night since the park was lit up two months ago.
“We had been writing letters to the MPSJ and former assemblyman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng for the past three to four years but no action was taken.
“There were lamp-posts in the park all the while but there was no electricity.
“Previously, there were some people who drank alcohol and threw the bottles there but now that the park is lit up, there are no more incidents,” he said.
Yeoh said she had been pushing for the parks to be lit since she was elected as the state assemblyman and thanked the MPSJ for its cooperation.
“Before the election, lamp-posts had been installed in 21 of the 27 parks but some were not functioning.
The other six parks were installed with lights following complaints by residents.
“Residents had been complaining that the parks were too dark and they felt unsafe.
“Even though there were streetlights in the park, they were not functioning as they were not connected to the electricity supply or not built to the required specifications.”
“We’ll continue to push for more parks to be installed with lights in Subang Jaya,” she added.
On another note, she advised residents not to play basketball or go to open areas during thunderstorms.
“I’ve noticed that there are still people who play basketball despite the rain and thunder even though a few years ago, someone was struck by lightning while playing basketball in a park in Subang Jaya.
“I hope parents will keep an eye on their children and tell them to be indoors during thunderstorms,” she urged.
Showing posts with label Featured Articles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Featured Articles. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Precaution - Snatch Thieves Part II
Close encounters of the nasty kind
By The Star, 23rd December 2008 (Tues)
Tips from the victims:
Victim 1
Graphic designer Adeline Ngui, 26, was unlucky enough to have her belongings snatched twice.
“The first incident happened outside my friend’s house in Damansara Jaya. I was sitting outside the house waiting for a couple of friends when I noticed two foreigners on a motorcycle who were circling the neighbourhood for some time,” she said.
“When the pillion rider got off the motorbike and walked towards me, I presumed that he wanted to ask for directions, until I realised too late that he was eyeing my gold chain,” Ngui said.
“I tried to open the gate to enter the house but the guy pushed me down with one hand and grabbed my chain with the other,” she said. “I was too shocked to shout but I struggled to keep my chain until it broke. I tried to give chase but gave up when I saw the robbers waving a 30cm-long knife at me.”
Ngui had her purse snatched in a second incident a year later at Taman Mayang Jaya. Three passers-by attempted to chase the perpetrator who was on a motorbike but lost him in a basement carpark.
“I suffered a shallow cut in the first incident and lost my IC, cash and ATM cards in the second, which I also reported to the police. The gold chain had more of a sentimental value as it was a gift from my grandmother,” Ngui said.
“I now carry less cash with me and stuff them into my jeans pockets. Unless I know I have something specific to buy, I’ll carry more cash with me, otherwise I won’t have more than RM50,” she said.
Ngui confesses to having a phobia of motorbikers driving slowly or too near, and has vowed never to wear expensive jewellery.
Victim 2
Business development manager N. Sangeetha, 28, also had her bag snatched twice within the same year and both incidents happened in the afternoon.
“I was walking home from college in PJ Old Town when a man on a motorcycle pulled my bag off my shoulder,” Sangeetha said.
“I didn’t fight him as I was alone and didn’t want to be dragged with the motorcycle. I had already reached my rented house and didn’t want him to know where I lived. I wanted to take down the number plate but there was none,” she said.
“A few months later, someone snatched my bag again, this time in the Chow Kit area,” she said.
As Sangeetha was then a student, she did not have much cash with her but lost her IC, student card, ATM card, handphone and house keys.
“In the second incident, I was left stranded in the middle of town with no money to go home or handphone to call for help, as I had already lost my handphone in the earlier theft,” she said.
“Thankfully I bumped into a classmate and she gave me money for a cab. It was a hassle to get my lost items replaced. I was still new to Klang Valley then; I didn’t know my way around and didn’t drive,” Sangeetha said.
“I had to pay a fine to get my IC replaced and also pay for a new student card. I also couldn’t withdraw money till I had a new ATM card and didn’t have a handphone for months,” she said.
Since then, Sangeetha has stopped carrying sling bags and does not carry a lot of cash with her.
Victim 3
Multimedia developer Ong Chin Han, 24, was mugged one night at the SS2 commercial centre.
“I was walking along the alley in between a row of terrace houses. A man on a motorcycle rode past me from behind,” he said.
“I had already braced myself for something to happen at the first sound of the motorcycle. But since he rode past me, I let my guard down a bit,” Ong said.
“The motorcyclist turned around and stopped to ask for directions. Since I didn’t know the exact location he wanted, I replied that I didn’t know and headed towards my car,” he said.
“The man then grabbed my shirt with one hand, and gestured with the other that he had a machete, while demanding that I hand over my valuables,” Ong said.
“I lost an old handphone and RM42. I didn’t hand my wallet to him. I merely gave him the money and showed him that I had a totally empty wallet. He even checked my pockets,” he said.
“I used to walk to the mamak stall or bank because my house is near the SS2 commercial centre.
But now when it gets dark, I’d rather take the car or do my errands in the day, although I’m aware that even a short walk to and from the car is an opportunity for robbers to strike,” Ong said.
He advises the public, especially women, to reduce the amount of things they carry, as handbags make them easy targets for snatch thieves.
By The Star, 23rd December 2008 (Tues)
Tips from the victims:
- Be alert and walk against traffic
- Don’t wear or carry expensive things that will catch people’s attention
- Avoid deserted roads or alleys if you are alone
- Carry as little cash as possible, unless you need it, and don’t keep all your cash in the same purse or pocket
- Never carry your purse or wallet in a very visible manner
- Walk confidently, so as not to appear as an easy target
- If your bag is snatched, don’t put up a fight as it is not worth getting hurt.
Victim 1
Graphic designer Adeline Ngui, 26, was unlucky enough to have her belongings snatched twice.
“The first incident happened outside my friend’s house in Damansara Jaya. I was sitting outside the house waiting for a couple of friends when I noticed two foreigners on a motorcycle who were circling the neighbourhood for some time,” she said.
“When the pillion rider got off the motorbike and walked towards me, I presumed that he wanted to ask for directions, until I realised too late that he was eyeing my gold chain,” Ngui said.
“I tried to open the gate to enter the house but the guy pushed me down with one hand and grabbed my chain with the other,” she said. “I was too shocked to shout but I struggled to keep my chain until it broke. I tried to give chase but gave up when I saw the robbers waving a 30cm-long knife at me.”
Ngui had her purse snatched in a second incident a year later at Taman Mayang Jaya. Three passers-by attempted to chase the perpetrator who was on a motorbike but lost him in a basement carpark.
“I suffered a shallow cut in the first incident and lost my IC, cash and ATM cards in the second, which I also reported to the police. The gold chain had more of a sentimental value as it was a gift from my grandmother,” Ngui said.
“I now carry less cash with me and stuff them into my jeans pockets. Unless I know I have something specific to buy, I’ll carry more cash with me, otherwise I won’t have more than RM50,” she said.
Ngui confesses to having a phobia of motorbikers driving slowly or too near, and has vowed never to wear expensive jewellery.
Victim 2
Business development manager N. Sangeetha, 28, also had her bag snatched twice within the same year and both incidents happened in the afternoon.
“I was walking home from college in PJ Old Town when a man on a motorcycle pulled my bag off my shoulder,” Sangeetha said.
“I didn’t fight him as I was alone and didn’t want to be dragged with the motorcycle. I had already reached my rented house and didn’t want him to know where I lived. I wanted to take down the number plate but there was none,” she said.
“A few months later, someone snatched my bag again, this time in the Chow Kit area,” she said.
As Sangeetha was then a student, she did not have much cash with her but lost her IC, student card, ATM card, handphone and house keys.
“In the second incident, I was left stranded in the middle of town with no money to go home or handphone to call for help, as I had already lost my handphone in the earlier theft,” she said.
“Thankfully I bumped into a classmate and she gave me money for a cab. It was a hassle to get my lost items replaced. I was still new to Klang Valley then; I didn’t know my way around and didn’t drive,” Sangeetha said.
“I had to pay a fine to get my IC replaced and also pay for a new student card. I also couldn’t withdraw money till I had a new ATM card and didn’t have a handphone for months,” she said.
Since then, Sangeetha has stopped carrying sling bags and does not carry a lot of cash with her.
Victim 3
Multimedia developer Ong Chin Han, 24, was mugged one night at the SS2 commercial centre.
“I was walking along the alley in between a row of terrace houses. A man on a motorcycle rode past me from behind,” he said.
“I had already braced myself for something to happen at the first sound of the motorcycle. But since he rode past me, I let my guard down a bit,” Ong said.
“The motorcyclist turned around and stopped to ask for directions. Since I didn’t know the exact location he wanted, I replied that I didn’t know and headed towards my car,” he said.
“The man then grabbed my shirt with one hand, and gestured with the other that he had a machete, while demanding that I hand over my valuables,” Ong said.
“I lost an old handphone and RM42. I didn’t hand my wallet to him. I merely gave him the money and showed him that I had a totally empty wallet. He even checked my pockets,” he said.
“I used to walk to the mamak stall or bank because my house is near the SS2 commercial centre.
But now when it gets dark, I’d rather take the car or do my errands in the day, although I’m aware that even a short walk to and from the car is an opportunity for robbers to strike,” Ong said.
He advises the public, especially women, to reduce the amount of things they carry, as handbags make them easy targets for snatch thieves.
Precaution - Snatch Thieves Part I
Victims fall prey to snatch thieves more than once
By The Star, 23rd December 2008 (Tues)
Some people are unlucky that they fall prey to snatch thefts more than once.
Following are two personal accounts of two victims who have been robbed at least four times.
While they consider themselves “lucky” for escaping unharmed or with minor injuries, the experiences have left them paranoid whenever they hear motorcycles approaching.
Case 1
UTAR student Michelle Boon Yih Yoong had to buy new wallets every three months since she moved into Section 17, Petaling Jaya.
So far, she has been a victim of snatch thefts four times this year alone.
“It is rampant here in Section 17. One of my friends was hospitalised for two weeks when she became a victim of snatch theft last year. She missed some important exam papers and even had a short-term memory loss.
“In August, a man snatched my sling bag when I was on my way to Utar. I did not hear him coming. The bag strap snapped and I almost fell.
“As my friend’s house keys were in my bag, we quickly went back to change the locks. It was such a hassle,” said the 22-year-old.
“The officers at the National Registration Department in my hometown could remember me as I had to apply for my MyKad so many times.
She was also robbed in Bukit Bintang. However, she is grateful that she was not seriously injured in the incidents.
“I try not to go out on my own and put my wallet in my pocket instead of in the bag.
“It’s crazy because I will clutch my bag tightly whenever I hear a motorcycle approaching, even if it is far away from me,” she said.
Case 2
Cheah Peng Sim, who lives in SS17 Subang Jaya, was a victim of snatch theft four times since 1998.
She fractured her arm five years ago when she fell prey to snatch thieves.
“It happened in SS15, across from where I stay. They came on a motorcycle and pushed my shoulder, causing my arm to fling in an awkward position, said the 58-year-old homemaker.
She was even robbed in front of her house.
“My friend dropped me off and noticed that the thieves were coming at us on a motorbike. She quickly threw her bag into the car and locked it.
“I tried to throw my bag into the house but it fell into the drain. I was so scared that I just squatted and screamed.
“The pillion rider pushed my head to the ground and went to get my bag from the drain.”
She lodged police reports after each incident as she lost important documents.
“Some people do not bother to lodge a police report as they feel that it is a waste of time,’’ she said.
Due to the incidents, she has now became paranoid but also more alert of her surroundings.
“Nowadays, I hardly carry a handbag and I buy clothes with pockets.
“I hope there will be stricter laws to curb snatch thefts,” she said.
By The Star, 23rd December 2008 (Tues)
Some people are unlucky that they fall prey to snatch thefts more than once.
Following are two personal accounts of two victims who have been robbed at least four times.
While they consider themselves “lucky” for escaping unharmed or with minor injuries, the experiences have left them paranoid whenever they hear motorcycles approaching.
Case 1
UTAR student Michelle Boon Yih Yoong had to buy new wallets every three months since she moved into Section 17, Petaling Jaya.
So far, she has been a victim of snatch thefts four times this year alone.
“It is rampant here in Section 17. One of my friends was hospitalised for two weeks when she became a victim of snatch theft last year. She missed some important exam papers and even had a short-term memory loss.
“In August, a man snatched my sling bag when I was on my way to Utar. I did not hear him coming. The bag strap snapped and I almost fell.
“As my friend’s house keys were in my bag, we quickly went back to change the locks. It was such a hassle,” said the 22-year-old.
“The officers at the National Registration Department in my hometown could remember me as I had to apply for my MyKad so many times.
She was also robbed in Bukit Bintang. However, she is grateful that she was not seriously injured in the incidents.
“I try not to go out on my own and put my wallet in my pocket instead of in the bag.
“It’s crazy because I will clutch my bag tightly whenever I hear a motorcycle approaching, even if it is far away from me,” she said.
Case 2
Cheah Peng Sim, who lives in SS17 Subang Jaya, was a victim of snatch theft four times since 1998.
She fractured her arm five years ago when she fell prey to snatch thieves.
“It happened in SS15, across from where I stay. They came on a motorcycle and pushed my shoulder, causing my arm to fling in an awkward position, said the 58-year-old homemaker.
She was even robbed in front of her house.
“My friend dropped me off and noticed that the thieves were coming at us on a motorbike. She quickly threw her bag into the car and locked it.
“I tried to throw my bag into the house but it fell into the drain. I was so scared that I just squatted and screamed.
“The pillion rider pushed my head to the ground and went to get my bag from the drain.”
She lodged police reports after each incident as she lost important documents.
“Some people do not bother to lodge a police report as they feel that it is a waste of time,’’ she said.
Due to the incidents, she has now became paranoid but also more alert of her surroundings.
“Nowadays, I hardly carry a handbag and I buy clothes with pockets.
“I hope there will be stricter laws to curb snatch thefts,” she said.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Most Unaware of RM250 Limited Liability (Credit Card)
Do you know that you credit card liability is up to RM250 only. Which means, you only need to pay up to RM250 should your stolen credit card are used by others. I personally have seen my friends forking out up to 50% of the amount swiped "illegally".
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Most unaware of RM250 limited liability
From The Star, December 22, 2007.
Cardholders need not pay more than RM250 whenever their lost or stolen credit cards are used by others. Yet, oftentimes, they end up paying much more.
This is because Bank Negara has not informed cardholders that they do not have to pay more than RM250 for fraudulent transactions carried out using their lost or stolen cards, when they had not acted fraudulently and had informed the banks about the lost or stolen cards as soon as possible.
This protection is given under Clause 13.2 of Bank Negara’s Credit Card Guideline (“The cardholder’s maximum liability for unauthorised transactions as a consequence of a lost or stolen credit card shall be confined to a limit specified by the issuer of credit cards, which shall not exceed RM250 provided the cardholder has not acted fraudulently or has not failed to inform the issuer of credit cards as soon as reasonably practicable after having found that his credit card is lost or stolen”).
Banks know about Clause 13.2 but have chosen to ignore it. Instead they pursue cardholders for the fraudulent transactions.
They will tell cardholders that a clause in the credit card contracts states that all transactions carried out before the loss of the cards are reported to the banks, are deemed to be carried out by the cardholders.
Many cardholders then pay up because they are unaware of the RM250 limited liability.
Bank Negara should rule that:
THE RM250 maximum liability on fraudulent transactions is highlighted to cardholders in the card agreements as well as in the monthly card statements.
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Most unaware of RM250 limited liability
From The Star, December 22, 2007.
Cardholders need not pay more than RM250 whenever their lost or stolen credit cards are used by others. Yet, oftentimes, they end up paying much more.
This is because Bank Negara has not informed cardholders that they do not have to pay more than RM250 for fraudulent transactions carried out using their lost or stolen cards, when they had not acted fraudulently and had informed the banks about the lost or stolen cards as soon as possible.
This protection is given under Clause 13.2 of Bank Negara’s Credit Card Guideline (“The cardholder’s maximum liability for unauthorised transactions as a consequence of a lost or stolen credit card shall be confined to a limit specified by the issuer of credit cards, which shall not exceed RM250 provided the cardholder has not acted fraudulently or has not failed to inform the issuer of credit cards as soon as reasonably practicable after having found that his credit card is lost or stolen”).
Banks know about Clause 13.2 but have chosen to ignore it. Instead they pursue cardholders for the fraudulent transactions.
They will tell cardholders that a clause in the credit card contracts states that all transactions carried out before the loss of the cards are reported to the banks, are deemed to be carried out by the cardholders.
Many cardholders then pay up because they are unaware of the RM250 limited liability.
Bank Negara should rule that:
THE RM250 maximum liability on fraudulent transactions is highlighted to cardholders in the card agreements as well as in the monthly card statements.
- BANKS are not allowed to insert any clause in the card agreement which is contrary to Clause 13.2.
- BANKS should refund all money in excess of the RM250 collected from cardholders whose cases clearly come under Clause 13.2.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Time For Some Dignity In Malaysia's Public Transport
By Melati Mohd Ariff, BERNAMA, 22nd October 2008
Over the years, complaints on the shoddy services offered in the country's public transport sector have continued to snowball and reached colossal proportions.
This had forced Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to take to the ground to witness and experience for himself the daily mayhem and disorder faced by commuters in the city.
At the end of the Prime Minister's day trip, he arrived at the conclusion that a more efficient, reliable and integrated public transportation, which provides seamless travel and greater frequency of services, is required.
In the Klang Valley alone, an average of 400,000 people use the bus services daily while another 350,000 go up RapidKLs trains. Overall, RapidKL provides 44 per cent of the public transport services in the Klang Valley.
These were some of the statistics in the 2009 Budget speech, delivered by Abdullah in the Dewan Rakyat last Aug 29.
To further improve public transport's efficiency, the government has pledged a sum of RM35 billion to be utilised for the period 2009-2014.
Improvement plans include enhancing the capacity of existing rail services, building new tracks and increasing the number of buses.Regular public transport users including those in the Klang Valley now harbour high hopes that the endless woes they are facing daily would be things of the past.
ATTITUDE CHANGE
Amidst the government's multi-billion Ringgit plans, the erroneous notion that public transportation is for only the low-income group should be corrected.
"We limit ourselves by assuming that public transport is for the poor people which is really not the case. One of its functions is to provide mobility service for the public and it is not just for people who cannot afford private transport but also for people who have the option of not using private transport," said Moaz Yusof Ahmad, a public transport activist.He is the adviser of 'Transit', the Association for the Improvement of Mass Transit-Klang Valley), a newly established public transport activist group.
Moaz said there were two other functions of public transport which were equally important, namely development and business.
A good system of public transport, he said, would encourage the kind of development which was good for the city and its people.
"It would create urban centres that are people-friendly, pedestrian-friendly, the city becomes more livable because people can walk and spend money. They do not have to drive, park or go through traffic jams.
"This community will also save money as the government can save money on roads and transportation and so can the people. We do not have this community in the Klang Valley except in a few of the older areas. Most of our newer communities are designed around cars," he said.
With available infrastructure, profitable businesses can also be generated around public transport stations. Where services are prominent, business operators can also expect increase in profit and property owners can command higher rentals.
"You have the opportunity to advertise and sell land around public transport stations, which in itself can be a profitable enterprise," said Moaz who is an economics lecturer in a Subang Jaya private college.
PLANNING
Moaz argued that issuing more bus or taxi permits and providing more train lines or coaches would not solve public transport woes without proper planning or organisation that would severely impact reliability.
"If we do not include public transport in initial planning to fulfill the transport needs of the community, we are going to see serious problems in the future," he stressed.According to Moaz, the main shortcoming in public transportation is the complete lack of wholesome or holistic investment.
"We built the LRT line and say the problem is solved and now we can move people. The point is when they get out of the LRT, there is another set of problems the commuters have to deal with. This is what you call the first mile and the last mile connectivity.
"The existing number of feeder buses are inadequate or unreliable and if we do not make the whole service reliable from the first mile to the last mile, then we are not going to get the people to use public transport no matter how many LRTs are built," said Moaz.
SPEND LESS FOR MORE
In terms of costs against the benefits, Transit considers that the LRT is actually one of the least effective choices of public transport.
Citing the Kelana Jaya LRT line, Moaz said currently it was running with double-coach trains and moving about 9,000 passengers in one direction each hour.
"The Kelana Jaya LRT will move approximately 20,000 passengers per hour when they operate the four-coach trains at the end of 2009.
"If we need to move 9,000 or 20,000 people, actually we should be building monorails as it costs less and can move the same number of people," said Moaz.
He also believed that extension of the Kelana Jaya line should continue right to the Shah Alam Stadium as there is ample undeveloped land to the west of the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE).
"If we go to the Shah Alam Stadium, we have access not only to Ara Damansara but also Subang, Kampung Melayu Subang and the rest.
"The stadium area is a very large spot, very open and we can have room for a depot, parking, and express bus lanes.He said the stadium is located near two highways - the Federal Highway and NKVE, therefore it is viable for a reliable bus system that could move people from Shah Alam to other areas including Subang Jaya, Kota Kemuning, Klang and even Kuala Lumpur.Transit also suggests plan to extend the LRT from Seri Petaling to Petaling Jaya South and through Petaling Jaya, all the way to Kepong and back to Sentul.
"The Klang Valley Transport Study identifies Petaling Jaya line traveling from PJ South to Taman Tun Dr Ismail. This line can be integrated within our proposed extension to Petaling Jaya. When completed there would be a KL-PJ loop line that could move 60,000 passengers per hour. This would remove thousands of car from the MRRII daily," said Moaz.
Transit has also identified a solution for Puchong and western Petaling Jaya.
"Jalan Klang Lama and Jalan Puchong are large roads which move thousands of cars per day. If we expand the KL Monorail to four or six-carriage trains and extend it to MidValley, and then along Jalan Klang Lama and Jalan Puchong, we can move 40,000 passengers per hour. MidValley will benefit and we would reduce traffic on Jalan Puchong.He said in the long term, Transit's approach would build more economic growth for the Klang Valley and Malaysia.
PROVIDE MORE FOR BUSES
The bus service is another area which Transit has great interest in.According to Muhammad Zulkarnain Hamzah, Transit's spokesperson, buses are very much affected by the traffic congestion.He said highways and expressways could be used as alternative routes for buses.
As an illustration, he said, 30 buses were more than capable to relieve the maximum amount of free flow traffic that the 1.2 billion Ringgit Akleh( Ampang-KL Elevated Highway) can sustain at any one time.He also proposed that expressways be used as 'Expressway Rapid Transit' (ERT) tracks with ERT buses functioning as 'trains'.
Muhammad Zulkarnain said bus 'stations' could be built on top of these 'tracks' at identified strategic transit points with high suburban population."Bus terminals for suburban feeder bus services together with depots and car parks can be built inside the suburban area and next to the ERT points so that transit time can be cut short," he explained.Accordingly, three strategic Kuala Lumpur gateway points for ERT buses can be created at KL Sentral/Mid Valley, Imbi (near the Pandan Roundabout) and Sentul Timur with dedicated bus ramps to Jalan Travers for direct access to NKVE and NPE, KL-Putrajaya and Duke Expressway respectively.
The gateway points should be conveniently linked to Ampang and Kelana Jaya LRT Lines besides KL Monorail while the Dang Wangi LRT Station could be the main gateway point that caters to ERT buses from Ampang via Akleh, he said."This is because it sits strategically at the west end point of Akleh. To fill up the demand during rush hours, express bus operators should be allowed to bid for periodical contract to serve ERT buses in which they will be paid based on a set of criteria set up by the transport authority," Muhammad Zulkarnain explained.
He said all buses and bus stops as well as mass-transit terminals should be designed based on the universal accessibility principle that would speed up bus service and encourage people to use them.POLITICAL WILL To fix the public transport system, it needs a strong political will. It also requires intervention from higher ups as voiced out by both Moaz and Muhammad Zulkarnain.
They proposed the setting up of a Parliamentary Select Committee on Public Transport led by members of Parliaments from both sides of the divide."The infrastructure is already there. It is just getting everybody to cooperate for the sake of facing this problem and not thinking of their particular vested interest," said Moaz.He also stressed that a proper public transport system that provides a level of standard should also be available across the nation and not just only for the Klang Valley.
"If we stick to what we are doing, we are going to stagnate. Jakarta, Bangkok and Singapore have invested in their public transport networks. Jakarta has an exemplary Bus Rapid Transit System. They built seven lines in four years and three more are under construction.
"Bangkok has expanded their Metro and Skytrain and they are building Bus Rapid Transit and Airport Express line. Singapore is building three MRT lines and three more are being planned.
"There is a lot of work ahead but it can be done if we just change our attitude, our perception in public transport," said Moaz
Over the years, complaints on the shoddy services offered in the country's public transport sector have continued to snowball and reached colossal proportions.
This had forced Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to take to the ground to witness and experience for himself the daily mayhem and disorder faced by commuters in the city.
At the end of the Prime Minister's day trip, he arrived at the conclusion that a more efficient, reliable and integrated public transportation, which provides seamless travel and greater frequency of services, is required.
In the Klang Valley alone, an average of 400,000 people use the bus services daily while another 350,000 go up RapidKLs trains. Overall, RapidKL provides 44 per cent of the public transport services in the Klang Valley.
These were some of the statistics in the 2009 Budget speech, delivered by Abdullah in the Dewan Rakyat last Aug 29.
To further improve public transport's efficiency, the government has pledged a sum of RM35 billion to be utilised for the period 2009-2014.
Improvement plans include enhancing the capacity of existing rail services, building new tracks and increasing the number of buses.Regular public transport users including those in the Klang Valley now harbour high hopes that the endless woes they are facing daily would be things of the past.
ATTITUDE CHANGE
Amidst the government's multi-billion Ringgit plans, the erroneous notion that public transportation is for only the low-income group should be corrected.
"We limit ourselves by assuming that public transport is for the poor people which is really not the case. One of its functions is to provide mobility service for the public and it is not just for people who cannot afford private transport but also for people who have the option of not using private transport," said Moaz Yusof Ahmad, a public transport activist.He is the adviser of 'Transit', the Association for the Improvement of Mass Transit-Klang Valley), a newly established public transport activist group.
Moaz said there were two other functions of public transport which were equally important, namely development and business.
A good system of public transport, he said, would encourage the kind of development which was good for the city and its people.
"It would create urban centres that are people-friendly, pedestrian-friendly, the city becomes more livable because people can walk and spend money. They do not have to drive, park or go through traffic jams.
"This community will also save money as the government can save money on roads and transportation and so can the people. We do not have this community in the Klang Valley except in a few of the older areas. Most of our newer communities are designed around cars," he said.
With available infrastructure, profitable businesses can also be generated around public transport stations. Where services are prominent, business operators can also expect increase in profit and property owners can command higher rentals.
"You have the opportunity to advertise and sell land around public transport stations, which in itself can be a profitable enterprise," said Moaz who is an economics lecturer in a Subang Jaya private college.
PLANNING
Moaz argued that issuing more bus or taxi permits and providing more train lines or coaches would not solve public transport woes without proper planning or organisation that would severely impact reliability.
"If we do not include public transport in initial planning to fulfill the transport needs of the community, we are going to see serious problems in the future," he stressed.According to Moaz, the main shortcoming in public transportation is the complete lack of wholesome or holistic investment.
"We built the LRT line and say the problem is solved and now we can move people. The point is when they get out of the LRT, there is another set of problems the commuters have to deal with. This is what you call the first mile and the last mile connectivity.
"The existing number of feeder buses are inadequate or unreliable and if we do not make the whole service reliable from the first mile to the last mile, then we are not going to get the people to use public transport no matter how many LRTs are built," said Moaz.
SPEND LESS FOR MORE
In terms of costs against the benefits, Transit considers that the LRT is actually one of the least effective choices of public transport.
Citing the Kelana Jaya LRT line, Moaz said currently it was running with double-coach trains and moving about 9,000 passengers in one direction each hour.
"The Kelana Jaya LRT will move approximately 20,000 passengers per hour when they operate the four-coach trains at the end of 2009.
"If we need to move 9,000 or 20,000 people, actually we should be building monorails as it costs less and can move the same number of people," said Moaz.
He also believed that extension of the Kelana Jaya line should continue right to the Shah Alam Stadium as there is ample undeveloped land to the west of the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE).
"If we go to the Shah Alam Stadium, we have access not only to Ara Damansara but also Subang, Kampung Melayu Subang and the rest.
"The stadium area is a very large spot, very open and we can have room for a depot, parking, and express bus lanes.He said the stadium is located near two highways - the Federal Highway and NKVE, therefore it is viable for a reliable bus system that could move people from Shah Alam to other areas including Subang Jaya, Kota Kemuning, Klang and even Kuala Lumpur.Transit also suggests plan to extend the LRT from Seri Petaling to Petaling Jaya South and through Petaling Jaya, all the way to Kepong and back to Sentul.
"The Klang Valley Transport Study identifies Petaling Jaya line traveling from PJ South to Taman Tun Dr Ismail. This line can be integrated within our proposed extension to Petaling Jaya. When completed there would be a KL-PJ loop line that could move 60,000 passengers per hour. This would remove thousands of car from the MRRII daily," said Moaz.
Transit has also identified a solution for Puchong and western Petaling Jaya.
"Jalan Klang Lama and Jalan Puchong are large roads which move thousands of cars per day. If we expand the KL Monorail to four or six-carriage trains and extend it to MidValley, and then along Jalan Klang Lama and Jalan Puchong, we can move 40,000 passengers per hour. MidValley will benefit and we would reduce traffic on Jalan Puchong.He said in the long term, Transit's approach would build more economic growth for the Klang Valley and Malaysia.
PROVIDE MORE FOR BUSES
The bus service is another area which Transit has great interest in.According to Muhammad Zulkarnain Hamzah, Transit's spokesperson, buses are very much affected by the traffic congestion.He said highways and expressways could be used as alternative routes for buses.
As an illustration, he said, 30 buses were more than capable to relieve the maximum amount of free flow traffic that the 1.2 billion Ringgit Akleh( Ampang-KL Elevated Highway) can sustain at any one time.He also proposed that expressways be used as 'Expressway Rapid Transit' (ERT) tracks with ERT buses functioning as 'trains'.
Muhammad Zulkarnain said bus 'stations' could be built on top of these 'tracks' at identified strategic transit points with high suburban population."Bus terminals for suburban feeder bus services together with depots and car parks can be built inside the suburban area and next to the ERT points so that transit time can be cut short," he explained.Accordingly, three strategic Kuala Lumpur gateway points for ERT buses can be created at KL Sentral/Mid Valley, Imbi (near the Pandan Roundabout) and Sentul Timur with dedicated bus ramps to Jalan Travers for direct access to NKVE and NPE, KL-Putrajaya and Duke Expressway respectively.
The gateway points should be conveniently linked to Ampang and Kelana Jaya LRT Lines besides KL Monorail while the Dang Wangi LRT Station could be the main gateway point that caters to ERT buses from Ampang via Akleh, he said."This is because it sits strategically at the west end point of Akleh. To fill up the demand during rush hours, express bus operators should be allowed to bid for periodical contract to serve ERT buses in which they will be paid based on a set of criteria set up by the transport authority," Muhammad Zulkarnain explained.
He said all buses and bus stops as well as mass-transit terminals should be designed based on the universal accessibility principle that would speed up bus service and encourage people to use them.POLITICAL WILL To fix the public transport system, it needs a strong political will. It also requires intervention from higher ups as voiced out by both Moaz and Muhammad Zulkarnain.
They proposed the setting up of a Parliamentary Select Committee on Public Transport led by members of Parliaments from both sides of the divide."The infrastructure is already there. It is just getting everybody to cooperate for the sake of facing this problem and not thinking of their particular vested interest," said Moaz.He also stressed that a proper public transport system that provides a level of standard should also be available across the nation and not just only for the Klang Valley.
"If we stick to what we are doing, we are going to stagnate. Jakarta, Bangkok and Singapore have invested in their public transport networks. Jakarta has an exemplary Bus Rapid Transit System. They built seven lines in four years and three more are under construction.
"Bangkok has expanded their Metro and Skytrain and they are building Bus Rapid Transit and Airport Express line. Singapore is building three MRT lines and three more are being planned.
"There is a lot of work ahead but it can be done if we just change our attitude, our perception in public transport," said Moaz
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands
Articles extracted from New Straits Times, 3rd August 2008
Owners and residents of Prima Bayu Apartments in Bayu Perdana here took charge and formed a joint management body to address problems on maintenance following the developer's failure to respond to the set up.
Residents' Association chairman P. R. Rajah said the body had to be formed, although under the law the management body should comprise the developer and residents. He said a letter was sent to the developer urging it to set up the management body, but there was no response." Following which residents lodged a complaint with the Commissioner of Buildings, which is under the Klang Municipal Council."
The council appointed an agent to help us form the joint management body which was supposed to comprise the residents and the developer. But the developer did not turn up." This is the first meeting where an agent has been appointed to help us form the body," he said at the meeting recently.
In the absence of developer Palm Grove Sdn. Bhd, the meeting was conducted by Peter Chong, the agent appointed by the council. Rajah was elected as chairman of the joint management body, Albert Yeow as deputy chairman, V. Gunaseelan as secretary and V. Kalaisilvan as treasurer.
Prima Bayu comprises 672 apartments with 3,000 residents. Not all are owners, some companies have rented the flats to house their workers. Rajah said the residents have had various problems especially on maintenance and security. Klang MP Charles Santiago, who was present at the meeting, advised developers in Klang to work closely with residents to work out complaints and problems."
Many complaints from residents of apartments have been about the lack of maintenance and the developers' lackadaisical attitude."
Owners and residents of Prima Bayu Apartments in Bayu Perdana here took charge and formed a joint management body to address problems on maintenance following the developer's failure to respond to the set up.
Residents' Association chairman P. R. Rajah said the body had to be formed, although under the law the management body should comprise the developer and residents. He said a letter was sent to the developer urging it to set up the management body, but there was no response." Following which residents lodged a complaint with the Commissioner of Buildings, which is under the Klang Municipal Council."
The council appointed an agent to help us form the joint management body which was supposed to comprise the residents and the developer. But the developer did not turn up." This is the first meeting where an agent has been appointed to help us form the body," he said at the meeting recently.
In the absence of developer Palm Grove Sdn. Bhd, the meeting was conducted by Peter Chong, the agent appointed by the council. Rajah was elected as chairman of the joint management body, Albert Yeow as deputy chairman, V. Gunaseelan as secretary and V. Kalaisilvan as treasurer.
Prima Bayu comprises 672 apartments with 3,000 residents. Not all are owners, some companies have rented the flats to house their workers. Rajah said the residents have had various problems especially on maintenance and security. Klang MP Charles Santiago, who was present at the meeting, advised developers in Klang to work closely with residents to work out complaints and problems."
Many complaints from residents of apartments have been about the lack of maintenance and the developers' lackadaisical attitude."
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Fun way to get to know the neighbourhood
More on other RAs ... perhaps we can emulate as well and organize this as one of our social and sports event - Canal Gardens Treasure Hunt. Any volunteers? Takers? Comments? Suggestions?
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Fun way to get to know the neighbourhood
The Star, by Tan Karr Wei, 16th September 2008
KNOWING their neighbourhood well paid off for Steven Lim and Pamela Chen as it won them two return air tickets to Melbourne.
The two emerged tops in the Taman Megah Residents’ Association (Tamera) Treasure Hunt-Walk organised in conjunction with the 51st National Day celebrations.
Damansara Utama assemblyman Dr Cheah Wing Yin flagged off the hunt at the Taman Megah community hall in Petaling Jaya.
RA chairman Ong Thiam Hiong said 29 teams of two people each took part in the event that was open to residents of Taman Megah and the neighbouring areas.
Participants had to take a 2km walk around Taman Megah while looking out for clues to answer about 30 questions given to them.
Cheah said the treasure hunt was a fun way for residents to get to know their neighbourhood better.
Guests also tucked into a selection of fried meehoon, nasi lemak and satay, among others, as they mingled with their neighbours.
MyFM deejays Wan Wai Fun and Royce Tan dropped by to play games and hand out freebies to those present.
Chen Tat Ngee and Chen Wai Kit of the A Team won the second prize of two return AirAsiaX tickets to Perth while Eugene Lee and Horng Jir Yih of Megah Duo won the third prize of two return tickets to Hangzhou.
All air tickets prizes excludes fuel surcharge and taxes.
Three teams also won consolation prizes sponsored by CIMB.
Also present were Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua and representatives from AirAsiaX and CIMB.
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Fun way to get to know the neighbourhood
The Star, by Tan Karr Wei, 16th September 2008
KNOWING their neighbourhood well paid off for Steven Lim and Pamela Chen as it won them two return air tickets to Melbourne.
The two emerged tops in the Taman Megah Residents’ Association (Tamera) Treasure Hunt-Walk organised in conjunction with the 51st National Day celebrations.
Damansara Utama assemblyman Dr Cheah Wing Yin flagged off the hunt at the Taman Megah community hall in Petaling Jaya.
RA chairman Ong Thiam Hiong said 29 teams of two people each took part in the event that was open to residents of Taman Megah and the neighbouring areas.
Participants had to take a 2km walk around Taman Megah while looking out for clues to answer about 30 questions given to them.
Cheah said the treasure hunt was a fun way for residents to get to know their neighbourhood better.
Guests also tucked into a selection of fried meehoon, nasi lemak and satay, among others, as they mingled with their neighbours.
MyFM deejays Wan Wai Fun and Royce Tan dropped by to play games and hand out freebies to those present.
Chen Tat Ngee and Chen Wai Kit of the A Team won the second prize of two return AirAsiaX tickets to Perth while Eugene Lee and Horng Jir Yih of Megah Duo won the third prize of two return tickets to Hangzhou.
All air tickets prizes excludes fuel surcharge and taxes.
Three teams also won consolation prizes sponsored by CIMB.
Also present were Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua and representatives from AirAsiaX and CIMB.
Puncak Nusa Kelana Folk Up in Arms Over Mall Plan
More Residents' Association actions around the country.
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Puncak Nusa Kelana folk up in arms over mall plan
The Star, by Tan Karr Wei, 22nd September 2008
Residents of Puncak Nusa Kelana in Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, are going all out to save the lake in the area.
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Puncak Nusa Kelana folk up in arms over mall plan
The Star, by Tan Karr Wei, 22nd September 2008
Residents of Puncak Nusa Kelana in Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, are going all out to save the lake in the area.
Help us out: Residents protesting the development at the man-made lake
About 30 residents showed up at the lake to object to the development of a strip mall at the site.
“We noticed that they had set up equipment to drain the water from the lake about a week ago but there was no notice put up regarding the development,” Puncak Nusa Kelana Owners and Residents Association (PNKORA) chairman Sudesh Ratnarajah said.
He said even though the lake was not a natural lake, residents were concerned that the draining would affect the soil around it and compromise the safety of their homes.
“We have not been given the traffic and social impact assessment reports.
Many residents also said the traffic congestion was getting from bad to worse in the area and another commercial development would add to their woes, especially with the issue of the Taman Megah Mas tunnels still unresolved.
According to Kota Damansara assemblyman Dr Nasir Hashim, he had chaired a monthly meeting with the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) on Sept 19 and has requested for another meeting between all the parties concerned, including the developers and residents.
“We’re hoping to have the meeting by next week to clear the air,” he said.
“There is a school near the lake and it is not viable to have a strip mall there,” Sudesh said.
Residents were unhappy with a previous meeting with the developers because their concerns were not addressed and the development would still take place despite their protests.
Sudesh said residents would start a signature campaign against the development.
Residents were peeved that MBPJ councillor Mohd Halil Haji Harun, who was in charge of their area, was not present despite having been informed of the event.
Puncak Dana Sdn Bhd had earlier explained to the residents that the area was not originally a lake and that approval was received in 1998 to build an 18-storey commercial building that was scaled down to a four-storey community shopping centre.
Subang MP Sivarasa Rasiah was also present at the protest.
“We noticed that they had set up equipment to drain the water from the lake about a week ago but there was no notice put up regarding the development,” Puncak Nusa Kelana Owners and Residents Association (PNKORA) chairman Sudesh Ratnarajah said.
He said even though the lake was not a natural lake, residents were concerned that the draining would affect the soil around it and compromise the safety of their homes.
“We have not been given the traffic and social impact assessment reports.
Many residents also said the traffic congestion was getting from bad to worse in the area and another commercial development would add to their woes, especially with the issue of the Taman Megah Mas tunnels still unresolved.
According to Kota Damansara assemblyman Dr Nasir Hashim, he had chaired a monthly meeting with the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) on Sept 19 and has requested for another meeting between all the parties concerned, including the developers and residents.
“We’re hoping to have the meeting by next week to clear the air,” he said.
“There is a school near the lake and it is not viable to have a strip mall there,” Sudesh said.
Residents were unhappy with a previous meeting with the developers because their concerns were not addressed and the development would still take place despite their protests.
Sudesh said residents would start a signature campaign against the development.
Residents were peeved that MBPJ councillor Mohd Halil Haji Harun, who was in charge of their area, was not present despite having been informed of the event.
Puncak Dana Sdn Bhd had earlier explained to the residents that the area was not originally a lake and that approval was received in 1998 to build an 18-storey commercial building that was scaled down to a four-storey community shopping centre.
Subang MP Sivarasa Rasiah was also present at the protest.
Residents Want Tunnel Closed
Just wanted to share a few stories related to Residents' Association around the country. We will be setting our very own RA soon ... and we look forward to getting all your support.
Residents from Taman Megah Mas and Taman Mayang held a peaceful demonstration last weekend to protest against the use of the Taman Megah Mas tunnel as an access road to the Ara Damansara and Lembah Subang areas.
The rally, organised by the Taman Megah Mas Residents Association (RA) and Taman Mayang Rukun Tetangga (RT), was aimed at highlighting the residents’ concerns about the traffic congestion and pollution they have to endure to the authorities.
The tunnel was originally built as a temporary route for garbage trucks to access Lembah Subang, which was previously designated as a waste disposal area.
However, the Taman Megah Mas tunnel and nearby FAS tunnel are used as alternative access roads linking the eastern side of Petaling Jaya, like Ara Damansara, to the western side like Kelana Jaya and the LDP.
Stating their needs: Taman Megah Mas and Taman Mayang residents protesting against the use of the Taman Megah Mas tunnel as an acces s road to the Ara Damansar a and Lembah Subang areas.
An initial traffic study revealed that an average of 30,000 to 40,000 vehicles cross the Taman Megah Mas tunnel per day and 2,000 vehicles at peak hour.
“The motorists will clog the narrow two-lane residential roads at Jalan Emas 1 and 2 in Tamah Megah Mas and squeeze their way into the tunnel, which measures a mere 8m wide, when the required width for public roads is 12m,” said Taman Megah Mas RA chairman G.C. Goay.
“Motorists from as far as Kota Damansara and Bandar Utama will also cut through Taman Mayang (via Jalan SS25/32 and Jalan SS25/39) to use the tunnel as a short cut to go to Saujana and Ara Damansara,” said Taman Mayang RT chairman Chan Chow Wang.
“The congestion is expected to worsen with future developments in Lembah Subang and Saujana like a four-star 18-storey hotel and several commercial and residential developments.”
“The congestion in our neighbourhood is very bad, particularly during peak hours, and the heavy traffic poses a danger to residents and pedestrians,” said Goay.
“When the Taman Megah Mas tunnel was closed last month for a traffic study initiated by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), crime went down to zero. Otherwise, there would be reports of car and house break-ins, and snatch thefts every week.”
According to Goay, the residents have been requesting for better access roads for those residing on the eastern side of Petaling Jaya since eight years ago.
“I would prefer a long-term solution like having a flyover be built at a suitable location to address the problem,” he said.
“I also hope that the relevant authorities would hasten efforts to provide a proper access road while making motorists’ safety a priority, as well as to restore the neighbourhood’s peaceful environment.”
“We want the authorities to close the Taman Megah Mas tunnel as soon as possible and construct a proper access road that doesn’t cut through residential areas,” said Chan.
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Residents want tunnel closed
The Star, by Jade Chan, 14th October 2008Residents from Taman Megah Mas and Taman Mayang held a peaceful demonstration last weekend to protest against the use of the Taman Megah Mas tunnel as an access road to the Ara Damansara and Lembah Subang areas.
The rally, organised by the Taman Megah Mas Residents Association (RA) and Taman Mayang Rukun Tetangga (RT), was aimed at highlighting the residents’ concerns about the traffic congestion and pollution they have to endure to the authorities.
The tunnel was originally built as a temporary route for garbage trucks to access Lembah Subang, which was previously designated as a waste disposal area.
However, the Taman Megah Mas tunnel and nearby FAS tunnel are used as alternative access roads linking the eastern side of Petaling Jaya, like Ara Damansara, to the western side like Kelana Jaya and the LDP.
Stating their needs: Taman Megah Mas and Taman Mayang residents protesting against the use of the Taman Megah Mas tunnel as an acces s road to the Ara Damansar a and Lembah Subang areas.
An initial traffic study revealed that an average of 30,000 to 40,000 vehicles cross the Taman Megah Mas tunnel per day and 2,000 vehicles at peak hour.
“The motorists will clog the narrow two-lane residential roads at Jalan Emas 1 and 2 in Tamah Megah Mas and squeeze their way into the tunnel, which measures a mere 8m wide, when the required width for public roads is 12m,” said Taman Megah Mas RA chairman G.C. Goay.
“Motorists from as far as Kota Damansara and Bandar Utama will also cut through Taman Mayang (via Jalan SS25/32 and Jalan SS25/39) to use the tunnel as a short cut to go to Saujana and Ara Damansara,” said Taman Mayang RT chairman Chan Chow Wang.
“The congestion is expected to worsen with future developments in Lembah Subang and Saujana like a four-star 18-storey hotel and several commercial and residential developments.”
“The congestion in our neighbourhood is very bad, particularly during peak hours, and the heavy traffic poses a danger to residents and pedestrians,” said Goay.
“When the Taman Megah Mas tunnel was closed last month for a traffic study initiated by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), crime went down to zero. Otherwise, there would be reports of car and house break-ins, and snatch thefts every week.”
According to Goay, the residents have been requesting for better access roads for those residing on the eastern side of Petaling Jaya since eight years ago.
“I would prefer a long-term solution like having a flyover be built at a suitable location to address the problem,” he said.
“I also hope that the relevant authorities would hasten efforts to provide a proper access road while making motorists’ safety a priority, as well as to restore the neighbourhood’s peaceful environment.”
“We want the authorities to close the Taman Megah Mas tunnel as soon as possible and construct a proper access road that doesn’t cut through residential areas,” said Chan.
Monday, October 6, 2008
More "Green" Community Effort Around Klang Valley
Residents green Bandar Puteri Klang
The Star, 6th October 2008
In line with the Selangor government’s efforts in greening the environment, Bandar Puteri Klang organised “A Tree in My Garden’’ event for its residents on Aug 24.
Te event was graced by Muhammad Hijaz Sanusi, the director of the Landscape division of Klang Municipal Council and DSP Zailan Tazir from the Klang Police headquarters.
The main objective of the event was to promote activities to enhance the town’s environment and to foster closer community ties among Bandar Puteri Klang residents.
About 1,000 Bandar Puteri Klang residents took part along with their family members to green the Town Park the shared common garden of Bandar Puteri Klang, with trees and shrubs.
At the end of the event, to motivate the residents to green their homes and neighbourhood, each participant was given a free plant.
In conjunction with the World Environment Day, the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) held a tree-planting programme within its municipality.
The council conducted its first exercise on Thursday by planting some 100 kelat paya trees. A total of 300 trees will be planted by the council.
Sponsored by Nilam Simfoni Sdn Bhd, the plants were planted by council officers from various departments along the MRR2 opposite the Tesco hypermarket.
MPAJ community and youths department director Sarodin Shahri said the council always had such tree-planting activities from time to time but this was the first time it was done in conjunction with environment day.
In support of the state government's project of planting one million trees in Selangor this year, Sarodin said the council was in charge of planting 100,000 trees. Currently, the council has managed to plant 33,000 trees in various locations in the municipality.
“Last year, we planted about 42,000 trees and we hope to exceed our quota of 100,000 this year,” he said during the exercise.
Sarodin explained the Kelat Paya was a suitable plant as it can beautify a place and provide shade.
“When it is trimmed, it is good for landscaping purposes and when it is grown, the tree provides a good shade,” Sarodin said.
MPAJ will plant 150 of the plant at Taman Angsana Hilir Jalan 1 and 7 and 50 more around Kampung Pandan futsal court.
Bandar Puteri residents spend a fruitful day planting trees
In response to the Subang Jaya Municipal Council's (MPSJ) campaign to plant more trees, a group of Bandar Puteri Puchong residents rolled up their sleeves to plant fruit trees in their neighbourhood last Sunday.
In collaboration with the MPSJ landscape department, the residents planted about 450 trees around the green areas and in the parks at the neighbourhood.
The Bandar Puteri resident association advisor Samson David Maman said that they have requested for another 500 trees from the council.
“The response has been so overwhelming and Adnan has agreed to our request,” he said during the launch at the Puteri 8/10 field.
“Once the trees bear fruits, all of us would be able to share it and this promotes a sense of neighbourliness,” said Maman.
Some of the trees planted were mango, guava, rambutan, and sour sop.
Adults, with children in tow, excitedly dug up holes and even the elderly joined the activity.
“I think the residents should be commended for being the first resident association to organise its own tree planting activity on such a big-scale,” said Adnan.
He added that the state government has targeted for one million trees to be planted in Selangor this year with MPSJ to plant at least 100,000 trees.
“So far, the council has planted over 43,000 trees of various types under our jurisdiction.
“However, the council does not encourage residents to plant trees like bananas, sugarcanes, or vegetables as its leaves would fall and create a mess on the ground."
“Fruit trees or trees that provide shade are much better,” said Adnan.
Adnan also urged for developers to be more socially responsible towards the community's welfare.
“There are so many types of developers - some passive and others more proactive.
After the activity, the residents raised few pertinent issues with Adnan with regards to the township such as repair work and maintenance and he assured them that he would get the developer to look into soon.
The Star, 6th October 2008
In line with the Selangor government’s efforts in greening the environment, Bandar Puteri Klang organised “A Tree in My Garden’’ event for its residents on Aug 24.
Te event was graced by Muhammad Hijaz Sanusi, the director of the Landscape division of Klang Municipal Council and DSP Zailan Tazir from the Klang Police headquarters.
The main objective of the event was to promote activities to enhance the town’s environment and to foster closer community ties among Bandar Puteri Klang residents.
About 1,000 Bandar Puteri Klang residents took part along with their family members to green the Town Park the shared common garden of Bandar Puteri Klang, with trees and shrubs.
At the end of the event, to motivate the residents to green their homes and neighbourhood, each participant was given a free plant.
MPAJ embarks on tree-planting programme
The Star, 14th June 2008
In conjunction with the World Environment Day, the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) held a tree-planting programme within its municipality.
The council conducted its first exercise on Thursday by planting some 100 kelat paya trees. A total of 300 trees will be planted by the council.
Sponsored by Nilam Simfoni Sdn Bhd, the plants were planted by council officers from various departments along the MRR2 opposite the Tesco hypermarket.
MPAJ community and youths department director Sarodin Shahri said the council always had such tree-planting activities from time to time but this was the first time it was done in conjunction with environment day.
In support of the state government's project of planting one million trees in Selangor this year, Sarodin said the council was in charge of planting 100,000 trees. Currently, the council has managed to plant 33,000 trees in various locations in the municipality.
“Last year, we planted about 42,000 trees and we hope to exceed our quota of 100,000 this year,” he said during the exercise.
Sarodin explained the Kelat Paya was a suitable plant as it can beautify a place and provide shade.
“When it is trimmed, it is good for landscaping purposes and when it is grown, the tree provides a good shade,” Sarodin said.
MPAJ will plant 150 of the plant at Taman Angsana Hilir Jalan 1 and 7 and 50 more around Kampung Pandan futsal court.
Bandar Puteri residents spend a fruitful day planting trees
The Star, 11th April 2008
In response to the Subang Jaya Municipal Council's (MPSJ) campaign to plant more trees, a group of Bandar Puteri Puchong residents rolled up their sleeves to plant fruit trees in their neighbourhood last Sunday.
In collaboration with the MPSJ landscape department, the residents planted about 450 trees around the green areas and in the parks at the neighbourhood.
MPSJ president Datuk Adnan Md Ikhsan officiated the campaign.
The Bandar Puteri resident association advisor Samson David Maman said that they have requested for another 500 trees from the council.
“The response has been so overwhelming and Adnan has agreed to our request,” he said during the launch at the Puteri 8/10 field.
“Once the trees bear fruits, all of us would be able to share it and this promotes a sense of neighbourliness,” said Maman.
Some of the trees planted were mango, guava, rambutan, and sour sop.
Adults, with children in tow, excitedly dug up holes and even the elderly joined the activity.
“I think the residents should be commended for being the first resident association to organise its own tree planting activity on such a big-scale,” said Adnan.
He added that the state government has targeted for one million trees to be planted in Selangor this year with MPSJ to plant at least 100,000 trees.
“So far, the council has planted over 43,000 trees of various types under our jurisdiction.
“However, the council does not encourage residents to plant trees like bananas, sugarcanes, or vegetables as its leaves would fall and create a mess on the ground."
“Fruit trees or trees that provide shade are much better,” said Adnan.
Adnan also urged for developers to be more socially responsible towards the community's welfare.
“There are so many types of developers - some passive and others more proactive.
“Developers must always remember their responsibility to the buyers and it doesn’t just end with the selling of a property,” he said.
After the activity, the residents raised few pertinent issues with Adnan with regards to the township such as repair work and maintenance and he assured them that he would get the developer to look into soon.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Climate Change & Reducing Emissions
What is Climate Change?
Climate change, or global warming is the result of a build up of greenhouse gases (GHG), chiefly carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. GHGs serve to trap the suns heat in the earth’s atmosphere, forming the ‘greenhouse effect’ – a natural phenomena that keeps the earth warm. However, when the concentration of GHGs gets too large, and the earth’s equilibrium gets out of balance, we experience a dangerous rise in temperatures, which can result in severe and extreme weather conditions. In effect, earth’s blanket thickens and our atmosphere absorbs and holds more heat than it radiates back. This could directly affect rainfall, flooding and droughts, agriculture, economies, health and biosecurity.
Reduce Your Emissions
Reducing your emissions is a vital part of combating climate change. We encourage everyone to be aware of their energy usage and its effects, and take steps to reduce this. What remains can be offset through Carbon Free programme.
Climate change, or global warming is the result of a build up of greenhouse gases (GHG), chiefly carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. GHGs serve to trap the suns heat in the earth’s atmosphere, forming the ‘greenhouse effect’ – a natural phenomena that keeps the earth warm. However, when the concentration of GHGs gets too large, and the earth’s equilibrium gets out of balance, we experience a dangerous rise in temperatures, which can result in severe and extreme weather conditions. In effect, earth’s blanket thickens and our atmosphere absorbs and holds more heat than it radiates back. This could directly affect rainfall, flooding and droughts, agriculture, economies, health and biosecurity.
Reduce Your Emissions
Reducing your emissions is a vital part of combating climate change. We encourage everyone to be aware of their energy usage and its effects, and take steps to reduce this. What remains can be offset through Carbon Free programme.
- By being more energy efficient at home, you can reduce your emissions and lower your energy bills by more than 30%.
- Adjust your air conditioner when you go out and shut down your system when you are away for extended periods.
- Turn off and unplug stereos, radios, TVs, and DVDs when you leave for holidays. These appliances have a stand-by function that uses energy even when they are turned off.
- Close doors to unused rooms trapping cooling in rooms in use.
- Consider switching to compact fluorescent lighting. Compact fluorescent light bulbs use about 75 per cent less energy than incandescent bulbs.
- Clean all of your cooling appliances, making sure they are dust free. Energy is lost when cooling units have to work harder to draw air through dirty filters. Ensuring that your air conditioner filter is clean can save 5 percent of the energy used.
- Wash your dishes manually, or ensure your dishwasher is full when you run it. Allow your dishes to air dry, by not using the heat in the drying cycle can save 20 percent of your dishwasher's total electricity use.
- Recycle glass, metals, plastics and paper.
- Plant shade trees and paint your house a light color if you live in a warm climate or a dark color if you live in a cold climate.
- Turn your refrigerator down.
- Select the most energy-efficient models when you replace your old appliances. Look for the Energy Star Label - your assurance that the product saves energy and prevents pollution.
- Slow down and drive sensibly. The faster and more aggressive you drive, the more petrol your car uses.
We, the residents of Canal Gardens, are proud to have played some small parts in helping mother earth through our monthly recycling programs and, recently, having 200 new trees planted all over Canal Gardens. Let us all do our part to reduce emissions.
Source: Plant-A-Tree-Today.Org
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.
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Residents in Ara Damansara pour out their woes
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.
By Oh Ing Yeen, The Star, 26th August 2008 (Tues)
--------------------------------------------------------------
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 5, 2008
Woes Related to High-Rise Living
See any similarities here? See any challenges?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Who Is Our Councillor?
What are the roles of councillors?
By Salina Khalid / The Star / 25th July 2008
Who is our councillor ah?
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Roles and responsibilities of councillors
By Salina Khalid / The Star / 25th July 2008
Who is our councillor ah?
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Roles and responsibilities of councillors
- As part of the local council administrative system, councillors carry these roles and responsibilities.
- As a committee member who makes decisions on approval for applications like planning, development, and licensing. Yet at the same time their actions should not be contradictory and against the policy decided upon by the local council for the public interest.
- To advice the local government on matters relevant to their expertise and profession
- To represent the people and the local community in matters pertaining to their living condition at the respective local council.
- As a mediator between the community and the local council and to serve as the patron for their residents association.
- To relay the feedback and response given by the local community on the quality of service given by the local council.
- To be policy and decision makers. To draw a set of local by-laws as a guide for administrative purposes in solving the local issues and on how to give best service to the people.
- To draw the policy to determine the direction of the local council and the direction has to augur well with the state and central government’s policies and at the same time meet what the people want.
- As spokesman for the local council to ensure that policies drawn at the local authority are accepted by the local community.
- To get a response from the community if there is any abuse of misuse of power or funds by the local council.
- To encourage public participation on activities and programs organised by the local council.
Appointment of the councillors, The Local Government Act 1976
- Section 10 (1) - the local authority shall consist of the mayor or president and not less than eight not more than 24 other councillors to be appointed by the state authority.
residing in the respective local council - Have wide experience and knowledge in local government affairs
- Achieved distinction in any profession, commerceor industry
- Able to represent the interest of the community they are serving
What Are The Roles of Councillors?
What are the roles of councillors?
By Salina Khalid, 25th July 2008, The Star
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The 288 new councillors for the two city councils and 10 municipal or district councils in Selangor have been assigned zones within their respective councils.
Much has been discussed and debated about the selection and appointment of these councillors since the Pakatan Rakyat state government invited nominations from the community for the councillor posts following the March 8 general election.
Much has also been said about certain characters with doubtful backgrounds and underworld connections who were selected as councillors.
One nominee was alleged to have used his appointment letter to throw his weight around to prevent enforcement officers from doing their duty.
One thing, however, has not been thoroughly discussed and articulated in public, and that is the roles and functions of a councillor.
What roles and responsibilities do the local councillors have?
Under the public administration scheme, the local council is the third tier of government after the federal government and state government.
A recent street poll revealed that most people are not clear and certain about what the functions of their local councillors are.
Many people do not know whether the council appointees are there to represent them or simply given the post as political rewards or to guard the interests of their political parties.
Petaling Jaya resident Hamzah Mohamad thinks that councillors are the eyes and ears of the local council and are those whom people go to when dealing with matters concerning the local authority.
“They are like an agent of the local council to me. Yet I do not know exactly what their role is,” he said.
Hamzah, who has been a resident in Petaling Jaya for about 10 years, said he had met several councillors for various reasons, including for assistance in local council matters like parking problems in his residential area.
He knows that the councillors meet every month at a full board meeting to discuss and decide on matters concerning the community.
Other than that, he doesn’t know what else do the councillors do.
Hamzah is not alone. Most people are also in the dark like him.
According to a former councillor, councillors should serve as the eyes and ears of the council so that they can serve the people and at the same time advice the council on what is going-on on the ground.
“They should listen to the needs of local people and take their views into account when making decisions,” he said.
A source in the Federal Local Government and Housing Ministry describes councillors as community leaders who work in partnership with the respective local authority.
According to Federal Local Housing Department director-general Datin Arpah Abdul Razak, an appointed councillor has to be reside in the area of the council’s jurisdiction he is serving and have a wide experience and expertise in the local government matters. She said this in a recent talk.
Section 10(2) of the Local Government Act 1976 states that “councillors of the local authority shall be appointed from among persons the majority of whom shall be persons ordinarily residents in the local authority area who in the opinion of the state authority have wide experience in local government affairs or who have achieved distinction in any profession, commerce or industry, or are otherwise capable of representing the interests of their communities in the local authority area”.
Although it is the duty of a councillor to represent the whole community, he also has a duty to serve the local government as a member of its administration.
A councillor must know what is going on in his area, and to help solve any problems or answer the queries that the community may have.
The councillor’s job involves helping to solve the people’s problems, such as garbage collection, clogged drains, floods, as well the general welfare of the people.
The councillors are among the decision-makers of policies and practices of the council.
They are responsible for helping the people understand the policies and projects of their local councils.
Councillors, hence, are important because they are supposed to be the voice of the community and play a vital role in the functioning of democracy.
They are the community representatives and champion the local issues to enhance the quality of life and development in the area that they serve.
Meanwhile, the newly-appointed local councillors in Selangor comprises party workers, professionals, NGOs, the disabled and women.
Previously more than one councillor was assigned to a zone, but now each has been assigned a zone.
Each will be assigned an office and staff to assist him in his work to serve the community.
Under the Pakatan Rakyat state government, the state assemblymen are not appointed as councillors, unlike the previous Barisan Nasional state government.
Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim in his speech during last month’s mass swearing-in of the councillors reminded them that they were to serve the people.
He said the process of awarding contracts through direct negotiations had been abolished in Selangor and there would be no exception at the local council level.
“These councillors must strive to improve the quality of the delivery system and find ways to increase revenue and ensure that every ringgit is wisely spent,” Khalid said.
He said the councillors were expected to practice good governance at all times and ensure that decisions made at the sub-committee and full board meetings were favourable to the people.
“They must be impartial and should not allow any parties to exploit their positions to serve unscrupulous interests,” he said.
By Salina Khalid, 25th July 2008, The Star
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The 288 new councillors for the two city councils and 10 municipal or district councils in Selangor have been assigned zones within their respective councils.
Much has been discussed and debated about the selection and appointment of these councillors since the Pakatan Rakyat state government invited nominations from the community for the councillor posts following the March 8 general election.
Much has also been said about certain characters with doubtful backgrounds and underworld connections who were selected as councillors.
One nominee was alleged to have used his appointment letter to throw his weight around to prevent enforcement officers from doing their duty.
One thing, however, has not been thoroughly discussed and articulated in public, and that is the roles and functions of a councillor.
What roles and responsibilities do the local councillors have?
Under the public administration scheme, the local council is the third tier of government after the federal government and state government.
A recent street poll revealed that most people are not clear and certain about what the functions of their local councillors are.
Many people do not know whether the council appointees are there to represent them or simply given the post as political rewards or to guard the interests of their political parties.
Petaling Jaya resident Hamzah Mohamad thinks that councillors are the eyes and ears of the local council and are those whom people go to when dealing with matters concerning the local authority.
“They are like an agent of the local council to me. Yet I do not know exactly what their role is,” he said.
Hamzah, who has been a resident in Petaling Jaya for about 10 years, said he had met several councillors for various reasons, including for assistance in local council matters like parking problems in his residential area.
He knows that the councillors meet every month at a full board meeting to discuss and decide on matters concerning the community.
Other than that, he doesn’t know what else do the councillors do.
Hamzah is not alone. Most people are also in the dark like him.
According to a former councillor, councillors should serve as the eyes and ears of the council so that they can serve the people and at the same time advice the council on what is going-on on the ground.
“They should listen to the needs of local people and take their views into account when making decisions,” he said.
A source in the Federal Local Government and Housing Ministry describes councillors as community leaders who work in partnership with the respective local authority.
According to Federal Local Housing Department director-general Datin Arpah Abdul Razak, an appointed councillor has to be reside in the area of the council’s jurisdiction he is serving and have a wide experience and expertise in the local government matters. She said this in a recent talk.
Section 10(2) of the Local Government Act 1976 states that “councillors of the local authority shall be appointed from among persons the majority of whom shall be persons ordinarily residents in the local authority area who in the opinion of the state authority have wide experience in local government affairs or who have achieved distinction in any profession, commerce or industry, or are otherwise capable of representing the interests of their communities in the local authority area”.
Although it is the duty of a councillor to represent the whole community, he also has a duty to serve the local government as a member of its administration.
A councillor must know what is going on in his area, and to help solve any problems or answer the queries that the community may have.
The councillor’s job involves helping to solve the people’s problems, such as garbage collection, clogged drains, floods, as well the general welfare of the people.
The councillors are among the decision-makers of policies and practices of the council.
They are responsible for helping the people understand the policies and projects of their local councils.
Councillors, hence, are important because they are supposed to be the voice of the community and play a vital role in the functioning of democracy.
They are the community representatives and champion the local issues to enhance the quality of life and development in the area that they serve.
Meanwhile, the newly-appointed local councillors in Selangor comprises party workers, professionals, NGOs, the disabled and women.
Previously more than one councillor was assigned to a zone, but now each has been assigned a zone.
Each will be assigned an office and staff to assist him in his work to serve the community.
Under the Pakatan Rakyat state government, the state assemblymen are not appointed as councillors, unlike the previous Barisan Nasional state government.
Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim in his speech during last month’s mass swearing-in of the councillors reminded them that they were to serve the people.
He said the process of awarding contracts through direct negotiations had been abolished in Selangor and there would be no exception at the local council level.
“These councillors must strive to improve the quality of the delivery system and find ways to increase revenue and ensure that every ringgit is wisely spent,” Khalid said.
He said the councillors were expected to practice good governance at all times and ensure that decisions made at the sub-committee and full board meetings were favourable to the people.
“They must be impartial and should not allow any parties to exploit their positions to serve unscrupulous interests,” he said.
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