Tag: Education

Water Restructuring to Complete in Two Months

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SHAH ALAM, 2 July: The State Government expects for negotiations about the water management with the Federal Government to complete in two months.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that they have readied the agreement letter between the State Government and the Central Government regarding the negotiations.

“It was prepared based on the offer which has to be accepted in accordance with the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655).

“We are also optimistic about this matter as the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has stated his agreement for the water management restructuring in Selangor,” said Abdul Khalid in the Selangor State Assembly session today.

He was responding to a question from the Meru Assemblyman, Dr Abdul Rani Osman regarding the progress of the water management in Selangor.

Abdul Khalid also explained that through thorough preparation, the State Government will also set up a team of competent professionals to handle the water management in Selangor if the takeover process is successful.

“The management team will consist of executives from overseas who are qualified.”

The water industry restructuring process was initiated by the State Government last year in an effort to acquire the supply, treatment and distribution operations from four private companies.

The purpose of the restructuring is so that the people will receive efficient and affordable treated water supply.

The State Government has offered RM9.65 billion to acquire the four companies and so far, they have responded positively to the offer.

State Government Supports JAIS to Temporarily Close Religious Schools

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SHAH ALAM, June 26: The State Government fully supports the recommendations of the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) to temporarily close religious schools in certain areas experiencing haze with Air Pollution Index (API) readings above 300.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that all State Religious Schools, schools that receive assistance (KAFA Integration) and private schools registered under JAIS are automatically required to shut down temporarily when the API exceeds 300.

Khalid said it is as directed by the Malaysian Ministry of Education.

For areas with API readings between 250 and 300, the school administration has to inform the department regarding the closure of schools.

“Schools in areas where the API is below 250 can still be open, by taking measures such as wearing masks, limiting outdoor activities and to immediately refer to a hospital if students and teachers experience health problems.

“All schools must comply with the guidelines issued from time to time by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment as well as the Malaysian Ministry of Education, to close schools or to grant leave to teachers and students due to the haze,” said Abdul Khalid in a media statement.

CM: Hopes Schools Will Consider Student Attendance

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SHAH ALAM, June 25: Parents have been advised to consult with schools regarding the attendance of their children in several areas in Selangor which are still affected by dangerous and unhealthy haze levels.

In making the call, the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim expressed concern on the contaminated air levels exceeding 200 on the API which takes its toll on children and hopes that parents and teachers are able to reach a final decision.

“The power (to close schools) is in the hands of the ministry, so we do not want to close schools because teachers are involved.

“I hope that when the haze level reaches 200, parents will not send their children to school,” said Abdul Khalid when asked if the State Government will issue a orders to close schools.

The Ministry of Education has issued directive that schools will only be closed if the haze level exceeds 300 on the API, which is the “dangerous” level.

Currently, a number of areas in Selangor such as Kuala Selangor, Banting, and Shah Alam have recorded API levels exceeding 200, which is “very unhealthy”.

Port Klang has recorded 474 on the API, according to readings from the Department of Environment website.

Previously, the Environment Exco, Elizabeth Wong urged the Federal Government to allow for schools to close if the API levels exceed 150, an “unhealthy” level.

Khalid said that the Selangor Government will issue immediate provisions to each constituency to buy and distribute masks to the public.

SELESA Enactment, A Selangor State Assembly Reform Agenda

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SHAH ALAM, June 21: The combination of the new Speaker and her Deputy, Hannah Yeoh and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, are optimistic that the Selangor State Assembly Service Assembly Enactment (SELESA) will be successfully realised in this second term.

Hannah said that the implementation of the Bill is among the reformation agendas which are expected to bring about change and to improve the quality of the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) sessions.

“We expect when the enactment is approved, we will provide more facilities to the DNS session.

“This includes providing more assistance to Assemblymen for them to carry out research better before an issue is debated.

“This will definitely make the quality of the debate better, hence benefiting the people,” said Hannah who is also the Subang Jaya Assemblywoman.

She said this in a press conference at the Annex Building of the State Secretariat Building soon after the Oath Swearing Ceremony this morning.

Nik Nazmi, who was also present at the press conference, explained that the SELESA enactment is important to be implemented so that an independent and professional administration team under the direction of the Speaker can be created.

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The enactment will divide the government power into three parts; the executive power under the Chief Minister, the judiciary body under the power of the Federal Government and state laws, and the legislative power to be fully under the DNS.

“When the DNS is free from the influence of the executive, monitoring and reviews of the administration can be carried out comprehensively without any restrictions and excessive bureaucracy,” said Nik Nazmi.

He added that the Bill is not a new practice because before it was abolished in 1992, the Parliament also had the Parliamentary Service Act which managed daily operations and financial management of the House of Representatives with interference from the executive.

The SELESA enactment was first drafted in 2009, and is now being studied in detail by the State Government Exco line-up as well as Selangor legal advisors.

56 Selangor State Assemblymen Takes Oath

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SHAH ALAM, June 21: Today, a total of 56 members of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) including 11 representatives from BN were officially sworn in before the start of the 13th session of the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) next Friday.

All 56 Assemblymen took the oath of allegiance to preserve, protect and uphold the Selangor State Body Laws front of the newly elected DNS Speaker, Hannah Yeoh.

The ceremony began with the oath swearing by the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, followed by three Selangor State Executive Councillors; Datuk Teng Chang Khim, Iskandar Samad and Rodziah Ismail.

It was followed by seven other Selangor Executive Councillors and then followed by assembly members from Pakatan Rakyat (PR) and Barisan Nasional (BN).

Earlier, the ceremony began with the Chief Minister’s proposal to put forward Hannah Yeoh’s name as the newly elected DNS Speaker followed by Teng nominating the Seri Setia Assemblyman, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as the Deputy Speaker.

During the recent 13th General Election (GE-13), PR won in Selangor by acquiring more than two-thirds majority when they captured 44 out of the 56 DUN seats.

Curb Vandalism Scheme in 30 Low-Cost Flat Areas in 2014

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SHAH ALAM, June 19: A total of 30 low-cost apartment areas around the country will be selected to participate in the State Apartment Neighbourhood Safety Scheme (Seroja) for the year 2014.

The Exco for Housing, Building Management and Urban Settlers, Iskandar Samad said that the State Government has received a strong demand for the scheme and it is expected to be implemented in five areas this year.

“We will identify such areas. If implementation is successfully carried out in those five areas before the end of this year, we will continue it in the 30 areas without waiting for the year 2014,” he said in a press statement after the Exco meeting here in the Selangor Secretariat Building.

Iskandar added that each apartment area that participates in the scheme will receive a maximum grant of RM10,000 to be given to the Joint Management Body (JMB) or the Management Corporation (MC) for safety and training programmes.

In addition, the State Government will also provide safety equipment such as batons, vests and flashlights as well as a contribution to residents who encounter misfortune while conducting patrols.

He said that the State Government is confident that the scheme can curb vandalism in low-cost apartments.

“The act of vandalism is a burden to the residents, for example at Pangsapuri Taman Indah Permai, Klang.

“Where the elevators repaired by the State Government at a cost of more than RM600,000 has already broken down in just a year. So this scheme is very important,” he said.

Education Direction Brainstorming Workshop

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SHAH ALAM, June 19: The State Government will organise a Brainstorming Workshop for the Direction of Education, Higher Education and Human Capital Development in Selangor at the Raja Tun Uda Library, Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS) at Section 13 here this Saturday.

The Education, Higher Education and Human Capital Development Exco, Dr Halimah Ali said that this one-day programme involves the participation of relevant government departments, Assemblymen, Members of Parliament, education activists, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), the Selangor Islamic University College (Kuis), the University of Selangor (Unisel) and includes all types of schools in Selangor.

“The objective is to gather information, feedback and suggestions from stakeholders to improve the direction of Selangor Education and Human Capital Development.

“(As well as) to work and summarise the results of brainstorming ad formulating strategic plans to create programmes for education, higher education and human capital development in Selangor for the next five years,” she said in a press conference after the Exco meeting today.

She explained that the programme is also organised with the aim of looking at education holistically and to overview not only what is available in schools but also what is found outside.

She added that it is also in line with the Selangor long term education philosophy which starts from the cradle to the end.

Kapar Health Clinic Outdated, Manivanan Demands Explanation from MOH

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KLANG, June 18: The rude attitude of staff and the condition of the clinic which allegedly does not place importance on the aspects of safety and health are among the problems faced by the residents if they seek to receive health services from the Kapar Health Clinic.

Kapar Member of Parliament, Manivanan Gowin said that he received unpleasant feedback from the local residents on the services of the over 30-year-old clinic.

According to a resident of Kapar, Mohd Akhir Othman, who suffered ‘momentary paralysis’ on 9 June, claimed that the staff at the clinic were rude.

“There is text (SMS) message by a witness, the Kapar Village Head, Jamlus Hasan, who claims that the staff at the clinic have issued words such as ‘do not disturb us, go somewhere else, why do you disturb us early in the morning,” he said.

Additionally, Manivanan found that the clinic takes a nonchalant attitude on the aspect of safety and health when they did not fully close the area being repaired, causing dust to envelop the patient waiting area.

“This is not a construction site, this a health clinic. Such things should not happen,” he added.

Thus, he will send a letter to the clinic so that the aforementioned problems are resolved as soon as possible.

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Manivanan suggested that renovations should be done on Saturday and Sunday as the clinic is closed during the weekend.

In the meantime, a letter will be sent to the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) to seek clarification on the infrastructure of the clinic which allegedly can no longer function and provide good service.

Manivanan also criticised the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak who promised to build a hospital in Kapar in the event he manages to capture Selangor in the last general election.

“In my opinion, it is not fair. He lost so he does not want to set up a hospital.

“70,000 people voted for me, while 50,000 voted for BN. I am also demanding for the 50,000 people who hope for a hospital. Najib cannot say ‘if I win’, because there were still people who voted for BN,” he added.

Abdul Khalid Meets KETTHA to Discuss Water Restructuring Next Week

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DAMANSARA, June 18: Preliminary discussions regarding the restructuring of the water industry with the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water is expected to be held next week.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim informed that an appointment has already been arranged by his office with the ministry.

He said that the meeting with the Ministry will be personally attended by him.

“As we know, the Minister of Water, Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili previously stated his readiness to meet me to discuss this matter.

“Therefore, I will meet with the Ministry next week,” he told reporters after the Cheque Ceremony from sponsors of the Golf Worldwide Holdings Championship here at the Seri Selangor Club.

Abdul Khalid added that the appointment will be held in advance before detailed discussions are held regarding the issue.

The water industry restructuring process was initiated by the Pakatan Rakyat Government last year as an effort to acquire the operations of supply, treatment and distribution from four private companies.

The State Government has offered RM9.65 billion to acquire the four companies and so far, they have responded positively to the offer.

During the ceremony today, Abdul Khalid said that the prize of RM4.35 million, including four Toyota cars, was offered for the golf tournament which will take place from 20 to 23 June.

The sixth Pro Am Golf Tournament features last year’s champion, Thaworn Wiratchant (Thailand) who is expected to defend his title.

Also competing is Lin Wen Tang (Chinese Taipei), Scott Hend (Australia) and Anirbon Lahiri (India).

MDKL Clean Zone Programme to Overcome Dengue Problem

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BANTING, June 17: The Kuala Langat District Council (MDKL) is determined to continue the excellence achieved in the clean zone programme since it was started by the State Government four years ago.

The Local Authority (LA) emerged as the champion for the district council category in 2010 and 2011, and runner-up for the same category last year.

Morib Assemblyman, Hasnul Baharuddin said that praise should be given to MDKL for vigorously making the programme a success with various plans and efforts carried out in the said district.

According to him, MDKL has been seen to make many changes since 2010 and with that, much success has been achieved through the programme each year.

“The areas involved such as Kampung Jenjarom has been seen to have many changes in terms of better facilities and maintenance.

“If previously Taman Seri Putera was seen as the champion of dengue outbreaks with 200 to 300 cases throughout a year, as of now, there have been less than 10 cases reported this year.

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“I express my sincere appreciation and congratulations to all agencies, associations and parties involved, especially MDKL which worked tirelessly towards making this programme as success,” he said when speaking at the MDKL Clean Zone Programme launch here at Taman Banting Baru.

Also present was the President of MDKL, Mohd Azhar Mohamed Ali and Deputy Director General (Development) of the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), Mohd Saleh Santhiman.

Hasnul said that the clean programme planned by the State Government with the aim of making Selangor the cleanest state should be emulated by other states.

He stressed that the local authorities in Selangor, comprising of city councils, municipal councils and district councils, have good management therefore programmes carried out achieve excellence.

“MDKL itself is among the examples of best district councils in Selangor and the country,” he said.

MBSA Asked to Immediately Solve the Problems of Pangsapuri Indah Ria Residents

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SUBANG JAYA, June 16: Shah Alam City Council (MBS) have been asked to discuss with developers involved to solve the problem of cracks at Pangsapuri Indah Ria at Section 22 Shah Alam.

According to the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, MBSA is studying the problem and will hold discussions till the problem involving 1,000 residents is solved as soon as possible.

He said that if the problem plaguing the apartment residents fails to be resolved, MBSA will ask to make repairs in advance.

He said that if the talks do not bear fruit, the State Government will instruct MBSA to advance the damage reparation works for the apartment.

“MBSA has already shed light on the matter to the State Government the other regarding this matter and we understand that there have been disagreements between developers and residents of the apartment at the time.

“We ask MBSA to hold discussions with the developer and the residents where if the matter is not resolved, we will instruct the Council to precede the reparation works and demand payment from the developer.

“If the developer refuses, we will take this case to court,” he stressed.

Residents of the said apartment had previously expressed concern and sought cooperation from the State Government to help solve the problem concerning their land which they believe if affecting the residential structure which they are occupying since a year ago.

The Chairman of the Joint Management Body (JMB) of the apartment, Ariffuniza Koraini said that they have expressed the matter several times to MBSA but to date, no action has been taken.

The residents who submitted a memorandum to Abdul Khalid previously claimed that since May last year, to effective solution has been taken, that fingers have been pointed and that responsibility has not been taken.

3C Complex Branding For People from All Walks of Life

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SUBANG JAYA, June 16: In accordance with the needs and desires of the residents around Subang Jaya, the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) took the initiative to expand the functions of the 3C complex into a human capital development centre for people from all walks of life.

The 3C complex which was formerly known as the ‘Children Creativity Centre’ was previously reserved for children but has now been re-branded into the ‘Children & Community Creativity Centre’ where it is open to all ages, including adults, senior citizens and teenagers as well as children with special needs.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the complex does not only encourage the public to take advantage of all facilities available, but it also serves as a platform to produce talent in the community.

According to him, all programmes carried out are appropriate to the target group and are led by instructors with the qualification and expertise.

“The idea of using these five acres of land (complex construction) is based on the creativity of MPSJ with the target of making this place a community focus.

“The reason is to make this a centre to enliven the creativity of the community, especially young children, from childhood into adulthood.

“We are developing Subang Jaya as a futuristic municipality so that it will build the strength of the community here,” he said after the Opening Ceremony and the Branding of the 3C Complex here at Jalan PJS11/2 yesterday.

Also present was the Welfare and Women’s Affairs Exco, Rodziah Ismail and the MPSJ President, Datuk Asmawi Kasbi.

Through the re-branding of this complex, it will divided into four main components; child development, community development, synergistic partner as well as rental and facilities.

Among the activities offered are ballet classes, chess and science workshops (for children), batik printing and culinary classes (for the youth), bead embroidery classes (for women) and sewing and cooking classes (for single mothers).