Tag: Financial Contributions

Selangor Targets 10 Million Tourists by 2018

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SHAH ALAM, July 26: By 2018, the Selangor Government targets for 10 million tourists to visit Selangor, says Exco for Tourism, Consumer Affairs and Environment, Elizabeth Wong.

Elizabeth says the estimate is based on the increasing number of tourists every year in addition to the State Government’s target of 7 million tourists for the Visit Selangor Year 2015.

She said that as of now, the number of tourists has recorded a positive development; which is 6 million last year.

She said to realise the 10 million target, the State Government will change their promotional strategy.

“We also want to train tour drivers to be fluent in foreign languages and not only in English. This is because the increase in tourists in Selangor consists of tourists who are not from Europe.

In addition, the State Government will upgrade and maintain tourist sites in the next five years to add value and strengthen existing products.

She has targeted four rural areas that need attention, including Sabak Bernam, Kuala Langat, Hulu Langat and Hulu Selangor.

Elizabeth added that at least 300 existing tourism sites have been identified to be improved or promoted.

“It encompasses the maintenance of the surrounding areas, reparation of public facilities and the improving of existing building structures,” she said.

“But from the amount, we may not work on all. It depends on the needs of the area as well.

“An example is the Sekinchan area which is now developing as a tourist destination. If we move a little ahead to Sabak Bernam, it would certainly grow because it has great potential to be developed.

“We want these places to be upgraded to an international tourism status, we want foreign and domestic tourists coming to the area because it will improve the financial status of villagers and the local population,” she said.

Selangor Sultan Officiates Taman Putra Perdana Puchong Mosque

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SEPANG, July 25: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah officiated the Taman Putra Perdana Puchong Mosque here, which can accommodate about 2,000 worshipers.

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Sultan Sharafuddin also presented Aidilfitri contributions to about 400 orphans, the poor and needy, and new Muslims at the Iftar Ceremony with the People which was also held here yesterday.

The Director of the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), Datuk Marzuki Hussin said the construction of the mosque if to avoid overcrowding at the Kampung Pulau Meranti Mosque.

He said that the developer of Taman Putra Perdana started developing the new mosque in 2001 and it was completed in stages till year 2004.

“The mosque has been equipped with several facilities such as the main prayer space, a mosque meeting room, ablution places for men and women, a funeral process room and toilets for men and women.

“So, with the construction of the Taman Putra Perdana mosque, carrying out religious activities such as educational and spiritual programmes can be carried out by the parishioners and the mosque,” he said.

He said that the Taman Putra Perdana Puchong Mosque has also been named the best mosque in the Sepang district in 2012.

“Hopefully, with the opening of this mosque, it will boost the spirit of the Committee Members and the parishioners to enliven it for the purpose of enhancing the growth of Islam in accordance with the functions and role,” he said.

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UPM Knowledge Endowment Fund Collects Over RM2.4 Million to Help Poor Students

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SERDANG July 20: The Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Knowledge Endownment Fund established two years ago managed to collect over RM2.4 million donated by various parties such as industry members, corporate partners and people of the university itself.

UPM Vice Chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Fauzi Ramlan said, the progress is a proud thing for UPM as they strive to empower national education by providing higher education opportunities to the poor.

He said that the Endowment Fund was launched on 16 August 2011 by DYMM the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who is also the Chancellor for UPM.

“The main objective the Knowledge Endowment Fund was established is to fund university education for the next generation, even more so for the poor who cannot afford to finance their studies.

“We believe that knowledge has the strength it takes to develop a new society and civilization.

“These efforts are able to strengthen self-esteem among the young people today,” he said at in a speech at the Fast Breaking Ceremony and Terawih prayer with the UPM Chancellor at the UPM Mosque Square.

The Sultan of Selangor consented to present donations to 50 school students and 30 UP students who are from needy (miskin) asnaf group.

He also consented to receive business Zakat from UPM Holdings Sdn Bhd totalling to RM173,000 at the same event.

Also present was the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Mohd Fauzi said that DYMM the Sultan of Selangor as the university Chancellor has always been seriously committed to the people to perform rituals, mingle and take advantages to channel contributions to those in need.

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Mosques and Suraus More Active Under Pakatan Rakyat

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KLANG, July 19: The role of mosques and suraus in Selangor has been seen to be more active in organising programmes that are not only religious, but also include social activities since the state was under the governance of Pakatan Rakyat in March 2008.

Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Faekah Husin said, the State Government under the leadership of Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has managed to restore the function of mosques and suraus as the focus of the Muslim community to worship and gain knowledge.

According to her, to enliven the Ihya Ramadan programme this year, the State Government, through the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), has allocated RM2.7 million to be distributed to all mosques and suraus in the state.

She said that the RM1,650 allocation for mosques will be delivered, while for suraus holding the Friday prayers will receive a contribution of RM1,250, and RM1,000 will be given to all suraus throughout Selangor.

“Mosques and suraus have been enlivened very well since under PR’s administration, in fact better than 10 years ago.

“I have received a lot of positive responses from the local community who are flocking to visit mosques around Selangor because they are excited about the activities and religious as well as knowledge programmes organised,” she said when attending the Dates Handing Over Ceremony to Mosques around the Port Klang constituency.

At the event, Faekah, representing Abdul Khalid, presented about 2,000 packs of dates to 10 mosques around the constituency.

Some of the mosques that received the contribution were the Bukit Tinggi Mosque, the Pendamar Mosque, the Kampung Idaman Mosque, the Ar Rahman Mosque and the Ubudiah Mosque.

The distribution of dates has been implemented since 2008 for several areas around Selangor, where not less than 10,000 packs are distributed to the people.

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PKNS Corporate Culture Revolution Boosts Work Culture and Competitiveness

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SHAH ALAM, July 18: As a company that requires close relationship with customers, the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) organised a Corporate Culture Revolution Programme especially for its staff.

The programme is believed to improve work culture, operations, administration, matter linked with the appointment of PKNS members, so that it is always seen as a company that moves forward positively.

PKNS Academy General Manager, Idris Ishak said, through this programme, every employee of PKNS would be free to submit ideas to further improve PKNS in the future.

“Our aim is to make PKNS a fun working environment thus motivating its members to carry out their duties,” he told TVSelangor.

In the meantime, over 1,040 PKNS employees from various capacities participated in the programme, with 60 individuals appointed as ‘Key Influencers’ to ensure the success of this programme.

According to Ishak, many PKNS members welcomed the ‘No Blame’ culture which is one of the main goals to be achieved through this programme.

“Most of the participants felt happy when tabling proposals for improvement received by the management, promising to consider the proposed improvements given,” added the Programme Coordinator.

Asnaf Happy to Receive Contribution

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AMPANG, July 18: The asnaf who received Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr) contributions yesterday from DYMM (his Royal Highness) the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah felt happy and overwhelmed to be able to cover their expenses for the Raya celebrations.

Cheerfulness was seen behind the lines of 54-year-old Fatimah Kaur Abdullah’s face, a needy (miskin) asnaf who said that the money will be used to prepare herself and her children for the festive days ahead.

“Alhamdulillah, no matter the amount given, I will still use it as best possible for me and my children during the Raya days,” said the mother of seven.

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The same feeling was shared by Rosmidah Nasir, 65, who thanked the Sultan and the Selangor Zakat Board (LZS) that have been attentive to her each Aidilfitri.

“Thanks to HRH for being concerned about the people in Selangor, especially asnaf like us,” she said.

A total of 143 poor (fakir) asnaf, 157 needy (miskin) asnaf, 184 orphans and 100 converts received the Hari Raya contributions at a Breaking Fast Event With the People at the Al-Azim Mosque here in Pandan Indah yesterday.

The poor, needy and the converts received RM400 per person while the orphans received RM100 per person.

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Accompanying him was the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, the Selangor State Government Secretary, Datuk Mohamed Khusrin Munawi, and the Chairman of the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais), Datuk Mohamad Adzib Mohd Isa.

Also present was the Director of the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais), Datuk Marzuki Hussin and the Chief Executive Officer of LZS, Mohamed Izam Mohamed Yusof.

At the same event, DYMM the Sultan of Selangor received the Zakat contributions amounting to RM435,121 from Permodalan Nageri Selangor Berhad (PNSB).

PNSB was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Ahmad Omar, who handed the business Zakat for the 2012 financial year end.

Selangor Sultan Officiates RM4.1 Million Bandar Baru Sungai Buluh Mosque

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PETALING JAYA, July 17: DYMM (His Royal Highness) the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah officiated the Bandar Baru Sungai Buluh Mosque here in conjunction with the DYMM Sultan of Selangor with the People Fast Breaking Ceremony.

The mosque building was constructed by the MK Land Company at a cost of RM4.1 million and can accommodate a congregation of 5,000, and this mosque is also known as the Yellow Mosque because of its yellow dome.

Sultan Sharafuddin also named the mosque the Bandar Baru Sungai Buluh Mosque.

In the same occasion, the Sultan donated Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr) contributions to 302 Asnaf comprising of orphans, the poor-needy (fakir-miskin), new converts and Tahfiz students.

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Meanwhile, the Gapurna Chairman, Tan Sri Abdul Halim Ali in his speech said that the company has also contributed in terms of finance and material to upgrade the mosque.

“Among the upgrades include painting the walls of the mosque, repairing the ablution area and toilets, changing Kalimantan lights to floodlights for the pulpit, fixing and replacing the speaker system.

“Also fixed are helicopter fans at the main mosque area and the installation of additional tanks based on the list of priorities provided by the Mosque Committee,” he said.

Accompanying the Sultan of Selangor at the event was the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, the State Government Secretary, Datuk Mohammed Khusrin Munawi and the JAIS Director, Datuk Marzuki Husin.

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Selangor Forced to Spend RM75,000 of Public Funds to Pay the Legal Fees for the Single Mothers’ Lawsuit

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SHAH ALAM, July 4: The State Government was forced to spend RM75,000 of public funds to pay for the legal cost of the recent single mothers’ lawsuit.

According to the Selangor Executive Councillor for Welfare and Women’s Affairs, Rodziah Ismail, this matter is very disappointing when the money could have been utilised to pay for a variety of beneficial programmes, including those for single mothers.

“Would it not be better if the RM75,000 was given directly to single mothers?” said Rodziah in her winding up speech during the Selangor State Assembly session today.

Rodziah however said that the plaintiff in the single mothers’ lawsuit against the State Government has withdrawn their lawsuit after losing a court case recently.

Prior to this, a total of 3,011 single mothers in Selangor filed a suit claiming RM16.26 million in allowance arrears for the group which was allegedly promised in the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat (PR) manifesto in the 12th General Election in 2008.

However, the Putrajaya Court of Appeal in their judgement last May decided to cancel the suit.

The suit was believed to have been masterminded by specific parties with political motives to discredit the good reputation of the Selangor PR Government.

More recently, the State Government found that three of the single mothers who joined the suit did receive benefit from the programme or the State Government Welfare Schemes.

According to Rodziah, the State Government hopes that this would be the precedent case for other lawsuits faced by the State Government.

Selangor Government Provides Assistance Regardless of Political Affiliation

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SHAH ALAM, July 2: The State Government reminded all government officials, including the Social Welfare Department (JKM) to be professional when working by prioritising the interest of the people in Selangor without being biased.

Welfare and Women’s Affairs Exco, Rodziah Ismail said that all officers and employees have been asked to be open and responsible in discharging their duties regardless of political affiliation.

“All JKM officers are reminded to enhance their level of professionalism and to put the receiver who is truly in need as the priority basis without taking into account political background.

“Therefore, if there are any other officers who still do this, please report their names for further action.”

Rodziah said this when answering a question by Dusun Tua Assemblyman, Razaly Hassan during the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) session here today.

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.

Brides in Selangor Advised to Register for Incentives, Affordable Homes

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SHAH ALAM, June 30: The increase of marriage incentives to RM 500 and registration for affordable housing (RMM) schemes are among the attractions offered by the Selangor Government to couples in Selangor who want to get married.

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Newlyweds have been asked to register with the State Government so that their joyous event can be celebrated together in addition to receiving incentives through programmes under the Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor (MES) or People’s Economy (loosely translated) agenda.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the state government at the moment is still giving RM 200 to every bride and groom couple but the amount is to be increased to RM 500.

The raise was promised in the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat manifesto in the 13th General Election (GE-13) last month.

According to Abdul Khalid, registration will enable the State Government to get clear information on the number of marriages that take place in Selangor and this will help with the process of granting MES programmes to those who qualify.

So far, about 25,000 newlyweds have been registered in Selangor since January.

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“Among the programmes we are endeavouring is to enter their name into Affordable Homes (RMM) granting programmes so that the selected will own a house if they are under the middle-income category and are permanent residents in Selangor.”

He said this in a press conference after handing over ceremony of the 2013 Youth Marriage Incentives and the Launch of the Youth Website (BES) here in Selangor.

Also present was the Exco for Youth, Sports, Infrastructure and Public Facilities, Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi, as well as other State Government Excos such as Dr Halimah Alo and Dr Daroyah Alwi.

A total of 191 newlyweds received the incentive which was presented by the Chief Minister in the ceremony.

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Elaborating, Abdul Khalid said that those who have been living in Selangor for at least 15 years can be considered as permanent residents and are eligible to participate in the programme.

He explained that the State Government also plans to increase the incentive from RM 200 to RM 500.

“Apart from that, when we have mass we hold mass wedding celebrations, we will also give a cash prize of RM 100,” he said.

For couple Mohammad Hamdan Mhd Nordin, 28 and Sazalina Mohd Salleh, 25, the State Government’s contribution is an encouraging gift for every bride and groom in Selangor.

“We got married on January 19 this year (and) we are thankful that newlyweds who want to build families are being assisted by the State Government.

“With this encouragement, couples planning weddings need not wait too long,” they said.

Meanwhile, Nicholas Ang, 28 and Cynthia Ng, 28, said that they were excited when they found about the incentives being given by the State Government.

“Weddings now are quite expensive, it is good that incentives such as this can reduce the burden,” said the couple that were married on March 30.

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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.