KL and PJ Authorities Should Monitor Bukit Gasing Project

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KUALA LUMPUR, 29 JAN: The Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya local authorities have been urged to monitor the progress of development projects around the vicinity of Bukit Gasing to ensure that it does not threaten the safety of the residents in surrounding areas.

This is due to a series of landslides and soil movement that the population claim to be caused by the luxury housing site on the slopes of the hill.

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Lembah Pantai MP, Nurul Izzah Anwar said that the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has been asked to act immediately because previously various complaints have been brought up by residents.

“There have been several cases of landslides and floods that have happened at Kampung Pasir and the Institute of Language Studies at Lembah Pantai and Hill Park.

“These landslides have happened in areas covered under DBKL,” said Nurul Izzah.

She said this during a ‘turun padang’ (going to the ground to attend to people’s needs) exercise to the places that have been claimed to experience landslides near the Gasing Meridian construction site at Gasing Indah.

Nurul Izzah asked DBKL and the Malaysian Institute of Public Works (IKRAM) to join together with the local authorities of Petaling Jaya to solve the problem holistically.

“When there is a development that is approximately 60 acres from hillsides, DBKL should act when incidences such as landslides occur.

“Why should we wait till there is a terrible landslide before acting,” Nurul Izzah stressed.

Nurul Izzah further explained that there is a conflict of interests when DBKL has allegedly cooperated with the developers of the said areas.

According to Subang Jaya Assemblywoman, Hannah Yeoh, residents have been asked to create a response team that will monitor every development that happens around Bukit Gasing.

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“MBPJ should also stop any development approvals in Bukit Gasing which is located under Petaling Jaya,” said Hannah who is also looking after Bukit Gasing.

Resident of Bukit Gasing, Gary Yeoh is seeking help from elected representatives so that landslides get special attention from the local authorities.

“We ask the authorities to act and to inform about developments from time to time,” he said.

Meanwhile, project manager of Gasing Meridian Sdn Bhd, Kenneth Tan claims that there have been no landslides that have occurred at the Gasing Meridian project site.

“I am at the project area everyday and I have found that there have been no landslides at the Gasing Meridian construction site.

“We are carrying out development works in phases,” he said.

CM: Batu Caves Condo Cancelled Because Of Breach of Conditions

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SHAH ALAM, 29 JAN: The Selangor Government cancelled the 29-storey condominium at Batu Caves because the developer, Dolomite Properties Sdn Bhd, did not follow the conditions and guidelines which were set by the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS).

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the decision was reached after examining the report of the special committee that was set up to review the development project.

“We have basis for the decision,” said Abdul Khalid in a press conference today.

Meanwhile, Abdul Khalid urged Dolomite to deal directly with MPS for further explanation.

“The developers must contact the Selayang Local Authorities. The decision was made based on the information that we acquired from the approval and the application,” he said.

Abdul Khalid announced the cancellation of the project last week in order to protect public safety and to preserve the environment.

Prior to this, it was reported that the Special Committee consisted of five independent professionals with the purpose of examining the approval of the condominium construction project at Batu Caves and its surrounding areas.

The professionals are Klang District Dignitary, Datuk Setia Diraj Datuk Abdul Ghani Pateh; Neurosurgeon, Dr M Nachiappan; former Judicial Commissioner, Datuk Ranita Hussein; construction law specialist, Harbans Singh and Geology expert, Tan Boon Kong.

The project development approval was given by MPS in the year 2007.

However, the project received strong opposition from the Hindu community who were worried that it would affect the area of the Batu Caves temple.

Selangor Cancels Batu Caves Condominium Project

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SHAH ALAM, 24 JAN: The controversy regarding the construction of the 26-storey condominium at Batu Caves has finally come to an end when the Selangor Government revoked the planning permission granted to real estate developers, Dolomite Properties.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the decision was made in order to protect public safety and to preserve the environment.

The decision was made based on the report by the Independent Committee that met last Tuesday to review the development at Batu Caves and its surrounding areas.

“I thank them for the readiness to assist the State Government in finding long-term solutions for the issue of development at Batu Caves and its surrounding areas.

“At the meeting, the Town and Rural Planning Department presented in detail the status of the construction of structures and buildings at Batu Caves and its level of safety.

“After listening to the explanation, I decided for the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) to revoke the planning permission that has been granted to Dolomite Properties Sdn Bhd,” he said in a media statement.

In relation to the aforementioned, Abdul Khalid hopes that this decision will be positively received by all parties because it involves public safety.

According to him, the State Government will not compromise with any development project that could threaten the safety of the people.

“The State Government supports any development projects aimed for the well-being of the people, but it should be planned carefully, in accordance with the rules and does not endanger the safety of the people,” he said.

Prior to this, the State Government had appointed five professionals to join an independent committee to examine the project approval for the condominium construction project at Batu Caves and its surrounding areas.

The professionals are Klang District Dignitary, Datuk Setia Diraj Datuk Abdul Ghani Pateh; Neurosurgeon, Dr M Nachiappan; former Judicial Commissioner, Datuk Ranita Hussein; construction law specialist, Harbans Singh and Geology expert, Tan Boon Kong.

Prior to this, the Dolomite Park Avenue project by developer Dolomite Properties Sdn Bhd at Batu Caves had received strong opposition because the area is the focus place for Hindu worship.

According to the MPS meeting minutes, the project was approved in 2007, during the previous Umno-BN administration.

Sports Complex Land Made Into Luxury Apartment

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SHAH ALAM, 24 JAN: In the past, the community around Section 25, Taman Sri Muda should have gotten a Sports Recreation Complex and a Community Centre for the purpose of leisure and gatherings.

However, as a result of political interference during the Umno-BN administration era, the seven acres of land for these projects have been used to build a 691-unit luxury apartment.

The development project of five apartment blocks with seven to 14 floors began after obtaining consent from the State Executive Council (MKNN) in 2007.

DAP Deputy State Secretary, Ng Suee Lim claimed that the land title was given to the Kota Raja Umno Division with a nominal price of only RM1,000 compared to the market price of almost RM10 million.

He said that the land involved is one of the 24 pieces of land throughout the state that was purchased at a very cheap price; a premium of RM1 per square metre, by the Umno-BN party.

The Sekinchan Assemblyman also claimed that the land in Taman Sri Muda was supposed to have been divided between the Kota Raja Umno Division and the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA).

“The Klang District Land Office committee fixed that 4 acres of land were to be given to MBSA and three acres to be given to the Kota Raja Umno Division at current prices.

“However after the MKNN meeting, 4 acres were given to Umno and 3 acres were given to MBSA at a nominal price of only RM1,000.

“But from what we have observed and according to development plans obtained, almost all of the seven acres are owned by the Kota Raja Umno Division.

“MBSA was only given a hall with an area of less than an acre,” he said in a press conference at the project development site.

Also present was the PKR Chief of Information, Shuhaimi Shafei.

Suee Lim added that in 2005, there was a total of 11 applications from private companies to build residential or business buildings.

However, applications to build the sports complex were also received from the former Seri Muda Assemblyman, Datuk Amzah Omar.

“Because the Kota Raja Division Umno Chief was also one of their (Umno-BN) cronies, they gave it to him,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shuhaimi said that the scandal he dubbed the ‘1Malaysia Land Grab’ or ‘Sapu Tanah 1 Malaysia’ (SaT1M) was another evidence of improper conduct by Umno-BN.

“The SaT1M scandal is being questioned when we see Local Authorities (PBT) being used by their (Umno-BN) political party.

“Through the cooperation of Umno-BN and developers, the party is able to gain millions of Ringgit. The price of a single unit of this apartment is now more than RM250,000,” he said.

In relation to the issue, he recommended that all parties involved in the matter to pay a sum of money to MBSA as the land owned by MBSA was also taken for the purpose of the said development.

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Lajim: Take Legal Action Against 40,000 Sabahans Transferred to Vote in Selangor

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SHAH ALAM, Jan 24: The State Government of Selangor has been urged to take legal action against claims of about 40,000 ‘Sabahans’ being transferred as voters in Selangor.

Former Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government, Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin, claimed the majority of the ‘Sabahans’ are not native to or born in the state but are foreigners that were granted citizenship and identity cards.

He said that out of this number, only about 20-30 percent are real Sabahans.

“The Selangor Government should examine if there is a loophole in the legislation to acquire an injunction proceeding or otherwise for them,” said Lajim who is also the Beaufort Member of Parliament when contacted by TV Selangor.

He also said that the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) machinery in Selangor should intensify its efforts and framework to identify the 40,000 ‘Sabahans’ and give an explanation so that they are not taken advantage of by BN.

“It is not impossible that they will favour us (Pakatan Rakyat) if they are given clarification and explanation.

“Because they are only being used by BN to gain power.

“After that they will be ignored and no longer be given attention by BN if they are in power,” he said.

136 Affordable Housing in Sungai Long To Be Completed In Two Months

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KAJANG, 17 JAN: Selangor Housing Exco, Iskandar Abdul Samad informed that the Affordable Homes (RMM) project in Jalan Sungai Long 12/2, Bandar Sungai Long, is expected to completed in two months.

Involving 136 units under the responsibility of developer Sin Heap Lee Development Sdn Bhd, this is the third RMM project built by the Selangor State Government.

“Originally this area was a low-cost housing area. Due to being a long distance away from the city, we allowed a change of status. So we will maintain the price while buyers names come from the State Government.

“The State Government has a rule where the houses can be owned by those with incomes below RM5000.

“We have set that they cannot sell the houses within the next five years to avoid any speculation.

“They must also have only one house and must occupy the houses, and it cannot be rented out,” he said after a working visit accompanied by the President of the Kajang Municipal Council, Datuk Hasan Nawawi Abd Rahman.

Iskandar explained that the ground floor houses are prioritised for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) applicants.

With an area of 820-880 square feet, the expected selling price is approximately RM100,000 and below, and will be decided by the State Government.

Two RMM projects previously completed by the State Government is situated at Bukit Botak and Bandar Baru Bangi.

Both these projects are expected to be completed and occupied this year.

This Sungai Long RMM is built with a design of three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

There are 150 parking lots provided with 10 percent of them allocated for the public as well as administrative officers, a Surau, a playground and a small hall.

In addition, the developer is also planning the construction of 536 RMM units in U10 Shah Alam and is expected to be completed in two years.

Iskandar added that Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad (PNSB) is also undergoing efforts to build 280 RMM units in Sutera Damansara and 400 units in Sabak Bernam.

Iskandar Introduces Policy To Ensure Only The Eligible Own RMM

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KAJANG, 17 JAN: The Selangor State Government will ensure that Affordable Housing (RMM) built is owned by only those who truly deserve it and to avoid individuals that own more than one house from recurring.

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This new policy, stated by the Selangor Housing Exco, Iskandar Abdul Samad, altogether prioritises those earning below RM5,000 in owning their first home.

“All the names of affordable housing applicants will come from the State Government for supervision.

“We want to give to those who really deserve it.

“Importantly, we do not want incidences, like during the previous government, where some bought the houses then sold them, apart from owning several houses,” he said.

According to him, among the criteria for RMM ownership is that it is given to families and those with dependents.

Iskandar explained that the State Government has also received many home ownership applications, especially from young couples who are newly building a family and have their first child.

The State Government also provides a quota to those who register their babies under the Selangor Children Heritage Fund (Tawas).

Apart from that, the State Government will also build RMMs using the concept of prefabricated houses with allocations of RM50 million.

“Recently, Chief Minister (Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim) announced that the State Government has allocated RM50 million to build affordable housing using the prefabricated concept.

“We are looking for cheap houses, with quality and is quick to build. That’s the reason of 50 million being the first capital for construction. We expect 2,000 affordable homes.

“This RM50 million is from the state’s savings reserves that amount to RM2.5 billion,” he added.

Earlier, Iskandar conducted a working visit to see the progress of the RMM project at Jalam Sungai Long 12/2, Bandar Sungai Long.

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Residents Demonstrate Urging SYABAS To Restore Water Supply

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SHAH ALAM, 10 Jan: Today, over 50 residents around Pandan gathered at Wisma Rozali here to urge the Selangor Water Supply Company (SYABAS – Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor) to restore the water supply in areas that have been experiencing disruptions since two weeks ago.

The residents, together with non-governmental organisation (NGO) Hak Air Untuk Rakyat (Hayat) began gathering at Wisma Rizali at 12 noon to hand over a memorandum to the Chief Executive Officer, Tan Sri Rozali Ismail.

They also carried banners, among them stated “Syabas terbabas’, ‘Syabas tidak boleh harap’ (Syabas cannot be trusted), ‘kembalikan hak rakyat’ (restore the rights of the people) and ‘disebabkan Syabas anak kami tidak ke sekolah’ (because of Syabas, our children did not go to school) as well as ‘disebabkan Syabas peniaga tidak dapat berniaga’ (because of Syabas, traders cannot trade).

Hayat Chairman, Arshad Ahmad said that most of the people around Ampang are not satisfied with Syabas for not carrying out its duties well.

He said that Syabas is seen as trying to politicise the water issue in the interest of others and blaming the State Government.

“Residents are disappointed with what is happening, Syabas should not have evoked the outrage of the people.

“We also urge Syabas to hand over the water management to the State Government,” he said.

To make matters worse, Arshad claimed that Syabas sent water trucks to the residents only once in the past two weeks.

He added that residents will not hesitate to sue Syabas should the water supply not be restored immediately.

Resident Lee Shok Jing, 32, said that residents cannot accept the reasons given by Syabas as it is already the responsibility of the company to plan and make preparations so that residents get water without interruption.

“The water supply which was cut off is causing the residents to quarrel among themselves, for example, yesterday, residents were stressed out until they fought among themselves to get the water which was delivered, we do not want this to continue,” said Lee.

The memorandum was received by the Syabas representative, Executive Director Ismail Hashim.

Previously, the water supply problem was allegedly caused by five water pumps in Wangsa Maju that broke down, causing several areas to incur water supply outages, among them were areas around Ampang and Cheras.

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2013: Efforts Doubled to Meet The People’s Ideals + CM Video

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SHAH ALAM, 31 Dec: For four years since March 2008, the Pakatan Rakyat Selangor Government has successfully governed the state well and with satisfaction.

As noted in the National Audit Department Report, particularly on the state’s finances which have been managed efficiently and prudently.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the Selangor government has successfully managed to increase government cash reserves from RM400 million in 2008 to RM2.5 billion as of October 2012.

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“Around RM800 million has been given back to the people through more than 20 welfare programmes in the ‘Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor’ (MES or Localising the Selangor Economy) policy,” said Abdul Khalid in his 2013 New Year’s address.

He explained that the State Government is working hard to improve the standard of living of every citizen without practising discrimination.

“It is fair that my thanks go out to the people of Selangor for giving their support to the Pakatan Rakyat-led State Government since March, 2008.

“The Selangor State Government prioritises the people’s welfare of all races, all religion, every culture and regardless of their political affiliation,” said Abdul Khalid.

He added that the people and Selangor is fortunate to be ruled by a Sultan who is caring and concerned about the welfare and problems of the people.

For the Muslim people, His Royal Highness the Sultan, as the Head of Islam, always reminds Muslims to implement Islamic teachings.

For non-Muslims, from 2009, the State Government has allocated an amount of RM3 million and since 2010, a total of RM4 million (has been allocated) each year to assist non-Muslim places of worship.

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“The Selangor Government administration is now showing a good level of administrative reform and with the reform, various achievements can be seen.

“In maintaining this success, I wish to convey a message to all people that this state belongs to all of us and the ‘Selangorku’ logo which we use, symbolises; “Selangor is always at the heart of the people”,” said Abdul Khalid.

He explained that Selangor is now trying to fulfil the needs of the people according to priority and ability.

This will be revealed in 2013, the State Government is preparing to start the construction of the third bridge in Klang which is over 2 kilometres with six lanes which before this, has been failed to be fulfilled by BN.

“By absorbing the cost of RM300 million, which will be fully using the State Government’s provisions,” he said

Abdul Khalid said that to meet the demands of various groups in owning their own homes, 6,470 low-cost housing units have been provided.

It was built with RM42 thousand and below per unit and has been successfully completed in the Petaling district, Hulu Langat, Gombak, Sepang and Kuala Selangor.

This amount does not include the 12,481 units that are currently under construction and are being planned.

For medium-cost houses, from RM100,000 and below, a total of 3,925 units have been completed in districts in Petaling, Klang, Hulu Langat, Gombak, Sepang, Kuala Selangor and Kuala Langat.

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“The Selangor Government extends our heartfelt gratitude to the people, of all walks of life for cooperating, allowing for Pakatan to bring about improvements for the welfare of the general public.

“I hope that the people’s support will continue up to five years, which is after the 13th General Elections.

“This is so that the current State Government will be able to double its efforts to meet the aspirations of the people through other programmes for the collective prosperity and well-being,” said Abdul Khalid.

2012 Curtain Closes: Selangor Government Further Strenghtens, the Envy of Umno-BN

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COMMENTS: As the 2012 curtain comes to a close, Pakatan Rakyat (PR) continues to prove its ability to govern states under its leadership with many resounding successes throughout its reign.

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Among the achievements that are considered as major milestones of PR in 2012 includes the acknowledgement of the Auditor General, headed by Tan Sei Ambrin Buang, towards good fiscal management by Selangor, Penang, Kedah and Kelantan Governments.

According to the Auditor General’s 2011 Report (LKAN) which was tabled in Parliament on October 15, it clearly demonstrates the financial management of states under PR are far better, leaving behind states administered by Umno-BN.

Among the acclaimed in the LKAN report was that the monies raised by the Selangor Government has increased by R62.5 million compared to the previous year.

Selangor also recorded its own history when, for the first time, the State Government reserves reached more than RM2.5 billion.

Apart from that, the response of the people of Selangor towards various agendas under the ‘ Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor’ by the State Government has also been the envy of Umno-BN.

Until September 30, 2012, the State Government has spent RM766,913,379 for the success of 16 assistance programmes or assistance schemes, for the people of Selangor since the programme was launched.

At the same time, a total of 166,441 people of Selangor and 1,303,601 households have received various benefits from the programmes.

Among the programmes introduced are Free Water Supply, Selangor Microcredit Scheme (SkimSel), Children’s University Entrance Gift, Golden Age Friendly Scheme (SMUE), Selangor Children Heritage Fund (TAWAS), People’s Tuition Centre, Urban Microcredit Scheme (MiMBAR), Selangor Kindergarten Assistance Scheme (TUNAS) and People’s Care Assistance Scheme (SiKembar) as well as others.

Umno-BN Fights With Slander

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Thus, it is not surprising when Umno-BN madly attacked and defamed the Selangor State Government to ensure that the richest state returns to to them.

Among the insane actions taken by Umno_BN includes the fictitious ‘Selangor Water Crisis’ advertisement project which was held at an apartment in Petaling Jaya on September 24.

However, this immoral political game shattered when several media, including TV Selangor itself, managed to sniff out the such activities.

On location of the filming, TV Selangor managed to be informed by several actors that they had paid RM50 for the success of several profanities describing ‘Water Crisis in Selangor’.

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The filming also became hilarious when tankers supposedly supplying water to ‘victims of water crisis’ did not only no carry a drop of water, but the ‘victims’ themselves took tap water before filling it into buckets which were brought as filming props.

The residents were unhappy with the action and also notified that their homes have never experiences water outages as the fictional film was trying to depict.

Meanwhile in October, residents at Taman Medan Cahaya also became victims of Umno-BN’s dirty politics when they were manipulated to participate in a demonstration demanding 20 cubic metres of free water from the State Government.

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However, the Block B Resident’s Association Chairman, Mohamad Fuad Jam Jam and a resident of Block H of the apartments involved, A Ramlee Yahya, informed that the involved apartment had already received free water supply since 2011.

In addition to that, Mohamad Faud also informed that before the demonstration was held, the association was informed by the demonstration organisers that the main purpose of the demonstration was to protest the publication of a film that insulted Prophet Muhammad, thus causing confusion among the residents.

Ever-Increasing Political Violence

Due to mounting pressure to return to power in PR states and to maintain power in Putrajaya, Umno-BN has been continuously acting insanely by violently hindering PR’s advancement.

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Several violent incidences involving Umno-BN supporters against PR supporters at a ‘ceramah’ site, either in Selangor or other states, have become among the heated topics of 2012.

Lately, at an incident at Negeri Sembilan, ANAK Information Chief, Naraza Muda was wounded in the head and passed out after being beaten with a sharp stick by Umno-BN supporters in the Orange Travel Convoy on December 23 recently.

Meanwhile, two PR supporters also suffered injuries after being attacked by a sharp weapon by Umno-BN supporters at a PR ‘ceramah’ in Gombak on December 4.

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Another most talked about Umno-BN violent incident in 2012 was the series of attack on the ‘People’s Freedom Tour’ (Jelajah Merdeka Rakyat) convoy including the ‘Independant People’ (Merdeka Rakyat) bus which PKR Opposition Leader, Datuk Anwar Ibrahim, was travelling in.

What’s more unfortunate was that the the police themselves did not show eagerness to overcome these violent political issues, thus letting it continue.

Malay Reserve Land Mortgaged

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Apart from violent actions against supporters of the opposition party, Umno-BN also shamelessly plays the race card to scare Malay voters into thinking that they would lose their political power.

However, unfortunately for Umno-BN, their efforts did not cause the maximum impact that they expected when their violent acts were also ridiculed by the general public.

In addition, Umno-BN’s patriotic action was also wasted with the expose of the old party’s betrayal of selling State Government-owned land and Malay reserve lands.

Inn Selangor alone, from 1999 to 2008, an estimate of 24 land lots belonging to the State Government, with an estimated value of RM300 million, which was obtained by Umno-BN in the Umno-BN administration era, was sold at a low price or were transferred to third parties.

Umno-BN was also smart in easily making money by inserting their interests in every transaction of the sale of land to third parties.

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Thus, the people of Selangor should make a wise decision in the upcoming elections in 2013.

If measures in terms of performance, it is not a difficult choice for the people of Selangor because performance records of over four years under the Selangor PR administration and the Umno-BN’s administration records of 55 years, tells everything.

Iskandar Disappointed That SYABAS Failed to Recover Water Supply

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PANDAN JAYA, 30 Dec: Housing, Building Management and Squatters Executive Councillor, Iskandar Abdul Samad, regrets the delay of assistance from Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) tankers following problems of deficiency at several apartments and houses at Cempaka district.

This situation is obviously frustrating and makes it difficult for users to perform daily activities including the disruption of a wedding feast.

“Since the middle of last night, no tanker has arrived. It was the worst at Seri Cahaya apartments and at the terraced house at Taman Bakti which was holding a wedding feast (kenduri).

“I cannot accept the excuse that the booster pumps at Wangsa Maju are damaged. Why are there no spare parts? Why is it being constantly repaired?” said the Cempaka Assemblyman in a short message to TV Selangor.

Almost the whole Cempaka district needs assistance from water tankers including at Pandan Jaya apartments, Pandan Jaya terraced houses, Taman Bakti, Taman Dagang, Taman Cempaka, Kampung Pandan Jaya and Taman Cahaya.

He explained that the water tanker sent was not enough and saturated to meet the needs of the residents.

“I have asked for the tanker delivery schedule from Syabas so that I can tell the people and not have them waiting. However there has not been any feedback reaction from Syabas,” he said.

Iskandar pointed out that this situation proves the importance of Selangor’s water industry restructuring, thus giving the State Government absolute power to manage it.

The People’s Hope for 2013: Additional Assistance Programmes, Solve Infrastructure Problems

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SHAH ALAM, 26 Dec: The people of Selangor are satisfied and have benefited from programmes offered throughout 2012 by the State Government such as school assistance (Back to School), TAWAS Selangorku Bonus and Free Water Scheme.

In addition, it is hoped that assistance for lower groups will increase and be continued next year, they also hope that Selangor will improve and provide infrastructural facilities under its control.

For example Nasaruddin Mohd Yusof has not paid a single water bill since the State Government introduced the 20 cubic metre free water scheme four years ago.

“Hopes for 2013 are that PR remains administering Selangor and would win at Putrajaya so as to focus programmes to care for the plight of low-income, private sector workers like me,” said the 39 year old security officer.

He also hopes that the State Government will increase more religious schools and will be more stringent in combating gambling machine activities throughout Selangor.

Apart from benefiting from the free water scheme, Sembagavalli Kaniapan, 35, also benefited from the ‘Back to School’ programme which was created by the State Government.

“‘The ‘Back to School’ programme helped lessen by burdens by a lot, especially with the increase in price of goods, and with this savings, I am able to finance my other needs,” said Sembagavalli.

Several senior citizens from Sembagavalli are also participants in the ‘Jom Shopping’ and ‘Case of Deaths’ programmes under the Golden Age Friendly Scheme (SMUE).

Sembagavalli hopes that the State Government will intensify efforts to help low-income earners in 2013.

Hamidah Salam from Batu Tiga, Shah Alam, also hopes that the State Government will endeavour projects to overcome flood problems that often happens in her residential area.

“Hopefully, in 2013, the State Government will able to provide assistance to flood victims and promptly overcome the flooding problem in Kebun Bunga,” she said, who is also a recipient of school assistance programmes from the State Government this year.

In addition, Hashim Bulat said that he hopes that the State Government will increase information programmes explaining state policies so that more people will know and apply for assistance.

“The State Government has already established various programmes to ensure that people from all walks of life in Selangor benefit from the State Government’s revenue,” he said.