Tag: Improvements and Upgrading

KSSB Intensifies Sand Mining Monitoring

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DENGKIL, 17 Oct: Kumpulan Semesta Sdn Bhd (KSSB) will intensify monitoring of sand mining areas to ensure the quality of river water is preserved.

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The Chief Executive Officer of KSSB, Datuk Dr Azimuddin Bahari said that they have set up a Monitoring Committee tasked to monitor all sand mining activities by providing reports every two weeks.

“We will conduct tight monitoring to ensure that appointed contractors do not break the rules set,” he told TVSelangor at the Ibadah Korban (Sacrificial) Ceremony organised by KSSB here at the As-Shariff Mosque.

Azimuddin said KSSB’s role is to assist the State Government in maintaining the river water irrigation system from flooding.

“KSSB assists in terms of flood mooring and sand dredging to smoothen the river water flow,” he said,

Azimuddin said the three appointed contractors have been terminated for violating regulations.

The Korban ceremony was attended by over 300 staff of KSSB and local residents, with six cows being sacrificed.

KPRU: Status of Opposition Leader Should be Equivalent to a Cabinet Minister

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SHAH ALAM, 17 Oct: The Political Studies for Change (KPRU) think tank urges Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to emulate the step taken by the Selangor state government in recognising and honouring the position of the Opposition Leader.

According KPRU, the recognition of the Opposition Leader is essential to bridge the gap between the remuneration and various forms of allowances received by the Opposition Leader, Cabinet Ministers and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“The Office of the Opposition Leader should receive allocation for the purpose of employing staffs such as researchers, press officers, executive assistants and so forth to manage with different tasks and affairs in Parliament.

“Such provision is important to enabling the Office of the Opposition Leader to obtain sufficient manpower, as well as allocations in performing and carrying out his duties and responsibilities as the Opposition Leader, as well as an elected representative of the people effectively and smoothly,” KPRU said in a statement.

Prior to this, the Selangor Government strengthened parliamentary democracy in Malaysia by giving special allowances and privileges amounting to RM8,620 per month to the Opposition Leader of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly.

“This was indeed a breakthrough in upholding the principles of democracy, as well as to advocate the rights and roles of the Opposition Leader as a crucial component in a democratic government in carrying out his/her role of check and balance to the existing government,” KPRU said.

KPRU said that in the two terms of leading the state government, the Selangor and Penang Government managed to take the initiative to mobilise the democratisation of State Assemblies and set an example to other state governments.

Ironically, the Central Government, despite ruling for over half a century, has still failed to make important strides.

“Where does BN Government’s ‘face’ (reputation) lie if they are still behind in upholding principles of democracy while they are eagerly shouting of “transformation” and “endless possibilities”,” KPRU said.

22 National Service Deaths, PR Urges to Postpone

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PETALING JAYA, 17 Oct: Pakatan Rakyat urges the Central Government to postpone the National Service Training Programme (NSTP) to next year to improve the original goals of the programme.

Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, the implementation of the NSTP should be reviewed because so far, it has resulted in 22 deaths of its trainees since it was launched.

He said, the goals of the NSTP which costs millions of ringgit should be reviewed for its effectiveness because various problems have cropped up and its goals are dubious.

“The goal of national unity, discipline and safety, because so far, from the beginning, there have been 22 deaths since the implementation of the NSTP,” Anwar said in a press conference at the PKR headquarters today.

He also proposed for the Parliament to form a special Parliamentary committee (PSC) to create a space to discuss whether to continue or cancel the programme.

Continuous Supply of Treated Water till 2022

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Mitigation measures implemented by the State Government are expected to ensure a continuous supply of treated water for another decade, which is till year 2022. The mitigation project is expected to complete this year.

Among the mitigation measures being taken is the restoration of the Bukit Jelutong water treatment plant which has been shut down. This is expected to increase the water reserves to 851 million litres of water a day (MLD). The use of membrane technology will increase the production of treated water by an additional 100 MLD.

The Socio-Economic Research Centre (SERC) however urged the State Government to be more decisive in ensuring tighter maintenance of the treatment plants and pipes.

“The study conducted by a survey firm, Enrico, found that all 29 water treatment plants which are being managed by Puncak Niaga are not operating at optimal levels. About 18 of the plants need to be repaired and upgraded,” SERC advised.

SERC urged the State Government to resolve water pollution in major rivers in Selangor, especially in Semenyih and Langat.

River pollution causes a reduction in raw water supply.

“As of April 2012, there were at least 13 incidents of downtime at treatment plants due to high pollution levels,” the report stated.

The sources of pollution identified are from manufacturing activities, poultry farms, oil spills and sand mining.

The State Government has been asked to enforce laws punishing river pollutants, to curb water theft and fraud, and to relocate factories to appropriate areas.

Syabas is Sabotaging Selangor’s Economy?

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The findings of the Socio-Economic Research Centre (SERC) on media reports about the Selangor water issue shows that the Selangor Water Supply Company (Syabas) is refusing or delaying the application of over 1,000 industry players who want to set up a factory in this state.

The matter was mentioned by the Chairman of Gerakan Prihatin Rakyat Selangor (GPRS), Datuk Sohaimi Shahadan in a statement to Bernama news agency.

According to Sohaimi, the concessionaire has done so on grounds that Selangor is facing serious shortage of treated water.

Previously, Syabas proposed a ration to address the crisis claimed by them.

However, the Central Government said that a ration is not required.

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“The announcement by the Central Government that a ration is not required as of yet means that there is adequate supply of treated water for Syabas customers, be it residential or industrial,” the SERC report stressed.

Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Selangor is not in crisis.

He rejected the ration and instead urged Syabas to supply water to areas suffering from disruptions.

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“For areas facing such disruptions, Syabas is required to supply water to the area. Not ration. We ask Syabas to resolve the problem so that consumers do not face problems,” he stressed.

Among the cases that have been reported is the application for water supply from a the world’s largest rubber glove manufacturer, Top Glove Corporation, which was rejected by Syabas. Developers also complained that their applications were also rejected.

In fact, goods manufacturer, F&N, incurred a huge loss because Syabas did not supply water for five days to the F&N factory in Pulau Indah.

Global Ikhwan Apologises, Declares to Obey Fatwa Council

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RAWANG, 16 Oct: 45 years after the establishment of the Al-Arqam movement, the splinter company of the teachings, Global Ikhwan Sdn Bhd (GISB) today acknowledged that the teachings of Aurad Muhamadiah practiced by the group had previously deviated from true Islamic teachings.

According to the Executive Chairman of GISB, Hatijah Aam, she began to realise the offences after praying in front of that Kaaba to ask for a sign and had several meetings with the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS).

“So today, is the first day of the Tasyrik for the Raya Haji 1434 Hijrah, similar to the 16 the of October 2013, I, Hatijah Binti Aam, declare in front of the Director of JAIS that GISB receive the fatwa verdict wholeheartedly.

“We will abide by the fatwa and return to the Government of Malaysia, particularly the Department of Islamic Development, Malaysia (Jakim), JAIS, and the Fatwa Council,” said the wide of the founder of Al-Aqram in Malaysia, Ashaari Muhammad, at a ceremony where Materials prohibited by the fatwa were disposed at the Bandar Country Homes this morning.

Therefore, she, on behalf of the group, apologises to the authorities, especially JAIS, the Fatwa Council, Jakim and all Islam believers in this country.

According to Hajijah’s confession, the Director of JAIS, Datuk Marzuki Hussin, the Chief Assistant Director of JAIS, Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad, and about 200 employees of GISB, where its majority are followers of Al-Aqram were present.

“If there are any employees in GISB who disobeys this matter, we declare here that they are no longer employees of GISB Holdings, either in Malaysia or abroad,” said Hajijah.

Meanwhile, Marzuki, when inaugurating the event, said that Hajijah’s confession is an honest and sincere confession.

“Although at the same many others out there consider this to be a mere act, we at JAIS are very confident with the honesty and sincerity (of the confession), and I have been convinced by several of my officers,” said Marzuki.

At the event, Marzuki also symbolically disposed over 20 titles of printed materials prohibited by Fatwa by burning books, magazines and Al-Arquam brochures.

The books included; Thoughts of Ustaz Ashaari Muhammad Series 2, Most Miraculous Leasers in His Time, Letters to the Prime Minister (answers to allegations), Aurad Muhamadiah – the Darul Arqam belief and so on.

Previously, Hajijah who has already been living in Jeddah for three years, was detained 45 days by the Saudi authorities on the offence of committing an act of heresy (practicing a misguided form of Islam) and for staying in the country past her visa period.

He was sent back to this country on 13 May 2013 and underwent a questioning process by Jais authorities.

Marzuki said in a press statement at the same event that the complete investigation papers by Jais had already been sent to the Shariah Court for prosecution.

The ‘Allah’ Word: Not an Excuse to Create Religious Tension

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SHAH ALAM, 14 Oct: The decision of the court of Appeal to prevent Catholic churches from using the word ‘Allah’ in their Malay-Language weekly, The Herald, is not an excuse for any party to create religious tension, hostility and hatred.

PKR Information Chief, Dr Muhammad Nur Manuty said tensions that have arose due to the use of the word ‘Allah’ which is racist and extreme should be stopped immediately so that the tension will not grow.

He said that there should be more frequent meetings between religious leaders, politicians and non-governmental organisations to enhance tolerance and mutual respect between the different religions in this country.

“Prior to this, not many meetings had taken place to alleviate mistrust between each other.

“If more meetings are held, this tension can certainly be reduced,” said Dr Manuty when contacted by TVSelangor.

Dr Manuty said inter-religious dialogues should be increased in aims to improve the space of tolerance allowed to better understand each other.

Member of Parliament for Parit Buntar, Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa said the court’s decision should not affect the good relations between religions in the country.

“When the court has decided, all parties should respect the decision.

“This is not a reason for relations between religions to become tense,” said Dr Mujahid when contacted by TVSelangor.

Dr Mujahid said when a meeting between religious leaders is held, it can avoid racist and religious prejudiced parties taking advantage of the situation to create religious conflict.

“The effect of the court’s decision will hopefully continue discussions and reinforce our determination for a peaceful atmosphere to increase dialogues and so on,” Dr Mujahid said.

PNSB Saves Abandoned Projects, Buyers Receive CF

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KUALA SELANGOR, 11 Oct: The purchase of the Taman Alam Perdana housing project in Kuala Selangor, which was abandoned since 2004 and restored, has now obtained the Certificate of Fitness (CF).

The project which was saved by Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad (PNSB) involves 1,116 housing units.

Hence, PNSB asks all home buyers of Taman Alam Perdana to communicate directly with PNSB for further business at the PNSB office at Level 25, Wisma MBSA, Shah Alam.

Buyers can also contact PNSB at 03-5510 7105/ 7233/ 7234.

In November 2011, PNSB, as a subsidiary company of the Selangor Government through Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI), was tasked with the responsibility to restore the housing project.

The project was abandoned since 2004 and failed to be restored when Selangor was still administered by Umno-BN.

Restoration was completed on April 2012 and the Temporary Certificate of Fitness (TCF) was issued by the Kuala Selangor District Council (MDKS) on 28 April 2012.

It was initiated by the State Government to protect the interests and welfare of the people.

MOHA Neglects MyKad Application of a Senior Citizen Despite Support from NRD

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KUALA KUBU BHARU, 10 Oct: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) has been asked to approve the application of a senior citizen to receive citizenship with the blue MyKad because she has allegedly met all the requirements for qualification.

Assemblywoman for Kuala Kubu Bharu, Lee Kee Hiong said the Hulu Selangor National Registration Department (NRD) also supports Hong Lee Lon’s application.

She said that the 75-year-old woman, who is also the mother of 12 children and has 20 grandchildren, has applied for the MyKad three times but was rejected by the MOHA without reason.

“Officers of the Hulu Selangor NRG also pity her. They know her. They said they support her and her application has been sent to the Putrajaya MOHA to be processed.

“Thus, I will take Lee Lon to the Putrajaya MOHA with hopes to accelerate her application,” she said in a press conference here yesterday.

Kee Hiong said, the last time Lee Lon applied was on 7 March and hoped that the process this time will be carried out quickly.

“When asked how long the process would be, it was informed that it would take between one to two years. There is no need for it to be so long. Now is the era of information technology. We hope that before the 2014 Chinese New Year she would receive the blue MyKad,” she said.

It is understood that Lee Lon, who was born in Perak and has been living here since decades ago, only has the permanent residence status and has the red MyKad.

Her eldest child, Chan Yaw Pun, 57, also hopes that her mother’s application for the citizenship status with the blue MyKad will be met this time.

PR Assemblymen: Acknowledgement of Opposition Inseminates Democracy

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SHAH ALAM, 10 Oct: Pakatan Rakyat (PR) Assemblymen welcome the acknowledgement of the Selangor Opposition Leader’s role through a special enactment which will be tabled later.

The decision of the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, is deemed as a very positive change for political development and the democratic system in Selangor.

“In developed countries, the Opposition Leader is highly appreciated for their role. Therefore, Selangor wants to make the first move by giving this acknowledgement so that we can educate the public to better understand real democracy,” said the Assemblyman for Sri Muda, Shuhaimi Shafei.

Meanwhile, the Assemblywoman for Kuala Kubu Baharu, Lee Kee Hiong, also praised and said that the ruling party should show fairness and equality to all legally elected representatives.

She hopes that the Central Government and State Governments under Umno-BN’s administration will emulate this maturity and stop marginalising the opposition.

“I welcome the efforts of Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid, who recognises every representative of the people, be it from Pakatan or Umno-BN, in the state administration. It should be emulated by other states,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Assemblyman for Paya Jaras, Khairuddin Othman, hopes with this initiative, the Opposition Leader would carry out his trust effectively.

“I hope that the Opposition Leader would be more proactive in sparking ideas to develop Selangor together. We need the opposition to balance the role of the rulers in the Selangor State Assembly (DNS),” he stressed.

For the Assemblyman of Sekinchan, Ng Suee Lim, this step makes Selangor a role model in strengthening the DNS and making the democratic system healthier.

“It looks like my recommendation in the recent opening of the DUN has been finally realised. As an Assemblyman, I welcome the State Government’s move for being able to make this reform. It is in line with the role of the DNS which is admired and respected,” he said.

Missionary Figure Describes Islamic Development in Selangor as Amazing

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SHAH ALAM, 8 Oct: The Tokoh Pendakwah (Missionary Figure) 2013 described the development of Islam in Selangor under Pakatan Rakyat’s administration as amazing following its activeness in organising religious programmes in the state.

According to Shah Kirit Kakulal Govindji, this situation is driven by the determination of the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), the Mufti Department and all parties involved, in spreading the true understanding of Islam.

“Alhamdulillah (thank God), I have seen the development of Islam, especially in Selangor, over the past five years as being pretty good with programmes organised by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), the Mufti Department and so on.

“Preaching and training efforts provided to new cadres are comprehensive programmes. In fact, they also have an action plan for the next five years, and what results we can achieve in the next 10 years (and), 20 years.

“Missionary programmes in Selangor which have been carried out are done so with a vision, not merely to meet requirements. I am overwhelmed and happy with this development,” said Shah Kirit who converted to Islam in 1996.

In addition, according to Shah Kirit, Selangor has also produced many young preachers from all walks of life from the Institutes of Higher Learning (IPT), Islamic Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) and among new converts.

The recipient of the Tokoh Pendakwah Wanita (Woman Missionary Figure) award, Datin Aminah Zakaria said determined efforts from the State Government to increase Islamic programmes should be emulated by other states.

“I hope that the State Government will intensify efforts to educate the people of Selangor and I pray that all measures, expenses used by the State Government for missionary efforts will gain maximum reward from Allah and I ask Allah to receive all deeds by the administrators, the State Government, officers, employees and all of the people of Selangor, to be blessed by Allah,” she said.

At the Preachers Discussion Programme (Program Muzakarah Pendakwah) and the Selangor State Assistant Registrar of Marriages (Penolong Pendaftar Nikah Negeri Selangor) Programme, which was held here at the Silver Jubilee Hall at the State Secretary Building, three people received the Tokoh Pendakwah (Missionary Figure) award.

Shah Kirit, who has experience in preaching all over the world was the Da’wah Ambassador at SABA Islamic Media Sdn Bhd and he has previously received the National Maulidur Rasul (the Birth of the Messenger of Allah) Figure 2012 Award, the Muslim Brotherhood and Sisterhood Figure Award from the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) in 2010 and the Selangor State Our Maal Hijrah (a remembrance of the day Prophet Muhammad S.A.W migrated from Mecca to Madinah) Brotherhood Figure 2012 Award.

Aminah, who is also the President of the Association of Muslimah Ukkhuwwah, Malaysia (Salimah), is also well-known as a presenter of talks on ‘Fiqh Wanita’ on the Ikim FM radio station and several slots on guidance for women in the Al-Hidayah programme on TV3.

She is also frequently invited to deliver religious lectures around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Brunei and Singapore.

Whereas the recipient of the Selangor Assistant Registrar of Marriages Figure (Tokoh Penolong Pendaftar Nikah Selangor) Award, Aziz Mahmood, is a former Senior Assistant at Sekolah Kebangsaan (National School) Seri Lanang.

He is also the Deputy Nazir (Inspector) at the At-Tawqwa Mosque at Pekan Banting, and is currently active as a lecturer for Haji (pilgrimage) courses.

These three figures each received a cash prize of RM10,000, certificates, trophies and a set of clothing which was presented by the Executive Councillor in charge of Islamic Affairs in the State of Selangor, Sallehin Mukhyi.

Bank Negara Proposes to Introduce Financial Education in Schools

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KUALA LUMPUR, 8 Oct: Financial Education will be incorporated into core subjects in primary and secondary school education as a step forward to raise financial awareness and smart management among consumers in the country.

For the success of the effort, the Assistant Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, Abu Hassan Alshari Yahya, said that they are currently in talks with the Ministry of Education and related agencies.

“We want awareness of financial management to begin at a young age.

“Starting with basic financial knowledge (Primary School), students will be thought the culture of saving, prudent spending and the importance of investment (Secondary School),” he said.

He said this after launching the Prudent Financial Month themed ‘Financial Responsibility Begins With Me’ at Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia in the capital yesterday.

Also present was the Vice-President and the Head of Community Financial Services at Maybank, Datuk Lim Hong Tat, and the President of Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA), Datuk Marimuthu Nadason.

According to Abu Hassan, by year 2014, financial education will be implemented in Primary Schools. Meanwhile for Secondary Schools, by the year 2017.

For starters, financial education will be integrated in the Malay Language and Mathematics subjects for Standard 3 students.

If the trial is successful, Abu Hassan does not rule out the possibility of making Financial Education a core subject in schools.

Subjects that will be covered include money management, credit and debt, as well as protection and insurance schemes.