Tag: Infrastructure

Demolition of Hindu Alter in Sepang Does Not Signify the Selangor Government Policy

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SHAH ALAM, 17 Dec: Since taking over the state administration in 2008, more than 20 non-Islamic places of worship have been built in Selangor.

The construction of all those houses of worship have obtained approval from the State Government and has been completed and used without any problems.

In relation to that, State Executive Councillor, Dr. Xavier Jayakumar clarified that the issue of an alter being demolished in Sepang recently is not an action that symbolises the State Government’s policies.

“If such religious places are built with the knowledge of the State Government, I do not think that any problems would arise as long as they comply with policies and guidelines given.

“However, if it is built without out knowledge (State Government) and then face problems, we need time to carefully analyse various aspects of any action,” said Xavier who is also the Sri Andalas Assemblyman.

Previously, it was reported that 30 officers from the Sepang Municipal Council (MPSp) had demolished an alter that was built in the compound of a house in Taman Seroja, Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi.

The action was condemned by the Hindu community saying that the MPSp officers should have not have acted in that manner.

Dr. Xavier said that the matter will be discussed in State Government Meeting next week.

“The State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) has the full report which will be presented.

“This report is important so that we can assess whether there were any legal violations that occurred apart from us having to be fair in coming to a decision.

“We will review and decide whether actions should be taken or not as well as (different) forms of actions, if any,” he added.

Over RM600 Million Spent on the People of Selangor’s Welfare

KUALA SELANGOR, 15 Dec: The Selangor Governement has already spent RM600 million for welfare programmes under the ‘Localising the Selangor Economy’ also known as ‘Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor’ (MES) agenda.

These programmes include aid in the case of deaths and the Jom Shopping Golden Age Friendly Scheme (SMUE – Skim Mesra Usia Emas) and the Selangor Children Heritage Fund (TAWAS).

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that although the Selangor Government has allocated a huge amount for the programmes, however the Selangor Government Cash Reserves has now increased to RM2 billion.

“So this means that although the Selangor Government is spending a lot, it still has savings because we know where the money is spent.

“Of all the money spent by the Selangor Government, the people can see its transparency.

“That way the people will come together in its development. Now, the people can say that it is ‘our money’,” said Abdul Khalid.

He said that Selangor government has an effective record system for seniors compared to the previous government. This system will ease the channelling of assistance.

He said this during the SMUE Assistance Presentation Ceremony at the compound of Ijok State Assembly Service Office.

Abdul Khalid and his wife, Puan Sri Salbiah Tunut together delivered the SMUE to 47 recipients for the Second Phase of the Ijok area worth RM1,000.

Also present was the President of the Kuala Selangor District Council (MDKS), Noraini Roslan and the newly appointed Kuala Selangor District Officer, Mohamad Yasid Bidin.

Yasid also previously served on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Meanwhile SMUE benefits recipient, Mohd Sahar Sadri, 43, said the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) led Selangor Government’s efforts should be emulated by other states.

“This SMUE programme is good and I would like to thank the Selangor Government under the leadership of Pakatan Rakyat that is running this scheme because it can also lessen the burden of beneficiaries,” he said.

Resident’s Patience Much Appreciated, Flood Mitigation Project Will Be Completed Next Year

KLANG, 1 Dec: Residents in Klang, particularly those in Taman Sentosa and Taman Klang Jaya, have been asked to be patient regarding flooding in their area because the flood mitigation project is expected to be completed next year.

Health, Plantation Workers, Poverty and Caring Government Exco, Dr Xavier Jayakumar said that the area was disaster-prone due to past development that did not prioritise the aspect of flood.

“Most of the older housing have no water retention ponds.

“Therefore, the government has conducted a study on new areas that are to be developed adjacent to the old (housing) areas, there should be such ponds,” he said.

He said this in his speech at the Christmas Celebration organised by the residents of Taman Klang Jaya, here.

Previously, it has been reported that the flood mitigation involves the construction of a 25-acre retention pond in Bandar Botanik and a new channel to facilitate the flow of water into Sungai Aur. The project will cost RM350,000.

He explained that the channel has to be built because the existing channels cannot accommodate the increased water flow capacity due to rapid residential developments in recent years.

He said that recently, the area has been flood-prone due to the ongoing rainy season of which the disaster has affected more than 500 houses.

“My area was developed in the 80s. Then, the development plans were not like they are now. Therefore, there has been an increase in development.

“However now, there has been three times (the amount of) rain. That is why measures are needed to solve the problem,” he said.

At the event, Xavier also presented Christmas gifts in the form of money to the children who were present and at least 100 residents from the residential area were present in enlivening the celebration.

Almost 20,000 Single Mothers Have Accepted Assistance From The Selangor Government

SHAH ALAM, 14 Dec: A total of 19,454 single mothers in Selangor have benefited from the various schemes and facilities that the Selangor Government has started, including financial assistance and entrepreneurship programmes.

The total amount is from the 24,009 single mothers who are eligible in receiving such schemes. This is based on statics until November, released by the single mothers’ portal, e-bu.selangor.gov.my.

From 24,009 individuals, 75.01 percent are dominated by Malays, followed by Indians, 6.5 percent, Chinese. 3.3 percent, indigenous people, 0.01 percent, and other races, 15.12 percent.

Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Science Technology and Innovation Exco, Rodziah Ismail said that the State Government is committed in conducting as well as offering various schemes and facilities for single mothers, that have never before been given by the Umno-BN government.

She said that among the schemes are the Rural Microcredit Scheme (SkimSel), Urban Microcredit Scheme (MiMBAR), Farm Women Microcredit Scheme (Wala), People’s Care Assistance Scheme (SiKembar) and the Selangor Kindergarten Assistance Scheme (Tunas).

“In addition, it will also include the Selangor Women’s Empowerment programmes through the Women’s Empowerment Centre (PWB), Selangor SOHO Single Mothers Empowerment Programme (PET-SOHO-S), Women Working from Home Scheme, Public Assistance of RM250, Edible Garden programmes, the Selangor Department of Social Welfare and the Selangor Zakat Board.

“The schemes offered are based on a mentor-mentee concept where 19,454 single mothers have attained schemes and facilities offered,” she said in a media statement.

She said that all the schemes offered have opened opportunities for single mothers who are earning less than RM1,500 to attain assistance by just registering.

In the meantime, Rodziah also suggested for any single mothers who are eligible but have yet to receive any assistance to refer to the State Government.

“The Selangor State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim is open to criticism and we are willing to listen to ideas that are constructive and have a point because the Pakatan Rakyat Government is a caring and responsible government.

“Regarding the lawsuit against the Selangor Government by parties concerned, everything will be answered in court. A full and comprehensive assertion will be made by the Selangor State Government as soon as a court rulling is obtained,” she added.

Residents of Kampung Pandan to Receive a New Hall

SHAH ALAM, 13 Dec: The 30-year wait for residents of Kampung Pandan, Ampang for a new multi-purpose hall will end after the application for reconstructing the hall is approved by the State Executive Council.

Housing, Building Management and Squatters Exco member, Iskandar Abdul Samad said in a media statement that the reconstruction of the public hall in Jalan Pandan Medan will use the provisions of the Selangorku Grant.

He said that the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) is responsible for managing the construction of the 5,500 square feet hall at a cost of approximately RM500,000.

“The new hall will be equipped with two badminton courts and will take about eight months to be fully completed.

“According to the MPAJ report, they have already prepared the tender documents and drawings for the reconstruction of the hall and now they are just waiting for the directive from the Grant Committee to go ahead with their work,” he said.

He added that the construction of this multi-purpose hall is an urgent need as it is used by local residents for community outreach programmes.

Iskandar added that the Umno-BN government always claims that they are fighting for the fate of the Malay community however, have failed in providing good public facilities for the people of Kampung Pandan.

“Kampung Pandan is a Malay village which is behind in terms of public facilities compared to nearby parks, for a long time. Problems of giving land ownership in the village has been long overdue and has only been solved under the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) administration,” he added.

Selangor Still Ideal Investment Destination

SHAH ALAM,12 Dec: Selangor still remains as the main destination for investors among all other states when it recorded a total investment of RM7.68 billion which covers 24% of the total amount of investments in the country.

Investment, Industry and Trade Exco, Teresa Kok said that for the period of January till September 2012, Selangor has retained an excellent investment momentum with 186 manufacturing projects being approved.

These projects have provided 16,076 job opportunities for nine months recently.

This amount surpasses other states in terms of the total investment received.

She said that the total of approved investments in Selangor, 71% or RM5.47 billion were domestic investments.

Meanwhile 29 per cent or RM 2.21 billion were from foreign investments.

“Local investors are major contributors and this indirectly shows the local investors confidence and trust in the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leadership.”

She said this at a press conference at the State Government Secretary’s office today.

Meanwhile, Sabah ranked second with total investments of RM4.84 billion followed by Sarawak, at third place with RM4.68 billion.

“Selangor recorded a total of 186 projects approved or 32% out of the total projects throughout Malaysia,” she, who is also the Kinrara Assemblywoman, said.

Teresa said that from the total amount of projects, 112 of them were new projects with a total investment of RM4.74 billion.

Meanwhile, 74 projects were expansion projects and others with a total investment worth RM2.94 billion.

Landslide Monitoring Hotline

SHAH ALAM, 12 Dec: Following heavy rains occurring almost every day, the State Government has taken the initiative to provide a hotline to ease the public in monitoring and to report any early signs of possible landslides in the state.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the toll free number, 1-800-88-2824, will be operational beginning Monday by providing the public the facility of reporting any incidents or in providing information regarding movements of land in their areas.

According to him, all complaints will be notified immediately to the Local Authorities (PBT) and other authorities to carry out further investigations.

“The public will be able to report should they find water coming out of the surface of the ground or slopes; fences; retaining walls and trees that are leaning or have fallen; cracks growing on the surface of slopes or pavements such as roads and vehicle routes; leaking underground pipes or stairs having gaps,” he said.

This was said by Abdul Khalid to reporters in a press statement after chairing the Executive State Council conference at the State Secretariat Building (SUK), today.

In the meantime, he also advised local residents, especially those living in high risk areas such as on slopes and hills, to provide an early warning system within the community including relocation plans in the event of landslides.

“The State Government is concerned about the safety of the people and is advising the people of Selangor to become more aware of any changes around because early preparation can save lives and property,” he added.

Free Water for Apartments: SYABAS Terms Makes Troublesome for Residents

KLANG, 9 Dec: Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (SYABAS) action in setting strict conditions for the migration process of central meters to individual meters is the main cause as to why the Joint Management Bodies (JMB) and apartment residents cannot enjoy the free water supply given by the Selangor State Government.

In sharing experiences in dealing with the application, Batu Kuda Apartment JMB Chairman, Ahmad Ibrahim said that the State Government has actually eased the migration process however SYABAS has not given their full cooperation other than imposing stringent procedures.

He said that among the conditions imposed by SYABAS is requiring 100% of the residents consent including making new application through the ‘Switch Meter Clearance’ (SMP) form for each individual and to provide a meter deposit of RM130 per home.

In addition, the residents are required to pay the total amount of overdue bills and all plumbing costs as well as the costs of changing the meters are incurred by the owners.

“The conditions prescribed are very troublesome. Naturally they (Syabas) should understand that to execute all such conditions is not easy, many problems are faced by the residents and JMB.

“My experience in dealing with the applications was that the applications took a year to finalise after being rejected several times by SYABAS that I had to go to the SYABAS headquarters to try to get the free water (supply),” he told TV Selangor.

Ahmad further recounted the story of how the JMB of his apartment was forced to withdraw management funds of RM15,000 to advance the payment of outstanding bills.

He said that not only did he have to do that, but he also had to find the real owners of each apartment unit to get their consent.

“I personally sent notices to 450 apartment units to get their feedback. I faced many problems. That was just in the beginning. I only managed to find half of the owners. In the end I managed to collect them all (applications) after subsequent steps were taken,” he said.

In addition, he explained, the residents had to pay RM45 for each apartment unit for the modification of their meter while the JMB had to pay Rm5,000 for meter reparations.

“If calculated, the cost for modifying the converted meters of 450 housing units has incurred a huge sum which is RM20,200. That is by doing it ourselves. If we had hired a contractor, the price would probably be doubled,” he said.

In relation to that, he said that due to the conditions imposed by SYABAS, residents of other apartments have yet to enjoy the 20 cubic metres of free water apart from the fact that they are not getting cooperation from the residents themselves.

“Every resident should understand, as well as the JMB, do not blame the State Government, perhaps the application that has been sent to SYABAS is not complete,” he said.

Meanwhile, resident Hartila Md Daud, 42, thanked the State Government for always being caring towards the people.

“I hope that people of Selangor continue to support the current State Government in administering the state and to successively go on to Putrajaya because I have seen and felt it myself, the State Government has lightened my family’s burden by a lot,” she said.

Another resident, Imran Ismail, 44, hopes that the State Government will continue to take care of the people who are consistently being overwhelmed by the high cost of living.

“With this, the free water supply and many other assistance programs, it has to some extent been able to reduce our, the people of Selangor’s burden,” he said.

Construction of Youth Square in Hopes of Birthing National Sporting Champions

TANJONG KARANG, 8 Dec: The construction of a Youth Square in Kampung Parit Serong here is in hoped to produce more national sporting champions that has the caliber and will be able to bring honour to the country.

Permatang State Legislative Assembly Service Centre Coordinator, Yahya Sahri said that previously a state and national football champion had come from the village although there were no satisfactory sports facilities.

Previously, Amri had represented Selangor since 2001 and was given the title of ‘golden boy’ when he had scored the Selangor victory goal in the 2002 Malaysia Cup finals against Sabah. In 2005, Amri had also helped Selangor win three trophies.

Amri’s grandeur prevailed after scoring two goals in the friendly match against Manchester United on July 18, 2009.

“Although there were no fields or Futsal gourts here previously, there was still a sports champion.

“Now, we provide Futsal courts and hopefully in five years, a (sports) hero will emerge here,” said Yahya.

He said that youths should be brave to step into courts and not just watch what is happening.

Malay Customs, Youth and Sports Exco, Dr Yunus Hairi said that the construction of Youth Squares across all areas of the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) through the Selangorku Grant is to promote healthy activities amongst the younger generation.

“This Youth Square has to be fully utilised immediately by having the local leaders and local youth motivators organise useful activities,” said Yunus.

He said this during a speach at the Parit Serong Rural Leisure Programme which was held at the Permatang State Legislative Assembly Youth Square at Kampung Parit Serong here.

He also hoped that these facilities will be upgraded with the installation of free wifi service and various programmes which can he held here such as live broadcasts of sporting activities as well as religious programmes.

Kampung Parit Serong JKKK Chairperson, Asahari Mardzuki said that the Youth Square built here is important for the development of youth sports here, where previously, such facilities were not available.

He said that with the completion of the Youth Square, the superfluousness of the State Government is reflected in the mobilising of the younger generation in being active in meaningful activities.

“This policy which is pro-rakyat (people centric) benefits the community of this village,” he said.

An allocation of RM160,000 was channeled to the building of the Youth Square which also provides facilities such as sepak takraw, badminton, volleyball and futsal courts as well as a stage and toilet amenities.



Selangor Land Scandal: Najib Has to ‘Clean the Hands’ of Umno-BN leaders

SHAH ALAM, 7 Dec: Datuk Seri Najib Razak must take responsibility now regarding the land scandal that involves Selangor Umno-BN leaders.

This is because the leaders involved have been pointing fingers at each other, especially involving the land scandal in Subang.

Democratic Action Party (DAP) Publicity Secretary, Tony Pua said that they (Umno-BN leaders) are now already caught-up in the scandal and are begining to deny their involvement in the scandal.

Previously, DAP had revealed that as much as 87,188 square feet of land had been given to Subang Umno and has been claimed to purchase the land at a cheap price in 2004.

Tony claims that the land is now the site of a condominium project, Suria Damansara, consisting of 200 units worth RM450,000 per unit while the current market value now stands at RM90 million.

However, previously, Selangor Umno Information Chief, Abdul Shukor Idrus had explained that the and was purchased for community purposes including the construction of kindergartens and community halls.

“When they (BN) denied our claim, they said that the land was to build a kindergarten, and a community hall as well as other facilities. However, this is not the case.

“Now that they have been caught, they are blaming each other and have begin to point fingers at other Umno-BN leaders,” he said in a media statement.

Tony Fernandes who is also the MP for Petaling Jaya Utara, explained that the Subang Umno Division Chief, Datuk Muhammad Bushro Mat Johor had denied that the land is owned by the Subang Umno.

Bushro claimed that there is no land listed under the Subang Umno assets since he became the head of the division.

“However, he (Bushro) who is also the Assemblyman of Paya Jaras, had pointed his finger at the previous Division Chief, Datuk Mokhtar Dahlan.

However, yesterday, the former Umno Subang Chief said that he had surrendered the land that was awarded by the BN party to Kelana Jaya Umno, after redrawing the electoral constituencies in 2004.

“The land was awarded for the purpose of building the Umno division building. However, the question is, why is the land now the site of a condominium?

“Unfortunately, incidently, the Acting Chief of Kelana Jaya Umno, Datuk Yahya Bujang is overseas and is unable to give any explanation,” he said.

However, at the same time, Selangor Opposition Leader, Datuk Satim Diman admitted when questioned, and answered that the matter has to be referred to the Selangor Umno Secretary, Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed for the purpose of gathering further information regarding the matter.

Thus, Tony said that Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will have to ‘clean the hands’ of his leaders regarding the scandal instead of keeping quiet about it.

He said that Najib, who is also the Chairman of Selangor Umno should be more responsible in regards to the issue.

Selangor: BN Leaders Involved in Land Scandal


SHAH ALAM, 5th DEC : Head of MCA’s Young Professionals Bureau Centre, Datuk Chua Tee Yong was invited to visit the 24 pieces of land sites belonging to the Selangor state which was given to UMNO-BN between 2003 and 2009.

North Petaling Jaya Member of Parliament, Tony Phua mentioned in a press statement that Chua was too obsessed with ‘land scandals’, especially in Selangor. Phua believed that Chua needed to accept this invitation.

According to Tony, a visit together to the 24 sites was crucial in determining whether the land given to UMNO, MCA, MIC and Gerakan was to be used for the ‘community’ or for party and crony’s profits.

“During a trip with Sekinchan’s State Assemblyman, Ng Suee Lim and Subang Jaya State Assembyman, Hannah Yeoh to the a 87.188 sq site at Ara Damansara which was givento UMNO’s Subang Division found that there was no child education centre or community centre.”

“Instead, we found a 200 unit kondominium, Suria Damansara Condominium worth over RM500 mil which was launched in 2006,” said Tony.

Therefore, a simultaneous visit was necessary to ensure that the profits gained from 23 out of the 24 sites were appropriated by UMNO members. These profits were gained by the previous BN State Government from selling at cheap prices.
Ng Suee Lim who available to comment said that the claims of UMNO’s Subang Division, Datuk Muhammad Bushro Mat Johor denial of the fact that the land previously belonged to UMNO Subang was a cover without substantial backing.

Suee Lim also added that the land grant was still registered under UMNO’s Subang Division which was to be used for the people’s interest by building multi-use buildings and child education centres.

He should have known of the existence of this land although this might have happened before he became Head of UMNO’s Subang Division, but even so, he should have had records for these,” Suee Lim added.

It is obvious that this matter will be taken to the Select Committee on Competency, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) of Selangor and a complaint will be lodged at the police station as soon as possible.

Selangor Chief Minister has agreed to take the matter to Selcat who is to examine the evidence and deliberate on it.

Police Reputation in Shambles If They Fail to Take Action


SHAH ALAM, 5th DEC : Pakatan Rakyat leaders urge the police to be fair and take immediate action against the individuals responsible for attacking the PR talk at Batu 8, Gombak yesterday leaving five people injured.

PAS and PKR leaders commented on the failure of the police to act immediately and seriously against the suspect and feel that this behaviour will impact the reputation of the police.

To make matters worse, their failure to take action gives of an impression that the police is somehow involved with the suspects.

Gombak Setia State Assembly Coordinator, Salehuddin Nasir said that the police will only take action once the attacks become rampant, frequent and cause injury to the masses even though they were aware well aware about the talk days before the attack.

He accuses the attack of being led by Pemuda UMNO Gombak and that it involves members of the Gombak divisions of UMNO, Wanita UMNO and NGOs.

According to him, following the incident, it is estimated that more than five individuals experienced injury to the head, shoulders and arms due to contact with a hard object. The tent that was to provide shelter also suffered heavy damage.

“We had informed the police a day before the talk took place. There was even one district polis officer who came by to visit that night, indicating that they (the police) were aware of the event.”

“I, myself submitted the letter via email to the District Head of Police to provide information regarding the talk,” Salehuddin added when contacted by TV Selangor.

The environment at Dataran Sharuddin, Batu 8 where the talk took place became chaotic after a scuffle between a group of UMNO members and PR supporters.

Salehuddin claimed that one PR supporter was stabbed with a Kerambit (a small curved blade) while small rocks were thrown towards the participants of a talk that is part of a series of political talks titled ‘Jelajah Merdeka Rakyat’.

The talk was to feature Selangor Economic Advisor, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Bukit Antarabangsa State Assemblyman, Azmin Ali, former Ayer Molek State Assemblyman of Melaka, Datuk Tamrin Ghafar and Batu Caves State Assemblyman, Amirudin Shari.

Selangor PKR Explanations Chief, Shuhaimi Shafie said that should the police fail to take action, it could provoke others to resort to similar measures.

“It is not impossible that their courage stems from the attitude of the police that treats them as if they are immune to legal action.”

“This act of provocation and violence also seem to signal that there is more to come and that it may be even violent beyond reason,” Shuhaimi adds.

This attack at a PR talk is not the first of its kind. Before, stones were thrown randomly during a talk by Anwar at Pantain Valley, causing one lay-man injury to the head.

Bas Jelajah Merdeka Rakyat yang membawa pemimpin PR berceramah ke seluruh negara juga telah diserang beberapa kali di Kota Baru dan Melaka dengan disimbah dengan cat dan dibaling batu.

The bus carrying PR leaders for talks all over the country in line with their ‘Jelajah Merdeka Rakyat’ theme, has also been attacked several times at Kota Bharu and Melaka. Most times, the attackers throw stones although there was one time when an attacker threw paint at the bus.