Tag: Infrastructure

Rodziah: Efforts to Eliminate Challenges for OKU

SHAH ALAM, 4TH DEC: People with Different Abilities (OKU) should be acknowledged and be given the opportunity to play an important role in the development of the nation.

Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Science, Technology, Innovation and Culture Exco, Rodziah Ismail says that these roles can only be played if physical and non-physical obstacles can be eliminated.

“The State Government is working its hardest to implement changes in terms of facilities in stages so as to eliminate existing obstacles and to improve efforts in aiding the OKU to increase their competitiveness.”

“All efforts planned and implemented by the State government needs to be accepted by leaders at all levels including corporate bodies and infant companies of the State, State Assembly, Council Members, Resident Leaders, Community Leaders in moving towards a society that is caring and considerate of People with Different Abilities (OKU).”

People with Different Abilities (OKU) Day is celebrated on the 3rd of December annually since 1994, in line with the United Nations’ Resolution announcing the International People with Different Abilities Day on the same date. The UN theme this year reads ‘Removing Barriers to Create and Inclusive Accessible Society for all’.

According to her, all barriers and obstacles faced by the OKU have varied aspects that need to be addressed urgently such as education, family life, health care, social development, employment, socio-economic issues and others including employment opportunities within the government.

“By taking on these jobs, it will help them create the foundation for themselves in making sure that their rights are protected and they have equal access to basic necessities, just like everyone else.”

“I ask everyone from all of society whether from the government, politicians and lay people to commit in providing sufficient access so that the OKU can forge a path forward without obstacles,” she added.

Studies Have Been Confirmed, Reparation of Landslide Areas Have Commenced

SHAH ALAM, 2 Dec: In addition to studies conducted to identify areas that are at risk to the occurrence of landslides, the Selangor State Government has also been actively conducting works to reinforce and repair land structures of landslide areas.

The land reinforcement works and road repairs involves areas that are sensitive and are at a high risk in Hulu Langat including areas that landslide incidents have occurred recently.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the people in the Hulu Langat will have to be more prepared and alert towards any land movement, especially now, during the rainy season.

Last week, heavy rains caused a landslide small rubble behind the kitchen walls of the Perkid welfare home, near Kajang.

Meanwhile, on the 29th of November, five people were injured after their vehicle plunged in a landslide in Jalan Kerchau, near the Semenyih dam.

Consumer Affairs, Environment and Selangor Tourism Exco, Elizabeth Wong also reminded owners of private property to take responsibility for their own land.

“For land owners, they are responsible for their own land to build buffer zones in their respective areas. There has to be buffer zones.

“For residences that have extended their homes close to hills, be wary. If possible, change the usage of rooms near the hill.

“For example, if the extension room is used as a bedroom, convert it to something else as it is dangerous,” she said when contacted by TV Selangor.

Elizabeth also said that for the last three years, the State Government through the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) with the collaboration of NGOs, has been actively conducting various awareness programmes in providing information on early signs of a landslide.

“Landslides do not happen suddenly. Before a landslide there are early signs that can be identified and if detected early, lives and property can be saved,” said Elizabeth.

According to Elizabeth among the first signs of before a landslide happens is the increasing inclination of trees, utility poles, retaining walls and fences.

Other signs include the soil becoming very wet, the sudden appearance of the springs, cracks and swelling of soil, streets or sidewalks, straight lines on the road becoming crooked, broken or leaking pipes.

Residents should be cautious if there is a door or window their house that cannot be closed as it should usually.

Regarding the same issue, Abdul Khalid said that he would announce the location of the landslide-prone areas after the State Government completes its research.

“We want to inform the people where the very sensitive places are because should we not give early notice, it could endanger the public. In a month’s time, I willl announce the areas which have been deemed to be sensitive areas.

“Residents (and), neighbours, need to be prepared,” said Abdul Khalid when met after the Mosque Management Workshop at the State Mosque recently.

Minister Lied, DOE Never Supported the Batu Caves 29-Storey Condo Project

SHAH ALAM, 29 Nov: Housing and Local Government Minister, Datuk Chor Chee Heung lied when he claimed that the Department of Environment (DOE) had supported the 29-storey condominium project in Batu Caves.

Instead the DOE, in a press release dated January 24, 2007, clearly did not support the project that is being developed by Dolomite Industries Sdn Bhd.

However, the project developer stubbornly wants to continue the development regardless of DOE’s stance.

This was according to Tourism, Consumer Affairs and Environment Exco member, Elizabeth Wong in her press conference at the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) Annex building lobby today.

“DOE never issued the letter of support as claimed by the Minister of Housing in the Malaysiakini report entitled “Chor: Dolomite submits engineering solutions” dated 19 November 2012,” said Elizabeth.

Elizabeth also showed the DOE report which was signed by the Selangor DOE Director, Rosli Zul, that clearly opposed the development as it could potentially cause landslide problems.

Elizabeth also said that until now, nine blocks of the commercial building project has been completed but still unoccupied as it has yet to received the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC).

Previously, during the era of the Umno-BN administration, Selayang Municipal Council had given the planning permission for project, located about 180 metres from the Mahamariamman Temple in Batu Caves.

However, the project has received objection from Hindus who are concerned that it will affect Batu Caves’ soil structure as it is their place of worship.

CM: Selangor Land Not For ‘Rental Boss’

SHAH ALAM, 28 Nov: Land for commercial activities such as businesses or farms will be sold at the market price so that the profits of the sale can be channeled to the state and the people.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that this is different from the previous Umno-BN administration’s approach that had given out land without fair valuation.

Abdul Khalid said that the land will only be given to owners who are entrepreneurs or owner-operators.

It is not for ‘rentiers’ or ‘rental bosses’ ie those who want to lease or rent land to others.

“Unlike the past where the land given away too cheaply, we will now offer the land according to business policies and current prices.

“The money we get back will be used in turn, to benefit the people,” he said answering oral questions from Dengkil Assemblyman, Datuk Marsum Paing regarding the Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) that have been given to farming operators.

BN Assemblymen Have to Urge the Federal Government to Channel Allocations to JPS

SHAH ALAM, 27 Nov: The State Government has urged the Selangor Umno-BN Assemblyman persuade the Federal Government to provide adequate provisions to the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) to overcome the flooding problem in the state.

Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco member, Ronnie Liu said that JPS is now operating with a lack of funds by only receiving an allocation of not more than RM1 million a year from the Federal Government.

As a result, JPS is facing difficulty in carrying out its responsibility to properly maintain the irrigation and drainage systems in the state.

“It is understood that in 2009, JPS had only received a total of RM8 million from the federal government for maintenance work, while for other years, JPS only received an allocation of not more than RM1 million.

“Recognising that fact, the State Government has allocated JPS funds totaling between RM5 to RM8 million a year. JPS also asked for RM1.2 billion to solve the flood problem in the Klang from the federal government, but until now the funds have still not arrived,” he said.

Ronnie said this when answering questions by Lee Kim Sin (PKR-Kajang) during the Committee Stage of the 2013 Budget debate at the Selangor State Assembly today.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Azmin Ali (PKR-Bukit Antarabangsa) urged JPS to take proactive steps in submitting a list of priorities to the State Government during the Executive Council Meeting (MTES) in implementing flood mitigation programmes.

He said that it was to enable the State Government to examine the urgent need for the implementation of the programme.

“If action is not taken, it will burden the State Government and the Local Authorities (PBT) who have to increasingly deal with frequent flooding that has been occurring in the state,” he said.

CM: Change PKNS Management Traditions

SHAH ALAM, 22 Nov: Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim informed that the State Government will now change the management traditions of the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) to be more competitive compared to the Umno-BN era.

He said that previously, the culture of withdrawing PKNS assets and giving them to a third party happened under the Umno-BN administration.

“For example, previously PKNS had acquired a few hundred acres of land in Kota Damansara however, only developed 10 percent of it. The rest were developed by different party,” he said.

He explained that previously, PKNS had more assets than Sunway and SP Setia but now, PKNS has been long left behind by the two developers.

This problem arose because PKNS accounts were not managed properly.

“Only when they receive money, should they write it down. There were times that PKNS did not pay the State Government. When they receive money, then only should they write it down. Only then will we they have records.”

“Because of that, I want to change the old ways, I want to change the Umno-BN ways. I have managed to develop Permodalan Nasional Berhad previously, even before PKNS. But now look, the investment is exponentially more than PKNS because the records are correct.”

“So do not say that I am not being concerned about bumiputera development,” he said when answering questions from Sulaiman Razak (BN-Permatang) regarding the total amount of PKNS assets that were assumingly ‘lost’ from PKNS during the Umno-BN administration previously.

Further answering additional questions regarding the sales of PKNS assets by Umno-BN, Abdul Khalid stressed that PKNS will not sell five of their commercial assets at the price of RM321 million as claimed.

Instead, all of the assets collected will be transferred to a new wholly-owned subsidiary corporation; Private Real Estate Company (PREC).

“This is a form of reshuffling. The assets will be put into the company. If it involves a corporation, it is not selling because it involves the same company, a joint account. No issue of selling.”

“We will combine the assets to develop the assets. It is common practice in the management of assets.”

“According to the old tradition, when it (assets) is already in the company, there are ‘ghosts’ who want to be share partners. This is no longer so because we are transparent. I purposely want to let everyone see this, let everyone be smart (about it).”

“So if Kuang and Permatang is interested, I can ask the Chief Director and the Deputy Director of PKNS to explain it to whoever wants it to be explained to,” he said.

RM1,250 Allocated for Suraus to Carry Out Friday Prayers

SHAH ALAM, 22 Nov: The State Government has allocated RM1,250 as a Moreh contribution to all suraus in the state to carry out Friday prayers every week.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that at the moment there are 192 suraus that have been given permission to set-up Friday prayers.

He said from the sum, the most are in the area of Hulu Langat followed by Petaling Jaya and Klang.

However, he said, the State Government is still prioritising the budget for mosques, taking into account the daily usages of the mosque.

“We have already discussed with the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) in terms of utilising both suraus and mosques.”

“So far, we found that in terms of usage, should we develop suraus, suraus will be in competition with mosques. Because of that, mosques will be given priority in terms of allocation,” he said when answering additional questions from Taman Medan Assemblyman, Haniza Mohamad Talha.

Potholes on Pandamaran Roads Cause Accident & Death

SHAH ALAM, 22 Nov: Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco member, Ronnie Liu claims that the failure to maintain and close potholes on several federal roads in the Pandamaran area has caused road accidents lately.

According to Ronnie, lately an accident happened at Jalan Kim Chuan, a road under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department (JKR) and has claimed the life of a senior citizen.

Two weeks ago, there was another accident on Jalan Banting, in the Pandamaran area, due to the terrible condition of the road.

In the incident, a woman died while her child was seriously injured.

Ronnie said that as the State Assemblyman of Pandamaran, he has written a letter to JKR to repair the roads in the areas around Pandamaran.

“I have already informed JKR. JKR Director, Datur Ir Abdullah Abd Rahman said that he is unable to obtain allocations.”

“According to the law, state funds cannot be used (to repair roads) under Federal JKR.”

“In Banting, factories have to perform Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). However, (for CSR) they have to get the cooperation of JKR,” he said.

Ronnie will be providing assistance to both families of the accident victims to find lawyers to take legal action against JKR.

Meanwhile, Ronnie also slammed the Works minister, Datuk Seri Shaziman Abu Mansor, regarding the allocation needed to repair the roads in the country for the year 2012, which was very small.

According to Ronnie, for the year 2012, the federal government has allocated RM870 million to repair roads in the whole of Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak.

He explained that the responsibility of JKR does not just involve roads, but also encompasses traffic lights, drains and pavements.

“I’m shocked as RM870 (million) to repair roads under JKR is very small.”

“It’s no wonder many roads, especially in Selangor under (the jurisdiction of) JKR including Pandamaran are in a terrible state. There are potholes everywhere resulting in many accidents,” he said in a media conference in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly lobby.

Ronnie also urged Datuk Seri Shaziman to take this matter to the Cabinet to ensure that the allocation made to repair roads is increased immediately as well as to provide compensation to the two families mentioned.

“I want Shaziman to immediately take this before the Cabinet for two reasons; increase the allocated funds to repair roads under (the jurisdiction of) JKR.”

“Second, to compensate the two victim’s families. If he is willing, I would bring the families to meet him.”

“He should also give instructions to repair the roads with many terrible potholes. I believe many more victims (accidents) will happen,” he added.

Apart from that, he also asked the Ministry of Works to review the appointment of the three primary contractors repairing roads in the Peninsular and the five contractors in Sabah and Sarawak which have failed to repair the roads properly.

Ronnie stressed that should JKR fail to act, he will instruct every Local Authority (PBT) to put up signs saying ‘This is a JKR road’ so that the people will know of the federal government’s failure to repair roads under their jurisdiction.

Appoint Independent Experts to Assess Slope Status

SHAH ALAM, 21 nov: Hulu Kelang Assemblyman, Shaari Sungib urged the State Government to set-up a team of independent experts to assess the status of the slope in Taman Sri Ukay and Hillview Park near Highland Towers.

He firmly said that if the slope is not safe, the State Government should gazette the area and ban any development in the area.

“In the past there have been studies saying that the Highland Towers incident was caused by underground water flow.”

“And now, the construction of the planned condo is only a few meters from the scene. This situation is obviously troubling,” he said during the 2013 Budget debate in the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) sitting just now.

Recently, Shaari and 50 residents from Taman Sri Ukay and Hillview Park held a peaceful demonstration to express their opposition regarding the two high-profile projects on the slope near their homes.

One of the projects involving three blocks of 40-storey buildings will be built at Lot 847, near Taman Hillview, while the other project on Lot 5 involves the construction of five blocks of 17-storey buildings near the ruins of the Highland Towers condominium.

It is understood that the two projects will be implemented by two different developers.

Ceria Scheme: 71 Apartments Benefit

SHAH ALAM, 19 Nov: Since its introduction in 2011, the Ceria scheme costing RM97 million has benefited 71 apartments across Selangor.

Housing, Building Management and Squatters Exco member, Iskandar Abdul Samad said that the Ceria Scheme applies to two types of apartment units, Low-Cost and Medium-Cost, during the State Assembly (DNS) sitting this morning.

For Phase One in 2011, only 17 low-cost apartments received assistance from the Ceria Scheme.

Where else for Phase Two in 2012, a total of 43 low-cost apartments and 9 medium-cost apartments have benefited from the scheme.

Phase Three this year involves two medium-cost apartments.

Iskandar said, when answering questions from the Seri Setia assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad regarding this scheme, that the State Government has also designed a few upgrading programmes under this scheme.

“Among them, the State Government has organized an educational hands-on programme for apartment owners. This is the Anti-Vandalism themed ‘Keep Our Apartments Clean, Cheerful and Harmonious’ campaign.”

“For the care of reconditioned lifts, the Government has also implemented the installation of CCTVs and lift census programmes in collaboration with the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (JKKP),” said Iskandar, who is also the Cempaka State Assemblyman.

The Ceria scheme is a cost-sharing scheme between apartment residents and the State Government to beautify the surrounding areas of apartment buildings.

The scheme also aims to cultivate a sense of belonging of each unit in maintaining the common property in the long term.

KASE Receives More Than 100 AES Complaints

SHAH ALAM, 16 Nov: The counter that has been set up by the Anti-Postal Summons Campaign Department (KASE) have now received more than 100 complaints from road users who have fallen victim to the Automated Enforcement System (AES).

KASE legal advisor, Zulhazmi Sharif said that the counter which has been open since the 21st of November have received many complaints from road users who have received summons through the implementation of AES cameras from all over the country.

He said that he and the KASE Department will make the announcement regarding actions that will be taken to assist those who have received summons.

“As of now, the complaints counter is still open and we have yet to separate them (the complaints) according to states. We will make the announcement regarding the case next week.”

“This is because the earliest court date involving receivers of the summons is the 7th of December 2012 and we will be appointing lawyers to help them,” he said to TV Selangor today.

Meanwhile, the counter which is open every fortnightly at 12pm to 2pm is intended to facilitate those who have received AES summons with legal advice and legal aid, both of which are free of charge.

“In Selangor alone, there are umpteen road users who have received AES summons and it has been informed that only two areas in Selangor have (AES) cameras, which are in Kajang.”

“More shockingly, a road user had received three summonses on the South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE) because it’s his daily route,” he said.

Previously, KASE Chairman, Datuk Mahfuz Omar had mentioned that a group of lawyers would be provided should receivers of the summons agree to go to court and legal services from the Department of Law and Human Rights (JUHAM) will be provided to those involved.

AES Cameras in Selangor Not Legal, PAS Will Help Those Summoned

KUALA LUMPUR, 9 NOV: Selangor road users who have been summoned by the Automated Enforcement System (AES) cameras in Puchong and Kajang can request help from PAS to resolve the summons.

This followed the government of Selangor’s decision which does not approve of the installation of AES cameras in Selangor because they doubted the intentions of the system’s implementation which has been accused of benefiting certain companies instead of reducing accident rates.

Selangor’s Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the two AES cameras installed in Puchong and Kajang were not legal because they had not been approved by the Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan (PBT).

“So, because of that, erecting the structure is not legal and if you are summoned in the state of Selangor, you can go to PAS to be brought to court,” said Abdul Khalid to the audience at the Jalajah Merdeka Rakyat talk at Flat Sri Labuan, Cheras last night.

Abdul Khalid said the Majlis Tindakan Ekonomi Negeri Selangor (MTES) decided yesterday to delay the implementation of Automatic Cameras (AES) in Selangor until the government of Selangor are satisfied with the way it is implemented.

“The second issue that I have informed the Jabatan Pengangkutan about is that privatisations do not help the people.

“Privatisations are not for reducing accidents, but as a way to get payment and enrich people who gain concessions from said privatisations. We must stop this,” he urged.

According to Abdul Khalid, the concessionaire of the AES project will receive a large profit of at least 17 percent a year.

Meanwhile, Pokok Sena MP Datuk Mehfuz Omar also said the Jabatan Undang-Undang dan Hak Asasi Manusia (JUHAM) and PAS Youth will prepare free legal services to anyone who has been summoned by AES cameras.

According to him, PAS will open counters for any victims of AES to receive free legal advice on the 21st of November at the PAS headquarters at Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur.

“If you do not want to pay the compound but want to bring it to court, our lawyers will provide free service,” said Mahfuz.

Mahfuz also said the two concessionaires which manage the AES will earn as much as RM 384 million a year, outright allowing them to profit as early as their second year of operation.

Aside from Abdul Khalid and Mahfuz, last night’s Jelajah Merdeka Rakyat talk program also featured PKR’s parliamentary leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.