Tag: Local Authorities

PKNS Should Expand to a Global Level

SUBANG JAYA, 24 Nov: The Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) has been recommended to expand its business to an international level and boldly go into new fields of business.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid said that PKNS should shift its way of thinking and not concentrate solely on land and housing development in Selangor only.

This is to ensure that the body, which has been established since 1964, is able to compete in the business world at a global level.

Abdul Khalid said that PKNS needs to learn business success from Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) and Guthrie Holdings, both of which have managed to expand globally in several strategic businesses.

Abdul Khalid also said that PKNS should model after the Johor State Development Corporation (PBNJ) that has managed to expand its businesses in the Asean region.

“Now, PBNJ is not only successful in land development but it is also successful in providing health services, the plantation sector and several other businesses,” he said.

Abdul Khalid said this while officiating the PKNS Family Day at the PKNS Sports Complex in Kelana Jaya.

Meanwhile, PKNS General Manager, Othman Omar said that support from family members motivates PKNS staff to achieve the mission and vision of the company.

“In fact, it is with their strength and support that PKNS has been standing strong for 48 years,” he said.

The programme was organised to strengthen teamwork and strengthen Ukhuwah (brotherhood in Islam) relationships among the staff of PKNS and their families.

Also present was the Selangor Exco, Teresa Kok as well as PKNS Council members and about 2,000 PKNS staff and their families.

Five Selangor Local Authorities the Best in Malaysia

SHAH ALAM, 23 Nov: Five Local Authorities (PBT) in the state emerge among the 11 best Local Authorities out of 149 PBT in Malaysia.

Local Government Exco member, Ronnie Liu announced this at the State Assembly sitting today. The assessment was made through the Local Authorities Star Rating System at the Ministry of Housing and Local Government level.

The five local authorities are Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ), Petaling Jaya City Council (MBJB), Klang Municipal Council (MPK), Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) and the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ).

“To ensure consistency and improved performance from time to time, Local Authorities conduct meetings, briefings and workshops with the State Government.”

“This is also a platform for the State Government to assess the performance of PBT throughout the year,” was Ronnie’s answer to the Paya Jaras Assemblyman, Datuk Muhammad Bushro Mat Johor regarding the Local Government’s performance.

Ronnie also explained that at the moment, there is no need to establish any new PBT areas in Selangor.

“However, new PBT will be establish should the need arise in line with rapid growth of an area,” he explained.

He also said that areas will be assessed according to the criteria approved at the 60th meeting of the National Council for Local Government (MNKT) on June the 6th, 2008.

Free Wifi Ready by Early January 2013

SHAH ALAM, 22 Nov: The state-wide installation of broadband internet (wifi) in Selangor is being rapidly implemented and is expected to be completed by early January 2013.

Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Science, Technology and Innovation Exco member, Rodziah Ismail said that the State Government has identified the proposed locations, among them are areas which do not have wifi service.

In addition, public hotspots and areas with a high population density as well as middle-income or modest to low economic areas have been identified.

Rodziah added that the State Government through the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will be the first Local Authority (PBT) to successfully launch the Selangor Public Project Integrated Network System (SPINS).

She said that 200 locations have been identified throughout MBPJ to implement the project.

“This project includes free wifi internet facility which can be utilized by users to integrate all efforts made by the State Government as well as to facilitate interaction with government systems,” she said when answering questions from Lembah Jaya Assemblyman, Khasim Abdul Aziz.

Obviously, free wifi service is offered to the people taking into account the concept of free water by the State Government where each user is given free wifi for a period of 30 minutes and after that, the user must log in again.

Answering additional question from Taman Medan Assemblyman, Haniza Mohamed Talha regarding complaints that the wifi service cannot be used, Rodziah said the State Government has referred to MBPJ regarding the matter.

“The wifi services experiencing technical problems are in Petaling Jaya but it is only a small technical problem,” he said.

For the record, since 2008 to 2012, wifi services have been installed in a total of 332 locations and 15 People’s Cyber Cafes have been established.

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.

Meet with PBT, Land Office Wants to Solve the Issue of Non-Islamic Houses of Worship

SHAH ALAM, 21 Nov: The State Government has decided to make an appointment with the Local Authorities (PBT) and the Land Office to solve the issue of constructing non-Islamic places of worship on Selangor land reserves.

Health, Plantation Workers, Poverty and Caring Government Exco member, Dr Xavier Jayakumar said that the meeting which is carried out four times a year will also be discussing processes which have to be implemented to avoid the problem from repeating.

He said that the majority of non-Islamic worship places were built when presented with the opportunity (to do so) by the previous Umno-BN government during their administration.

“Since 2008, we have sent out a requisite to all Local Governments and Land Offices to not allow any places of worship to be built without the approval of the committee or council members.”

“For places of worship built on private land, we have to check out the zoning (rules) as well as the size of the place and ask the committee or council members to monitor the condition of the place. Each place has its priorities. We have to consider and note the sensitivity of the residents before following through with any action.”

“I am not saying that we cannot completely change the land regulations which have been asked. But there are ways and processes to do it,” he said when answering additional questions by Sulaiman Abdul Razak (BN-Permatang).

He added that since 2008 till now, as many as 24 worship place land reserves apart from Islamic ones have been gazetted with an area of 35,845.843 square meters.

Among them are places in Hulu selangor (1), Hulu Langat (4), Kuala Selangor (2), Petaling Jaya (2), Sepang (1), Kuala Langat (1), Gombak (4) and Klang (9).

He stressed that the State Government will not arbitrarily carry out actions to gazette or seize land reserves, instead it will be done according to procedures which have been stated under section 64 of the land code.

“The process and procedures for cancelling the reservation is to bring it up in every land office and district under the law. Motion papers for the proposed cancellation of this reserve will be escalated to the Chief Minister for consideration under the 1984 delegation of authority, by the state authorities.”

“After that, investigation will be carried out accompanied by officers and agencies concerned. Only then, cancelation will precede effective the date the cancellation is completed,” he added.

Yakoob: State Government Provides Fishermen with Various Initiatives

SHAH ALAM, 20 Nov: The Selangor State Government has provided fishermen with various initiatives, like boats and fishing equipment, to increase the fishermen’s income in this state.

Agricultural Modernisation, Natural Resources Management and Entrepreneurial Development Exco, Yaakob Sapari said that in 2012, the State Government had allocated the Department Of Fisheries Malaysia a total of RM300,000 to help fishermen in Selangor.

He said that they had provided fiberglass fishing boats (sampans), engines and fishing nets.

“Through the provision of funds by the (Selangor) State Government; that had given various equipment and fishing apparatus, we hope that the catch will be increased,” the Kota Anggerik assemblyman said.

Yaakob said this when answering Dr Shafie Abu Bakar’s (Pas-Bangi) question during the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) sitting today.

Up till now, there are 7,655 fishermen in Selangor located in six districts; Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor, Klang, Kuala Langat and Sepang.

Their average income is around RM1,000 to RM1,500.

Meanwhile, the Selangor Zakat Board (Lembaga Zakat Selangor) has provided an assistance program to supply fishing equipment to fishermen in the state.

In the meantime, Yakoob said, assistance programs to upgrade fish landing jetties is being carried out by the Local Authorities (PBT), Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) and the Department Of Fisheries Malaysia.

State Reserve Funds are only for Special Projects NOT for Administration Expenditures

SHAH ALAM, 19 Nov: The State Government will only use state reserves to fund special projects and not to shoulder administration costs, said Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Reserve funds also cannot be used to pay for management expenditures and other such expenses by the State Government because it reflects inefficient financial management.

The presentation of the budget’s deficit to cover administrative expenses also reflects the failure of efficient financial management and demonstrates the failure to control spending.

Abdul Khalid said this when explaining the State Government actions in using state reserve funds to finance four projects at a cost of RM500 million.

“The project we are doing is separate so that its (the reserve funds) usage is more transparent.”

“The people do not want the reserves to be used to cover administrative expenses.”

“If this happens, people will think that the government can spend extravagantly, so with the separation, we cannot spend extravagantly,” said Abdul Khalid in a press conference at the State Assembly Annex Building lobby.

Abdul Khalid presented the 2012 Budget today, the first day of the Third Meeting of the Fifth Session. The Budget is themed ‘Selangor, Leader of Malaysian Economy’.

When presenting the budget, Abdul Khalid announced the decision to build the third bridge in Klang costing RM300 million, the implementation of Storm Water (RM100 million), upgrading and repairs of drainage systems (RM50 million) and the building of fully-furnished affordable housing (RM50 million).

However, these projects are not included in the 2013 Budget, instead it will be using State reserves.

AES Summons: Ronnie Instructs MPKj to Bear Witness

SHAH ALAM, 15 Nov: Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco, Ronnie Liu, will instruct the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) to bear witness to road users who have been issued summons by Automated Enforcement System (AES) cameras.

He said that he will instruct MPKj to send officers to witness in court to confirm that the installation of the cameras was done illegally.

Ronnie said that the installation of AES cameras at two areas in Kajang was not legal and that the contractor hired by the Federal Government did not get Planning Permission (PP) from MPKj.

“The AES installation in Kajang falls under the Local Authorities Act 1976 and any kind of installations should obtain PP from the Local Authorities (PBT).”

“Even though you are a land owner, without a PP, it is illegal and you cannot do that,” he told reporters at the Selangor State Secretary (SUK) building last night.

Ronnie explained that the Minister of Housing and Local Government, Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung and Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha should have known about the ACT because any kind of installation would have to first get approval.

“Only after getting permission, can installation be done. Even ministers (Cho Ha and Chee Heung) have to follow the law,” he explained.

In connection to that, the State Government would have to instruct them to dismantle the cameras within 14 days, starting last Monday.

Ronnie said that should they ignore the warning, the State Government will instruct MPKj to dismantle the cameras.

“If they do not take the cameras down, we will ask MPKj send out a demolition letter, should they not comply and dismantle the cameras within 14 days, we will dismantle them. We are following the law,” the State Assemblyman for Pandamaran said.

Previously, two AES cameras were installed at kilometre 6.6 on the South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE) and at kilometre 301.6 heading north on the North-South Expressway.

Selangor Sultan: Uphold the Sanctity of Islam with Wisdom

SHAH ALAM, 15 Nov: DYMM Sultan Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah reminded Malays to uphold the sanctity of Islam with the strength and wisdom as done by Nabi Muhammad, mujahids and past Islamic leaders.

His Royal Highness said this when he officiated the Ma’al Hijrah 1434 celebrations at Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah last night.

Among other things, he urged the rakyat to not mix religion and politics because as it can cause a split amongst the people.

“Instead I appeal to Malays to stand united, to help one another and strengthen the bonds among Muslims as well as to defend Islam, which is pure.”

“As leader of Islam and protector of Malay rights and interests in the State of Selangor, I am fully responsible at any given time to regulate the sanctity of Islam and that the interest Malays is appropriately protected and cared for,” His Highness said.

Meanwhile, His Highness appealed for Malays, particularly those in Selangor to not be influenced by incitement and propaganda of those who could destroy one’s faith and make him or her turn against Allah.

He also added that Article 3 of the Constitution states that Islam is the official religion under the Constitution. This places Islam higher than other religions. Constitution also states that the special rights and status of Malays should be protected.

His Highness in his earlier decree wished all Muslims, especially Malays in the State of Selangor, to celebrate this Islamic New Year meaningfully and thoughtfully in order to advance the Malay race. He also thanked Allah for blessing us with peace, prosperity and harmony.

He concluded by inviting the rakyat of this state to pray together for Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala to bless and consecrate Selangor and keep Selangor safe from disaster.

“I also pray that the people of Selangor, who consist of different races, live in unity, peace and for the State of Selangor to progress, to prosper and live peacefully,” he said.

Selangor Willing to Help Recipients of AES Summons

SHAH ALAM, 14 Nov: The Selangor State Government is willing to help road users who have been given summons by the Automated Enforcement System (AES) which have been placed around Selangor.

However, the reciepients of the summons have to first refer to the legislative counters which will be opened at the PAS Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

The statement was made by the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim when asked by journalists regarding the State Government’s actions to help AES summon reciepients.

“Should the people need help, the State Government is willing to assist however this must be done in accordance to legal procedures,” he said.

Selangor has decided to postpone the AES implementation because they are not certain that it will lower accident rates.

On the contrary, the State Government is of the opinion that the Federal Government is installing AES to benefit the company that received the contract to install the system.

Prior to this, Pokok Sena MP, Datuk Mahfuz Omar had said that the Department of Law and Human Rights (JUHAM) as well as PAS Youth have set up free legal aid for anyone who have gotten summons from the AES camera.

Abdul Khalid has also previously said that the two AES cameras installed in Puchong and Kajang are illegal because they did not get approval from the Local Authorities (PBT).

According to him, the concession companies for the AES project would reap tremendous profit, approximately 17 percent per annum, from the total collected from summons.

MPSJ Raids Illegal Dog Shelter

MPSJ carried out the action after being informed by neighbours regarding the noise and cleanliness of the premises which was believed to be used by a group of animal lovers.

In a statement, MPSJ informed that the owner and residents had ignored several notices and 6 compounds.

During the raid, the owner of the premises acted aggressively by spraying water at the MPSJ enforcement officers.

However, the residents cooperated when the MPSJ officers and police told them that firmer action will be taken should they resist.

From the raid, 18 dogs were moved to the MPSJ dog pound at Taman Perindustrian Puchong Utama.

The owner of the house was also issued another compound.

“Residents of the premises can be charged with the offences of obstruction, disruption and assaulting the enforcement officers who were carrying out their duty under Section 112, of the 1976 Local Government Act (Act 171).”

“If found guilty, the residents can face fines up to RM2,000 or imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both,” he said.

In relation to that, MPSJ is advising all dog owners to abide by the rules and laws under the Licensing of Dogs and Kennel Establishments By-laws 2007 as well as the terms of the Pet Licence.

Najib Repeats ‘Sibu’ Offer Regarding the Batu Caves Condominium

SHAH ALAM, 14 Nov: Once again Datuk Seri Najib Razak is seen to repeat the ‘Sibu’ bargain when he said that he will cancel the construction of the 29 story condominium project in Batu Caves should the people vote Umno-BN in the upcoming 13th General Election.

Ronnie Liu, Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco said that the Prime Minister should not have made such a statement because if the project cannot be passed then it should be cancelled without having to make any offers.

He said that the PR-led Selangor Government is ready to cancel the project after research and examination is carried out.

“Najib should not have a ‘help you, help me’ attitude and make a ‘deal’ with the people”

“If the project is wrong, win or lose it has to be cancelled,” he told TV Selangor.

He says that if Najib is serious about cancelling the project, he has to mention that the Umno-BN government would compensate the parties involved should the project be cancelled.

“If he (Najib) is serious, he should mention that because this project was approved previously during the rule of the Umno-BN government, they would compensate where necessary.”

“Had it been put that way by Najib, then it’s alright,” the Pandamaran Assemblyman said.

Ronnie was asked to give his opinion regarding Najib’s announcement during his speech at the Deepavali open house festival at Batu Caves Complex sponsored by MIC last night.

During the 2010 by-elections in Sibu, Najib had made a promise to the voters in the area that RM5 million would be allocated to flood-mitigation projects in Sibu should they win. PR eventually won the by-election.