Tag: Local Authorities

Owners of Low-Cost Apartments Eligible for 25 Percent Discount

6

SHAH ALAM, 4 Oct: Owners of low-cost apartments under the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) are eligible for a 25 percent discount on their assessment tax.

The Mayor for Shah Alam, Datuk Jaafar Atan, said that the discount is subject to owners who are residing in the unit of a low-cost apartment priced below RM42,000.

“Owners must also submit their strata title as proof of ownership of their homes.

“For owners who do not have it or have yet to make the transfer of strata titles, they can submit a sale and purchase agreement as proof of ownership,” he explained in a press conference after the Council tabled the MBSA 2014 Budget.

He said, owners can get a validation certificate from any Joint Management Body (Chairman/Secretary only) or from the Council.

Mohd Jaadar said, owners would have to apply for the assessment discount every term because the assessment discount is not available automatically.

“Relatives of owners are also eligible for the discount, whether the owner is alive or dead,” he said.

To check the list of apartments that are eligible to apply, owners can refer to the Building Commissioner’s Department or contact 03-5510513 extension 380/397/532/525.

MBPJ to Open ‘Ez-Pay’ Mobile Counter in October

SHAH ALAM, 4 Oct: Starting this October, the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will open an ‘ez-pay’ mobile counter in selected areas.

MBPJ Public Relations Unit, through its media statement, said that the move is taken to reduce congestion at the MBPJ headquarters counter, especially during peak hours.

“It is hoped that the ez-pay mobile counter will encourage and facilitate the public to use the mobile counter that is lose to their homes,” the statement said.

Below are the selected areas for the ez-pay mobile counter:

3

MBSA Enhances Departments for the Well-Being of the Residents of Shah Alam

7

SHAH ALAM, 2 Oct: The Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) will enhance the functions of several of its departments to provide better quality service for the well-being of the residents of Shah Alam.

Shah Alam Mayor, Datuk Mohd Jaafar Mohd Atan said that the MBSA 2014 Budget policy has six core principles which is prosperous and conducive living, excellent service, sensitive to complaints from the community, the community and stakeholders are treated as customers, an efficient delivery system and security patrolling.

He said the MBSA 2014 Budget targets yields to exceed RM350.6 million through tax and non-tax revenue to continue development in areas under its jurisdiction.

“Our budget for 2013 is a balanced budget and it is expected that we will yield about RM350,640,430. We will then spend as much as we receive.

“We responded to the State Government’s wishes for the budget to be given back for the development of people and the community, the people of MBSA as well as taxpayers and investors. Among the actions, we will strengthen our various departments in MBSA,” he said in a press statement after the tabling of the 2014 MBSA Budget Meeting here today.

Mohd Jaafar said, the departments are; the Department of Urban Services, the Department of Corporate and Community Development, the Department of Licensing and Enforcement, the Department of Management Services, the Department of Engineering, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the department of Revenue and Investment, as well as the establishment of several new units.

He said that among the units to be established are; the Auxiliary Police Unit under the Department of Licensing and Enforcement, the Management of Multipurpose Halls Unit (Department of Corporate and Community Development), an Integrity Unit (Department of Management Services), a Maintenance Unit (Department of Engineering), a Tree Trimmings Unit (Department of Parks and Recreation) and the Parking Management Unit (Department of Revenue and Investment).

“One of the most important things is, in order to maintain the discipline of Council Members, officers and employees of MBSA; we will establish an Integrity Unit, where the head will be seconded from the MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) to check so that there is not misconduct. We will establish it when it is approved by the State Government.

“In the budget, for the establishment of an Auxiliary Police Unit with 100 members, MBSA, through the State Government, will apply to the Inspector General and we hope that it will be approved,” he said.

Mohd Jaafar said that MBSA will repair and improve a number of public halls around Shah Alam at a cost of RM3.5 million.

He said that the bicycle path project will continue to be pursued apart from several facilities such as a fitness park and a public park.

“We will also upgrade and enhance the existing public transport system which is the bus terminal at Sections 17 and 19.

“The bus terminal at Section 19 will be developed at a cost of RM4 million while the bus terminal at Section 17 will be developed at a cost of RM7 million, where the additional cost will be applied for,” he said.

He said that MBSA also plans to establish an international ranked Banquet Hall in Section 13 in the future at an estimated cost of RM27 million.

PPRT Residents Deny Noh Omar’s Allegations

8

PETALING JAYA, 1 Oct: So far, there has been no hike in the rental rates for the Lembah Subang Housing For the Poor Project (PPRT).

Most of the residents met denied the increase in rental rates as claimed by the Chairman of the Selangor State Federal Action Council (MTPNS), Datuk Seri Noh Omar recently.

The head of Block H, Rahman Aman, 56, said that the rental rate at the PPRT has been the same since year 2000.

“The rental rate for those eligible is still at RM124. Meanwhile for outsiders, the rent is RM250,” he said when met.

Rahman said that so far, he has not received any notice or information regarding the rental rates at the PPRT.

“Most outsiders who rent at RM250 need to discuss with the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to qualify them for a lower rental rate.

“MBPJ will look at the household income, so they cannot recklessly claim that their rental rates are higher than others,” he said.

Meanwhile, a resident who only wanted to be known as Yop, 34, confirmed the matter.

Yop who has been living at the PPRT since 2001 said that MBPJ has certainly not raised the rent.

“I have lived here since I was still single. There has never been an increase in rental rates,” Yop said.

The rental rate set at the PPRT is based on the family income.

The rate of RM124 is for squatter residents living in the area which was developed into the PPRT.

Meanwhile, the RM250 rental rate is for new tenants.

Secretary to the Executive Councillor in charge of Building Management and Urban Settlement, Kamaruzaman Ahmad Nor, said that the renal rate for the PPRT still remains at the rate of RM124 per month.

Previously, Datuk Seri Noh Omar claimed that the State Government oppressed the residents of PPRTs, especially in Lembah Subang, when they failed to maintain facilities but increased the rent.

He claimed that the rental rates have been increased from RM124 (during the Umno-BN era) to RM250 currently.

Redevelopment Takes Into Account the Interests of Original Owners

5

SHAH ALAM: The State Government encourages efforts to redevelop old flats into affordable housing in effort to provide a more comfortable and harmonious environment for the people.

The Executive Councillor in charge of Housing, Building Management and Urban Settlement, Iskandar Abdul Samad said that there are proposals for five-storey flats like those in Taman Dagang to be demolished to give way for the redevelopment of 12-storey apartments with the status of Affordable Housing.

According to the proposal, the original owners will receive units in the new apartment with an area of up to 1,200 square feet for free. Meanwhile, the remainder units will be open to the public.

“With this proposal, more residents will be able to buy affordable homes,” he said at an event at the MPAJ Tower in Pandan Jaya when commenting on the proposal to build more affordable housing in the Cempaka constituency.

However, Iskandar is of the opinion that this proposal is better suited to be implemented by private developers. They may submit their proposals to the homeowners and have negotiations with them.

“At the moment, an agreement of 100 percent is required from the homeowners before redevelopment can be done.

“It is also subject to planning policies as set out in the Local Plan for a Local Authority,” explained Iskandar.

He also stressed that any project should be based on the construction of affordable housing.

MBPJ to Provide Mobile Licence Payment Counter

4

PETALING JAYA, 30 Sept: Starting 6 November till 28 December, the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will provide a mobile counter at 18 locations in Petaling Jaya to facilitate the public to make licence payments.

This initiative is an effort by MBPJ to reduce congestion at the headquarters’ counters as well as to provide convenience to the public to make payments at locations near their living area.

“All licence holders may choose to renew their licence for the year 2014 at the mobile counter locations or go to the counters at the MBPJ headquarters during working hours starting from from 7.30am till 5.30pm.

“On 28 and 29 December (Saturday and Sunday), the counter will be open from 9.00am till 4.00pm,” according to the press statement from the MBPK media secretary.

Licensees who have the approval for planning permissions and change the use of their buildings have to submit the renewal of the planning permission 3 months before the expiry date at the MBPJ Department of Planning and Development.

The licensees’ failure to do will cause the inability to renew business licences for 2014.

Meanwhile, all licensees are advised to check their compounds first to avoid problems when payment is being made.

Licensees are also reminded to renew their licence for the year 2014 before the expiration date, which is 31 December 2013, except for dog licence applications which starts from 2 January 2014.

“Upon failure to do so, the Council will charge late fees of RM50 starting from 1 January till 31 March 2014. Meanwhile the late charges of RM250 will be imposed starting from 1 April onward.

“If they still fail to renew their licence for the year 2014, the licence will be cancelled starting from July,” the statement said.

Discount on Parking Compounds from 1 October to 1 November!

3.1

KLANG, 30 September: members of the public have the opportunity to settle their parking compounds imposed by the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) at RM15 starting from 1 October till 1 November.

The MPK Director of Communications and Public Complains, Norfiza Mahfiz said that MPK is offering the reduction to help those who are unable to settle previous compounds.

“The public is urged to take the opportunity to settle their compounds before the offer period ends on 1 November 2013,” she said.

The public can check their compounds at the MPK Headquarters Counter and at the MPK Branch Office at Jalan Tengku Kelana and payment can be made at all valid counters.

3.2

Additionally, Norfiza said that the public can now get parking coupons at the MPK Council Headquarters and its branches as well as agents appointed in line with the Coupon Parking System initiative introduced on 1 December 2012.

Each coupon costs RM0.50 and is valid for one hour. It can be used at all public parking areas.

New MPK President to Focus on Urban Issues

2

KLANG, 30 Sept: Issues concerning flooding, housing and infrastructure will be the main focus of the new President of the Klang Municipal Council (MPK), Datuk Mohammad Yacob.

Mohammad, who was sworn in last Wednesday, said that these issues are indeed the core focus due to the increase in population and urbanisation processes which are becoming more challenging.

To realise the focus, he said, cooperation between departments are important for the success of a plan.

“I also have seen, in terms of administration and management, several improvements need to be done.

“We work as a team, including members of the council whose role is to be the intermediary between the people and local authorities. The local community is also warmly welcome to give their opinion.

“I will emphasise some basic matters, especially the issue of urbanisation, which is the core of our services,” he said after chairing the Monthly Meeting here at the Raja Mahadi Hall.

Also present were council members, department heads and representatives of agencies and departments involved.

Mohammad filled the position at MPK after serving with the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) for seven years since 2006.

MBPJ Organises Prevention of Crimes against Women Campaign

4

PETALING JAYA, 20 Sept: In order to increase knowledge on women’s safety, the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) organised the Prevention of Crime and Violence Against Women Campaign.

The MBPJ Town Planning Assistant Director, Nazihah Jaafar said that the campaign targets women because they often face the threat of crime and violence.

She said, police statistics show an increase in cases of violence against women by 12 percent for the first four months of this year compared to previous years.

“For the first four months of this year, 2,567 cases were reported compared to 2,295 for the same period last year,” she said.

She said this after launching the campaign at the MBPJ Civic Hall Auditorium recently.

A total of 200 people, made up of members of the public and representatives of local authorities, were present.

Among the highlights was a lecture on crime prevention delivered by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) Amanita Public Relations Officer, Shiela Qobindan Nair and the ‘Women’s Personal Defense’ lecture by the Taman Petaling Gasing Indah Rukun Tetangga Chairman, Albert Khoo.

The speakers also shared their experiences and safety measures, as well as self defense action when facing criminal threat.

MPK Demolished Premises Operating Illegally

3.1

KLANG, 12 SEPT: The Klang Municipal Council’s (MPK) action to demolish business premises in Jalan Teratai, Meru, due to illicit and illegal operation according to the National Land Code, said Meru Assemblyman, Dr Abdul Rani Osman.

Abdul Rani said that the demolition of the business premises involves food stalls, grocery and fruit stalls along the roadside was carried out after receiving complaints for the local residents.

“When it comes to the National Land Code, no one can be excluded from action despite owning the business premises with dignitaries or even Assemblymen,” he said.

Previously, MPK through Integrated Operations with several other agencies, acted to demolish nine business premises owned by locals and four foreigners at Jalan Teratai, Meru, Klang.

Abdul Rani said that the Selangor Umno Liaison Chairman, Datuk Seri Noh Omar should not have questioned MPK’s action because it is an integrated operation with various state government and federal agencies.

It involves the Department of Services and Environment (JPP), the Klang District and Land Office (PTD), the Immigration Department and the Royal Malaysian police (PDRM).

“Do not blame MPK, this action is a joint operation on the complaint of the residents, in fact, the residents there admitted that they have been facing the problem since 15 years ago.

“MPK and the other agencies involved in the operation carried out the right action because it was done after meeting,” he said.

3.2

MPK’s Attentiveness Received Attention of PWD

4.1

SHAH ALAM: Concern by the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) to solving the problem of parking lots for People with Disabilities (PWD) has received positive feedback from the Klang District PWD Association.

MPK Chairman, Alan Tan Heng Kim said that the execution of the towing system introduced by MPK is able to educate the public to respect the rights of others.

“I have received complaints from this group of people, they complain of their problems. Usually we hold meetings twice a month to listen to their complaints, during the meeting the main issue was this issue.

4.2

“There are those who have asked MPK to take drastic action, but I also worry that the public will be outraged. So for the time being, the action of imposing a compound and towing will be applied by MPK,” he said.

So far, a total of 120 parking lots have been reserved for this group of people and 4,948 PWD members in Klang are registered with the Social Welfare Department.

Among the problematic areas are shopping centres and in Bandar Baru Bukit Tinggi.

MPK: Stern Action Awaits Those Who Abuse PWD Parking

3.1

SHAH ALAM: The lack of civic awareness by some Malaysians has prompted the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) to act sternly against road users who park at parking lots reserved for People with Disabilities (PWD).

Towing and compound operations are clearly welcomed by members of the public who are concerned with the issue. If their vehicle is towed, the fine is a staggering RM400.

“In terms of statistics, this year alone we have already acted on 15 offences of parking in PWD parking spaces and the number of those who obstructed traffic flow amounts to 780. This includes the offence of parking vehicles at the side of the street,” he said.

3.2

Council Member, Alan Tan Heng Kim said that MPK is very concerned about this issue and wants to resolve the issue in a holistic manner.

Tan is of the opinion that the issue of PWD parking which has been abused by a fraction of society is not new and the inconsiderate action happens due to the lack of parking spaces.

“The parking lots that are available are probably far for the premises they are headed to. The existence of limited PWD parking which are not used has caused people to take advantage of it,” he said.

Apart from action against those who do not respect facilities for PWD, MPK is working with developers to increase the number of parking spaces.

Meanwhile, the security of multi-level parking buildings will also be improved so that the people of Klang feel confident to use the facility.

Tan hopes that this strategy by MPK will overcome the abuse of PWD parking spaces, thus reducing cases of cars parked on the side of the road.