Tag: Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor Programs

Wanita Selangor Urged to have a Giving Attitude

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GOMBAK, 4 Nov: Wanita Selangor has been urged to have the attitude of giving and sharing concerning aspects of knowledge, finance, energy and property, to create more individuals who are competitive among the group.

Wanita Selangor Exco, Rodziah Ismail, said that the culture of giving and sharing is a positive effort to strengthen the state’s progress because almost half of its people are women.

“Women should think ahead and should make their family a motivation to continue to succeed. I hope that women in Selangor will implement this concept, starting from their homes, this year,” she said.

Rodziah said this at the Reflexology Practical Workshop Certificate Presentation Ceremony which was also attended by the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) member, Zailah Kamaludin, and about 76 single mothers where about 30 of them are members of the SOHO Single Mothers Economic Empowerment Programme (PET SOHO)

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The workshop was jointly organised by the Association of Women’s Initiative For Research, Development and Advancement (WIRDA) and MPS which aims to teach the proper massage methods and techniques, and it took place here at the Simpang Tiga Hall yesterday.

Rodziah said that with the adoption of these values, empowered women in Selangor can be an example to all women across Malaysia to further develop themselves.

“While visiting Sungai Limau, I took one of the women’s programmes there and the response was very encouraging despite different political backgrounds,” she said.

Meanwhile, a participant, Roswati Abd Hadi, said that the programme provides knowledge that can be used in her work as a masseuse and estimated her monthly income to be about RM300.

Another participant, Norita Mohd Yatim, said that she is able to generate an income of about RM200 a month with the programme because her customers and satisfied with the massage techniques learned from such workshops.

“Through this effort, we will also be more sensitive in taking up all opportunities available to supplement the family income. The culture of giving and sharing is seen as able to trigger creative thinking among women, which indirectly opens up more income opportunities,” she said.

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Pakatan Budget: PWD and Senior Citizens will be given Emphasis

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KUALA LUMPUR, 24 Oct: The Pakatan Rakyat (PR) Budget 2014 announced RM500 million per year to carry out development for Persons with Disabilities (PWD).

Among the initiatives is to increase subsistence allowance from RM300 to RM500 per month for PWD who work but with a monthly income below RM1,200 and to provide special allocation for those with severe disabilities, up to a maximum of RM1,000 per month.

To carry that our, PR aims to register 400,000 PWD a year beginning 2014 so that the total registered will be 80% within five years’ time, to ensure this community receive the full benefits entitled to them.

PR will also continue to emphasise in increasing access for PWD to facilities, amenities, services and public transport to enforce the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 which is rights-based.

This includes ensuring that the total number of car park bays for PWD follows UN standards, which is one PWD car park bay per 50 ordinary car park bays, with the appropriate car park size and location.

In addition, PR will improve road surfaces so that non-step buses can be fully utilised by PWD.

PR outlines to strengthen benefits for seniors by increasing the total number of geriatricians from approximately 16 today to at least 1,000 by 2030.

The effort is in preparing for an aging population including healthcare and welfare which will increase by a single fold from 7% to 14% in 28 years’ time.

Pakatan Budget: MyKad Replacement of Cash for JKM Recipients to Purchase Essentials

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KUALA LUMPUR, 24 Oct: The Pakatan Rakyat (PR) Alternative Budget 2014 proposed the use of the MyKad to replace the cash system by depositing directly into recipients’ accounts as payment method at designated stores.

The current Social Welfare Department (JKM) welfare distribution system should be replaced with a cashless payment system which enables qualified recipients to select payment for exactly what they need without utilising cash.

It is an effort to ensure a fairer and better targeted subsidy regime and encompassing welfare system.

The credit contained in the recipients’ MyKad is used to purchase essentials such as rice, flour, sugar and other necessary goods.

PR also suggests for the MyKad to be used to track expenditure made by recipients and it can be combined with other programmes with other ministries such as keeping kids in schools and additional tutoring for single mothers.

Over 8% of Malaysians live below the existing Poverty Line Income (PLI) that does not address the hardship of current realities where thousands of households earn less than RM1,000 a month.

The usual practice by the Social Welfare Department (JKM – Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat) is to credit cash directly into recipients’ accounts which sometimes leads to problems of consistent delays in cash transfer and the inability to properly ascertain whether the intended outcomes are met in the first place.

Household Income of RM3,000 Eligible to Receive Prize Children Offered Places in Universities

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SHAH ALAM, 24 Oct: The Selangor Government Executive Councillors approved the qualifications for the Prize offered to Selangor children offered places in local universities from a household income of RM1,500 to RM3,000 a month.

The Exco in charge of Education, Higher Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Halimah Ali said the implementation of the scheme was agreed upon as the state’s financial status is strong and effective.

Dr Halimah said the approval of the eligibility is the first implementation of the State Government manifesto after the 13th General Election.

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“Originally, we wanted to include this implementation in the framework of the 2014, but with the wisdom of the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, in safeguarding the Selangor Government’s finances, this effort is able to be implemented earlier.

“Eligible recipients are children of Selangor who receive offers to further their studies at the Diploma and Bachelor’s level from Private or Public Institutes of Higher Learning,” she said after the Exco Meeting at the State Secretary’s Building (SUK) yesterday.

She said the scheme is one of the pro-people programmes under the Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor (MES) agenda.

“The prize of RM1,000 is given to the children of Selangor from families earning RM3,000 and below to help them pursue their education in public or private institutes of higher learning accredited by the government.

“Until now, the amount recorded has reached over RM35.7 million spent on about RM35,772 participants who have benefited from this programme,” she said.

Budget 2014: National Deficit Expected to Increase by One Percent

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SHAH ALAM, 23 Oct: The Budget 2014 is expected to reach RM270 billion, involving an increase of nine percent compared to RM260 billion for the Budget 2013.

The increase is expected to cause the national fiscal deficit to increase by about 0.5 percent to one percent.

Terengganu PKR Chairman, Azan Ismail said the budget which will be tabled by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak on 25 October will record a deficit for the 16th time in a row.

“This year, the amount if RM260 billion, but it may increase by about RM10 billion for 2014. This increase would cause the national deficit to increase by about one percent or at least 0.5 percent,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Azan said the approach used by Najib, who is also the Finance Minister, proves that the Barisan Nasional (BN) Government has failed in controlling spending by being responsible and prudent.

“For Pakatan Rakyat (PR), we will not guarantee a balanced budget, but we will try to present a budget where the deficit is not too high.

“If the increase in expenditure is RM10 billion to RM15 billion, we too have to increase to curb a higher increase in deficit,” he said.

Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, presented the Alternative Budget summary which amounts to RM262 billion, compared to an estimated revenue of RM228 billion, with the deficit of RM34 billion, on 21 October.

Among the contributing factor involved in the reduction is that the emoluments that are reduced by 10 percent involves operating expenses that do not include emoluments and the effort is a part of the long-term measures to reduce the country’s debt of over RM500 billion.

MPSJ Urban Poverty Eradication Programme Increases Participants’ Income

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SUBANG JAYA, 21 Oct: The step by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) to have the Urban Poverty Eradication (PKB) programme showed a positive development when s study found that the average income of the programme’s participants increased.

MPSJ found that the average income of the participants increased to RM1,153 compared to about RM793 per month prior to joining the programme.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the programme should be continued and emulated by other Local Authorities, thus increasing the quality of life and education of participants.

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“This effort should be emulated by other local authorities because we must find a way to help them increase revenues; for example, single mothers. Children of every local authority participant should be monitored so that they are properly educated,” said Abdul Khalid at the MPSJ Urban Community Wellbeing 2013 Award Ceremony here at Sunway Hotel Resort & Spa yesterday.

The PKB programme involved coaching classes and skills training to help residents of MPSJ to improve their family’s side income by selling items that can be manufactured on a small scale but have a positive impact on them.

Among the training provided were sewing workshops, beading, making decorative food covers, repairing computers, jambu (water apple) entrepreneurs, making cupcakes, cakes and bread, and a Back To School Programme.

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In 2009, MPSJ allocated RM100,000 to implement the programme and the amount has been added to RM300,000 since 2010.

At the same ceremony, a beading business operator, Noor Ashikin Ramli and a decorative food cover entrepreneur, Rabitah Yusuf, were awarded the MPSJ Urban Community Wellbeing 2013 Award.

Noor Ashikin said the beading workshop was beneficial in diversifying attractive stitching, thus attracting customers to purchase.

Meanwhile, Rabitah said she did not think that the decorative food cover business she operated on a small scale could generate a decent income for her family.

Contributions in forms of daily necessities worth RM100, given to 20 orphans, single mothers and the needy was also held at the event.

PWD Continue to be Assisted in Selangor’s 2014 Budget

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SHAH ALAM, 19 Oct: The Selangor State Government will implement the People With Disabilities (PWD) Special Assistance Scheme as an incentive to this group to be able to independently raise their living standards.

The Executive Councillor in charge of Women’s Affairs, Rodziah Ismail said the implementation of this scheme will be presented in the 2014 Budget in November which provides for various programmes benefiting PWD in the long run.

Rodziah said this scheme aims to provide equal opportunities to all parties in hopes that the group will achieve success together.

“PWD will be given a clear direction for their future shortly after graduating by taking up, for example, the Urban Micro Credit Scheme (MiMBAR) which has successfully produced entrepreneurs with small loans.

“I want PWD to emulate the success through their own effort,” she said after visiting the Ramah Daily Care and Rehabilitation Centre here in Section 10.

During the visit, Rodziah spent time mingling with 20 special children and presented contributions in the form of toys for learning from the State Government.

In other developments, Rodziah who is also the Assemblywoman for Batu Tiga said she will discuss with local authorities to provide a more comfortable area for the convenience of PWD children at the care centre.

She said halls, buildings or state government quarters which are unused will be considered as a new location for the care centre.

“The Council hopes that any unused halls may be proposed to replace the existing care centre.

“We will also discuss for any unused government buildings to be given to those who need it,” she said.

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.

Deepavali Permit Applications Starts on 17 September

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KLANG, 16 Oct: Any individuals who wish to do business in conjunction with the Deepavali celebrations can submit their application at the Department of Licensing and Hawkers (ground floor) at the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) from 17 to 30 September.

The Director of the MPK Licensing Department, Azhar Samsudin said applicants are required to submit the application form and to also bring their bank books.

He said, applicants must also have a licence for business, hawking or a temporary business permit 2013 or the 2012 Deepavali permit, as well as a payment of RM790.

He said the polling date will be held on 17 October at the Pandamaran Sports Complex Hall at 9.30am.

“Business will commence on 19 October till 1 November 2013 and the affected areas are around Jalan Tengku Kelana.

“Only one applicant to a site and traders and their assistants are required to wear a tag which will be provided later,” he said in a press statement.

Best Western Develops Hotel in I-City

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SHAH ALAM, 16 Oct: The Selangor State Government welcomes the strategic partnership with I-Berhad and Best Western International (BWI) in efforts to develop the first hotel in I-City, Shah Alam.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the collaboration in constructing the hotel will change the landscape of the Shah Alam city.

“This would be a new benchmark for development in Shah Alam and its surrounding areas, and the result of this agreement will meet the needs of foreign investors who will further transform the landscape of Shah Alam into an International City.

“If previously Shah Alam was famous for its manufacturing industry, now, it will also be known for its tourism industry,” he said in his speech here at the Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) ceremony between i-City and Best Western International.

Best Western International has enhanced the Best Western hotel brand and is the world’s largest hotel chain, with over 4,195 hotels in 100 countries.

The MOU was signed by the Vice-President of I Berhad, Datuk Eu Hong Chew and the Vice-President of BWI’s Asian and Middle Eastern Internal Operations, Glenn de Souza, and was observed by Abdul Khalid.

The construction of the hotel on 72 acres of land involves a Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM50 million.

It will be carried out in stages, including 826 units of Service Suits which are expected to be completed in 2016, while 216 hotels are expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2014.

With the opening of the hotel, it is expected to increase the number of visitors to I-City.

Previously, a giant Thai company, Central Pattana, invested RM500 million through its subsidiary companies to build the CentralPlaza@i-City shopping complex here in i-City, Shah Alam.

Meanwhile, Abdul Khalid added that the State Government is currently in the process of upgrading the infrastructural facilities in its surrounding area.

Prior to this, the Mayor of Shah Alam, Datuk Jaafar Atan informed that a junction connecting the Federal Highway with Shah Alam is under construction and is expected to have a positive impact to the socio-economy of the residents of the city of Shah Alam, especially in Section 7.

The intersection will be an alternative route to enter and exit Section 7 as well as become a gateway to i-City from Klang.

With the latest infrastructure, Shah Alam is expected to become more urban and play an important role in the Greater Kuala Lumpur Master Plan.

In addition to the intersection which will be completed in September, a hospital with 300 beds is currently under construction on 25 acres of land near i-City.

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.