Tag: Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor Programs

Selangor Budget 2014 Offers Varsity Scholarships

halimah
SUBANG JAYA, SEPT 23: Selangor’s Budget 2014 will be offering Chief Minister Scholarships with an allocation of RM1.1 million as a start.

The Exco for Education, Higher Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Halimah Ali, said the scholarship will be awarded to postgraduate students via issuance of bonds in an effort to form a Selangor Brain Bank.

She said this will be presented during the 2014 Budget in November, which will commence early 2014.

“For the Education, Higher Education and Human Capital Development portfolio, we provide both short and long-term plannings for the people of Selangor.

“After providing successful services to the people of this state last term, Pakatan Selangor will further enhance our service with this offer,” she told reporters after the presenting the proposal during the State Budget Dialogue 2014 at the Grand Dorset Subang Jaya.

Halimah also added that among the things that will be implemented next year includes a Study of Social Policy Centre.

“This Centre will be governed by the local authorities with aims to investigate which state policies should be implemented. However, the cost needed to operate the Centre is still under discussion,” she said.

In addition, she also informed that RM11.6 million will be allocated by the State Government for the development of human capital.

In a presentation entitled ‘Mengehsankan Insan Di Selangor‘, seven short and long-term plans to address education, higher education and social ills will be implemented within the next five years.

Among them will be creating life-long learning, upgrading skills, creating Selangor Open Campus, IMBE skills programme, Sultan Salahuddin Idris Shah Centre of Excellence, and the enactment of Selangor Islamic Education, the Maahad Tahfiz Integration.

“This plan is currently being studied for implementation. For example, we want to create Maahad Tahfiz in each district. So far we have three and we need six more,” she said.

21 Families of Senior Citizens Receive Contributions from Sri Muda DUN

8

SHAH ALAM, 19 Sept: Suhaimi Shafei took the opportunity to visit and present daily necessities to 21 families of senior citizens at the Sri Muda State Legislative Assembly (DUN).

The Senior Citizen’s Cara Visit programme aims to greet and help ease the burden of the group.

Suhaimi said that all assistance should be done holistically in addition to ensuring that it reaches the recipients, regardless of race and ethnicity.

“This home visiting programme is not simply to deliver donations, but it gives space for the residents to voice out local problems, such as drainage and pothole problems.

“In line with the slogan to pursue Selangor’s excellence, we celebrate all levels of society,” he said, adding that the programme, since Ramadan, will continue throughout the village.

During the two-day visit, Suhaimi visited 21 homes around Kampung Baru Hicom, Jalan Kebun, Sri Proton Flats, Section 27, Alam Megah and Bukit Naga.

The senior citizens were happy with Suhaimi’s visit and were grateful that local leaders were concerned about the elderly.

LZS Presents Aid to 210 Storm Victims

5

SHAH ALAM, 19 SEPT: The difficulties of 210 residents in Meru, Klang, whose homes were damaged by flood due to the storm recently, received sympathy from the Selangor Zakat Board (LZS).

Consequently, they have been presented RM300 each which was delivered by the Assemblyman for Meru, Dr Abdul Rani Osman, who wanted to bring the matter to the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) session.

“The incident this time was more of a storm. There are areas which we have identified to face floods every time it rains,” he said mentioning that the problem of flooding in several key locations have been resolved.

He will hold a joint meeting with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) to solve the problem in the new area.

Resident, Abdul Muhit Karmain who has been living in Taman Meru Indah, Klang for seven years described that his first experience with floods and storms was unforgettable.

What’s more is that the whole family was holding an open house in conjunction with the Aidilfitri celebration during the incident. Even the tents for guests were blown away by the storm.

He estimated the losses to amount to RM5,000, including the damage of the roof and electrical goods.

“The incident took place on 1 September. I installed a tent. The tent flew and the all the food got wet. Many items could not be saved,” he said.

For Mohd Nasir Saad who has been living at Jalan Kasim Meru for four years hopes that the drainage system can be repaired and upgraded so that flooding can be avoided.

He admitted that he faced flooding twice a year as he lives near the drain which is the water system route.

“I was at a neighbour’s hours. Suddenly there was a storm and rain. Less than 30 minutes, the roof was blown away and we worked together to help our neighbour,” he said.

CM: PM Must Explain NEP Failure

1

BANDAR UTAMA, 18 SEPTEMBER: Despite provisions of billions of ringgit, with various rhetoric to empower Bumiputera development, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak has been urged to provide accurate explanation as to why the New Economic Policy (NEP) previously failed in placing the majority in a proud place.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the public is questioning why the Bumiputera status remains fragile with the socio-economic gap widening, and requiring support from the Government despite the NEP being implemented for a long time.

“The government should review the existing shortcomings prior to coming up with a new policy,” he said.

Abdul Khalid said this in response to the announcement by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Abd Razak on new measures and strategies to empower the Bumiputera community’s economy through the establishment of the Bumiputera Economic Council.

Abdul Khalid said that efforts to develop the socio-economy of Bumiputeras will not be achieved if the Government still gives opportunities to the ‘rentier class’ such as previous policies.

Abdul Khalid added that the Government should formulate a policy that is concerned about the Bumiputera community and not continue the political survival of any individual.

“Part of the New Economic Policy has provided opportunities to the ‘rentier class’. They do not carry out projects given and instead, carry out projects by way of joint ventures, where most of the work is done by non-Malays.

“Great profits that are not based on ‘value for money’ will cause contracts to be sold (alibaba),” explained Abdul Khalid,

Water Restructuring to be Completed Later This Year

8

SHAH ALAM, 11 SEPT: The restructuring of the water industry in Selangor will be completed before 31 December this year after the State Government received confirmation from the Central Government.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the matter was decided by the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA) in a letter dated 9 September 2013.

In the letter, the Minister of KeTTHA, Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili stated that the Ministry has considered all the arguments and facts presented by the State Government and is confident that it can be resolved.

“The State Government thanked the Ministers involved personally and gave their commitment to ensure that the water management will be handed back to the State Government in accordance with the Water Services Industry Act (Wasia) 2006.

“We reiterate our readiness to take over the water operations as soon as possible seeing that the solution to this problem has nearly been achieved,” he said in a press conference at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Building in Shah Alam.

The letter also stated that the Ministry will hold a meeting with the share owners of the concession companies at the latest next week to discuss the process and procedures of the water restructuring which will be implemented.

“We (the Federal and State Government) have the same goal to settle this matter for the restructuring of the water industry in the state of Selangor,” he added.

Also informed is the provision of free water which will continue in the next few years as contained in the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat (PR) manifesto should the water industry restructuring be completed.

Syabas Dragged to Consumer Claims Tribunal

7

SHAH ALAM, 11 SEPT: The Selangor Water Supply Company (Syabas) has been dragged to the Tribunal for Consumer Claims for allegedly failing to manage the water supply well thus affecting the residents in the Klang Valley.

Member of Parliament for Pandan, Rafizi Ramli, representing 15 residents from Ampang and Pandan submitted the claims file to the tribunal against Syabas following a series of water supply disruptions since last year.

He said the 15 claims files are efforts in the early stage and claims compensation of RM50 for each day there was water supply disruptions.

“The copy will be sent to Syabas, and Syabas has to attend (the tribunal) three weeks from now to defend themselves as to why they were unsuccessful in ensuring that the water supply in Selangor was carried out properly and not burden the consumers.

This petition in relation to water supply disruption caused by the pipe system damage at the Wangsa Maju Pump House which resulted in the disruption of water supply for three weeks in December 2012, and once on 27 August.

Rafizi said this after submitting the claim files at the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Office at Menara MRCB in Shah Alam.

“This is a matter to ensure that Syabas is responsible to consumers, because previously they have not needed to answer to anyone, if they wanted to cut the water, they would just cut it, even if it was for two to three weeks they did not inform (the people). Consumers need to know that they have rights when disruptions such as this happen,” he added.

Rafizi said that he has received 200 more claim filed from the residents of Ampang, Pandan, Kelana Jaya and Klang who also wants Syabas to be responsible for the difficulties they faced.

“All this while the people could not afford to take action because Syabas was protected by the concession agreement and we could not access their files, in addition to expensive legal fees,” he said.

Rafizi stressed that consumers have the right under Section 53 of the Consumer Protection Act 1999 which provides for every services to be accompanied by a guarantee and it should be done carefully and properly.

Rafizi claimed that Syabas did not carry its duties properly and skilfully as provided by the law and allowed repeated damage to pipes.

The Tribunals has set 3 October 2013 as the date to hear the claims of the 15 residents.

PKR: Immediate Action to Save Public Universities

1

SHAH ALAM, September 11: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has expressed concern on the ranking drop of public universities in the country in the Quacquarelli Symonds World University Ranking 2013.

Member of Parliament for Pandan, Rafizi Ramli said that the Central Government and the people of Malaysia in general have to face the reality that public education institutions need to be saved.

“The fact that six out of seven public universities in the country are declining in their rankings should be taken seriously by all parties openly.

“Even more so when the best university in Asia is the National University of Singapore (NUS) which is ranked 24th, making it the best university in Asia beating universities in Japan, South Korea and China,” he said in a press statement yesterday.

This list is one of the three international university ranking lists that are influential and widely followed, in addition to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the Academic Ranking of World Universities.

The report shows six out of seven public universities in Malaysia have dropped in their rankings.

The report is based on the six important indicators which are academic achievement, the ability to obtain employment and employer’s views, the ratio of students to teaching faculty, research references, international student body and teaching faculty.

The six local universities that have dropped in their rankings are the University of Malaya (UM) from 156 in year 2012 to 167 this year, the National University of Malaysia (UKM) from 261 to 269, University of Science Malaysia (USM) from 326 to 355 this year.

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has dropped from 360 to 411-420, the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) from 401-450 to 501-550 and the Mara University of Technology (UiTM) from 601 to 701 this year.

Meanwhile, only one of the country’s institute of higher learning which is the University of Technology, Malaysia (UTM) rose from 358 in year 2012 to 355 this year.

“The problem of unemployment among graduates, especially Malay Bumiputera graduates stem from the declining quality of tertiary education every year which has been confirmed by the ranking of the country’s public universities,” said Rafizi.

He suggested six steps to restore the integrity and quality of public universities i the country in the next 10 years. He emphasised that this has to be mobilised starting from now.

The steps are: to restore academic freedom by giving autonomy to the University Senate without Government interference; to restore university leadership according to merit based on credibility, experience and integrity; to stop all political propaganda oriented activities or programmes or which stifles critical thinking of students; a scholarship system that gives the best place in the best universities in Malaysia to the best students; and the empowerment of the academic faculty credibility by bringing in the best teachers and researchers from around the world.

“I believe that these measures are the beginning in restoring the excellence of public universities in the country with the aim of having UM ranked in the world’s top 100 universities 10 years from now,” he added.

Selangor to Spend RM3 Billion to RM4 Billion in Implementing GE-13 Manifesto

5

AMPANG, SEPT 10: The Selangor State Government is expected to spend RM3 billion to RM4 billion to implement the policies contained in the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat (PR) Manifesto which was announced during the 13th General Election (GE-13).

The estimate, however, may increase to RM6 billion, as it is subject to proposals that may be raised by local community leaders in the 2013 Selangor State Government Manifesto Dialogue With The People, which is currently actively being conducted in the state.

According to the Executive Councillor in charge of Housing, Building Management and Urban Settlement, Iskandar Abdul Samad, the estimate includes the provisions for one term for schemes implemented under the Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor (MES) agenda.

“In 2008, we were yet to form government, but for 2013, we have detailed criteria.

“We will try to complete our dialogue this week and after that, the executive councillors will meet from the 18 to 20 September where we will present all feedback from you, Insya-Allah.

This was said by Iskandar during the dialogue for the administrative area of the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) at the MPAJ Gallery last night.

The dialogue was also held to seek the vies of the people of Selangor to be included in the 2014 Selangor State Budget before being presented by the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim before the end of this year.

The State Government under the administration of Abdul Khalid previously practiced taking into account the public opinion before the annual budget is formulated.

The practice has also draw the interest of the Federal Government to follow in the same steps and take into account the views of the public before the 2014 Budget is presented.

However, this move by the Barisan Nasional (BN) Government under the administration of the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak has received cynical criticism from the general public after the government recently raised the price of Ron95 and Ron97 petrol as well as diesel.

The decision to raise the price of fuel is considered as not reflecting reality of those below, the low and middle income people in particular.

CM: KUIS Aims to Achieve University Status in 2016

1

BANGI, SEPT 10: To continue efforts to strengthen knowledge, the Selangor International Islamic University College (KUIS) seeks to achieve full university status by the year 2016.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that as a move to realise the plan, efforts to offer graduate and doctoral degrees are being pursued.

“This effort will begin with upgrading works and adding several new programmes at the undergraduate level in order to be competitive and keep pace with the changing times.

“In addition, diploma and degree students are also expected to make KUIS their preferred institution to further their studies in their masters degree as well as their doctorate in philosophy,” explained Abdul Khalid who is also the Chairman of KUIS.

Abdul Khalid said this at a press conference after the First Session of the 16th time of the KUIS Convocation Ceremony today.

KUIS which is wholly owned by MAIS was established in 1995. KUIS offers over twenty courses covering a variety of subjects such as Islamic studies, business studies, Islamic banking, language and communication, information technology, multimedia, nursing and education.

KUIS is now actively improving the quality of learning at the institution in line with the entry target of 6,000 students next year.

This year’s edition saw a total of 1,896 students from six faculties eligible to receive their respective Diplomas and Degrees which was presented by Abdul Khalid.

Also present at the convocation was the Exco in charge of Education, Dr Halimah Ali, the Reactor of KUIS, Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Abd Halim Tamuri, members of the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) as well as parents and family members of the students graduating.

The convocation this time also awarded diplomas to 500 teachers of Al-Quran and Fardu Ain (KAFA) classes from around Selangor who were enrolled in the Teaching Diploma programme.

The Teaching Diploma for KAFA teachers is part of on-going efforts in promoting Islamic education for the children of Selangor.

New Insulation Project to Mitigate Floods

6

SHAH ALAM, SEPT 9: A flood insulation project will be implemented by the State Government to overcome flash floods from occurring in some areas in Shah Alam and Klang recently.

Executive Councillor for Youth, Sports, Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi said that this project will be implemented immediately in areas that have been identified, namely Sungai Rasah and its surrounding areas.

6.2

“Among the proposals by the Selangor Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) is to raise the banks around the affected areas to prevent water from spilling out onto the nearby roads and tolls,” Yunus said in a statement.

He said that the water flow of drains and ditches which are narrow before merging has caused bottlenecks, resulting in water overflowing into the river.

“The State Government has also identified some areas that frequently experience flash floods due to drainage problems which are not managed well, blocked and so on, such as in Kampung Padang Jawa, to be upgraded to be better,” he said.

The State Government will take immediate action for the intersection of Jalan Batu Tiga Lama and Jalan Sungai Rasah by enlarging the drains and ditches because of frequent flooding.

6.3

He added that he and a group of officers from the DID will survey the area a day before flooding occurs.

“The State Government will monitor areas which are classified as potential areas that experience flash floods so that early prevention can be done before an even bigger disaster happens.

Yunus did not rule out the possibility that unusual rainfall has caused flash flooding.

“Cooperation from the local residents and the people of Selangor is required so as to not make drains and ditches an instant waste disposal site causing it to be ‘stuck and too full’,” he said.

RM52.6M Investment Enhances Economy, Create Opportunities in Rural Areas

5

SHAH ALAM, SEPT 9: It is believed that the opening of the second branch of a glove manufacturing factory in Kuala Selangor would enhance the state economy as well as provide new employment opportunities especially for rural communities.

Executive Councillor in charge of Investment, Industry and Trade, Ean Ying Wah said that the State Government welcomes the move by Biomax Rubber Industries Sdn Bhd which invested RM52.6 million to set up its second plant.

“The State Government encourages investment to grow in this state. We want Selangor to be developed and thrive, as well as increase the standard of society.

“This is consistent with the State Government’s plans to develop rural areas,” he said via a Short Messaging System (SMS) text message.

Yesterday, its President, Chong Wee Chong informed that the new branch will be built on a 3.24 hectare land at the end of this year and is expected to be completed in early 2015.

Bernama news agency reported that this new branch will have two production lines with the capacity of producing one billion medical/examination (ME) gloves per year.

Biomax was established in 2010, and exports its products to 20 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Vietnam, Europe, the Middle East, India and Australia.

The first Biomax branch is located in Sungai Buloh.

Ean Yong said that Biomax’s investment would positively impact and help strengthen Selangor’s position as the preferred destination for domestic and foreign investment.

During the State Assembly sitting in July, the State Government set a target of RM8 billion worth of investment for the manufacturing sector for the year 2013.

Ean said that 1,420 manufacturing projects have been approved with a total investment of RM49.7 billion and 125,067 jobs have been created for 2008-2012.

Company Accused of Polluting River Ordered to Vacate Premises

4

RAWANG, SEPT 9: The factory which allegedly caused the oil pollution in Sungai Selangor has been ordered to vacate its premises by the President of the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) within 30 days, effective 9 September.

MPS Enforcement Assistant, C.Paramasivan said that MPS has placed their members on the premises to ensure that the owners comply with the order.

The seized premises was reopened for that purpose only. All equipment, facilities and goods have been taken out of the factory to be recorded.

“The factory owners can vacate the premises starting today (9 September), as early as 8am till 7pm. If this factory cannot be vacated in a month, we will wait for further instruction from the YDP (President),” he told Selangor Kini.

The factory which has been illegally dumping waste since 13 years ago was hit by controversy when they were allegedly responsible for disposing black oil waste into Sungai Gong, which flows out to Sungai Selangor recently.

In line with the State Government’s response, MPS acted quickly and seized the factory on 31 August. MPS also seized 20 devices such as welding equipment in addition to two tankers containing black oil.

Meanwhile, an employee of the company who declined to be names explained that the company has adhered to the decision by MPS and promised to vacate the factory within the prescribed time.

He added that all goods from the factory will be moved to several different locations including Ampang, Kundang, Klang and Ijok.

“It is hard to complete (emptying the factory) within a month, but we will try. The owner proposes to move next year but the factory was seized first,” he said.