Tag: People’s Feedback

Selangor Should Hurry Local Government Elections

SHAH ALAM, 22 Nov: Subang Jaya Assemblyman, Hannah Yeoh is urging the State Government to not delay Local Government Elections.

She said that a few years ago, the State Government had already spent money on researching the implementation of Local Government elections in Selangor.

However, the results of the research and the estimated cost to implement it are not known.

She said that Penang is already in the process of implementing local government elections in January next year.

“In relation to that, it is fair; considering that the state is rich and developed, that the State Government stops delaying the matter because the local residents have the power to choose their council members.”

“Local Government Elections will ensure that the best person is picked to serve in the Local Authorities.”

“Therefore, the State Government should stop delaying the implementation of local state elections,” she said in the Selangor State Assembly sitting.

Azmin: State Government Should Investigate PKPS Forest Reserves

SHAH ALAM, 21 Nov: The State Government has been asked to investigate the Bukit Tarik and Rantau Panjang forest reserve land lease agreement which has been claimed to be ‘biased’ and profiting parties with ties to Umno-BN leaders.

Bukit Antarabangsa Assemblyman, Azmin Ali said that he had previously brought up the issue in the State Assembly sitting in regards to the 2012 Budget.

“The response revealed that on the 22nd of February 2001, the State Government had signed a concession and lease agreement with the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS).”

“PKPS was given the concession to the Bukit Tarik and Rantau Panjang forest reserve land with the area of 5,000 hectares and a 60-year lease.”

“From there, PKPS had join-ventured with several companies, some of which involves Umno-BN leaders,” he said.

Azmin said that the join-venture was in favour of lessee companies that were engaging in plantation projects on the forest reserve.

“According to my inspection, PKPS will acquire returns of RM40 million from the leasing of land measuring 10,000 hectares where else the lessee company would profit more than 4 percent.”

“I came to understand that the total amount that PKPS received was only RM700,000 in 2009 from the proceeds of the Bukit Tarik and Rantau Panjang forest reserve,” he said.

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.

Azmin: The State Government Has Only Received 18 Percent from Federal Government Reserves

SHAH ALAM, 21 Nov: The State Government has only received RM364 million from the allocated RM67 billion which has apparently been channelled by the Federal Government for the development and advancement of Selangor.

The RM 364 million is only 18 percent of the total RM 67 billion which was announced by the Kota Belud Parliament member, Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan in the previous House of Representatives sitting.

Today, Bukit Antarabangsa Assemblyman, Azmin Ali claimed that Abdul Rahman’s statement was a propaganda played by Umno-BN to mislead the people of Selangor because it involves a large amount of funds.

“After checking with the Selangor Office of State Treasury, it is evidently different from what was stated.”

“However, should Umno-BN’s claim regarding the allocation be correct, the State Government would have to ask for the list of Federal projects worth RM 67 billion to be inspected and audited.”

“The people of Selangor have the right to know how it (the funds) has been channeled, who had received the project, what was the cost and whether it was transparent as well as whether it was an open tender?”

“I request the State Government to appoint an honest auditor to carry out the auditing. However, I am certain it is a lie,” he said to the media outside the State Assembly (DNS) hall today.

Azmin recapped his statement regarding the announcement at the 2013 Budget debate in the Selangor State Assembly hall.

He said that the Umno-BN theatrics can also be seen in their promise to build the third bridge in Klang.

He added that the project was launched by the ex-Works Minister, Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu three days before the 12th General Elections (GE-12) and he had promised to begin works four months after the launching.

“However, we can see that till now, nothing has been done. Instead, they are (now) promising to build a fourth bridge in the same city,” he said.

Suee Lim: Umno-BN Swoops-up 23 Land Lots worth RM20 Million

SHAH ALAM, 20 Nov: The case of land ownership by Umno-BN component parties will be reported to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commision (SPRM) and Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) for misuse of power.

Sekinchan Assemblyman, Ng Suee Lim said that the land involved 23 areas in seven districts throughout Selangor from 1999 to 2008 which were acquired under the Umno-BN administration.

This included component parties and Umno-BN leaders including Umno, MCA, MIC and Gerakan where the aforementioned parties were only charged a premium of RM1 per square meter.

He said that all the areas involved a sum of RM20 million with the size of each lot being from one to seven acres where Umno received 14 areas, MCA (five), MIC (three) and Gerakan (one).

“The elements that exist in this case is misuse of power, how it was approved and why for Umno-BN. We will ask for these matters to be investigated.”

“We will also make a police report as soon as possible,” he said in a press conference at the Annex Hall lobby in conjunction with the Selangor State Assembly sitting today.

Swee Lim claimed that the cases involved Umno leaders from branches in Selayang, Ampang, Subang, Puchong, Tanjong Karang and Sungai Besar.

“All 23 areas of these lands are lands with the highest value, commercial lands.”

“All are used for businesses such as shop houses and commercial buildings. When they acquire this land they will make a joint venture with them (shop lot and building operators) to make a profit,” he further claimed.

“This are amongst the examples and the true face of Umno-BN who are happily attacking (PR Government) here and there when in actual fact, they are the parties that are Swooping-up the Rakyat’s Land.”

“The rakyat is put first. But in the context of Umno, MCA and others, they are prioritised.”

Umno-BN’s Excuse of Not Building Klang’s Third Bridge Cannot Be Accepted

SHAH ALAM, 20 Nov: Selangor Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Satim Diaman’s answer regarding why the Umno-BN Federal Government did not continue the third Klang bridge project is a superficial reason which cannot be accepted.

At the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) sitting today, Satim said that the Federal Government did not not resume the project which was promised in 2008 because Umno-BN had lost Selangor in the general election that year.

Sri Muda Assemblyman, Shuhaimi Shafiei said that the project is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Works controlled by the Federal Government which is still ruled by Umno-BN.

“The excuse is just not acceptable. If they use the reasoning that Umno-BN had lost so they will not build the bridge, this shows that they are confused between the decision made by the government and (the decision made by) political parties.”

“This issue clearly shows that Umno-BN has a more political attitude when they say that they will only build should they win,” he said to TV Selangor at the DNS lobby today.

When Satim announced the 2013 Budget, he claimed that Pakatan Rakyat did fulfil promises in the 2008 Election (GE-12) manifesto.

Shuhaimi interrupted by bringing up the issue of Umno-BN not building the Klang Third Bridge.

Satim gave the excuse that the project was discontinued because Umno-BN had lost in GE-12 and had lost their power in Selangor.

Outside DNS, Shuhaimi said that the bridge was not completed, in fact, the building plans were not even included in any federal development plans.

“This clearly proves that what was said by (Works Minister) Samy Vellu at that time was a political promise just to attract voters to support them.”

“In my opinion, they ran away from their real responsibilities because what they did was to punish the people of Selangor,” he said.

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.

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.

Bad Building Management Resulting in Difficulty Getting Free Water Rebate

SHAH ALAM, 19 Nov: Lack of building management and responsibility as well as lack of commitment in the management of free water rebate distribution to residents among the reasons why apartment residents did not get the 20 square meters water subsidy.

This issue involves 3,500 units in 14 low-cost apartments throughout the state.

Housing, Building management and Squatters Exco member, Iskandar Samad said this when answering Lau Weng San (DAP- Kampung Tunku).

However, 59,127 low-cost units still using central meters in 214 low-cost apartments have already received free water rebates.

From the above total are 5,254 units in the Shah Alam City Council area; 16,604 units in Petaling Jaya City Council area; 8,893 units in the Subang Jaya Municipal Council area, 13, 510 units in the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council area and 6,590 units in the Klang Municipal Council area.

In addition, 5,789 units for the Selayang Municipal Council area; 3,798 units in Kajang Municipal Council area; 125 units in the Sepang Municipal Council area; 300 units in the Hulu Selangor District Council area and 352 units in the Kuala Langat District Council area.

264 Infrastructural Projects Successful under Selangorku Grant

SHAH ALAM, 19 Nov: A total of 264 infrastructure development projects in the whole of Selangor have been built under the Selangorku Grant as of mid-October 2012.

This comprises of nine districts with an estimated cost of RM37.4 million already spent.

These includes, plastering, painting, road and drain repairs, installation and repairs of street lights, road widening, building of lanes, coastal plains, road reserves and the repairing of sewages to prevet blockage.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the following in his 2013 Budget speech.

“Administration and development of Selangor has been carried out in a somewhat different way from other states. The concept of State Revenue for the People is being spread throughout state administration.”

“Implementation capital does not merely come from the state budget. State Government has been creatively using other resources to increase investments in infrastructure development, “he said when commenting on the status of the Selangor Grant implementation amounting to RM300 million.

He added that for sports infrastructure, a total of RM30 million has been allocated and approximately RM6 million has been spent on the 35 projects approved in nine districts.

For non-physical programs, a total of 62 projects have been approved under the Selangor Grant with RM7.48 million spent.

These programmes include the empowerment of women, educational support, young entrepreneurship, rural development movement, workers welfare, corruption eradication and mismanagement, the introduction of the minimum wage, strengthening the culture and the strengthening of democracy.

“The implementation of programs under the Selangor Grant will also be intensified in 2013,” he said.

Selangor Beats Other States in Investment

SHAH ALAM, 19 Nov: Selangor has recorded the highest investment performance in Malaysia with RM6.08 billion January to July this year.

The total includes domestic investments of RM4.59billion and RM1.49 billion of foreign direct investments (FDI).

The investments have created 13,197 new job opportunities for the people of Selangor which include skilled workers, semi-skilled and less-skilled workers as well as professionals.

The figures were given by Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).

The Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the total amount of investments has increased since last September by RM7.7 million.

He said that, from January to July 2012, a total of 142 investment projects came in to Selangor.

Abdul Khalid added that from 2008 to 2011, Selangor is at the top with Penang being at second place in terms of the total amount of investments that has come in to the state with an average of RM38 billion over four years.

The value of investments that came into Selangor is RM11.87 billion (2008), RM6.76 billion (2009), RM10.64 billion (2010), and RM8.74 billion (2011).

Meanwhile the value of domestic investment (DDI) from 2008 to 2011 was RM2.87 billion (2008), RM2.75 billion (2009), RM5.49 billion (2010) and RM4.5 billion (2011).

For foreign direct investment (FDI), from 2008 to 2011 the recorded investment figure was RM9.0 billion (2008), RM4.01 billion (2009), RM5.15 billion (2010), and RM4.24 billion (2011).

“The number of projects which have been successfully undertaken in Selangor over the period of four years is as much as 302 projects (2008), 278 projects (2009), 325 projects (2010) and 263 projects (2011).

“The job opportunities that came out of the investments in Selangor during the period amounted to 30,890 people (2008), 22,753 people (2009), 27,865 people (2010) and 20,750 people (2011),” he said in his presentation of the 2013 budget in the state assembly today.

Building Luxury Condos on Slope Taken to DNS Sitting

SHAH ALAM, 16 Nov: Hulu Kelang Assemblyman, Saari Sungib will be raising the objection from the people of Taman Sri Ukay and Taman Hillview regarding the building of luxury condominiums on the slopes not far from Highland Towers at the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) sitting next Monday.

Saari said that the issue is now under the supervision of Ronnie Liu, Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco member, and that he will review the matter before taking further action.

Ronnie said that the Selangor State Government, a concerned government, is taking the matter seriously because it involves a huge number of residents and issues regarding their safety and interest.

“The lives and safety of residents is very important and it is the main responsibility of the government to protect these. The Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government is pro-rakyat therefore the rakyat is our primary concern. I have already brought the matter forward to the Exco members and we will wait for what further action will be taken to overcome this issue,” he said.

Last week, approximately 50 residents from Taman Sri Ukay and Taman Hillview held a peaceful demonstration to express their objection to the two high profile developments on the slopes near their homes.

One of the projects at Lot 847 near Taman Hillview will comprise of three 40-storey blocks and the other project at Lot 5 involves the building of five 17-storey blocks which will be developed not far from the Highland Towers condominium disaster site.

It has been understood that both the projects will be developed by two different developers.

The residents had surrendered their memorandum of objection to one of the assistants of Zuraida Kamaruddin, Ampang MP.