Tag: Public Service

Malaysia Should Build a Sports Institute of Higher Learning

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SHAH ALAM, 8 Nov: The federal government should at least establish one institute of higher learning (IHL) dedicated to sports development in order to improve athlete’s’ level of professionalism in Malaysia.

The Exco in charge of Selangor Youth and Sports, Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi, said that planned development of sports institutions will provide an opportunity for national athletes to continue their studies at the highest level, thus making sports as an important industry that will benefit the country.

He said that athletes can also improve their skills in events and games pursued more consistently with physical and scientific equipment through the establishment of the sports IHL.

“We will also be able to educate the public that sports is not just a side activity, but involves a good future career with a high level of certification,” he said when contacted by Selangor Kini today.

He was asked to comment on the motion presented by the Member of Parliament for Kota Bharu, Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan, who suggested in the House of Representatives yesterday for the federal government to establish a sports university college to produce athletes that are not only excellent, but are of high intellect.

Ahmad Yunus said that he also proposed for the Bukit Jalil area to be the location of the IHL development to reduce the cost of construction if the central government agrees.

“Perhaps the development of the first sports IHL in the country can be done in Selangor, as the focus state in the development of Malaysia. We also have the Shah Alam Stadium which is recognised as the best stadium in the country.

“Therefore, I hope that the central government will consider this proposal and make it happen, at least before year 2020,” he said.

Selangor the First State to Approve Swiftlet Licence

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SHAH ALAM, 8 Nov: Selangor became the first state to approve the granting of licence for the farming and operating industry of swiftlet nests through an intensive package offer that is fair to existing farmers and operators, with effect from 1 January 2014.

Executive Councillor for Local Government, Studies and Research, Datuk Teng Chang Khim, said that implementation of the policy was decided by the State Government Council Meeting (MMKN) after holding a dialogue session with associations and operators of the industry on 25 September.

He said that the implementation will be done through the enforcement of Rearing of Swiftlet and Manufacturing of Swiftlets’ Nest By-laws 2013 in all Local Authorities in the state of Selangor.

“In the consideration process, the state government took into account several factors including the interests and problems of operators, in addition to the interest of the public in terms of hygiene, disease control, sound pollution, negative impact on property prices as well and building a comfortable city,” he said in a press statement at his office here today.

At the same time, Teng explained several key points of the implementation of the licencing policy which needs to be observed by swiftlet farmers and operators as decided at the MMKN.

“All breeders and operators on agricultural land will be granted licence starting 1 January, 2014. Breeders and operators of existing business premises will receive licences starting form 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016, while breeders and operators on paddy fields will be given licences from 1 January 2014 to 1 December 2020.

“For breeders and operators in business premises as well as paddy fields, they will be given incentives which includes licensing fees, free quite rent and assessment for five years at the new site if they move their premises to existing farming sites within the period the licence is granted,” he said.

Chang Kim said that the granting of licence is subject to conditions provided for under the by-laws and all operators and breeders have to submit licence application no lter than 31 December this year.

“Licence application for operation in business premises and paddy fields, whether existing or new, will not be considered after 31 December this year and all applications will be submitted to the relevant local authorities.

“We hope that with the granting of this licence, breeders and operators of the swiftlet nest industry in Selangor will grow in an orderly manner, thus benefiting the economic development of the state,” he said.

Selangor to Begin Klang River Development in March 2014

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SHAH ALAM, 8 Nov: The state government will start the redevelopment of the Klang river, including cleaning and upgrading, in March 2014.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the first effort which is to be taken seriously is the cleaning of the river and currently, there are several planning to be initiated in 2014.

Abdul Khalid said that the state government should first wait and examine the development of the Klang river because many have come forward to help in the upgrading, including several companies from Korea and China.

“I think that this development would likely occur in March 2014. Currently there are several work papers, (and) our first effort is to clean up the Klang river because there is a lot of garbage in it,” he said.

Abdul Khalid said this at a press conference after attending the Selangor State Headman (Penghulu), Traditional Village Heads and Members of Village Development and Security (JKKK) Assembly here at the Silver Jubilee Hall in the State Secretariat Building today.

However, Abdul Khalid said that the conditions imposed on the governments cannot be met by the state government for several reasons.

“Too many people want to help us fix the Kang river, including some from abroad. But they do not really want to develop the Klang river, but they are dreaming of the land next to the area, so I have postponed it.

“If I consented to it, I fear that we will not have the land. They want to beautify the Klang river so that is anyone wants to go to Kuala Lumpur from Port Klang to Masjid Jamek can do so by boat.

“However, to fund this development, the land next to the river would have to be handed over to them. The village people would be angry with me,” he said.

Abdul Khalid said that the state government is waiting for cleaning and upgrading of the river in Kuala Lumpur to finish before starting the Klang river clean-up efforts.

“I will wait for Kuala Lumpur to upgrade the upper part of the river. If we start cleaning, dirt from that area would reach here. But plans are ready and next year, it can begin,” he said.

Norazita Asked Her Children to Study Hard Before She Was Shot

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SHAH ALAM, 8 Nov: “Mom asked me and my brother to study hard,” said the eldest son of the late banker, Norazita Abu Talib, who was shot by a security guard at the USJ Ambank on 23 October.

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Nurisa Nabilah Irwan, 12, said that her late mother’s message still remains in her memory and her brother’s, Muhammad Hazimi Irwan, 8, and it will continue to be the strength for them to excel in their studies.

Nurisa, who just finished taking the Primary School Achievement Test (UPSR), said that the loss of Norazita is a blow to her and Hazim, but support from their father, Irwan Kamaruddin, makes them strong.

Meanwhile, Irwan, 37, who works as a personal driver, also expressed his gratitude for the contributions and concern of the state government which is trying to help ease the burden of their family.

“All tasks previously shouldered by my late wife is now my responsibility. Now, I have the responsibility as both, a mother and father to my children.

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“I hope that the police could quickly solve this case as find a solution so it does not recur and no other family would have to face this situation,” he said.

Irwan said this when meeting with Selangor Kini after the state government’s contribution of RM5,000 was delivered by the Exco for Welfare and Women’s Affairs, Rodziah Ismail, and was also attended by the Assemblywoman for Taman Medan, Haniza Talhah, here at their home yesterday.

Rodziah said that the state government is ready to help in the form of legal advice if Irwan takes the matter to court for a lawsuit.

“This lawsuit is not meant for revenge, but it is more towards ensuring that all parties, especially the management of companies, are more sensitive in the selection of security members so that such an incident will not recur.

“We will also provide assistance in the form of legal advice and counsel so that Irwan will get a comprehensive explanation on this case,” said Rodziah.

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PKR Criticises 2 Assemblymen in Sabah who Jumped Party

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SHAH ALAM, 8 Nov: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vehemently criticised the unethical actions of two PKR leaders from Sabah who left the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) component party recently.

PKR Vice-President, Tian Chua, said that the action of the two leaders, who are also Assemblymen, is deemed as a huge betrayal to the people of Malaysia, especially Sabah.

He said that the irresponsible attitude clearly betrays the trust given by the people of Sabah during the 13th General Election (GE-13).

“Their claim that they had both lost confidence in the party leadership is just a ploy and a simple excuse to justify their betrayal.

“The actions of these Assemblymen who jumped party is the usual modus operandi of Barisan Nasional (BN) in Sabah to weaken the fighting spirit of the people who want change,” he said.

Thus, he said, PKR urges the people of Sabah to be united and not let the dirty tricks of BN divide the fighting spirit and reformation of PR.

Rumours that the desire of Assemblyman of Matunggong, Jailani Hamdan, and the Assemblyman of Kadamaian, Jeremy Malajad @ Malazah, to leave the party has been brought to attention when they were absent in a meeting with PKR General Chief, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, last week.

Jeremy, in a statement, stressed his move to leave PKR and support BN is to enable the constituency that he represents to enjoy development.

He announced his decision to become an independent MP and also resigned as the state’s PKR Information Chief, with immediate effect, recently.

Residents Representative Committee has Political Aims and to Seize Power from Local Authorities

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KUALA LUMPUR, 7 Nov: The Residents Representative Committee (JPP) which was established by the federal government to support community development programmes is deemed to have political aims and attempts a coup from the state government and local authorities.

Member of Parliament for Bayan Baru, Sim Tze Tzin, said that the function of the JPP which is proposed by the central government is similar to the duties of council members and may be in violation of the Constitution.

He said that the JPP which is concentrated in urban areas will target local authorities in Pakatan Rakyat (PR) state and may be aimed at competing with council members appointed by the state government.

“The establishment of the JPP was decided after Barisan Nasional (BN) failed to win the majority vote from the population of urban areas during the 13th General Election.

“We suspect that the federal government wants to centralise power by establishing the JPP as ‘Appointed Council Members of the Federal Government’ which is clearly in contradiction with the Constitution because local authorities are under the jurisdiction of the state government.

“I urge for the local government and state government to take not on this initiative,” he said in a press conference at the Parliament lobby today.

He said that it would be better is the government allows for the implementation of local government elections to be held to give a larger mandate to the administration of local authorities.

He said that the election will be guaranteed to make existing council members more effective in administration and municipality.

“The establishment of the JPP is just a waste of time and provisions because it would limit the power of local authorities, which are actually under the jurisdiction of the state government. The federal government should take heed that the power of local authorities lies under the state government and avoid from breach of power,” he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced a budget allocation of RM63 million to set up 24 JPP zones in every local authority on 2 October.

The JPP will act as a single entity consisting of representatives of the local community to support community development programmes, while addressing urban issues in local authority areas, and the latest initiative is the result of feedback indicating that most of the urban population do not clearly understand government funded programmes during the GE-13.

Budget 2014: MBPJ Proposes RM1 Million Allocation to Provide Free Feeder Buses

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PETALING JAYA, 7 Nov: The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) remains focused in efforts to develop the public transportation infrastructure as well as efficient and integrated traffic management to ensure that the locals are provided with comfort and facilities.

Petaling Jaya Mayor, Datin Paduka Alinah Ahmad, said that MBPJ, in the Selangor Budget 2014, will propose for the state government to allocate RM1 million in providing free bus service.

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Alinah said that the service involves access between the city centre, health centres, welfare offices, government offices and public educational institutes with a public transport terminal and walkways in addition to the existing community bus and also transit vans for people with disabilities (PWDs).

“In addition, MBPJ has prepared a five-kilometre (km) bicycle path encompassing the council area which was built in addition to the existing 5.6km.

“Four ‘park and ride’ facilities offering 1,911 car park bays at the existing Light Rail Transit (LRT) station will also be built,” he said.

Alinah said this in the ‘Transit Oriented Development (TOD): Towards a Livable and Sustainable City’ seminar which was attended by 300 participants, including residents’ committee, neighbourhood watch, students of higher learning institutions, consultants, the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) and the Public Works Department at the Royale Bintang Damansara Hotel this morning.

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She said that MBPJ has also started a pilot project of limiting parking hours to two hours at Sunway Damansara Town Centre on 1 October.

“Works to make the street at Section 52 into a one-way street will also begin in early 2013 to create more space for alternative transportation such as pedestrian and bicycle paths that are more safe and comfortable.

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Meanwhile, Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, when inaugurating the seminar, said that the city of Petaling Jaya is not only booming, but it has complete infrastructure, thus making the city comfortable for residents to build a life.

“This can The situation can only be maintained by implementing plans to boost infrastructure development and public transport in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.

Tourism Selangor and MPS Committed to the Success of VMY 2014

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SELAYANG, 7 Nov: Tourism Selangor and the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) are committed to the success of the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2014 by taking the initiative to promote tourism and recreation places around Selayang.

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The Manager of Tourism Selangor, Noorul Ashikin Mohd Din, said that they will seek feedback from the management of tourist areas beforehand to see if there is any need to ensure that the area has potential to attract tourists.

“We will determine the amount after we review and study the needs of a recreation area in order to add facilities to facilitate tourists or visitors who visit the place,” she told Selangor Kini.

She said that they are convinced that the state government would not hesitate to provide allocations, especially in efforts to make Selangor known internationally.

“If the place has real potential to attract visitors from the country and abroad, we are positive that the state government will help,” she added.

Among the focal points for tourism to be promoted are Damai Cave, Tasik Biru Kundang and the Selayang Hot Springs.

Promotional efforts are seen as a positive step to elevate Selangor’s tourism industry to a higher level.

Damai Cave which is located near Batu Caves, is a place for rock climbing enthusiast for a long time.

It first opened in 1998, and this cave is not a rock climbing location, but it is also a location for mountain climbing training.

This cave is ideal for beginners in mountaineering activities because most of the route is not too challenging.

Wira Adventure Consultant Manager, Mustafa Al Bakri Omar, said that he hopes that his efforts to promote this area internationally will receive support and assistance from the Federal and State Governments.

He said that this location has become a focus of an international diving programme each year before the country’s annual Kuala Lumpur Tower climb.

“More recently, mountaineers from 15 countries visited this place for training sessions and I believe if we focus on it, this place can become a major attraction for fans of outdoor activities, the best after Krabi, Thailand,” he said.

Mustafa who is also responsible for managing the Damai Cave Extreme Park, using his own capital to develop the area, said that it is now better after receiving RM1 million in allocations from the Federal Government to provide infrastructure such as parks, toilets, playgrounds and other facilities.

“An allocation of RM50,000 from the state government has also been received for next year. We hope that support from the federal and state governments will continue.

“It is our desire to widen the climbing area and of course, the maintenance will require a high cost, but it will be worth it for a tourist attraction,” he said.

Selangor Government Help Residents of Kampung Buloh Telor Overcome Riverbank Collapse

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KUALA KUBU BAHRU, 7 Nov: The residents of Kampung Buloh Telor can now heave a sigh of relief as the riverbank collapse, destroying the only road linking the Orang Asli village, will be fully repaired soon.

Reparation work will involve the construction of a retaining wall at the bank and resurfacing of the damaged roads will be done with provisions channelled through the State Government.

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The Assemblywoman for Kuala Kubu Bahru, Lee Kee Heong, said that the first stage of the construction of the retaining wall in the village of about 150 people from 37 Orang Asli families has already been completed.

“Although this is the responsibility of the Federal Government under the Department of Orang Asli Affairs Development (JHEOA), I ask the State Government to provide allocations to facilitate the residents of the village from entering and exiting.

“There are two parts of the river bank that needs to be repaired, where one has already been completed and for the other, I need to ask for new provisions from the State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN).

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“This is because when UPEN officers previously visited, some of the collapse was covered by trees and bushes, causing this part to not be seen at the time,” she said when visiting the construction site of the retaining wall and road at Kampung Buloh Telor.

Kee Heong added that the first stage of the construction reached a cost of RM19,000, while the cost of the second part and road reparation is still under UPEN’s evaluation.

Meanwhile, the Tok Batin (village chief) of Kampung Buloh Telor, Harun Adam, said that the riverbank collapse started in March dues to heavy rains.

“Since then, the road has been damaged and has become narrow because of the riverbank collapse. But with the help of the State Government, I hope that this problem can be completely resolved thus facilitating residents of the village.

“Thanks to YB Kee Heong and the State Government for this assistance which will make it easier for villagers to go about their daily business,” said Harun.

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EXCLUSIVE SERIES FINAL – Shooting cases: Is Malaysia still peaceful?

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SHAH ALAM, 7 Nov: Like situations in foreign countries that we often watch on television, the society is suddenly shocked with incident after incident of shooting since April.

The latest, a banker, Norazita Abu Talib, was shot dead by an Indonesian security guard when opening the bank vault at the USJ2 Ambank on 23 October.

The incident is among several cases reported by the mass media, making the people restless and on edge about the level of security in Malaysia.

What’s more disturbing is that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) confirmed that Selangor recorded the highest index of shooting compared to other states, with 15 cases from January to August.

It’s Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, also acknowledged that geographical boarder factors, such as between Malaysia and Thailand, is the cause of firearms smuggling activities to further contribute to the increase in criminal cases.

Lecturer, Ahmad Isa, 55, said that the shooting cases happening is a very sad matter, especially when Malaysia is about to step forward to the level of a developed country.

He said that the community has to live in fear and caution because they are afraid that they would be targeted next by criminals.

He said that the phenomenon occurring clearly shows that anyone can own a firearm (free for everyone) without restrictions from the authorities.

“I think that everyone will live in fear when we see crime happening so frequently, especially in Selangor. Drastic action should be taken by the government and the authorities so that it can be resolved from the start because crimes involving firearms are getting more serious.

“I do not want future generations to live this way. Now is the time for the MOHA to take serious action so that Malaysia becomes peaceful again,” he told the Selangor Kini portal recently.

Marketing Assistant, Mohd Alitaha Jamal, 31, claimed that poor enforcement by the Malaysian Government has encouraged criminals to work beyond the limits, endangering the lives of innocent people.

He said that the police and the MOHA cannot be complacent on the matter and urged to tighten existing laws, in addition to finding out the real cause so that crimes involving firearms can be resolved.

“Human life is likened to that of mosquitoes, immediate death when hit. Firearms are so easily available, making the people wonder what the Malaysian authorities are doing in Thailand. If there is no smuggling of weapons, such incidents will not happen.

Vendor, Zamri Kassim, 50, is of the opinion that the safety of the people is at the tip of a horn because they are at risk of being randomly shot because firearms are easily accessible.

Zamri said that he also does not rule out the possibility that such crime is a shortcut used by criminals to get simple pleasure.

“National security is getting worse and this is because previously, the Government gave identification cards at random, especially to foreigners. I also do not rule out the possibility that this factor is due to the burden of the standard of living and crime is a shortcut to make it easier,” he said.

State Government Committed in Helping Improve Infrastructure in Orang Asli Village

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KUALA KUBU BHARU, 6 Nov: The Selangor Government is committee in helping improve the standard of living of the residents in Kampung Buloh Telor by providing various infrastructures to facilitate residents of the Orang Asli (indigenous) village.

Among the facilities that have already been channelled includes basic necessities such as running water and electricity to be enjoyed by 37 families in the village.

Today, the Assemblywoman for Kuala Kubu Bharu, Lee Kee Heong, said that the move demonstrated the seriousness of the State Government in helping the group compared to the Federal Government.

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“After over 50 years without electricity, the State Government is the first to install metered electricity in the houses of villagers and only after that, the Federal Government took note and supplied electricity.

“If at the time the Federal Government refused to supply electricity, the State Government would supply it,” said Kee Heong during a visit to the construction site of the retaining wall and roads here in Kampung Buloh Telor.

Selangor Kini understands that with efforts from the Exco of Tourism, Consumer Affairs and Environment, Elizabeth Wong, the cost to install metered electricity in houses will also be shouldered by the State Government.

Meanwhile, the villages have also started to enjoy piped water for over a year as a result of efforts from the State Government.

In addition, infrastructures have also been improved with the installation of streetlights, the provision of badminton courts, bus stops and speakers at the village mosque.

“Many things have been done by the adopted Assemblyman, Lau Weng Sang (Assemblyman for Kampung Tunku) prior to this, as well as the Jom Shopping (Let’s Go Shopping) programme in conjunction with the recent Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.

“We also took about seven Muslim families and they were happy to be shopping at Econsave for the first time,” she added.

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More ‘Special Branch’ Members in Najib’s Time Compared to the Era of Emergency

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KUALA LUMPUR, 6 Nov: The number of members in the Special Branch (SB) of the Police is more in Najib’s time compared to the Emergency in the 1950s, said Member of Parliament for Bukit Mertajam, Steven Sim.

Steven revealed that in 1954, when a state of emergency was declared, there were only 459 members of the SB, about two percent from the entire police force.

“But in 2012, under the administration of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, there are 8,200 SB members compared to only 5,000 members in 2005 under Tun Abdullah Badawi.

“Does this mean that Malaysia, under Najib, is worse than the era of emergency?” asked Steven during the House of Representative’s session when debating on the Budget 2014.

Steven said that last year, SB completed 380,000 intelligence reports, equivalent to 1,000 reports per day, while the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) only successfully completed 60,000 cases in the same year.

“The number of cases solved by the CID was only 15 percent of the crimes reported.

“Wouldn’t it be better if the SB’s excellence in intelligence, including political intelligence, is used to fight crime,” said Steven.