38 Youth Squares to be built in Selangor

SHAH ALAM, 19 Nov: The State Government has approved the construction of 38 Youth Squares across Selangor with 10 of them fully functional for recreational activities and sports.

Malay Customs, Youth and Sports Exco member, Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi said that the construction is designed for public use, especially for the youth and children by providing each State Legislative Assembly (DUN)a Youth Square.

“The condition is that the square has to be built on state-owned land with an area of 683 square meters minimum for a multipurpose court and 458 square meters for the Youth Square.

“Amenities include a fenced multipurpose court for futsal, netball and a sepak takraw as well as toilet facilities. The Youth Square also comes with a stage,” he said in his answer to the Bangi assemblyman, Dr Shafie Abu Bakar in the State Assembly (DNS) session here today.

He goes on to explain that other than the amount specified, five existing areas are being restored for the same purpose.

Selangor Continues to Curb Deviant Movement

SHAH ALAM, 19 Nov: The Selangor State Government will continue to curb ‘deviant movement’ (ajaran sesat) activities in the state to its roots with the cooperation of the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS).

Jais is now actively seeking evidence to act on groups violating fatwa and faith.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that during 2011, there were 11 reported cases of deviant teachings in Selangor and the case is being investigated under Section 12 (c) of the Selangor Syariah Criminal Enactment 1995 for violating the fatwa.

“We will solve this problem. Jais will monitor the group and action to be taken if they are found to deviate from the faith,” he answered Datuk Abdul Rahman Palil (BN-Sementa) at the State Assembly session Selangor today.

Abdul Khalid also said the issue should be resolved altogether instead of pointing fingers and debating the matter

On the 1st of November last year, Jais raided a rally of over 3,500 people, believed to be held in conjunction with the 75th anniversary, of the late Al-Arqam founder, Ashaari Muhammad.

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.

2013 Budget: Efficient Spending, Higher Development

SHAH ALAM, 19 Nov: The Selangor Government has once again come up with a balanced budget with RM1.630 billion allocated for 2013.

The Budget has raised the allocated funds for development to RM600 million and has lowered funds for administration spending by RM3 million. This is following Selangor’s efficient management of funds.

Apart from that, the state government’s savings reserve has reached RM2.570 billion as of 31st October 2012.

The 2013 Budget will emphasise three main strategies which is to strengthen Workforce Management, Financial Resources, Administration and State Assets; Sustain Innovative and Modern Development; as well as to strengthen the Rakyat’s Quality of Life.

The Budget was presented by the Minister of Selangor Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim in the Selangor State Assembly session today.

According to the Chief Minister’s press office secretariat, the Budget, themed ‘Selangor, Leader of Malaysian Economy’ will be allocating RM 996,980,690 or 61% for operating expenditure.

RM 633,019,310.00 or 39% will be allocated for development expenditure.

The State Government will allocate about RM 343 million or 54% of the infrastructure development allocation to build public facilities (RM 297 million) and housing (RM4.7 million).

Meanwhile RM118.2 million will be allocated for programmes under the ‘Selangor People’s Ecomony’ (Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor) policy such as the Golden Age Friendly Scheme (Skim Mesra Usia Emas), university acceptance gifts and the Selangor Children Heritage Fund (TAWAS).

Under the State Asset Management strategy, the Selangor government has identified state assets or public assets worth more than RM27 billion.

Those assets are Movable Assets (capital assets, inventories and stocks) and Immovable Assets (Land and Building) worth RM 15.2 billion.

There are also over RM 12.3 billion in water assets such as dams, water treatment plants, ponds, pump houses and distribution systems data.

In efforts to get value out of every ringgit spent, the State Government managed to save RM 102.2 million from the implementation of the open tender system.

In addition, RM 81 million was saved when the State Government took over the management of solid waste since last year.

Flood Victims Touched by State Government Assistance

BANTING, 18 Nov: Flood victims in the Sekolah Kebangsaan Rancangan Tanah Belia (RTB) temporary placement centre here in Bukit Changgang expressed their joy regarding the State Government’s thoughtfulness in giving the victims assistance to help lessen their burden.

Although it is the Federal Government’s responsibility under the National Security Council (MKN) to provide assistance, the Prime Minister’s Department has yet to make any drastic efforts regarding the matter.

In relation to that, the Selangor State Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim practiced a hands-on approach in providing assistance directly to the flood victims.

One of the residents of Kampung RTB, Kartini Lamin, 47, felt that the contribution is very much needed to cover family expenses after facing the worst flood disaster to date.

She has a disabled child and elder sister who are very thankful and grateful for the State Government’s contribution.

“The flood waters in my house started to raise suddenly on the 5th of November during the morning prayers. Praise Allah, I was able to save all my family members. However, my furniture and electrical items were all destroyed.”

“I am really grateful that my burden is lessened with this contribution. Thank you Chief Minister,” she gratefully said.

Azhar Alias, 47 shared similar feelings when he said that he was touched by the assistance given. In fact he added that this proved that the Selangor State Government is a government that prioritises the people’s welfare.

“I have stayed at this temporary placement centre for almost two weeks and I was only allowed to go home two days ago. The condition of my house is terrible. However, I am still grateful for the assistance given although the amount is little; it still lessens my family’s burdens,” he said.

Early this month, a large number of residents in the Kuala Langat district were faced with the worst flood disaster ever recorded this year.

The State Government has provided RM500 assistance to each family to lessen their burden.

Selangor Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim handed the assistance to 300 families (flood victims) from the Kuala Langat district at a ceremony.

Also present were Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Science, Technology and Innovation Exco member, Rodziah Ismail and Teluk Datuk Assemblyman, Philip Tan.

Meanwhile, Kuala Langat District Officer, Mohamad Yasid Bidin said that Selangor Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) will repair the damaged trenches and clean-up and unclog the drainage systems to ease water-flow.

Yesterday, the State Government informed that it will be allocating RM500 million to solve flood problems in Selangor following the refusal of the Federal Government to allocate the amount which was stated in the 10th Malaysia Plan (RMK-10).

This issue will be brought up by the Chief Minister in the upcoming State Assembly session which begins tomorrow.

One Month Old Child amongst Those Going Through Khitān Rites in Sijangkang

KUALA LANGAT, 16 Nov: The Khitān ceremony of 21 children in Masjid Jamiul Ehsani at kampong Sijangkang here today will be carried out by the Sijangkang State Assemblyman, Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi.

The ceremony is made more special with the inclusion of Muhammad Habibur Rahman Shaiful Amri, a one month-old baby.

The baby’s father, Shaiful Amri Mohamed Shapik, 36, said that it is common for him and his wife, Nornajibah Md Saufi, 36, to circumcise their child at an early age.

“In my family, all my sons have been circumcised from the age of one month to two months because my first son had bloody-urination problems,” the Takaful Malaysia Bhd deputy director said.

“Early circumcision was advised by the doctor. From then on, my wife and I continued this for our second and third sons because children at a younger age heal easily.”

“Early circumcision also makes it easier for us to teach our children cleanliness and how to practice cleansing rituals at the mosque.”

“I also recommend that other parents circumcise their children at an early age. In fact, it is a norm overseas, especially in Arab nations,” he said when approached by TV Selangor and expressed joy that his son was included in the ceremony.

Zainal Ulum Ahmad Kasah, the mosque’s Nazir said that the mass Khitān ceremony is part of the mosques tradition since 2008.

According to him, this time the ceremony was made grander with refreshments served and the children being showered by Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department which was invited by mosque officials.

“This time the celebration is better with (the participation of) 20 children and is unique when it involves the youngest participant who is one month-old.”

“Besides being circumcised by Dr Ahmad Yunus himself, the celebration this time was also different when a feast was held and next week there will also be a thanksgiving ceremony when all the children heal,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Ahmad Yunus explained the circumcision process using the Smart Clamp method which reduces the bleeding and infection risks compared to conventional circumcision methods.

“This is one of the programs that will be carried out in alternately with other mosques in the Sijangkang DUN for children during the school break which also includes the Asnaf group.”

“This time, I will conduct the circumcision myself with assistance from two helpers,” he said.

‘Bubur Lambuk’ Distributed to Flood Victims

SHAH ALAM, 15 Nov: In accordance with the Maal Hijrah 1423H celebrations, Dengkil (State Assembly) Service Centre Coordinator distributed ‘bubur lambuk’ to 1,200 flood victims housed, since last Wednesday, at the Bukit Changgang and Labuan Dagang Evacuation Centres.

The programme was implemented with the help of the PAS Unit Amal and the area’s Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK).

Dengkil DUN Coordinator, Borhan Aman Shah said that 1,200 packs of ‘bubur lambuk’ were distributed in conjunction with the Maal Hijrah celebrations.

Borhan also took the opportunity to mingle and find out about the situation of the flood victims.

“Although ‘bubur lambuk’ is synonymous to Ramadan, there is no wrong in distributing it during this Maal Hijrah celebration.”

“We are also able to reach out and check the situation of the flood victims in this evacuation centre. This helps should they require assistance.”

“Hopefully this small contribution will cheer up the residents who have been situated in this flood evacuation centre,” he said when contacted.

Syarie Judge and PERKIM Among Selangor Maal Hijrah 1434H Leaders

SHAH ALAM, 14 Nov: Former Syarie Chief Judge of Selangor, Datuk Johdi Toha was chosen as a Selangor State level Maal Hijrah 1434H/2012M Leader (Tokoh Maal Hijrah Peringkat Negeri Selangor 1434H/2012M).

Johdi’s election was a tribute for 37 years of excellent service.

He expressed his happiness and heartfelt thanks upon receiving the honour which was given to him after he celebrated his 66th birthday.

“I honestly did not expect to receive such a huge decoration for my small service to the Selangor State.”

“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Sultan of Selangor for this award.”

“I would like to thank the Selangor State Government and JAIS for organising all of this and in being awarded the title of ‘Tokoh Maal Hijrah 1434H’,” said Johdi who will be retiring at the end of this month.

Johdi who is currently serving at the Syariah Judiciary Department Malaysia (JKSM), started his service as an Islamic Affairs Officer at the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) in 1975.

He also was a Qadi when he served with JAIS until 1991.

Previously, he had published several books on law and religion which are now being used as reference and guides.

He took home a cash prize of RM10,000, from the Selangor State government, RM10, 000 from the Selangor Zakat Board (LZM), a certificate of Appreciation, a Maal Hijrah trophy, and a set of clothing and an award for his Umrah pilgrimage.

Apart from Johdi, there were 4 other award recipients that were given appreciation for their services to the development of Islam and the Muslim community in Salangor.

The Selangor state branch of the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM)was chosen to receive the Organisation/Department of Voluntary Missions of Selangor 1432H/29012M Award.

The prize consisted of RM5, 000, contribution from the Selangor State Government, RM5,000 from the Selangor Zakat Board (LZM), certificate of Appreciation and religious book vouchers worth RM50, 000.

PERKIM was established in 1964 and is very active in activities such as seminars, Halaqah (religious study circle), carnivals, inaugural religious lectures, Al-Quran study courses, health service clinics amongst others.

In the 48 years of its establishment, PERKIM has managed to open 24 branches including those in Higher Learning Institutes (IPT) across Selangor.

The ‘Tokoh Saudara Kita’ award was given to Professor Taufiq Yap Yun Hin who managed to obtain ‘Hidayah nur Islam’ title on the 26th of November 1983 when he was 15 years old.

Harun Hassan, on the other hand, was chosen as ‘Tokoh Aktivis Masyarakat’ (People’s Activist Leader) while Mohd Yaakob Zakaria and Rusnah Jamil were nominated ‘Tokoh Keluarga Mithali’(Exemplary Family Leaders).

All three of them received a cash prize of RM 5,000 contributed by the Selangor State Government, RM 5,000 from the Selangor Zakat Board (LZM), certificates of Appreciation, Maal Hijrah trophies, a set of clothing and an award for the Umrah pilgrimage.

The Maal Hijrah Selangor Division 1434H ceremony was officiated by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj.

This was held at the State Mosque. This year’s theme was ‘Wasatiyyah Tonggak Kesatuan Ummah’ or loosely translated as ‘Wasatiyyah the Pillars of a United Ummah’.

Also present was Selangor Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, Selangor Chief Secretaryn Selangor, Datuk Khusrin Munawi and Head of the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department(JAIS), Datuk Marzuki Hussin.

The opening ceremony began with the 1433H year-end prayers and the 1434H new year prayers by the Imam of the State Mosque, Sheikh Abdulkarim Al-Fatani who also lead the congregational evening prayers ( solat Maghrib).

A brief poem (Tazkirah) was performed at the opening ceremony by Ustaz Muhamad Abdullah, a special guest to the ceremony before ending with congregational Isyak prayers.

The People of Selangor Benefit from the Move to Pakatan Rakyat’s Government

SHAH ALAM, 15 Nov: Selangor’s move from the previous government (Umno-BN) to the new administration has benefited the people of this state.

The ‘Merakyatkan Ekonomi Negeri Selangor (MES)’ or loosely termed the Selangor People’s Ecomony, is most evident of the benefits reaped by the rakyat.

Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Science, Technology and Innovation Exco member, Rodziah Ismail said, the change of government has clearly benefitted the Selangor people economically, politically and also environmentally in addition to efforts to introduce culture to the people through the formation of Women’s Cultural Centres or Pusat Wanita Berdaya (PWD) around the state of Selangor.

“All 25 demands in the 12th General Elections Manifesto have been fulfilled except those that require changes in Federal level Acts.”

“For instance, housewives are given lifetime financial security through periodic contributions to EPF (KWSP) and SOCSO,” said Rodziah in her media statement in accordance with the Awal Muharam 1434 Hijrah celebrations.

She said that the “Kembalikan Nikmat Rasa Aman dan Selamat Rakyat” (Return the People’s Peacefulness and Security) agenda is the Selangor government’s ambition to make Selangor the safest and most prosperous state for the people.

Efforts to increase the rakyat’s quality of life, especially those from low income groups, have been made through affordable housing, free wi-fi, child care for working parents and single mothers as well as free water supply.

This also includes efforts in upgrading infrastructure, investment programmes for new-born babies, educational contributions to students of higher education, Women’s Health Schemes, microcredit schemes and economic empowerment programmes as well as efforts for women’s development through PWD.

“The move from the old administration to the new administration aspires to optimise resources at a minimum cost to fully localise revenues and reserves for the welfare of the people,” she said.

AES Summons: Ronnie Instructs MPKj to Bear Witness

SHAH ALAM, 15 Nov: Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco, Ronnie Liu, will instruct the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) to bear witness to road users who have been issued summons by Automated Enforcement System (AES) cameras.

He said that he will instruct MPKj to send officers to witness in court to confirm that the installation of the cameras was done illegally.

Ronnie said that the installation of AES cameras at two areas in Kajang was not legal and that the contractor hired by the Federal Government did not get Planning Permission (PP) from MPKj.

“The AES installation in Kajang falls under the Local Authorities Act 1976 and any kind of installations should obtain PP from the Local Authorities (PBT).”

“Even though you are a land owner, without a PP, it is illegal and you cannot do that,” he told reporters at the Selangor State Secretary (SUK) building last night.

Ronnie explained that the Minister of Housing and Local Government, Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung and Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha should have known about the ACT because any kind of installation would have to first get approval.

“Only after getting permission, can installation be done. Even ministers (Cho Ha and Chee Heung) have to follow the law,” he explained.

In connection to that, the State Government would have to instruct them to dismantle the cameras within 14 days, starting last Monday.

Ronnie said that should they ignore the warning, the State Government will instruct MPKj to dismantle the cameras.

“If they do not take the cameras down, we will ask MPKj send out a demolition letter, should they not comply and dismantle the cameras within 14 days, we will dismantle them. We are following the law,” the State Assemblyman for Pandamaran said.

Previously, two AES cameras were installed at kilometre 6.6 on the South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE) and at kilometre 301.6 heading north on the North-South Expressway.

Selangor Sultan: Uphold the Sanctity of Islam with Wisdom

SHAH ALAM, 15 Nov: DYMM Sultan Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah reminded Malays to uphold the sanctity of Islam with the strength and wisdom as done by Nabi Muhammad, mujahids and past Islamic leaders.

His Royal Highness said this when he officiated the Ma’al Hijrah 1434 celebrations at Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah last night.

Among other things, he urged the rakyat to not mix religion and politics because as it can cause a split amongst the people.

“Instead I appeal to Malays to stand united, to help one another and strengthen the bonds among Muslims as well as to defend Islam, which is pure.”

“As leader of Islam and protector of Malay rights and interests in the State of Selangor, I am fully responsible at any given time to regulate the sanctity of Islam and that the interest Malays is appropriately protected and cared for,” His Highness said.

Meanwhile, His Highness appealed for Malays, particularly those in Selangor to not be influenced by incitement and propaganda of those who could destroy one’s faith and make him or her turn against Allah.

He also added that Article 3 of the Constitution states that Islam is the official religion under the Constitution. This places Islam higher than other religions. Constitution also states that the special rights and status of Malays should be protected.

His Highness in his earlier decree wished all Muslims, especially Malays in the State of Selangor, to celebrate this Islamic New Year meaningfully and thoughtfully in order to advance the Malay race. He also thanked Allah for blessing us with peace, prosperity and harmony.

He concluded by inviting the rakyat of this state to pray together for Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala to bless and consecrate Selangor and keep Selangor safe from disaster.

“I also pray that the people of Selangor, who consist of different races, live in unity, peace and for the State of Selangor to progress, to prosper and live peacefully,” he said.

Selangor Willing to Help Recipients of AES Summons

SHAH ALAM, 14 Nov: The Selangor State Government is willing to help road users who have been given summons by the Automated Enforcement System (AES) which have been placed around Selangor.

However, the reciepients of the summons have to first refer to the legislative counters which will be opened at the PAS Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

The statement was made by the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim when asked by journalists regarding the State Government’s actions to help AES summon reciepients.

“Should the people need help, the State Government is willing to assist however this must be done in accordance to legal procedures,” he said.

Selangor has decided to postpone the AES implementation because they are not certain that it will lower accident rates.

On the contrary, the State Government is of the opinion that the Federal Government is installing AES to benefit the company that received the contract to install the system.

Prior to this, Pokok Sena MP, Datuk Mahfuz Omar had said that the Department of Law and Human Rights (JUHAM) as well as PAS Youth have set up free legal aid for anyone who have gotten summons from the AES camera.

Abdul Khalid has also previously said that the two AES cameras installed in Puchong and Kajang are illegal because they did not get approval from the Local Authorities (PBT).

According to him, the concession companies for the AES project would reap tremendous profit, approximately 17 percent per annum, from the total collected from summons.