Tag: Selangor Government

MBPJ Becomes First Local Authority to Organise World Animal Day Every Year

1

SHAH ALAM, 29 Oct: The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) made history when they became the first Local Authority in Malaysia to organise the World Animal Day every year since year 2009.

The fourth celebration themed ‘Pet Ownership Responsibility’ was aimed at increasing awareness of pet owners and a sense of responsibility towards pets.

In conjunction with the World Animal Day 2013, a forum entitled ‘Responsible Pet Owners’ was held here at the MBPJ Community Library Knowledge Hall recently.

The programme was inaugurated by the Assemblyman of Seri Andalas, Dr Xavier Jayakumar, and was also attended by the MBPJ Director of the Department of Environmental Health, Dr Chitradavi, the Director of the DBKL Department of Health and Environment, Dr Hayati Abdullah, and MBPJ Council Members.

At the same event, pet owners were given certificates in addition to the presentation of work papers and a question and answer session with panel members.

MBPJ also informed that the by-laws concerning licencing and dog breeding homes have been implemented to ensure that irresponsible parties will not mistreat animals.

A penalty of RM2,000 or imprisonment of less than a year, or both, will be imposed if anyone goes against the by-laws.

MBPJ also established the Canine Advisory Team (CAT) in Selangor as a sign of concern and responsibility on animal welfare.

No Change in Position for Selangor CM, Khalid Ibrahim Remains – Anwar

7

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 Oct: There is no scramble for the office of the Chief Minister of Selangor as Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim will continue to lead the state government leadership, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

At the press conference today, the Opposition Leader also denies that there is a scramble for the position between Abdul Khalid and the PKR Deputy President, Mohamed Azmin Ali.

As the de facto leader of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Anwar who previously gave his opinion about the performance of the Selangor government administration, would know is the allegations are true.

“If Azmin wants to take, I would surely know. But the matter is not happening,” he said at the Parliament lobby.

Anwar previously gave his views on the performance of the government administration and economic development of the Selangor and Penang Government, but his statement was misinterpreted by some quarters.

According to local media reports, there are rumours stating that Azmin, who is also the Selangor PKR Chairman, will replace Abdul Khalid on grounds of being ‘stingy’.

Instead, when Azmin was met at Parliament, he said that there was no struggle happening between him and Abdul Khalid.

“There is no crisis or efforts to replace the Chief Minister. I agree with Anwar, in fact the effort is pretty good for the interests of the state,” he said.

He did present his intention when meeting Abdul Khalid for almost four hours recently to urge for the role of the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat Assemblymen and Members of Parliament to be better used.

“We discussed the issue of state development based on the memorandum recently submitted. The discussion went pretty well,” said Azmin who plans to meet Abdul Khalid again tomorrow.

PEKAWANIS Hands Out Deepavali Aid

3.1

SHAH ALAM, 28 Oct: The Selangor Women’s Welfare and Charity Organisation (PEKAWANIS), consisting of wives of Assemblymen and Members of Parliament as well as Women Members of Parliament handed out aid to ease the burden of the less fortunate for the Deepavali celebration.

A total of 30 women, most of whom are single mothers, received a cash donation of RM100 and gift bags presented by the Seri Andalas Assemblyman, Dr Xavier Jayakumar at the Seri Andalas Assemblyman Community Service Office recently.

During the same ceremony, recipients also raised a number of health problems which they suffer from to Dr Xavier.

PEKAWANIS is an association devoted to welfare efforts as well as the management of a welfare home in Shah Alam from young women who are facing problems, and the association also managed a dialysis centre in Klang.

During festival celebrations, the association will contribute RM3,000 to be distributed to poor women and families in every constituency.

3.2

CM Asks to Intensify Efforts to Fight Drug Abuse

1

SUBANG JAYA, 28 Oct: The Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim called on all parties, including government agencies and the private sector, to work hard to combat drug abuse in the country.

Abdul Khalid said cooperation from all agencies involved would be able to realise the government’s desire to make Malaysia drug free by 2015.

“The period is too short and I will ask State Executive Councillors, together with the Coordinating Chairman of the Selangor National Drug Abuse Prevention Association of Malaysia (PEMADAM), Dr Abdul Rani Osman to work hard in providing support in implementation efforts to combat drugs and make Malaysia drug free.

“We must work together and provide support, especially in efforts to prevent, combat and eradicate drugs in Selangor and Malaysia,” he said.

Abdul Khalid said this in a speech at a dinner in conjunction with the 38th PEMADAM Annual General Assembly at the Summit Hotel here in USJ last night.

Also present was the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, the National PEMADAM President, Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum, state Exco, Rodziah Ismail and Dr Abdul Rani and over 5,000 PEMADAM members from around the country.

At the same time, Abdul Khalid expressed his confidence in the Selangor PEMADAM which is always striving to ensure that drug abuse can be controlled and eradicated.

He said the statics of drug abuse in Malaysia shows that the problem has increased and has led to an unhealthy sign.

“According to statistics, around 1.27 percent from 5.4 million students in the country are involved in disciplinary problems, including involvement in drugs, as of January till June 2011.

“Meanwhile, a total of 4,474 children, some as young as seven, have been arrested in various criminal cases, including 1,847 being school children.

“The report by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) found a total of 137 students in Institutes of Higher Learning are involved in drug abuse, especially in Selangor since January till April last year,” he said.

The People Should Practice Cleanliness and Environmental Care

4.1

SHAH ALAM, 27 Oct: The people have been urged to always practice cleanliness, which is the central to the well-being of a family in creating a culture where the community is responsible towards environmental care.

4.2

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said effort towards cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility which should be implemented, especially in urban communities.

He said that communities should have the attitude of ensuring that their families and neighbours live in a clean and protected environment.

“The Selangor Government will continue to support all efforts and activities related to loving a green and clean environment,” said Abdul Khalid.

Abdul Khalid said that the aspect of cleanliness is to overcome political interests that need to be nurtured by all members of society, regardless of their background.

4.3

He said this during the opening speech of the “Enhancement of IQ vs the Strengthening of Immunity” which was held here at the Setia City Convention Centre.

About 500 people attended the programme, including the Chairman of Top Glove, Tan Sri Lim Wee Chai and the Vice-President of SP Setia, Datuk Khor Chap Jen.

The programme was organised by three companies; Top Glove Corporation Berhad, SP Setia Berhad and Khind Holding Berhad, in conjunction with the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of the companies in preserving a greener environment.

Implement GST, More People are Burdened

3

SHAH ALAM, 27 Oct: The implementation of the GST will only increase the price of goods and the tax burden would have to be shouldered even after the abolition of the Sales and Service Tax (SST).

Serdang Member of Parliament, Dr Ong Kian Ming said that the Umno-BN Government is misleading the people by giving the impression that most of the prices of goods and the taxes paid by consumers will be reduced after the introduction of the GST.

“The truth is that the tax imposed under the SST is far less than what is taxable under the GST,” he said in a statement.

Kian Ming said among other things claimed to not be under the sales tax but will be under the GST includes many non-luxury items such as milk, tea, mineral water, canned fruit, newspaper, stationery, school bags and boxes.

He said consumers of electricity below 200kWh (any amount exceeding RM50) will also be charges the GST. The price of these items will definitely increase after the GST because the abolishing of the SST has an impact on price.

Currently, the sales tax is limited to certain restaurants and professional services such as accountants, architects, motor vehicle service and repair centres, telecommunication services, security services, real estate agents, car park operators and legal services.

“The broader coverage under the GST means that more services will be subject to the GST compared to the current service tax. This would mean that the price of services will increase.

“The truth is that the GST will increase the price of the majority of goods and services even after removing the SST, the financial burden of the people will increase,” he said.

Umno-BN Government Improvident, People Incur the GST and Reduction of Subsidies

2

SHAH ALAM, 27 Oct: The reduction of subsidies and the imposing of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is not a solution to the country’s economic problems which stems from the improvident attitude in Umno-BN’s spending.

PAS Information Chief, Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the implementation of the GST can only be done when the Umno-BN takes responsibility to reduce its operational management and not continue to be improvident with public money.

He said that the people are not given a period to adjust to the GST when it is announced at the high rate of 6 percent starting from 1 April 201.

“With the GST, those who do not have cars and do not have permanent jobs so as to not quality to pay taxed on every purchase,” he said in a statement.

Tuan Ibrahim said, in Singapore, the GST was introduced at a rate of 3 percent before gradually increasing to 7 percent.

“Some say that villagers will not feel the burden of the GST. It should be reminded that most of the items sold in grocery stores in villages come from suppliers in the city.

“The goods would already be subject to the GST when they arrive at the grocery store. Although small grocery stores are exempt from the GST because it does not exceed the minimum procurement, goods sold to village communities would certainly be more expensive because it would already been subject to the GST by suppliers,” he said.

Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya Utara, Tony Pua said that the government’s move to impose the GST is not able to hide their failure in controlling excessive spending since the deficit remains the same.

The additional collection in tax as specified in the Economic Report 2013/2014 should help alleviate the chronic deficit to 2.6 percent, but instead it remains unchanged at the four percent forecast.

“Although the government collects much higher that the revenues expected, the deficit for 2013 remains unchanged at RM39.3 billion.

“This means that every cent of additional revenue collected by the government is immediately spent, rather than contributing to reduce the debt,” he said.

Shah Alam to Receive Investment of RM35 Billion

1.1

SHAH ALAM, 27 Oct: Foreign investors to invest RM35 million in Shah Alam in the next five years in various fields, thus boosting the Selangor economy.

1.2

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the forecast is based on positive feedback given by investors during his visit to Singapore recently.

“Shah Alam will become the most prominent city in Malaysia as having the most potential to be developed,” he said.

1.3

Abdul Khalid said, thus to ensure progress, efficiency of public transport needs to be improved to reduce traffic congestion.

“Any development in the future should emphasise the aspect of public transportation. It is time for use to use public transportation compared to personal transportation.

“Personal transportation has become ineffective seeing the time we spend in traffic jams,” said Abdul Khalid.

He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Cahaya SPK flyover bridge and the “Flag Off 5km Fun Run” here at the SPK Sahaya Club

Abdul Khalid said that the state government’s long term plans is to upgrade the public transport network.

1.4

“At this time, the network of public transportation is less than 7 percent. We strive to improve it so that we can reach 60 percent in 10 years,” he said.

Earlier, Abdul Khalid inaugurated the 536 metre Chaya SPK Flyover which cost RM12 million to complete in early 2013 to reduce traffic in the area and to facilitate 20,000 residents.

Also present at the ceremony was the Mayor of Shah Alam, Datuk Jaafar Mohd Atan and the Executive Director of Group Cahaya SPK, Saiful Aznir Shahabudin.

1.5

Budget 2014 Fails to Offset Maximum Limit of the National Debt Below 55 Percent

2

SHAH ALAM, 26 Oct: The Budget 2014 presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak failed to offset the maximum national debt below 55 percent from the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and reduce deficit by 3 percent in 2015.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the approach taken in the Budget 2014 to increase revenue through the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the increase in the real property gains tax (RPGT) does not meet with the requirements of actual changes in ensuring efficiency of expenditure and rationalisation to reduce improvidence and leakages.

“Operating expenses for cost rationalisation will increase to 82.4 percent in 2014 from 80.2 percent this year,” said Abdul Khalid in his media statement.

Abdul Khalid said that Selangor will take advantage of the move to enrich the services sector through the Services Sector Blueprint when the Federal Government plans to launch it in 2014.

Among the sub-sectors of services to be promoted is that Selangor will be the leader in logistics, aviation, tourism and bio-based industries.

“As the gateway to Malaysia, Selangor will endure that various programmes and activities will be held to explore opportunities in Malaysia’s tourism industry by aiming to welcome 28 million tourists in 2014 in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year,” said Abdul Khalid.

Budget 2014, MBPJ Focuses of 5 Key Development Sectors

1

PETALING JAYA, 26 Oct: The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will focus on five key development sectors in the Selangor Budget 2014.

These sectors are; infrastructure, environmentally friendly environment, efficient traffic management, sustainable lifestyle and organisation empowerment.

The Mayor of Petaling Jaya, Datin Paduka Alinah Ahmad said emphasis will be put on providing world class services and facilities to meet the needs of the Petaling Jaya community.

“By improving efficiency in traffic management and infrastructure, the Council is committed to improving the quality of public facilities and public transport networks to address traffic problems,” she said when chairing the full MBPJ meeting here.

In relation to that, a total of RM1 million is allocated to provide feeder bus services, and RM4.67 million to provide ‘Park n Ride’ facilities in special areas, as well as RM6.07 million to build bicycle and pedestrian paths that are comfortable and safe.

She said, cooperation and full support from all parties is needed in order to achieve this vision.

“For example, support from the Petaling District Land Office is necessary for immediate processing of TOL land acquisition for the construction of the ‘Park n Ride’ facility, so is cooperation from utility provider agencies.

“This includes Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Indah Water Konsortium and other agencies so that any construction of road excavation will not cause serious disruptions to road users,” she added.

In the meantime, MBPK is also planning the development of the city so that it would become a city which is liveable, loved and has soul.

To achieve this, development planning should be focused on creating a workable public space to create social interaction among city dwellers.

“The council wants for city dwellers to be able to work, play and live in urban areas with passion, a sense of grace and wholeheartedly,” she added.

Stall and Restaurant Owners Must Enhance Cleanliness

3

SUBANG JAYA, 25 Oct: Owners of stalls and restaurants under the area of the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) have been urged to ensure cleanliness of their premises to avoid from any action being taken against them.

The President of MPSJ, Datuk Asmawi Kasbi, said stern action will be taken, including closing down dirty premises of stubborn owners who refuse to comply with the rules set.

He said that as of now, three restaurants have been given compounds and warning to improve their level of cleanliness and adherence to regulations.

“We hope that owners of premises will follow regulations set by MPSJ and to not rules imposed on them.

“MPSJ will take action by issuing a compound of those who carry out many offences. We also hope that this action will be a lesson to other premises owners,” he said.

He said this at a press conference after launching the My@MPSJ Registration Campaign which was held here at the MPSJ headquarters this morning.

Asmawi said on-going operation against stalls and restaurant premises will be performed more frequently to ensure the parties concerned abide by the law.

He said traders should also follow the rules and not place tables and chairs outside the premises.

“The compound set is at RM2,000 without discount or appeals because MPSJ wants to teach traders to be more disciplined,” he said.

Seven New Projects for Selangor worth RM38.22 Billion

1

SHAH ALAM, 25 Oct: The Selangor economy is expected to grow through seven development projects involving a land area of 3,771.81 hectares with an estimated total value of RM38.22 billion.

The seven projects have already been approved by the National Physical Planning Council involving land owned by the government and private parties, chaired by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak during a meeting on 17 October.

The planned development projects involve mixed development in Bandar Bukit Raja, Kapar (Sime Darby), mixed development in Rawang (Kudang Properties), an 18-hole golf resort in Batang Kali (Mines Gold & City Sdn Bhd) and a mixed development in Beranang, Hulu Selangor (Riverside Hills Sdn Bhd).

In addition, other projects involve residential and commercial projects in Dengkil, Sepang (Tristar Acres Sdn Bhd), a housing project in Semenyih, Hulu Langat (UEM Land Berhad) and the redevelopment of the Rubber Research Institute Malaysia area in Sungai Buloh (Kwasa Ldn Sdn Bhd).

The Department of City and Rural Planning in the State Economic Action Council (METS) meeting yesterday confirmed that 85,415 housing units will be built through the development for 401,700 people to live in.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the state government will be actively involved in the project because it provides a significant impact and will directly benefit the people.

Abdul Khalid, who chaired the weekly meeting, directed government employees and state agencies to fully cooperate with federal agencies involved in the development of the project.

Abdul Khalid said the water company will be appointed by the state government after the restructuring of the water industry is completed and will play an important role in supplying clean water efficiently as a key service to residents of the new area.

“The Selangor Government is committed to settle the restructuring of the water industry and hopes that the acquisition will be settled by the end of the year as determined by the minister.

“Our team consists of a group of professionals who are experts and experienced in the current management of water. Their first task will be to reduce the rate of non-revenue water (NRW),” he said in a statement, here, this morning.