Tag: Selangor Government

BN Assemblymen Have to Urge the Federal Government to Channel Allocations to JPS

SHAH ALAM, 27 Nov: The State Government has urged the Selangor Umno-BN Assemblyman persuade the Federal Government to provide adequate provisions to the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) to overcome the flooding problem in the state.

Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco member, Ronnie Liu said that JPS is now operating with a lack of funds by only receiving an allocation of not more than RM1 million a year from the Federal Government.

As a result, JPS is facing difficulty in carrying out its responsibility to properly maintain the irrigation and drainage systems in the state.

“It is understood that in 2009, JPS had only received a total of RM8 million from the federal government for maintenance work, while for other years, JPS only received an allocation of not more than RM1 million.

“Recognising that fact, the State Government has allocated JPS funds totaling between RM5 to RM8 million a year. JPS also asked for RM1.2 billion to solve the flood problem in the Klang from the federal government, but until now the funds have still not arrived,” he said.

Ronnie said this when answering questions by Lee Kim Sin (PKR-Kajang) during the Committee Stage of the 2013 Budget debate at the Selangor State Assembly today.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Azmin Ali (PKR-Bukit Antarabangsa) urged JPS to take proactive steps in submitting a list of priorities to the State Government during the Executive Council Meeting (MTES) in implementing flood mitigation programmes.

He said that it was to enable the State Government to examine the urgent need for the implementation of the programme.

“If action is not taken, it will burden the State Government and the Local Authorities (PBT) who have to increasingly deal with frequent flooding that has been occurring in the state,” he said.

Over 83.000 join Selangorku Shopping Bonus

SHAH ALAM, 27 Nov: The “Jom Shopping Bonus Selangorku” (Selangorku Let’s Go Shopping Bonus) included participants of the Selangor Children Heritage Fund (Tawas) and had received an overwhelming response with the attendance of about 65% of participants from the programme organized so far.

Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Science, Technology, Innovation and Culture Exco member, Rodziah Ismail said that a total of 83,551 participants have been approved for the programme as of the 2nd of November.

According to her, the Jom Shopping Bonus Selangor benefits are awarded based on birth year of the participants.

“Now Tawas is distributing the benefits to members who were born in 2008 amounting to 16,000, as estimated and the benefit is divided according to race.

“This programme is a ‘one-off’ gift given during the Tawas participant’s 4th birthday whose registrations have been approved in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011,” she said.

She said this in response to queries by Sekinchan assemblyman, Ng Suee Lim at the Selangor State Assembly session today.

Rodziah said that the RM7.5 million allocation has been provided by Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) for the programme in which RM 1.6 million has been channeled to the Selangor Children Heritage Fund (Tawas).

State Government Opposes Mangrove Timber Smuggling

SHAH ALAM, 27 Nov: The Selangor Government is using satellite systems to monitor and control trespassing of the Selangor mangrove forests as well as mangrove timber smuggling attempts.

Environment Exco member, Elizabeth Wong said the implementation of the satellite control system began over a year ago and has helped curb such activities.

“It is the latest system and it makes the monitoring process easier to conduct.

“In addition, we also have officers who will conduct fieldwork to monitor the area and provide air control from time to time,” she said when met at the Selangor State Assembly sitting today.

Commenting on mangrove timber smuggling incidences around Klang, he explains that legal prosecution have been imposed on the people involved.

“Usually, when there are smuggling cases, the public will immediately complain to us (the forest department).

“We have successfully taken action against all the cases and those who are guilty of smuggling have also been sentenced,” said Elizabeth, who is also Bukit Lanjan’s assemblywoman.

She added that most of the smuggling cases are done by Indonesian foreigners who trespass by using small boats.

“Thus, the State Government through the Forestry Department have designed a collaboration with all relevant agencies to carry out monitoring and enforcement to curb this issue,” she said.

Teng: Existing Rules Suffice in Controlling Behaviour, Indecent Words

SHAH ALAM, 27 Nov: The Selangor State Assembly (DNS) insists the existing rules for handling the issue of disrespectfulness is enough to control the discipline and conduct of the State Assemblymen (ADUN) in the conference.z

DNS Speaker, Datuk Teng Chang Kim said that the regulations do not need additions or amendments to take action against the Assemblyman’s sexist remarks.

“I feel that the terms or sexist words said can be considered under the same category as rudeness, and all Assemblymen know they cannot say such words.

“For me it’s the same. So any amendments to the 36 (4) or the establishment of new rules for the action is not necessary,” he told reporters here today.

During last Thursday’s conference, Datuk Mohd Isa Abu Kassim (BN – Batang Kali) had issued indecent words during the Tourism, Consumer Affairs and Environment Exco member, Elizabeth Wong’s summary regarding the reserve status of Templer Park.

Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz announced that a motion will be presented in Parliament to amend the rules of parliament to ban MPs from making a sexist statements.

In other developments, Teng stated that the DNS is planning to build their own website and it is expected to start next year.

Syabas has No Right to Approve New Project in Selangor

SHAH ALAM, 27 Nov: The Selangor Government has issued a directive to the Local Authority (PBT) to resume with the planning permission which has been applied by developers to implement new projects.

The Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid said that the duty of Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (SYABAS) is to supply and distribute treated water only.

Hence Syabas has nothing to do with the approval of the new factory, housing and commercial centre projects in the state.

“This is because we believe that if Syabas cannot execute the water supply services, then Syabas will be taken over by the state government,” said Abdul Khalid.

He said this at the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) sitting debates concerning the Public Works Department (JKR).

Before that, the Permatang Assemblyman, Sulaiman Abdul Razak has appealed for an explanation regarding Syabas’ actions of not approving the new factory, housing and the commercial centre projects.

Syabas was found to refuse approval for the new commercial and housing projects giving the excuse that there is not enough water supply in Selangor.

“The State Government has provided a team to assist in the distribution of water in Selangor,” said Abdul Khalid.

CM: Selangor Intensifies Fatwa Explanations, Curb False Teachings

SHAH ALAM, 27 Nov: Fatwa explanations to the general public will be exacerbated to cultivate an understanding of the Fatwas at state and national levels, says Selangor Religious EXCO, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Abdul Khalid says that there are two kinds of Fatwas at state and national levels, which are released by the Selangor Mufti Department.

“I believe that there are many matters that have been decided on that needs a public explanation, especially on the matter of multi-level graves”.

“How do we overcome the problem of grave space in crowded populations,” he said at the Selangor State Assembly Hall during a debate on the 2012 Selangor State Budget.

Besides that, he also will discuss with the Selangor Mufti Department on the issue of false teachings that are being revived within the State.

“Many Fatwa’s address issues of false teaching including the newly included Arqam which needs to be corrected.”

“I will discuss with the Mufti department and how we can solve the problem of understanding and akidah in the country by providing a wholesome and wise explanation,” he further added.

Iskandar: 29 Percent of Abandoned Projects Completed

SHAH ALAM, 26 Nov: Since Pakatan Rakyat (PR) had taken over the state administration last September; the State Government has completed 29% of the 49,451 housing units which was abandoned by Umno-BN.

Housing, Building Management and Squatters Exco member, Iskandar Abdul Samad said that the State Government under the leadership of Pakatan Rakyat (PR) has taken the initiative to immediately resolve problems faced by the people.

He explained that the problem was a legacy left by the previous government under the leadership of Umno-BN and that it has been taken over by PR which is concerned about the Selangor people’s needs.

“From the 49,451 abandoned houses like residences and commercial buildings, we have managed to complete 14,245 units as of September which involves 19 areas in the whole of Selangor.”

“Apart from that, the State Government has also planned a state-wide welfare refurbishment programme (Ceria) with a total rotation fund of RM9.7 million where 17 areas involved in the programme for Phase 1 has been fully completed where else 33 of the 52 areas in Phase 2 have been completed apart from Phase 3 which will start with 93 areas,” he said in a press conference at the Annex Hall lobby here, today.

Also present were Meru Assemblyman, Dr Abdul Rani Osman, Education, Higher Education and Human Capital Development Exco member, Dr Halimah Ali and Malay Customs, Youth and Sports Exco member, Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi.

Iskandar said that after more than four years, approximately 92% of apartments have benefitted from the free water initiative which was offered by the State Government.

According to him, an agreement was made with Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) to loosen the clauses to hasten the transition from central metres to individual metres.

“Other efforts undertaken was the establishing of the Permai Task Force to encourage migration such as the Hands-On programme as well as the Concerned Committee to solve problems at multi-levelled housings regarding the individual metre changing process,” he said.

He said that the State Government had also built 1,682 Affordable Housings in areas in Bandar Baru Bangi, Bukit Botak, Kajang and other places.

Apart from that, he said that 1,215 more units will be built in Phase 1 from 2010 to 2013 while 9,481 units will be built from 2014 to 2018.

“Umno-BN’s efforts in building low-cost housing has encountered many problems and the State Government is introducing affordable housings which are better and cheaper compared to the houses under the same, PR1MA concept by the Federal Government,” he added.

Object Sacking of Politically Motivated Teacher

SHAH ALAM, 26 Nov: The NGO Inisiatif Selamatkan Insan Tertindas (INSAN) or Supressed Individuals Rescue Initiative strongly objects political interference in the management of the Federal Territory Islamic Affairs Department (JAWI) resulting in the sacking of a temporary teacher, Qatrun Nada Mohd Latif from Sekolah Rendah Agama Islam Rancha-Rancha in the Federal Territory of Labuan.

INSAN coordinator, Mohd Faris Abdullah said that as a government agency, JAWI should be neutral and professional in their governing management.

He said that this interference would only taint JAWI’s image as a government body founded on Islam.

“JAWI had also filed to provide a reasonable explanation as to why Qatrun Nada (small picture) was sacked. This issue strengthens the claims that JAWI is influenced by Umno political interests that they are willing to oppress their own staff.”

“This issue is clearly contradictory with JAWI’s own vision of wanting to be a front-runner in upholding Islamic Affairs,” he said to TV Selangor in a media statement.

On the 15th of September 2012, Qatrun Nada had attended a talk organised by Pakatan Rakyat which was delivered by PKR de facto leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. She was then investigated and had received a letter of termination on the 24th of October 2012 from JAWI.

The notice that she received however failed to state the reason of dismissal.

Qatrun Nada had then sent a letter of appeal to enquire the details of the grounds of termination. JAWI had only responded that her service was eventually going to be terminated at any given time according to her appointment contract.

Prior to this, she had also received a phone call from an individual who introduced himself as a powerful individual of Umno Labuan on the 9th of October.

During the phone call, that individual had given Qatrun Nada a warning to not get herself involved in the opposition party’s political activities.

On the 22nd of October, Qatrun Nada was called to the Labuan JAWI office for investigation regarding her activities outside of being an educator. Qatrun Nada finally received her one-month notice of termination on the 24th of October which will take effect on the 1st of December.

Mohd Faris also criticised the Umno-BN’s action which used a government agency to curb the political progress of the opposition party.

“As a political party, Umno should understand fully that the right to engage in politics is the right of every citizen of Malaysia which is warranted under the Federal Constitution.”

“INSAN urges the top leaders of Umno to take disciplinary action against individuals involved for executing actions that defames the image of Umno.”

“The disciplinary action is important to show that Umno also opposes any misuse of power in the party’s administration or the administration of the government,” he added.

In relation to that, INSAN will be sending a letter of memorandum to the Director of JAWI, Datuk Che Mat Che Ali on the 29th of November 2012, urging him to free JAWI from any narrow-minded political interference.

Microcredit Scheme Also For Youth

SHAH ALAM, 26 Nov: The Selangor State Government will be giving everyone, including youths, the opportunity to start a business via the Urban Microcredit Scheme (Mimbar).

Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Science, Technology and Innovation Exco, Rodziah Ismail said that in addition to providing services to those who have already started businesses, Mimbar Niaga is opening up opportunities to individuals who want to generate income to improve living standards.

She said that youth who want to start a business will be given the capital, basic equipment as well as consistent guidance.

“Under the Mimbar Niaga programme, the State Government will be providing the basic capital and guidance to participants. This programme is also aims to assist individuals who do not already have businesses but want to give it a shot for a trial period of 6 months. If successful, their businesses can be expanded to a higher level,” she said.

Rodziah said this while answering questions from Amirudin Shari (PKR-Batu Caves) regarding the Selangor Microcredit Scheme (Skimsel) and Mimbar.

Rodiah added that since October this year, 12,175 participants have qualified to receive assistance from both the schemes; 6758 under Skimsel and 5417 under Mimbar.

From the total, 2,962 participants are youths (Skimsel), while for Mimbar, 2,331.

“Skimsel has successfully managed to obtain 97.02% of the returns while Mimbar, 83.03%. Most of the loans are paid back consistently by the participants using the bank services provided,” she added.

TALAM Spokespersons: Economics and Law Experts

SUBANG JAYA, 25 Nov: The four relevant official spokespersons regarding the Talam Corporation Berhad (Talam) debt settlement by the State Government were selected because they have expertise in the fields of economics and law.

They are also among the individuals who have delved into the Talam issue in detail since 2010 when the State Government had begun implementing the debt collection process.

Selangor State Investment, Industry and Trade Exco member, Teresa Kok said that the international independent audit firm, KPMG was also appointed to examine the debt collection process to ensure that it is done professionally and efficiently.

Teresa said this to refute allegations of Umno-BN assemblymen questioning the appointment recently at the Selangor State Assembly conference.

“This transaction is conducted professionally and carried out using professional advisers, but they (Umno-BN) insult their expertise.”

“When the State Government asked them to officially make a statement, they did not want to come and now they are talking nonsense behind our backs.”

“They even insulted the professional auditors KPMG’s report,” she said when met at the kampung carnival program, which is a tradition at Kampung Tengah A, Puchong, yesterday.

Early September 2012, the State Government had appointed four individuals as official spokespersons to explain the Talam issue to the public.

They are the Kuala Selangor MP, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Selayang MP, William Leong, North Petaling Jaya, MP, Tony Pua and Political Secretary to the Chief Minister of Selangor, Faekah Husin

Tony Pua, before getting involved in politics, was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cyber Village Sdn Bhd, a company listed on the second board of the Singapore stock exchange.

He holds a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economy from Keble College, Oxford University.

Earlier this year, Tony had written a book entitled “The Tiger That Lost Its Roar”, a tale on Malaysia’s political economy.” which is about the backwardness of Malaysian economy.

Dr Dzulkefly is a PAS leader who often writes and debates about economic issues in the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, Faekah was a lawyer before he was appointed as Political Secretary.

PKNS Should Expand to a Global Level

SUBANG JAYA, 24 Nov: The Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) has been recommended to expand its business to an international level and boldly go into new fields of business.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid said that PKNS should shift its way of thinking and not concentrate solely on land and housing development in Selangor only.

This is to ensure that the body, which has been established since 1964, is able to compete in the business world at a global level.

Abdul Khalid said that PKNS needs to learn business success from Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) and Guthrie Holdings, both of which have managed to expand globally in several strategic businesses.

Abdul Khalid also said that PKNS should model after the Johor State Development Corporation (PBNJ) that has managed to expand its businesses in the Asean region.

“Now, PBNJ is not only successful in land development but it is also successful in providing health services, the plantation sector and several other businesses,” he said.

Abdul Khalid said this while officiating the PKNS Family Day at the PKNS Sports Complex in Kelana Jaya.

Meanwhile, PKNS General Manager, Othman Omar said that support from family members motivates PKNS staff to achieve the mission and vision of the company.

“In fact, it is with their strength and support that PKNS has been standing strong for 48 years,” he said.

The programme was organised to strengthen teamwork and strengthen Ukhuwah (brotherhood in Islam) relationships among the staff of PKNS and their families.

Also present was the Selangor Exco, Teresa Kok as well as PKNS Council members and about 2,000 PKNS staff and their families.

RM1.5 Million Spent on Women’s Health Scheme

SHAH ALAM, 24 Nov: To date, the Selangor State Government has spent a total of RM1.5 million for the benefit of 17,582 women in Selangor to enjoy Women’s Health programmes.

According to the Women’s Affairs Exco, Dr Rodziah Ismail,since this programme began in 2010, women have begun to realise that they should take this opportunity to check their health.

“The amount of participation is very encouraging because I think women now are more articulate about their need for health care, not only for themselves but also for the family.”

“From the total, 115 of them are suspected to have cancer,” said Rodziah in answer to questions from Hulu Klang Assemblyman, Shaari Sungib.

She added that the State Government has allocated RM5.2 million for the success of women’s health programmes which is an allocation of RM1 million per year.

“I hope that the YBs in this hall would publicise this programme so that the people on the outside, women in particular, could benefit,” she added.

The Batu Tiga Assemblywoman also explained that the health programme has not been terminated as claimed by certain quarters, instead it is going through an evaluation process to be improved upon.

“It’s not that it is terminated. But, we have to allow space for the State Government to review and improve existing programmes.”

“In fact, we will also be providing other health schemes such as reflexology massage and women’s stress control awareness programmes,” she said, adding that the new tender is now open for a session of new programmes which will be begin in the near future.