Tag: Solving the Rakyat’s Problems

CM Satisfied with State Assembly Proceedings, Confident In Solving Water Issues Through Discussion

SHAH ALAM, 30 Nov: The State Government is adamant that the Langat 2 Plant and the restructuring of the water services industry in Selangor should be discussed with the Federal Government to come to an understanding in resolving the issue.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the State Government and the Federal Government should discuss thoroughly in finalising the restructuring of the water services industry under a Holistic Model.

He added that the current water services which is not holistic will continue to be an inefficient management of water and it would burden the consumers in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

“Selangor Water Supply Company Limited (Syabas) will no longer be able to handle water distribution because of financial deficits and debts to water treatment operators worth more than RM400 million as well as failing to pay royalties worth RM3 million to the State Government ,” he said.

Abdul Khalid said this in a press conference after the closing speech of the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) today.

He also called on the people of Selangor to continue to support the restructuring of water services industry to ensure a more efficient water supply at a reasonable price.

In the meantime, he was satisfied with the way the DNS proceedings went which not only proves that the State Government has successfully presented a balanced budget, but it also managed to deliver the Talam White Paper and report the debt status regarding the restructuring of the water industry.

“I congratulate all members of the council who took part in the debate, I accept suggestions, criticism and arguments that can improve the State Government.

I would like to thank the Speaker, Datuk Teng Chang Khim for running the fifth term of the Assembly sittings smoothly and well,” he said.

Minister Lied, DOE Never Supported the Batu Caves 29-Storey Condo Project

SHAH ALAM, 29 Nov: Housing and Local Government Minister, Datuk Chor Chee Heung lied when he claimed that the Department of Environment (DOE) had supported the 29-storey condominium project in Batu Caves.

Instead the DOE, in a press release dated January 24, 2007, clearly did not support the project that is being developed by Dolomite Industries Sdn Bhd.

However, the project developer stubbornly wants to continue the development regardless of DOE’s stance.

This was according to Tourism, Consumer Affairs and Environment Exco member, Elizabeth Wong in her press conference at the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) Annex building lobby today.

“DOE never issued the letter of support as claimed by the Minister of Housing in the Malaysiakini report entitled “Chor: Dolomite submits engineering solutions” dated 19 November 2012,” said Elizabeth.

Elizabeth also showed the DOE report which was signed by the Selangor DOE Director, Rosli Zul, that clearly opposed the development as it could potentially cause landslide problems.

Elizabeth also said that until now, nine blocks of the commercial building project has been completed but still unoccupied as it has yet to received the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC).

Previously, during the era of the Umno-BN administration, Selayang Municipal Council had given the planning permission for project, located about 180 metres from the Mahamariamman Temple in Batu Caves.

However, the project has received objection from Hindus who are concerned that it will affect Batu Caves’ soil structure as it is their place of worship.

State Government Framework Includes Various Programmes for Single Mothers

SHAH ALAM, 28 Nov: A total of 24,009 women in Selangor under the category of single mothers have been given the opportunity to improve their standard of living as the State Government has planned various programmes to take them out of poverty.

Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Science, Technology, Innovation and Culture Exco member, Rodziah Ismail said that the initiative is taken so that they are not left behind in the development of the state.

“Among the programmes carried out is the Selangor Women’s Empowerment project through the Women’s Centre of Culture (PWB), the Rural Microcredit Sheme (SkimSel), Urban Microcredit Scheme (Mimbar), Women’s Farming Microcredit Scheme (Wala), Single Parent Empowerment Program SOHO Selangor (PET-SOHO- S), People Care Assistance Scheme (SiKembar), Selangor Kindergarten Assistance Scheme (Tunas) as well as the Selangor Zakat Board (LZS) and the Selangor Welfare Department.

“All the programs and schemes offered are to attract single mothers in Selangor to join and sign up to participate,” she said when answering questions from Kota Alam Shah Assemblyman, M Manoharan in the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) session here, today.

Rodziah said that from the amount specified, single mothers among the Malays recorded the highest number of 18,011 people, Indians (1,574), Chinese (792), indigenous peoples (two) and others (3,630).

She said that studies conducted by higher education institutions as well as local and international NGOs have found that among the problems that are faced is the financial difficulty to meet the their’s and their family’s daily needs.

Besides that, she added, it also involves problems with court dealings such as not receiving maintenance from divorce settlements as well as having to go through the cumbersome process of court proceedings in the long run.

“Problems regarding proper care children while earning a living and psychological effects, especially in the first three months as a single mother also plagues them,” she said.

CM: Selangor Land Not For ‘Rental Boss’

SHAH ALAM, 28 Nov: Land for commercial activities such as businesses or farms will be sold at the market price so that the profits of the sale can be channeled to the state and the people.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that this is different from the previous Umno-BN administration’s approach that had given out land without fair valuation.

Abdul Khalid said that the land will only be given to owners who are entrepreneurs or owner-operators.

It is not for ‘rentiers’ or ‘rental bosses’ ie those who want to lease or rent land to others.

“Unlike the past where the land given away too cheaply, we will now offer the land according to business policies and current prices.

“The money we get back will be used in turn, to benefit the people,” he said answering oral questions from Dengkil Assemblyman, Datuk Marsum Paing regarding the Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) that have been given to farming operators.

Owners of Low-Cost Flats Receive 25% Tax Deductions

SHAH ALAM, 28 Nov: Owners of Low-Cost Flats can receive a 25% tax deduction off the assessment rate from Local Authorities (PBT) even though there is no Joint Management Body (JMB) or a Joint Management Committee (JMC) at their flats.

According to the Housing, Building Management and Squatters Exco member, Iskandar Abdul Samad, the deductions will be given directly to the owners when they make PBT assessment payments together with the special form.

He said that the discount will be given without needing all the owners of the flat buildings apply for it.

“Even if only one owner applies, he will get a cut of 25%.

“Each application must be accompanied with a special form approved by the JMC chairman or the MC, the PBT Commissioner of Buildings (COB) or a PBT council member,” he said.

He added that the cuts were only for flats occupied by the owner or the owner’s heirs.

He explained that the State Government does not have the total number of owners who have been given the discount because this policy was just enacted in September.

“This data will be obtained from the Local Authorities at the end of this year.

“From this data, a study will also be conducted by the State Government to determine whether with the tax cuts, more apartment owners will pay their building maintenance fees,” 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).

Tax Cut for Practicing Low-Pollution Lifestyle

SHAH ALAM, 26 Nov: Various incentives have been offered to the people of Selangor should they practice a lifestyle that minimises environmental pollution.

These incentives include a savings on assessment rates for ‘green’ residences, free parking for hybrid cars among others.

Apart from that, efforts to reduce carbon emissions will be carried out through several Micro Hydro projects and the provision of facilities that are able to generate energy from residual waste (RDF, Refuse Derived Fuel).

This is according to the media statement by Tourism, Consumer Affairs and the Environment Exco member, Elizabeth Wong today.

“In Selangor, the State Government is making efforts to provide suitable sites as well as to invite the private sector to set up solar generator sites,” she said following the statement.

The State Government is also making efforts to reduce the amount of carbon emissions through several Micro Hydro projects and the provision of facilities that are able to generate energy from residual waste (RDF, Refuse Derived Fuel).

Micro Hydro projects that are being carried out with the cooperation of non-governmental organisations (NGO), Shell and UNDP, is being implemented in Orang Asli Villages in Hulu Selangor and the facility to generate energy from residual waste is being executed in Kajang.

Apart from that, the State Government is also actively cooperating with Local Authorities (PBT) and the State Investment Exco to encourage efforts to restore the environment.

The statement also mentioned the Federal Department of Town and Country Planning Peninsular Malaysia (JPDB) will also be providing the Green Neighbourhood Planning Guidelines for green buildings while the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will be endeavouring development projects that meet the Green Building Index (GBI) ratings.

The MBPJ’s accomplishment in acquiring the GBI ratings has altogether qualified it to receive a cut from the Improvement Service Fund (ISF) and an increase in its plot ratio.

The State Government has also signed the Cancun Statement of 2010 agreement which has been endeavoured by The Climate Group as a sign of commitment in efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

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.

People of Various Races, Religion Rise to Support ‘Stop Lynas’

KUALA LUMPUR, 25 Nov: The rakyat gave support to the participants of the Anti Lynas Kuantan – Kuala Lumpur Walk throughout the 300 kilometers when the various people, regardless of race and religion showed concern regarding the impact of the Lynas plant.

The Chairman of the Independent People’s Force (AKAR), Ahmad Nizam Hamid said that although the majority of the participants of the walk were from the Tionghua community, it is in fact an issue concerning the interests of all, regardless of race.

“The presence of friends, among the Malay youths especially, was plentiful and this issue concerning radiation is not specific to any religion or race or the colour of skin or language who are affected.

“When participants stopped to spend the night in the area of the Malays, they were ready to give them accommodation,” he said.

He said that the mass participation was a clear signal to the Barisan Nasional Government (BN) that the people are against the construction of the Lynas rare earth plant.

“What’s important is our, all Malaysians, solidarity in expressing dissatisfaction regarding the construction of the plant,” he said.

According to the Coordinator of Youth Solidarity Malaysia (SAMM), Badrul Hisham Shaharin who was approached by TV Selangor said that the rally participation of about 15,000 people of various races in Malaysia proves that the people are ready to make total changes.

“Today, Malaysia is ready under the name of ‘true Malaysians’, who have risen in bringing the issue which is big enough to bridge racial borders,” he said.

He said that the rising that was shown in the rally is not racist as claimed by some.

“Malay newspapers have continued to make a fool out of the people because the Malays are a little backward on the issue of Lynas.

“But we are certain that with continued efforts, the Malays will become aware and join together in this rising and that it will cause Barisan Nasional to continue to not meet the date to hold the elections,” said Badrul.

He said the rally will present an image to the world that the BN-led government has increasingly lost the support of the people.

Participants of the Anti-Lynas Kuantan – Kuala Lumpur Walk who started their journey 13 days ago since 13 November arrived at the Independence Square at about 5.30pm.

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.