Tag: State Assembly

State Government Introduces New Policy to Increase Affordable Homes

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SHAH ALAM, July 5: The State Government will introduce a new policy this September to diversify the types of Affordable Homes (RMM) that is required to be built by developers.

The Executive Councillor for Housing, Urban Management and Urban Settlements Iskandar Samad said that the policy which is to be implemented will provide more RMMs to the people in the state.

He explained that the State Government intends to ensure sufficient housing for all, from low to medium.

“There are more types (of houses) in this new policy to meet the needs of the people from low income groups to those with a monthly household income of RM8,000 per month,” he said.

He said this during the winding up session of the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) here today.

According to Iskandar, the new policy will replace the State Government policy implemented in 2010.

“For the new policy, we have yet to rid of low-cost housing, bit in this new policy, we will focus on the middle-income group,” said the Chempaka Assemblyman.

To date, a total of 15,105 applicants offered for low-cost houses from the period 2008 to 2013.

Meanwhile, 1,568 applicants were offered by the State Government to own Affordable Housing since it was introduced in year 2011 till 30 May 2013.

Selangor Confident Growth Will Still be High Despite the Slow World Economy

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SHAH ALAM, July 4: Despite the world economy growth which is expected to be slow, the State Government remains optimistic that Selangor will continue to lead with the highest rates of economic growth in Malaysia.

Speaking at the State Assembly this morning, the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the Selangor growth rate is actually higher that the growth rate of the Malaysian economy.

“Certainly the economic development in China has announced a growth of around five to six percent only, an this does have an impact on our country.

“But Selangor normally records a higher growth,” said the Port Klang Assemblyman.

He added that the State Government will also make the service sector a focus to increase the economic growth rate in Selangor.

“Whatever the situation, we must make sure that the people of Selangor get the best jobs and services,” he said.

Teng: State Government Has Saved Over RM50 Million Annually by Collecting Garbage Directly

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SHAH ALAM, July 4: The State Government has managed to save more than RM53 million in cost annually when the Local Authorities in Selangor took over the garbage collection from Alam Flora Sdn Bhd (AFSB).

Local Government, Studies and Research Exco, Datuk Teng Chang Kim said that the method allows local authorities to manage the solid waste collection directly by appointing contractors that were formally sub-contractors appointed by AFSB.

“The saving recorded in a year was RM53,876,942.41; which is 11 local authorities recording a management cost of RM166,827,402.82 compared to when it was handled by AFSB which was RM220,704,345.23.

“By managing it themselves, the local authorities can monitor the handling of waster directly and the officers or staff of local authorities involved can learn and address the problem of solid waste management in their respective areas.”

Teng was responding to an oral question by Sekinchan Assemblyman, Ng Suee Lim during the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) session here today.

He said that among the proactive measures taken to ensure efficient garbage collection, local authorities have created a waste complaint hotline, a patrol squad and a Special Action Unit to perform back-up garbage collection.

Other actions include local authorities meeting with involved contractors directly, rezoning of operation areas and garbage collection twice a day in city areas.

Dr. Idris: Rural Development Should Cover Three Main Aspects

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SHAH ALAM, July 3: It is proposed for the State Government to apply three key aspects in efforts to ensure rural development is equal to development in rural areas.

The three main aspects meant is the well-being, safety and health, said Ijok Assemblyman, Dr Idris Ahmad.

He explained, to achieve a harmonious society, the quality of children’s education in rural areas should be improved by adding more tuition centres especially catered for the three main subjects; ENglish, Science and Mathematics.

Under the same aspect, he said that the State Government should also encourage rural agriculture-based investment to increase income and provide job opportunities for rural citizens without having to migrate to the city.

“For the education sector, I propose for the Education Exco to be attentive by setting up more tuition centres for all levels (Standard 1 till Form 5) so that they will receive early preparation before sitting for their examinations.

“The State Government should also encourage investment in rural areas such as investment in agro-based industries because there is a lot of vacant land in rural areas which are not being used,” he said when debating on DYMM the Sultan of Selangor’s address in the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) session here today.

Meanwhile, under the aspect of health, the State Government should consider building hospitals in rural areas to ensure that patients do not have to travel far to receive treatment.

Although the construction of hospitals is under the Federal Government plans, he stressed that the State Government should take early initiative to build hospitals which can provide treatment to patients.

“There are many chronic patients in rural areas who cannot afford to get treatment at hospitals because the hospital locations are too far away from their homes.

“For example, in Kuala Selangor, patients are referred to the Sungai Buloh Hospital or Tanjung Karang to receive treatment when their condition is very critical at the time.

“The State Government does not need to build sophisticated hospitals, just a basic one to provide treatment to patients,” he said.

He added that the third aspect on safety refers to the installation of street lamps at the entrance of villages to reduce crime.

Datum Jelatek Bumiputera Sales Quota Higher than Federal Government Projects

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SHAH ALAM, July 3: The sales quota for Bumiputera buyers in the Datum Jelatek mixed condominium project by the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) is higher than the Bumiputera sales quota offered in projects run by the Federal Government.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim informed that the Datum Jelatek project does not give priority to foreigners; in fact PKNS has set that 50 percent of the units will be sold to Bumiputeras.

“Although the Datum Jelatek is next to Kuala Lumpur, but there are projects next to Datum Jelatek handled by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the Federal Government.

“But only 30 percent is offered to Bumiputeras. However, the State Government asked PKNS to set for more than 50 percent to be offered to Bumiputeras which comprises of 337 units.

“So far, a total of 1,029 Bumiputera applications have been received to be evaluated,” he said, answering an oral question from the Seri Muda Assemblyman, Shuhaimi Shafei (PKR) during the Selangor State Assembly session today.

Abdul Khalid denied allegations that the Malay community in Jelatek, Kuala Lumpur are marginalised due to mixed development project.

Instead, the Malays who have sold their low-cost apartments to PKNS to give way to the Datum Jelatek project had received profits many times over when they were paid RM300,000.

Instead of the original price of their low-cost apartments of just around RM20,000.

Apart from that, Abdul Khalid also said that the State Government will consider the applications of 14 original owners of the low-cost houses that do not agree with the price offered by PKNS.

Payment to original settlers has been done, but there are 14 owners who do not agree even after being approved by the court.

“There are 14 owners who did not agree at first but I think that they will certainly apply for the price offered to them and all others (owners) who have already received it,” he said.

He said that the State Government has also directed PKNS to give an explanation to the residents regarding the project on an on-going basis.

Another Selangor Opposition Criticised for Using Wrong Facts While Debating

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SHAH ALAM, July 3: The opposition at the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) session today was once again criticised for purposely covering up facts regarding the weaknesses of the previous Umno-BN administration.

This time it is regarding the sand mining issue which is said to pollute the environment.

BN Assemblyman from Dengkil, Shahrum Mohd Sharif continued to accuse that the sand mining activity during the Pakatan Rakyat era was allegedly not under control.

This received the attention of Pakatan Assemblyman from Sri Muda, Shuhaimi Shafiei who blaster Shahrum by saying the uncontrolled mining activities had already occurred rapidly during the BN administration prior to year 2008.

Shuhaimi also said that this issue has already been explained several time with proper evidence at the assembly and through the media.

“The large mine was left by BN, we just want to correct it. There is no need to wait for the Chief Minister to respond, I will answer this question.

“The sand we have been mining is much smaller compared to BN, but the revenue received was far more than BN,” said Shuhaimi when intercepting Shahrum’s speech at the DNS session yesterday.

Pakatan also, after taking over the administration of the State Government, had to contain activities that adversely affected the environment with relentless effort from the Local Authorities (PBT) and other authorities.

This matter was finally acknowledged by Shahrum when he realised that Local Authorities have successfully raised millions of ringgit from the lawsuits against illegal miners.

Shuhaimi also said that the sand mining revenue in Selangor is only five percent of the state income and is not the main source of income as alleged by Umno-BN.

Shahrum failed to dismiss the facts presented by Shuhaimi after that and started to quibble by giving excuses simply to educate new Assemblymen who are participating in the session for the first time.

Yesterday, Opposition Leader, Datuk Shamsudin Lias was criticised for saying that the Constitution and the law prevents the citizens from protesting against the results of the 13th General Elections (GE-13).

Shamsudin was found speechless when he was asked by a Pakatan Assemblyman to state which laws prevent the people from protesting.

Selangor Government Provides Assistance Regardless of Political Affiliation

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SHAH ALAM, July 2: The State Government reminded all government officials, including the Social Welfare Department (JKM) to be professional when working by prioritising the interest of the people in Selangor without being biased.

Welfare and Women’s Affairs Exco, Rodziah Ismail said that all officers and employees have been asked to be open and responsible in discharging their duties regardless of political affiliation.

“All JKM officers are reminded to enhance their level of professionalism and to put the receiver who is truly in need as the priority basis without taking into account political background.

“Therefore, if there are any other officers who still do this, please report their names for further action.”

Rodziah said this when answering a question by Dusun Tua Assemblyman, Razaly Hassan during the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) session here today.

Hannah: DYMM the Sultan of Selangor Commands to Execute Duties as Best Possible

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SHAH ALAM, June 28: Her young age should not be a barrier to Hannah Yeoh Tseow Suan to carry out her duties as the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) Speaker as best possible.

This was decreed by DYMM (His Royal Highness) the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah to Hannah who became the first women to be elected as the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly.

“His Royal Highness’ advice to me as the youngest Speaker is for me to do my best for the State Assembly.

“And such an opportunity does not always come. So I will have to take this opportunity to learn as much as possible,” said the Subang Jaya Assemblywoman when met after the Opening Ceremony of the First Term of the 13th DNS here today.

Hannah said that HRH also hopes that she can develop the DNS so that it would become the best State Legislative Assembly in Malaysia.

“HRH was happy about how the Assembly sessions have been run in the past five years. HRH also asked the Assembly to continue to move forward,” she added.

Prioritise the People’s Welfare: Selangor Assemblymen Upholds Sultan’s Decree

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SHAH ALAM, June 29: Selangor Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders upholds the decree made by DYMM the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, to prioritise, preserve and enhance the welfare of the people in this state.

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The Exco for Investment, Industry and Trade, Ean Yong Hian Wah said that the Sultan’s decree for the State Government to expand policies under the Localising the People’s Economy (MES – Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor) agenda for the good of the people.

He said, to ensure that the welfare of the people continues to be taken care of, PR leaders intends to continue existing MES programmes as well as to add other agendas t He said, to ensure the welfare of the people continue to be taken care of, the PR leadership intends to continue its existing MES programmme will add some other agenda to meet the needs of the people.

“DYMM (His Royal Highness) praised MES programmes implemented by the State Government, therefore, we will continue our efforts to provide more welfare to the people.

“I also welcome the recommendations by DYMM to increase foreign and domestic investment by making every effort to maintain Selangor as a top investment destination in Malaysia,” he commented regarding DYMM the Sultan of Selangor’s decree in conjunction with the Opening Ceremony of the First Term of the 13th Selangor State Assembly yesterday.

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Meanwhile, Sekinchan Assemblyman, ng Swee Lim described the call by the Sultan for the people’s representatives and public officials to cooperate in developing Selangor and protecting the interests of the people Meanwhile, Sekinchan assemblyman Ng Swee Lim described the call of His Majesty the Sultan’s representatives and public officials together to develop and protect the interests of the people of Punjab should be welcomed by all parties.

In fact, he said that the Sultan’s decree on increasing Selangor reserves to reach RM2.5 billion proves the efficiency of the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim in managing state expenditures.

“This is a pretty good recommendation for the Pakatan Rakyat government where the leadership of the Chief Minister has been proven to be efficient in managing the economy and spending prudently.

“In the past five years and for this term, PR’s victory has improved, thus altogether showing that the people are quite satisfied and accept the way PR administrates transparently, with integrity and credibility,” he said.

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The Sultan’s decree about the welfare of the Disabled and the Indigenous People was welcomed by the Welfare Exco, Rodziah Ismail.

He hopes that the two groups will continue to be taken care of so that they are looked at equally with other citizens.

“Actually, since last year, we (the State Government) have already agreed to establish a People With Disabilities’ Collaborative Council so that we can take a closer look on their needs and interests as well as to provide proper infrastructure,” said Rodziah when she was met after the Opening ceremony.

Selangor Sultan Asks State Government to Increase Basic Infrastructure, Information Technology

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SHAH ALAM, June 28: DYMM the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah urged the State Government to provide adequate basic infrastructure such as roads and utilities, as well as to develop information and communications technology (ICT).

He said that ICT infrastructures can produce job opportunities and can be a new source of income for the people of Selangor.

“The expenditure for infrastructure should be on a priority basis to ensure that the quality of public amenities is in good condition.

“In addition to basic infrastructure such as roads and water consumption, the government should also focus on the infrastructure of information and communication technology, especially internet access.

“Investment in broadband technology such as this will bring about knowledge and economic benefits to the people,” he said during the Opening Ceremony of the First Term of the 13th Selangor State Assembly Session here this morning.

“We believe that the implementation of such programmes will be able to revitalise efforts to localise the economy and localise knowledge in the state of Selangor,” he added.

When touching on the success of the State Government in increasing its reserves to RM2.5 billion as of April 2013, the Sultan expressed confidence that this success is from the process and efforts of a more efficient revenue process collection and effort.

“These skills must also be circulated to all government agencies, especially to Local Authorities.

“So that efforts of current and outstanding revenue collection can finally benefit the people,” the Sultan said.

The session which will continue on Monday is expected to last for five days.

Elizabeth Wong Proud Sultan is Concerned About Environmental Conservation

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SHAH ALAM, June 28: Executive Councillor for Environment, Elizabeth Wong expressed pride regarding DYMM the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s concern about environmental conservation efforts in the state.

According to Elizabeth, the Sultan’s speech clearly showed his concern for environmental issues in Selangor.

The Bukit Lajan Assemblywoman informed that the State Government should look into a number of measures to improve and preserve the environment.

“This is an agenda or strategy by the State Government to generate economic development in Selangor, namely by promoting for green technology to be used by the private sector and the government itself,” she said after the Opening Ceremony of the First Term of the 13th Selangor State Assembly Session.

Green technology refers to the development and application of products, equipment and systems to protect the environment and nature by minimising or reducing the negative impacts of human activities from the environment.

Earlier, in his opening speech, Sultan Sharafuddin said that the State Government should increase efforts to attract high-tech industry investors who adopt green technology.

“These efforts should also focus on high-tech industries, industries that practice green technology so that nature and the environment in Selangor are protected from pollution,” he added.

Sultan of Selangor Asks State Government to Strengthen State Economy

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SHAH ALAM, June 28: The State Government has been asked to ensure that the state economy is stable and to contribute to improving the people’s quality of life.

DYMM the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said that the State Government should formulate strategies to drive economic growth more efficiently in order to help the people deal with the ever increasing challenges of economic conditions.

He said that Selangor adopts an open economic system which is constantly exposed to global market conditions and volatility, and this indirectly affects the people.

“Selangor is a state that practices an open economy which is an economy exposed to the global market conditions and volatility, surely my people will be affected.

“I am very serious regarding the problems of my people, especially in efforts to maintain peace, prosperity and welfare,” he said.

In the meantime, he also praised the State Government which managed to maintain momentum as a major contributor to the country’s economy.

“I am confident that this success is a manifestation of the success, hard work and cooperation between the Government and the people,” he added.

He said that the State Government should play a more aggressive role in increasing the state’s domestic and foreign investment.

In 2012, Selangor recorded total investments of RM 11.73 billion, with a total of 252 projects successfully developed.

For the first quarter of 2013, the total investment in Selangor reached RM700 million.

“Efforts should be intensifies to attract more investors to invest in Selangor.

“These efforts should also focus on high-tech industries, industries that practice green technology so that nature and the environment in Selangor are protected from pollution,” he added.

He said, the service sector will certainly continue to play a hug role in the state economic development.

So far, the service sector’s contribution to the Selangor Gross Domestic Product (GDP) accounts for 56 percent.