Tag: Unity

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.

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.

MBPJ Asked to Research into Free Buses in Kota Damansara

SHAH ALAM, 26 Nov: The State Government will ask Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and Shah Alam Municipal Council (MBSA) to present a detailed investigation and to hold discussions regarding the provision of a free bus service in Kota Damansara.

The matter was brought forward by the Kota Damansara Assemblyman, Dr Nasir Hashim following the lack of public transportation in his area, especially to Sungai Buloh Hospital.

Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco member, Ronnie Liu said that the State Government and the Federal Government as well as the Land Public Transport Comission (SPAD) are working to overcome the problem.

“I have come to understand that the SPAD has the allocation to actualise the bus service and now talks are underway,” he said in the Selangor State Assembly sitting.

Ronnie added that as of now, the State Government has already provided two free bus services for the people of Putrajaya which is controlled by MBPJ.

“Truthfully, the responsibility of providing public transportation lies within the authority of the Federal Government. The State Government does not have the right to plan. However, we will try to take the initiative,” he said.

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.

State Reserve Funds are only for Special Projects NOT for Administration Expenditures

SHAH ALAM, 19 Nov: The State Government will only use state reserves to fund special projects and not to shoulder administration costs, said Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Reserve funds also cannot be used to pay for management expenditures and other such expenses by the State Government because it reflects inefficient financial management.

The presentation of the budget’s deficit to cover administrative expenses also reflects the failure of efficient financial management and demonstrates the failure to control spending.

Abdul Khalid said this when explaining the State Government actions in using state reserve funds to finance four projects at a cost of RM500 million.

“The project we are doing is separate so that its (the reserve funds) usage is more transparent.”

“The people do not want the reserves to be used to cover administrative expenses.”

“If this happens, people will think that the government can spend extravagantly, so with the separation, we cannot spend extravagantly,” said Abdul Khalid in a press conference at the State Assembly Annex Building lobby.

Abdul Khalid presented the 2012 Budget today, the first day of the Third Meeting of the Fifth Session. The Budget is themed ‘Selangor, Leader of Malaysian Economy’.

When presenting the budget, Abdul Khalid announced the decision to build the third bridge in Klang costing RM300 million, the implementation of Storm Water (RM100 million), upgrading and repairs of drainage systems (RM50 million) and the building of fully-furnished affordable housing (RM50 million).

However, these projects are not included in the 2013 Budget, instead it will be using State reserves.

Ceria Scheme: 71 Apartments Benefit

SHAH ALAM, 19 Nov: Since its introduction in 2011, the Ceria scheme costing RM97 million has benefited 71 apartments across Selangor.

Housing, Building Management and Squatters Exco member, Iskandar Abdul Samad said that the Ceria Scheme applies to two types of apartment units, Low-Cost and Medium-Cost, during the State Assembly (DNS) sitting this morning.

For Phase One in 2011, only 17 low-cost apartments received assistance from the Ceria Scheme.

Where else for Phase Two in 2012, a total of 43 low-cost apartments and 9 medium-cost apartments have benefited from the scheme.

Phase Three this year involves two medium-cost apartments.

Iskandar said, when answering questions from the Seri Setia assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad regarding this scheme, that the State Government has also designed a few upgrading programmes under this scheme.

“Among them, the State Government has organized an educational hands-on programme for apartment owners. This is the Anti-Vandalism themed ‘Keep Our Apartments Clean, Cheerful and Harmonious’ campaign.”

“For the care of reconditioned lifts, the Government has also implemented the installation of CCTVs and lift census programmes in collaboration with the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (JKKP),” said Iskandar, who is also the Cempaka State Assemblyman.

The Ceria scheme is a cost-sharing scheme between apartment residents and the State Government to beautify the surrounding areas of apartment buildings.

The scheme also aims to cultivate a sense of belonging of each unit in maintaining the common property in the long term.

PAKSI and MBI Work Together to Initiate Malay Culture Programme

SHAH ALAM, 16 Nov: In efforts to instil cultural arts in Selangor, the Seniman Paksi Rakyat Organisation (Paksi) has planned cultural roadshow programmes in every district with support from Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI) as well as the Local Authorities.

The programme which is themed ‘Ilmuan Budaya bersama Rakyat’ (loosely translated as ‘Learning Culture with the Rakyat’) was held for the first time in Klang. The programme is aimed at spreading cultural arts in hopes of attracting the new generation to understand it and at the same time to popularise the art in the future.

According to Paksi’s President, Che Shamsuddin Othman or better known as Dinsman, this programme is aimed at reviving the Malay heritage as well as to bring back artists that are being forgotten by this generation.

He said that in some communities, cultural arts are exclusive and highly respected. For many Malays, it is as though they have forgotten their ancestral heritage.

“The tradition of Malay art is a reflection of their values, mind-sets and worldview. Like literature, theatrical art is the result of Malay common sense. Cultural arts in the Malay community has existed for ages.”

“However, this almost seems forgotten by the current generation, so we want to pave the way in introducing culture to the children of this generation so that they can preserve the arts.”

“We call this program “Ilmuan Budaya Bersama Rakyat”. We had previously called it “budayawan bersama rakyat “. Why now “Ilmuan Budaya “? The reason is because we want to raise awareness of appreciating knowledge. We want to just have art festivals, but we also want to fill these activities with knowledge, “he said when contacted.

A variety of activities were featured, including poetry recital by the nation’s literary icons Datuk A.Samad Said, Ibrahim Ghafar, Pyanhabib, Sani Sudin and Shaharir Prof Mohd Zain and ‘gamelan’ music performance, ‘cempuling’ , Seranten silat demonstration, and a discussion of current issues with Datuk Dr Anwar Ridwan and songs by Zurinah Hassan.

In the program as well, Paksi will also be presenting the Local Humanist Award.

“We will choose the most qualified cultural figures to be given recognition through this award in every district, in Klang recently we choose the actors, Ruminah Sidek won the award,” he said.

Dinsman said, every organization of the program in nine counties will be applied to variations between the organization, for example in schools, mosques and weddings.

“Although we intentionally make a difference because we are targeting all groups for the program, for example in mosques, weddings and school children, let us close with them,” he said.

The roadshow will be held in nine districts in Selangor which began in Klang, Rawalpindi, Cape Coral and other areas followed starting 10 November.

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.