Tag: Waste Removal

Selangor and Penang PR Governments Step Forward to Strengthen Democracy

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Youth Solidarity Malaysia (SAMM) congratulated the Selangor and Penang PR Governments for moving another step to strengthen democracy in their administration radar.

On 18 September, the Penang Pakatan Rakyat Government, through the State Government Exco meeting, approved in principle the provisions for Assemblymen from the Opposition in Penang (read: Barisan Nasional) and the subsequent approval from the Exco Meeting will be tabled in the Penang State Budget 2014.

Meanwhile, on 10 October, the Selangor PR Government announced special allowances and privileges for the Selangor State Legislative Assembly Opposition Leader.

For Samm, this are valiant efforts in strengthening and educating the meaning of true democracy in Malaysia, in fact, understanding in the long history of oppression in translating the BN-style democracy system, actions such as this is hard to be accepted by various quarters in PR itself.

But if we are talking about a mature democracy, this is the best time to show that PR is different from the oppression politics of BN. We see all this while how PR representatives, especially Parliamentarians, are denied the right to serve the people without even a single cent of allocation being channelled through PR representatives who were voted by the people.

Now, it is a tremendous blow for BN Assemblymen in Penang. Do they want to receive provisions given to them despite Do they want to receive their allocation to them despite their opposition?

If they accept it, then they acknowledge the practice of the BN Government in other states and even the Federal level BN government as wrong to not channel allocations through representatives of the people who were elected by the people. But if they reject it, they will continue to be remembered for their narrow partisan politics and they can no longer complain in front of their voters that they do not have allocations.

Through the Penang State Government, PR proved that political clash is a different matter, but in matters of democratic state governance, the people’s choice should be respected and Penang PR has acknowledged that.

The Office of the Leader of the Opposition in the House (be it the House of Representatives or the state legislative assembly) is very important. But since the independence of Malaysia, it has not been honoured like other countries of mature democracy acknowledge the post.

The Selangor PR Government made a tremendous stride when they allocated RM8,260 per month with plenty other privileges to the Opposition Leader in the State Legislative Assembly.

With this, this position which is upheld through the democratic pr In this position he also transported through the democratic process of the people’s voice can be used to jointly develop the state. Opposition leaders can have complete office efficiency with enough research officers and Opposition leaders can have a complete office efficiency with enough research officer and able to debate and make constructive criticism to state that ultimately benefit the people.

The question now is would the Opposition Leader from BN in Selangor receive the allowances and privileges or will he reject with narrow political party thinking.

If he accepts it, he would admit the wrong practice of the Central and State Governments under BN in denying the role of Opposition Leaders elected by the people.

This is how the politics of the nation should be practiced with policy competition and competition in improvements which will ultimately strengthen democracy and benefit the people.

SAMM has greats hopes to see the Prime Minister, who is also the Finance Minister, to make the word ‘transformation’ as his daily chant when tabling the Budget 2014 this Friday which can truly welcome the moves taken by the Penang and Selangor PR Governments.

This move is also positive and everyone should move to strengthen democracy by acknowledging the role of PR members of parliament by taking into account the channeling of provisions through those elected by the people and uphold the role of the Malaysian Parliament by acknowledging privileges for Malaysian Opposition Leaders.

Without that, the ‘transformation’ chant will continue being a rhetoric laughed by those from the country and abroad.

Badrul Hisham Shaharin
Youth Solidarity Malaysia

Budget 2014: National Deficit Expected to Increase by One Percent

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SHAH ALAM, 23 Oct: The Budget 2014 is expected to reach RM270 billion, involving an increase of nine percent compared to RM260 billion for the Budget 2013.

The increase is expected to cause the national fiscal deficit to increase by about 0.5 percent to one percent.

Terengganu PKR Chairman, Azan Ismail said the budget which will be tabled by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak on 25 October will record a deficit for the 16th time in a row.

“This year, the amount if RM260 billion, but it may increase by about RM10 billion for 2014. This increase would cause the national deficit to increase by about one percent or at least 0.5 percent,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Azan said the approach used by Najib, who is also the Finance Minister, proves that the Barisan Nasional (BN) Government has failed in controlling spending by being responsible and prudent.

“For Pakatan Rakyat (PR), we will not guarantee a balanced budget, but we will try to present a budget where the deficit is not too high.

“If the increase in expenditure is RM10 billion to RM15 billion, we too have to increase to curb a higher increase in deficit,” he said.

Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, presented the Alternative Budget summary which amounts to RM262 billion, compared to an estimated revenue of RM228 billion, with the deficit of RM34 billion, on 21 October.

Among the contributing factor involved in the reduction is that the emoluments that are reduced by 10 percent involves operating expenses that do not include emoluments and the effort is a part of the long-term measures to reduce the country’s debt of over RM500 billion.

PJS 6 Residents’ Problem Solved by PKNS

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SHAH ALAM, 21 Oct: The Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) has already directed the contractor responsible to take action and clear up the heap of trash at the Petaling Jaya Selatan (PJS) 6 apartment area.

PKNS Public Relations Managed, Ishak Hashim said that the trash pile that occurred in the area is caused by dumping of trash by outsiders because the apartment is near a site for the night market and food stalls.

TVSelangor found that a small hut reserved for solid waste disposal in the area failed to be properly managed and domestic waste such as household goods and vehicle frames are dumped there.

The problem caused discomfort to the residents and led to the breeding of rats which can threaten the health of the local residents.

“We have received the complaint and appropriate action will be taken to address the problem faced by the residents in the area,” he said in a press statement.

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Meanwhile, Ishak said that reparation works to the wastewater channel that overflowed in Block 2, 3, 4 and 5 at the PKNS Apartments in PJS 8/14, Bandar Sunway, will also be done immediately.

He said PKNS and Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) will work together to ensure that the issue is resolved as soon as possible despite IWK previously claiming that the broken sewage pipe in the PKNS apartment happened when the maintenance was handed over to the sewerage company.

“PKNS has appointed a technical consultant to identify the real cause of the sewage overflow. Robotic camera methods will be used to examine whether the condition of the sewage pipe is broken or otherwise,” he said.

He added that the full report of the investigation will be used to repair the pump causing the sewage overflow so that residents in the apartment no longer have to deal with the problem.

Audit Report: Ministers Should Not Blame Junior Officers

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Kuala Lumpur, 3 Oct: Cabinet Ministers have been urged to stop blaming junior officers by being fully responsible of all fraud and wasteful spending that happens in government departments.

Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, based on the Auditor General’s 2012 Report, there were many spending leakages which happened in federal departments that require investigations so that it does not repeat.

“Ministers should take responsibility and not blame junior officers because it happened in front of them without supervision.

“We do not want to hear that ministers are under investigation or consideration because every year, this happens, in fact it gets worse,” he said in a press conference at the Parliament lobby.

He also urged the Public Accounts Committee (PAS) to provide a special session to look into this matter in addition to asking Pakatan Rakyat (PR) MPs to be involved in the committee to continue urging for the matter to be monitored.
“Every time an audit report is published, we seem surprised when leakages and embezzlement happens every year.

“The leakages happen when prices of goods go up, the people are pressed but embezzlement that happens are ignored,” he said.

DID Land Invaded By Squatters

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KUALA LUMPUR, SEPT 23: The land owned by the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) has been invaded by unscrupulous people who turned the land into illegal dumping site and squatter settlements.

“We have visited the land previously, but what worries us is that the situation is getting worse what with the addition of landfill operators in the areas involved.”

“What is worrying, the rate of pollution is increasing and we are fearful that the area will be used as a toxic waste dump,” she said.

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According to Taman Medan Assemblyman, Haniza Talha, along with the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and Land and District Office (PTD) Petaling Jaya, she had visited the area in 2011, but the situation was still under control then.

During the visit yesterday, Haniza along with the MBPJ and PTD were inspecting the area and found that the situation was getting worse as a result of this invasion.

During the meeting, Haniza also proposed DID to pay more attention to this issue prevent it from deteriorating any further.

CM: KUIS Aims to Achieve University Status in 2016

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BANGI, SEPT 10: To continue efforts to strengthen knowledge, the Selangor International Islamic University College (KUIS) seeks to achieve full university status by the year 2016.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that as a move to realise the plan, efforts to offer graduate and doctoral degrees are being pursued.

“This effort will begin with upgrading works and adding several new programmes at the undergraduate level in order to be competitive and keep pace with the changing times.

“In addition, diploma and degree students are also expected to make KUIS their preferred institution to further their studies in their masters degree as well as their doctorate in philosophy,” explained Abdul Khalid who is also the Chairman of KUIS.

Abdul Khalid said this at a press conference after the First Session of the 16th time of the KUIS Convocation Ceremony today.

KUIS which is wholly owned by MAIS was established in 1995. KUIS offers over twenty courses covering a variety of subjects such as Islamic studies, business studies, Islamic banking, language and communication, information technology, multimedia, nursing and education.

KUIS is now actively improving the quality of learning at the institution in line with the entry target of 6,000 students next year.

This year’s edition saw a total of 1,896 students from six faculties eligible to receive their respective Diplomas and Degrees which was presented by Abdul Khalid.

Also present at the convocation was the Exco in charge of Education, Dr Halimah Ali, the Reactor of KUIS, Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Abd Halim Tamuri, members of the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) as well as parents and family members of the students graduating.

The convocation this time also awarded diplomas to 500 teachers of Al-Quran and Fardu Ain (KAFA) classes from around Selangor who were enrolled in the Teaching Diploma programme.

The Teaching Diploma for KAFA teachers is part of on-going efforts in promoting Islamic education for the children of Selangor.

Pakatan Rakyat Manifesto Implementation Dialogue – Selangor 2014 Budget – 13 September

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This live discussion between the people and leaders is to receive input directly from the taxpayers to implement the Pakatan Rakyat Manifesto which was presented in the 13th general Election (GE-13).

Feedback from this discussion will be taken up in the 2014 Selangor State Budget.

“The Selangor Government is confident and believes that public opinion is very important in ensuring that all policies and plans outlined in the manifesto reaches the target group,” stressed the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

On September 9, the dialogue will be held simultaneously at the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) Tower Gallery in Pandan Indah, the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Banquet Hall and the Kuala Selangor District Council (MDKS) Siantan Hall starting from 8pm.

On September 10, the dialogue will be held simultaneously at the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) Tower Lobby, the Sabak Bernam District COuncil (MDSB) Sri Bernam Hall and the Hulu Selangor District Council (MDHS) Dato’ Abdul Hamid Auditorium Hall in Batang Kali starting from 8pm.

On September 11, the dialogue will be held simultaneously at the Subang Jaya Municipal Coucil (MPSJ) Multipurpose Hall in Puchong Indah, and for the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj), it will be held at the Sports Complex Hall in Section 15, Bandar Baru Bangi starting from 8pm.

For September 12, the dialogue will be held simultaneously at the Empress Hotel in Sepang bandar Baru for the Sepang Municipal Council (MPSp), for the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) it will be held at the Bunga Tanjung Hall in Section 19, and at the Sri Jugra Hall in Banting for the Kuala Langat District Council (MDKL) starting from 8pm.

Whereas on September 13, the dialogue will be held at the Hamzah Hall for the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) starting from 8pm.

Is Oil-Spill Factory Owner In Hiding?

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Rawang, 3rd Sept: The Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) has yet to track down the true owner of the waste lorry maintenance factory responsible for the recent oil-spill.

MPS Assistant Enforcement Officer, Paramasivam Chelliah revealed that during the raid on the factory, the owner had failed to appear.

How the owner was able to issue an open statement to a mainstream media two days ago with insinuations of being set up was a mystery to Chelliah.

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“During the operation, the MPS was only in contact with our superiors. We are unsure of how The Star managed to communicate with the factory owner.

“He (the owner) can produce any statements he likes claiming his innocence, but we have enough damning evidence to convict him,” he said, commenting on the factory owner.

Prior to this, the English-languaged newspaper reported that the factory owner had assigned blame on his employees for disposing used oil into the river.

The owner also claimed to have sacked four workers of the factory immediately.

Fourteen Citations For Sungai Selangor Oil Spill Factory

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Rawang, 3rd Sept: The factory responsible for the unscheduled water supply disruption in several areas in Klang Valley was hit with 14 citations amounting to RM34,000 for not complying with waste disposal regulations.

The factory was also found guilty for operating without a license for the last 10 years.

“They tried to worm their way out of the investigation by claiming that the factory only serves as a storage area for lorries. However, when we conducted a thorough search, we found there are more on-going activities than just storage.”

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“The factory owner is also a private contractor who had been having domestic waste brought in here for separation before being recycled,” said Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) Assistant Enforcement Officer, Paramasivam Chelliah.

According to Chelliah, Lembaga Air Selangor (LUAS), Land and District Office, and Department of Environment (DOE) of Selangor will also be taking stern actions against the factory owner.

Among the offences cited was the building structure does not meet industrial specifications. The factory operators also had previous lawsuit filed against them for odour pollution based on the complaints received from upset local residents.

The local authorities acted quickly by impounding the factory on 31st August last week. Twenty items were also seized including a welding equipment and two lorry tanks containing black oil.

The enforcers will remain on the premises to ensure there were no active industrial operations until the bleaching process was completed.

“We are suspending all activities on this premises, and prohibiting any lorries from entering this area based on a strict directive we received from the Secretary of State,” said Paramasivam.

“We will continue to impound this area until a command for release is issued by Yang Dipertua MPS himself,” he said.

One Year Anniversary for MPSJ-Hioki Friendship

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SUBANG JAYA, August 23: The MPSJ President, Datuk Asmawi Kasbi, together with the Mayor of Hioki, Yoshinori Kozono, celebrated the one year anniversary of the ties between the two regions.

Yoshinori with a delegation of 12 people from the Kagoshima prefecture, Japan, visited MPSJ in a return visit for a week beginning 21 August to 29 August.

“We have learned much knowledge and experience from Hioki in city administration, particularly in waste management,” said Asmawi at the ceremony which was held simultaneously with the signing of the MOU with three synergy friends of MPSJ.

MPSJ spends RM60 million a year to manage domestic waste as well works involving grass-cutting and the cleaning of rubbish in urban areas.

“If our efforts manage to form a community of thought, they can manage waste properly, and we can channel the savings from the cost of waste management to infrastructure development and so on,” explained Asmawi.

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Hioki has been the twin city of MPSJ through the Friendship City programme since August 28, 2012. Hioki City, with a population of 51,819 people at a density of 205 people per square kilometer, was founded on May 1, 2005, from the merger of four towns — Fukiage, Higashiichiki, Hiyoshi and Ijuin.

“We will share our experiences by providing accurate information. What is important is community awareness about the importance of waste management,” said Yoshinori.

To ensure that the smart partnership between MPSJ and Hioki is always close, MPSJ has established a MPSJ-Hioki Joint Centre at the Ground Floor of the 3C Complex.

The joint venture centre, among others, serves as a reference centre in the sharing of knowledge, skills and culture.

YDP: Synergy Helps Enhance MPSJ Expertise

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SUBANG JAYA, August 23: The Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with three synergy partners to enhance the ability of the council in waste management, public service announcements as well as corporate social responsibility programmes.

The President (YDP – Yang Dipertua), Datuk Asmawi Kasbi said the smart partnership between the local government and the private sector will have a meaningful impact on MPSJ and the community.

“This is not an easy process, this effort involves a time period of almost 12 years,” he said at the signing of the MOU at the 3C Complex at Bandar Sunway, here in Subang Jaya.

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The three synergy partners are; the Alumni Look East Policy Society (ALEPS), Online Dynamics Sdn Bhd and Mamee-Double Decker Sdn Bhd.

“Thanks to ALEPS, MPSJ and Hioki City (Kagoshima Region) in Japan have a binding cooperation to learn and share knowledge on waste management,” said Asmawi who seemed very pleased with the bilateral relations.

The agreement with Online Dynamics related to the development of public service announcement programmes such as awareness campaigns, while Mamee-Double Decker will help in the execution of CSR programmes for traders in the MPSJ territory.

Selangor Targets 10 Million Tourists by 2018

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SHAH ALAM, July 26: By 2018, the Selangor Government targets for 10 million tourists to visit Selangor, says Exco for Tourism, Consumer Affairs and Environment, Elizabeth Wong.

Elizabeth says the estimate is based on the increasing number of tourists every year in addition to the State Government’s target of 7 million tourists for the Visit Selangor Year 2015.

She said that as of now, the number of tourists has recorded a positive development; which is 6 million last year.

She said to realise the 10 million target, the State Government will change their promotional strategy.

“We also want to train tour drivers to be fluent in foreign languages and not only in English. This is because the increase in tourists in Selangor consists of tourists who are not from Europe.

In addition, the State Government will upgrade and maintain tourist sites in the next five years to add value and strengthen existing products.

She has targeted four rural areas that need attention, including Sabak Bernam, Kuala Langat, Hulu Langat and Hulu Selangor.

Elizabeth added that at least 300 existing tourism sites have been identified to be improved or promoted.

“It encompasses the maintenance of the surrounding areas, reparation of public facilities and the improving of existing building structures,” she said.

“But from the amount, we may not work on all. It depends on the needs of the area as well.

“An example is the Sekinchan area which is now developing as a tourist destination. If we move a little ahead to Sabak Bernam, it would certainly grow because it has great potential to be developed.

“We want these places to be upgraded to an international tourism status, we want foreign and domestic tourists coming to the area because it will improve the financial status of villagers and the local population,” she said.