Tag: Welfare

Building Luxury Condos on Slope Taken to DNS Sitting

SHAH ALAM, 16 Nov: Hulu Kelang Assemblyman, Saari Sungib will be raising the objection from the people of Taman Sri Ukay and Taman Hillview regarding the building of luxury condominiums on the slopes not far from Highland Towers at the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) sitting next Monday.

Saari said that the issue is now under the supervision of Ronnie Liu, Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco member, and that he will review the matter before taking further action.

Ronnie said that the Selangor State Government, a concerned government, is taking the matter seriously because it involves a huge number of residents and issues regarding their safety and interest.

“The lives and safety of residents is very important and it is the main responsibility of the government to protect these. The Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government is pro-rakyat therefore the rakyat is our primary concern. I have already brought the matter forward to the Exco members and we will wait for what further action will be taken to overcome this issue,” he said.

Last week, approximately 50 residents from Taman Sri Ukay and Taman Hillview held a peaceful demonstration to express their objection to the two high profile developments on the slopes near their homes.

One of the projects at Lot 847 near Taman Hillview will comprise of three 40-storey blocks and the other project at Lot 5 involves the building of five 17-storey blocks which will be developed not far from the Highland Towers condominium disaster site.

It has been understood that both the projects will be developed by two different developers.

The residents had surrendered their memorandum of objection to one of the assistants of Zuraida Kamaruddin, Ampang MP.

‘Bubur Lambuk’ Distributed to Flood Victims

SHAH ALAM, 15 Nov: In accordance with the Maal Hijrah 1423H celebrations, Dengkil (State Assembly) Service Centre Coordinator distributed ‘bubur lambuk’ to 1,200 flood victims housed, since last Wednesday, at the Bukit Changgang and Labuan Dagang Evacuation Centres.

The programme was implemented with the help of the PAS Unit Amal and the area’s Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK).

Dengkil DUN Coordinator, Borhan Aman Shah said that 1,200 packs of ‘bubur lambuk’ were distributed in conjunction with the Maal Hijrah celebrations.

Borhan also took the opportunity to mingle and find out about the situation of the flood victims.

“Although ‘bubur lambuk’ is synonymous to Ramadan, there is no wrong in distributing it during this Maal Hijrah celebration.”

“We are also able to reach out and check the situation of the flood victims in this evacuation centre. This helps should they require assistance.”

“Hopefully this small contribution will cheer up the residents who have been situated in this flood evacuation centre,” he said when contacted.

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.

Residents Are Advised Against Making Agricultural Sites Out of Trenches

SHAH ALAM, 15 Nov: Residents around Dengkil have been advised to stop making trenches and the area around the trenches, agricultural sites as the trenches built could rupture causing flood.

Dengkil State Assembly Coordinator, Borhan Aman Shah said that his department has found out about the situation when briefed by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS).

He said that the residents have been planting various crops like banana palms which have made the trench structure unstable and should there be strong currents in the river, the trenches could eventually risk being raptured.

Several raptured trenches or channels include areas around Bukit Changgang, Labuan Dagang, Kuala Langat ad Sepang.

Previously, the mainstream media reported that the Selangor Umno-BN administration blamed the raptured trenches, sand mining and unmanaged trenches, for causing flood in Dengkil .

Bohan further denied that the flooding has worsened due to the aforementioned allegations.

He said that JPS has informed that currently there is high tide, water levels being higher than usual and unusual distribution of rain.

He explained that his department has identified several raptured trenches and that JPS have already sent their report to the State Government for further action.

“Of course they will be repaired as soon as possible. We do not deny that there are broken trenches and regardless, we have identified the actual situation and we have already sent the report yesterday.”

“We have disallowed flood victims from leaving evacuation centres until this Sunday because we reckon that it will continue to rain and flood,” he said when contacted.

Meanwhile, according to the JPS portal, until now, in Selangor, water levels in Sungai Langat, Bukit Changgang, Kuala Langat and Sungai Selangor have exceeded the warning level at 6.02, 4.08 and 3.97 meters respectively.

The current total number of flood victims is 1,309 individuals and involve 7 evacuation centres around Selangor.

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.

AES Summons: Ronnie Instructs MPKj to Bear Witness

SHAH ALAM, 15 Nov: Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco, Ronnie Liu, will instruct the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) to bear witness to road users who have been issued summons by Automated Enforcement System (AES) cameras.

He said that he will instruct MPKj to send officers to witness in court to confirm that the installation of the cameras was done illegally.

Ronnie said that the installation of AES cameras at two areas in Kajang was not legal and that the contractor hired by the Federal Government did not get Planning Permission (PP) from MPKj.

“The AES installation in Kajang falls under the Local Authorities Act 1976 and any kind of installations should obtain PP from the Local Authorities (PBT).”

“Even though you are a land owner, without a PP, it is illegal and you cannot do that,” he told reporters at the Selangor State Secretary (SUK) building last night.

Ronnie explained that the Minister of Housing and Local Government, Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung and Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha should have known about the ACT because any kind of installation would have to first get approval.

“Only after getting permission, can installation be done. Even ministers (Cho Ha and Chee Heung) have to follow the law,” he explained.

In connection to that, the State Government would have to instruct them to dismantle the cameras within 14 days, starting last Monday.

Ronnie said that should they ignore the warning, the State Government will instruct MPKj to dismantle the cameras.

“If they do not take the cameras down, we will ask MPKj send out a demolition letter, should they not comply and dismantle the cameras within 14 days, we will dismantle them. We are following the law,” the State Assemblyman for Pandamaran said.

Previously, two AES cameras were installed at kilometre 6.6 on the South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE) and at kilometre 301.6 heading north on the North-South Expressway.

Selangor Sultan: Uphold the Sanctity of Islam with Wisdom

SHAH ALAM, 15 Nov: DYMM Sultan Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah reminded Malays to uphold the sanctity of Islam with the strength and wisdom as done by Nabi Muhammad, mujahids and past Islamic leaders.

His Royal Highness said this when he officiated the Ma’al Hijrah 1434 celebrations at Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah last night.

Among other things, he urged the rakyat to not mix religion and politics because as it can cause a split amongst the people.

“Instead I appeal to Malays to stand united, to help one another and strengthen the bonds among Muslims as well as to defend Islam, which is pure.”

“As leader of Islam and protector of Malay rights and interests in the State of Selangor, I am fully responsible at any given time to regulate the sanctity of Islam and that the interest Malays is appropriately protected and cared for,” His Highness said.

Meanwhile, His Highness appealed for Malays, particularly those in Selangor to not be influenced by incitement and propaganda of those who could destroy one’s faith and make him or her turn against Allah.

He also added that Article 3 of the Constitution states that Islam is the official religion under the Constitution. This places Islam higher than other religions. Constitution also states that the special rights and status of Malays should be protected.

His Highness in his earlier decree wished all Muslims, especially Malays in the State of Selangor, to celebrate this Islamic New Year meaningfully and thoughtfully in order to advance the Malay race. He also thanked Allah for blessing us with peace, prosperity and harmony.

He concluded by inviting the rakyat of this state to pray together for Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala to bless and consecrate Selangor and keep Selangor safe from disaster.

“I also pray that the people of Selangor, who consist of different races, live in unity, peace and for the State of Selangor to progress, to prosper and live peacefully,” he said.

Federal Government Transfers Zainal for Making a Statement Detrimental to Umno-BN?

SHAH ALAM, 14 Nov: The Federal Government’s move to transfer Datuk Zainal Abidin Aala, Chairman of the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) is believed to be related to him exposing that it was the Umno-BN government that approved the Batu Caves condominium project.

Ronnie Liu, Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco said that Zainal Abidin was the “circumstantial victim” when he was forced to expose facts regarding the controversial project.

“He was forced to also mention that the project was not approved recently, rather during the previous BN government.”

“When the press asked for the minutes of the meeting, he had to surrender them because Selangor has an Information Transparency Act, so he really should not be blamed,” Ronnie said when addressed after the Exco meeting here today.

Previously, Zainal had declared that the controversial Dolomite Park Avenue at Batu Caves project’s Planning Permission (KM) had been released during the BN administration on the 30th of November, 2007.

Zainal also disclosed that the project was approved by the Minerals and Geoscience Department Malaysia (JMG).

However, the Department of Environment Malaysia (JAS), in their initial report, did not support the project’s development for unstated reasons.

He also revealed that it was clearly established in an MPS meeting minutes that the Planning Permission for the 29 storey condominium was released in that meeting.

The development project by Dolomite Properties Sdn Bhd at Batu Caves is considered a sensitive issue seeing that the area is considered a sacred worshipping site for the Indian community.

Ronnie also mentioned that this Friday, Zainal’s transfer to a still unknown department will be enforced.

“Today is Zainal’s last day in MPS because tomorrow is a public holiday and later, I will be speaking to him. No matter the situation, I feel that this action is unfair,” he added.

Selangor Willing to Help Recipients of AES Summons

SHAH ALAM, 14 Nov: The Selangor State Government is willing to help road users who have been given summons by the Automated Enforcement System (AES) which have been placed around Selangor.

However, the reciepients of the summons have to first refer to the legislative counters which will be opened at the PAS Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

The statement was made by the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim when asked by journalists regarding the State Government’s actions to help AES summon reciepients.

“Should the people need help, the State Government is willing to assist however this must be done in accordance to legal procedures,” he said.

Selangor has decided to postpone the AES implementation because they are not certain that it will lower accident rates.

On the contrary, the State Government is of the opinion that the Federal Government is installing AES to benefit the company that received the contract to install the system.

Prior to this, Pokok Sena MP, Datuk Mahfuz Omar had said that the Department of Law and Human Rights (JUHAM) as well as PAS Youth have set up free legal aid for anyone who have gotten summons from the AES camera.

Abdul Khalid has also previously said that the two AES cameras installed in Puchong and Kajang are illegal because they did not get approval from the Local Authorities (PBT).

According to him, the concession companies for the AES project would reap tremendous profit, approximately 17 percent per annum, from the total collected from summons.

MPSJ Raids Illegal Dog Shelter

MPSJ carried out the action after being informed by neighbours regarding the noise and cleanliness of the premises which was believed to be used by a group of animal lovers.

In a statement, MPSJ informed that the owner and residents had ignored several notices and 6 compounds.

During the raid, the owner of the premises acted aggressively by spraying water at the MPSJ enforcement officers.

However, the residents cooperated when the MPSJ officers and police told them that firmer action will be taken should they resist.

From the raid, 18 dogs were moved to the MPSJ dog pound at Taman Perindustrian Puchong Utama.

The owner of the house was also issued another compound.

“Residents of the premises can be charged with the offences of obstruction, disruption and assaulting the enforcement officers who were carrying out their duty under Section 112, of the 1976 Local Government Act (Act 171).”

“If found guilty, the residents can face fines up to RM2,000 or imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both,” he said.

In relation to that, MPSJ is advising all dog owners to abide by the rules and laws under the Licensing of Dogs and Kennel Establishments By-laws 2007 as well as the terms of the Pet Licence.

Rafizi and Nurul Izzah Killed, Mirzan Respected

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 Nov: Defaming and restricting PKR youth leaders Nurul Izzah Anwar and Rafizi Ramli is Umno-BN efforts in killing off the prior’s political careers and cover-up any Umno-BN administration biasness.

Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that these actions were also to deny the rise of the younger generation who are capable in leading the nation to greater heights.

He said that Nurul Izzah, Lembah Pantai’s MP, is now vilified as a leader that encourages Muslims to freely choose their religion and commit apostasy.

Meanwhile, PKR Strategy Director, Rafizi, is prevented from having a press conference in Parliament following his exposure of Umno-BN frauds such as the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) project that involves more than RM250 million.

“We should encourage these kinds of people who are targeted by them (Umno-BN) to kill off Rafizi and Nurul Izzah’s political careers,”

“They see the excellence in these youths and therefore they should be beaten down. They are slandered.”

“Do not allow Umno-BN ministers to destroy our children. What did Rafizi’s do wrong in exposing the issue of the RM250 million fraud?

“They sweep-up all of the Umno-BN leaders, electrical and major contracts are all swept-up”

“They now defame Nurul Izzah of asking Malays to renounce their religion. They do not even care about her explanation.”

“They disregarded the statement by former Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad when he insulted the prophet,” he said when he challenged the pro Umno-BN Ulama to state the truth.

Anwar said this in the inaugural Pakatan Rakyat (PR) talks in Setapak here last night. More than 3,000 people attended the talks which PKR President, Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Ismail and other leaders of PR attended.

Anwar also insinuated that Umno-BN had given birth to a ‘suscessful’ Malay business leader, Datuk Mirzan Mahathir, for managing the liquor company San Miguel with money from Petronas worth RM2 billion.

He said that the award given to Mahathir’s son by the Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce carrying the title of ‘Leading Malay Entrepreneur’ is an insult to youngsters who are newly venturing into the business world.

“The Malay Chamber of Commerce celebrates Malay leaders in business. Look how this issue is corrupt and blemished.”

“I want to tell the youngsters who have now started businesses what this means, who is your leader and idol, Mirzan, what company, liquor company. Where is the money from?”

“The RM2 million bailout which he took through his father from Petronas. I know this and because of that I cannot accept all of this,” said Anwar while chanting “Long live Malays”.

According to him, the people should act quickly and get rid of Umno-BN in the 13th General Elections if they want change in the administration of the country and enjoy a better lifestyle advocating fairness and justice.

“A fight is a fight. But how can it be this way? You (Mirzan) took RM2 billion of the people’s money when unemployed youngsters cannot even get a RM20,000 loan.”

“The son of the Prime Minister gets RM2 billion to buy a liquor company. Long live Malays…It is these kind of Malays that will harm the future of the Malay’s,” he concluded with the support of the public who attended the talk.

Najib Repeats ‘Sibu’ Offer Regarding the Batu Caves Condominium

SHAH ALAM, 14 Nov: Once again Datuk Seri Najib Razak is seen to repeat the ‘Sibu’ bargain when he said that he will cancel the construction of the 29 story condominium project in Batu Caves should the people vote Umno-BN in the upcoming 13th General Election.

Ronnie Liu, Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco said that the Prime Minister should not have made such a statement because if the project cannot be passed then it should be cancelled without having to make any offers.

He said that the PR-led Selangor Government is ready to cancel the project after research and examination is carried out.

“Najib should not have a ‘help you, help me’ attitude and make a ‘deal’ with the people”

“If the project is wrong, win or lose it has to be cancelled,” he told TV Selangor.

He says that if Najib is serious about cancelling the project, he has to mention that the Umno-BN government would compensate the parties involved should the project be cancelled.

“If he (Najib) is serious, he should mention that because this project was approved previously during the rule of the Umno-BN government, they would compensate where necessary.”

“Had it been put that way by Najib, then it’s alright,” the Pandamaran Assemblyman said.

Ronnie was asked to give his opinion regarding Najib’s announcement during his speech at the Deepavali open house festival at Batu Caves Complex sponsored by MIC last night.

During the 2010 by-elections in Sibu, Najib had made a promise to the voters in the area that RM5 million would be allocated to flood-mitigation projects in Sibu should they win. PR eventually won the by-election.