THOUSANDS of motorists were relieved because the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) did not close the FAS tunnel in Petaling Jaya Utara yesterday as planned but instead will turn it into a one-way traffic flow.
The council has accepted the suggestion of Ara Damansara residents of turning the two-way tunnel into a one-way flow to allow only traffic from the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP).
Traffic from Ara Damansara will now need to use the Megah Mas tunnel to exit into LDP.
The move is to also alleviate the suffering of residents in Taman Kelana Idaman, near the FAS tunnel.
What a relief: The missing link between Ara Damansara and Tropicana is finally ready.
The council was compelled to close the tunnel due to complaints from Taman Kelana Idaman residents who have to face the high volume of traffic right at their doorsteps every day.
It is hoped that turning the tunnel into a one-way flow and directing the traffic around Ara Damansara into one big loop will be a win-win situation for all stakeholders.
There is another reason for motorists to be happy because contractors appointed by the council had completed the major work on the missing link between Ara Damansara and Tropicana.
Work on road kerbs, markings and walkways are expected to complete by next Wednesday.
MBPJ councillor Khairul Anuar Ahmad Zainudin said the council had budgeted RM300,000 for the road but in the end needed to pay less.
“Traffic is so bad for Taman Kelana Idaman residents that they cannot come out from their houses. Heavy vehicles also zoom past daily and have even knocked down the height bars put up several times.
“We can imagine their frustration,” he added. He also advised FAS tunnel users to give way to residents when they need to exit from their houses.
“However, the problems faced by Ara Damansara residents are also real.
“MBPJ took note of their plight and discussed their recommendations with a traffic consultant.
“It was eventually agreed the tunnel be turned into a one-way flow and a set of traffic lights be installed at the cross junction to ease congestion,” he added.
Khairul said MBPJ would also build more road humps and a divider to prevent motorists from using Taman Kelana Idaman as a shortcut.
No date has been fixed for the implementation of the new traffic system.
Damansara resident Y.K. Lee expressed gratitude to the council on behalf of his neighbours for taking their feedback into consideration. He also thanked the councillor for his effort in trying to resolve the matter.
Showing posts with label STAR. Show all posts
Showing posts with label STAR. Show all posts
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
TOL direct to Nursery Operators - Sivarasa Supports You!
Nursery operators want state govt to give TOL
By JADE CHAN
jade@thestar.com.my
ABOUT 50 nursery operators in Sungai Buloh are appealing to the Selangor government to grant them the Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) which they have been requesting for the past two years.
A representative of the nursery opeartors, Lee Chee Chong, said they had complied with all the requirements that the local authorities needed for TOL.
Lee said the nursery operators were upset with the possibility of an organisation taking over their land and did not want a repeat of what happened previously when they paid a few hundred ringgit every month to the Selangor Agriculture Development Corpora-tion (PKPS) for the management of their nurseries.
“The nursery operators have invested a lot into their businesses over the past 10 years.
“We also want the TOL to be granted to us as a contribution for having built Sungai Buloh’s fame as a place for horticulture and landscaping resources,” he said.
Updating on the latest: Dr Mohd Nasir (right) briefing the Sungai Buloh nursery operators. On his left is the group’s representative Lee (in green shirt).
The nursery operators will be submitting a letter to Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim to seek a meeting with him soon.
There have been talk recently that the Sungai Buloh nursery plots will be taken over and managed by Yayasan Selangor.
Kota Damansara assemblyman Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim held a meeting with the nursery operators to address the matter and discuss their next course of action.
“All the local authorities involved, including the District Office, Syabas, Public Works Department and Petaling Jaya City Council, have already agreed to approve the nursery operators’ applications for TOL.
“The District Office has even sent the paperwork on the TOL matter to the state government for its endorsement.”
Nasir subsequently wrote to Khalid to seek clarification.
“The MB then asked the District Office to respond to my letter.
“I later met two of the state executive councillors who said everyone have agreed to having Yayasan Selangor come in,” he said.
By JADE CHAN
jade@thestar.com.my
ABOUT 50 nursery operators in Sungai Buloh are appealing to the Selangor government to grant them the Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) which they have been requesting for the past two years.
A representative of the nursery opeartors, Lee Chee Chong, said they had complied with all the requirements that the local authorities needed for TOL.
Lee said the nursery operators were upset with the possibility of an organisation taking over their land and did not want a repeat of what happened previously when they paid a few hundred ringgit every month to the Selangor Agriculture Development Corpora-tion (PKPS) for the management of their nurseries.
“The nursery operators have invested a lot into their businesses over the past 10 years.
“We also want the TOL to be granted to us as a contribution for having built Sungai Buloh’s fame as a place for horticulture and landscaping resources,” he said.
Updating on the latest: Dr Mohd Nasir (right) briefing the Sungai Buloh nursery operators. On his left is the group’s representative Lee (in green shirt).
The nursery operators will be submitting a letter to Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim to seek a meeting with him soon.
There have been talk recently that the Sungai Buloh nursery plots will be taken over and managed by Yayasan Selangor.
Kota Damansara assemblyman Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim held a meeting with the nursery operators to address the matter and discuss their next course of action.
“All the local authorities involved, including the District Office, Syabas, Public Works Department and Petaling Jaya City Council, have already agreed to approve the nursery operators’ applications for TOL.
“The District Office has even sent the paperwork on the TOL matter to the state government for its endorsement.”
Nasir subsequently wrote to Khalid to seek clarification.
“The MB then asked the District Office to respond to my letter.
“I later met two of the state executive councillors who said everyone have agreed to having Yayasan Selangor come in,” he said.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Good News Ahead for our Chinese New Villages
Roads and drains to be repaired in new villages
By JADE CHAN
jade@thestar.com.my
Photos by LOW BOON TAT
ROADS and drains in Sungai Buloh New Village and Subang New Village will be repaired this year, Kota Damansara assemblyman Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim said.
Dr Nasir said he had identified the roads and drains in his constituency that need to be repaired or built under the Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris) fund.
“I will be using the RM1mil fund channelled through the state government to several areas, particularly the two new villages,” he said.
In bad shape: This unnamed road that runs parallel to Jalan Welfare in the Sungai Buloh New Village will soon be rebuilt together with the drainage system.
The roads and drains identified for repairs are in Sungai Buloh New Village, Subang New Village, Kampung Melayu Subang, Subang Ehsan and Pekan Subang under the Shah Alam City Council.
In Petaling Jaya, the areas identified are Ara Damansara and PPRT (Hardcore Poor Housing Programme) Kota Damansara.
A 800m road that runs parallel to Jalan Welfare in the Sungai Buloh New Village, which is used as an alternative access to the town, is among those that will be upgraded.
According to villagers, the uneven and flood-prone road has not been repaired since it was built many years ago.
“My office has already submitted the proposal for the repair costs to the respective councils. We will be keeping track of the entire process to ensure everything is transparent and fair,” said Dr Nasir.
“The local councils will determine the cost of the projects by early next month and tenders will be called soon after that.
“We will also like to engage local contractors and have forwarded the list to the local councils,” he said.
Dr Nasir said if the allocated funds were insufficient he would request for more from next year’s Marris allocation.
He said state new village development and illegal factories committee chairman Ean Yong Hian Wah had also helped in getting similar repair work carried out in the new villages in 2009 and 2008.
Dr Nasir said he planned to negotiate with the Public Works Department for Jalan Kebun Teh in the Sungai Buloh New Village to be reopened as an alternative access for heavy vehicles to ease the daily congestion.
Sungai Buloh New Village resident Chong Fat, 47, said the condition of the roads and drains had worsened and hoped the authorities would look into creating additional access to the village.
By JADE CHAN
jade@thestar.com.my
Photos by LOW BOON TAT
ROADS and drains in Sungai Buloh New Village and Subang New Village will be repaired this year, Kota Damansara assemblyman Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim said.
Dr Nasir said he had identified the roads and drains in his constituency that need to be repaired or built under the Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris) fund.
“I will be using the RM1mil fund channelled through the state government to several areas, particularly the two new villages,” he said.
In bad shape: This unnamed road that runs parallel to Jalan Welfare in the Sungai Buloh New Village will soon be rebuilt together with the drainage system.
The roads and drains identified for repairs are in Sungai Buloh New Village, Subang New Village, Kampung Melayu Subang, Subang Ehsan and Pekan Subang under the Shah Alam City Council.
In Petaling Jaya, the areas identified are Ara Damansara and PPRT (Hardcore Poor Housing Programme) Kota Damansara.
A 800m road that runs parallel to Jalan Welfare in the Sungai Buloh New Village, which is used as an alternative access to the town, is among those that will be upgraded.
According to villagers, the uneven and flood-prone road has not been repaired since it was built many years ago.
“My office has already submitted the proposal for the repair costs to the respective councils. We will be keeping track of the entire process to ensure everything is transparent and fair,” said Dr Nasir.
“The local councils will determine the cost of the projects by early next month and tenders will be called soon after that.
“We will also like to engage local contractors and have forwarded the list to the local councils,” he said.
Dr Nasir said if the allocated funds were insufficient he would request for more from next year’s Marris allocation.
He said state new village development and illegal factories committee chairman Ean Yong Hian Wah had also helped in getting similar repair work carried out in the new villages in 2009 and 2008.
Dr Nasir said he planned to negotiate with the Public Works Department for Jalan Kebun Teh in the Sungai Buloh New Village to be reopened as an alternative access for heavy vehicles to ease the daily congestion.
Sungai Buloh New Village resident Chong Fat, 47, said the condition of the roads and drains had worsened and hoped the authorities would look into creating additional access to the village.
Standing Up for Ara Damansara - towards sustainable development
Ara Damansara residents irked by changes to project
Story and photo by YIP YOKE TENG
teng@thestar.com.my
THE Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) spent much time drafting the Petaling Jaya Special Area Plan (RKK) but it is now said to go against the recommendations spelt out in the plan.
Residents of Ara Damansara found out the site for Ara Greens Wellness and Healthcare City project should have a plot ratio of 1:2 but the council had allowed 1:3.9.
The residents were also surprised to find out about the project’s conditional approval while it was agreed in the full board meeting in January the project was to be further reviewed.
They said another shocking find was that one of the blocks meant for service apartment later become a “hotel”.
A group of them visited the 3.24ha project site with Kota Damansara assemblyman Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim and Subang MP R. Sivarasa’s aide Peter Chong on Tuesday.
“The RKK recognises Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang as a main road, development along the road can have a plot ratio of 1:4, and density should be reduced in accordance with its distance from the road and the LRT station. The project, as shown in this plan, should only have a plot ratio of 1:2,” said resident C.P. Lim, showing a print-out copy of the plan.
Concerns raised: Ara Damansara residents showing Dr Mohd Nasir (fifth from left) and Chong (second from left) the site on which the Ara Greens Wellness and Healthcare City project will be built and the relevant documents.
“The council has spent so much money commissioning the experts to come out with this plan, why are they not following it?” he asked.
He said the project had suddenly been changed to include a 180-room hotel, in place of the original service apartment with 180 units. The project will also include six blocks of medium-cost service apartments and one block of medical centre.
“The parking requirement will drastically change if they change the usage of the block from apartment to hotel. For service apartment, there must be 2.5 parking bays per unit and another 20% for visitors’ parking while hotel needs to have only one bay for every three rooms. Parking space will be reduced significantly,” Lim added.
The residents also highlighted that the site, as well as that of the adjacent proposed project named Lembah Penchala, was marked for recreational purpose in the Sime Pilmoor Development masterplan in 1995.
“Apart from the 5.3ha land, there were supposed to be two sites for secondary and primary schools but they are now occupied by a commercial area and an abandoned project. Where are the replacement sites? Why have the institutional land disappeared?” another resident Rajinderjit Singh said.
Lim pointed out that since the site was meant for recreational purpose, the utilities might not have enough capacity for such major development.
Chong said the council should explain as to why Form C, which means approval with condition, was issued to the developer while the council was supposed to review the project as requested by the full board.
“Once Form C is issued, all changes will need to be done at the state level, the council will no longer accept the appeals,” he said, adding there was a pressing need to look back at the minutes to find out what had happened.
Dr Nasir said he was also taken aback by the sudden changes in the development plan and questioned why the people were not consulted.
“We support development but there must be a balance. Development should not be done at the expense of the people,” he said.
On the other hand, a spokesman representing the developer clarified that the company did not have any intention to build a hotel.
“It could be miscommunication. The block is meant to be a service apartment, not a hotel” he said.
He added that the company was not aware whether the land was meant for recreational purposes but the current status was “commercial”, and the company had obtained conditional Development Order from the council.
As for the plot ratio, he said when the project was approved it was 1:3.9, and if a new plan had required the plot ratio to be changed, it should only be applied to future projects.
Story and photo by YIP YOKE TENG
teng@thestar.com.my
THE Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) spent much time drafting the Petaling Jaya Special Area Plan (RKK) but it is now said to go against the recommendations spelt out in the plan.
Residents of Ara Damansara found out the site for Ara Greens Wellness and Healthcare City project should have a plot ratio of 1:2 but the council had allowed 1:3.9.
The residents were also surprised to find out about the project’s conditional approval while it was agreed in the full board meeting in January the project was to be further reviewed.
They said another shocking find was that one of the blocks meant for service apartment later become a “hotel”.
A group of them visited the 3.24ha project site with Kota Damansara assemblyman Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim and Subang MP R. Sivarasa’s aide Peter Chong on Tuesday.
“The RKK recognises Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang as a main road, development along the road can have a plot ratio of 1:4, and density should be reduced in accordance with its distance from the road and the LRT station. The project, as shown in this plan, should only have a plot ratio of 1:2,” said resident C.P. Lim, showing a print-out copy of the plan.
Concerns raised: Ara Damansara residents showing Dr Mohd Nasir (fifth from left) and Chong (second from left) the site on which the Ara Greens Wellness and Healthcare City project will be built and the relevant documents.
“The council has spent so much money commissioning the experts to come out with this plan, why are they not following it?” he asked.
He said the project had suddenly been changed to include a 180-room hotel, in place of the original service apartment with 180 units. The project will also include six blocks of medium-cost service apartments and one block of medical centre.
“The parking requirement will drastically change if they change the usage of the block from apartment to hotel. For service apartment, there must be 2.5 parking bays per unit and another 20% for visitors’ parking while hotel needs to have only one bay for every three rooms. Parking space will be reduced significantly,” Lim added.
The residents also highlighted that the site, as well as that of the adjacent proposed project named Lembah Penchala, was marked for recreational purpose in the Sime Pilmoor Development masterplan in 1995.
“Apart from the 5.3ha land, there were supposed to be two sites for secondary and primary schools but they are now occupied by a commercial area and an abandoned project. Where are the replacement sites? Why have the institutional land disappeared?” another resident Rajinderjit Singh said.
Lim pointed out that since the site was meant for recreational purpose, the utilities might not have enough capacity for such major development.
Chong said the council should explain as to why Form C, which means approval with condition, was issued to the developer while the council was supposed to review the project as requested by the full board.
“Once Form C is issued, all changes will need to be done at the state level, the council will no longer accept the appeals,” he said, adding there was a pressing need to look back at the minutes to find out what had happened.
Dr Nasir said he was also taken aback by the sudden changes in the development plan and questioned why the people were not consulted.
“We support development but there must be a balance. Development should not be done at the expense of the people,” he said.
On the other hand, a spokesman representing the developer clarified that the company did not have any intention to build a hotel.
“It could be miscommunication. The block is meant to be a service apartment, not a hotel” he said.
He added that the company was not aware whether the land was meant for recreational purposes but the current status was “commercial”, and the company had obtained conditional Development Order from the council.
As for the plot ratio, he said when the project was approved it was 1:3.9, and if a new plan had required the plot ratio to be changed, it should only be applied to future projects.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Sekolah Agama di Sek 8, Kota Damansara
PKNS does its bit for Muslims in Kota Damansara
THE Selangor Economic Development Corporation (PKNS) presented RM450,000 as part of funds to build the SK Agama Kota Damansara.
The school, which will be located in Section 8, Kota Damansara, will cater to the Muslim community in the area.
PKNS chief executive officer Othman Omar said the three-storey school would have one block consisting of classrooms, headmaster’s room, teacher’s room, examination hall, meeting rooms and a cafeteria.
Cash aid: Othman (standing sixth from left) presenting the cheque to the school’s chairman Mohd Hassan Othman (seventh from left) while officials and students look on. “Teachers from Al-Azhar Mesir, Islamic colleges and other Islamic institutions recognised by the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (JAIS) will be teaching there.
“We are also planning to build more of such schools in PKNS projects like Antara Gapi, Kota Puteri, SSP2 and Bernam Jaya,’’ said Othman during the PKNS Hari Raya Open House at the Shah Alam Convention Centre in Shah Alam recently.
Residents want problem solved before Damansara-Tropicana link is opened
By FAZLEENA AZIZ
fazleena@thestar.com.my
DAMANSARA Idaman residents want the traffic situation in their area solved before the Damansara-Tropicana link is opened.
Damansara Idaman Owners and Residents Association (Diora) president Wan Annuar Wan Mohd Noor said they wanted a solution instead of letting people suffer.
Diora had filed an injunction against the developer from opening the road in May.
Wan Annuar was speaking after a meeting with the stakeholders, developer, consultant and Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) on Thursday.
The session was chaired by councillor Khairul Anuar Ahmad Zainuddin.
Wan Annuar added that the meeting was a step in the right direction as it was important to address the concerns of the residents.
“I think it will be better if everyone walks the talk. We do not want to be worse off than before,” he said.
Tropicana Residents Association chairman Mohamed Shukri Zain wanted to know the macro-traffic impact study before the Ara Damansara-Tropicana link was opened.
He said they wanted to know if the road could take the volume of the cars.
“We are not against the road but we want to see solutions. It is best if the problems are fixed before the link is opened,” he said.
Councillor Khairul Anuar said the meeting was a platform for them to listen to the grievances and find out why the residents were opposing the link.
“We have the macro study on the traffic flow for Ara Damansara and Tropicana as well as the 17 projects and the report has addressed most of the concerns,” he said.
He added that they would be having another meeting with the residents to brief them on the 17 projects and traffic report.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Residents want proposed projects completed soon to solve congestion
Residents want proposed projects completed soon to solve congestion
By YIP YOKE TENG
mailto:teng@thestar.com.my
WHEN can the Petaling Jaya City Council implement the long-term projects proposed early last year to alleviate the congestion problems plaguing the entire PJU area? The council had approved 17 short-, mid- and long-term projects to address the perpetual traffic problems that have caused housing estates here to be in dispute with each other over the use of roads.
Two long-term projects recommended were to build an elevated road crossing at the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) to connect FAS with Ara Damansara, and another elevated ramp connecting Jalan PJU1A/1, Persiaran Tropicana and Jalan Bukit Mayang Emas.
Almost two years have passed but the council has not given residents an answer as to when these two projects can take off. In fact, most of the short- and mid-term projects are also pending for one reason or another.
Choked: Jalan Bukit Mayang Emas that runs parallel to the New Klang Valley Expressway is always congested during peak hours as it is a main access to many neighbourhoods as well as an alternative to toll roads. Construction of the link stopped following a court injunction filed by Damansara Idaman residents but the council was determined to open it to ease the choked-up traffic in Ara Damansara, after completing paper work to prove that the road had been surrendered to the state.
Ara Damansara residents cannot wait any longer and are already using the uncompleted road at their own risk, but residents on the Tropicana side feel it is impossible for the mostly two-lane roads in their area to bear such a high volume of traffic once the link officially opens.
Internal problems: Cars parked indiscriminately within Taman Bukit Mayang Emas He added that most of the stretches have only two lanes interrupted by U-turns and unsynchronised traffic lights, while Jalan Bukit Mayang Emas that runs parallel to the NKVE are already sustaining heavy traffic to and from Sungai Buloh, Kepong and Kota Damansara as an alternative to toll road.
Long crawl: A photo taken by a Ara Damansara resident showing the traffic jam motorists have to put up with along the access via the FAS tunnel during peak hours. “Residents fear development. Developments in Petaling Jaya do not bring progress but nightmares. We shudder to think what will happen when these projects are ready; we are already suffering every day.
“Just how many more years do we have to wait before the council finds a solution?” he asked.
Dangerous: Water seepage makes the pedestrian walkway along the Tropicana tunnel slippery and dangerous. “At the rate these high-rise buildings are mushrooming in PJU, I doubt the traffic projects can end our traffic woes,” he said.
Secretary Jenny Tan said even though residents had been invited to give their views at MBPJ dialogues nothing solid had been done.
“We had our say at the traffic briefing where we were told about the 17 projects but two years have passed. It is still the same,” she said.
Mutiara Tropicana Residents’ Association chairman Muhammad Ismail Muhammad Yusuf said opening the link would endanger the lives of many pedestrians and school-going children.
“There are two schools located near the Tropicana tunnels, many students walk to school from home but the traffic is always so heavy. We shudder to think what will happen when the link opens,” he said.
The new Tropicana tunnel, which opened in August 2009, is in bad condition with water seepage, deep potholes and cracked concrete, affecting traffic flow.
Status of the traffic projects announced in early 2009
Short-term proposals
• Physical improvement to existing Lembah Subang tunnel (done)
• Operate Lembah Subang tunnel and southern section of Jalan Taman Emas 2 as one-way east-bound (done)
• Completion of Jalan PJU1A/44 (pending)
• Conversion of Jalan PJU 1A/4A roundabout with Jalan PJU1A/4D to a signalised T-junction (pending)
• Widening of Jalan PJU1A/4A from two lanes to four lanes (pending)
• Completion of a four-lane road between Jalan PJU1A/1 and Jalan PJU 1A/4A (pending)
• North-South link between Jalan PJU1A/1 and Jalan Lembah Subang (pending)
• Improvement at the ingress from Jalan PJU1/28 northbound into Jalan SS25/29 (pending)
• Improvement of LDP junctions at Jalan SS25/29 and Jalan SS25/23 (pending)
• Roundabout design at Jalan Hilir Bandar Utama/Jalan Tropicana Selatan junction (replaced by a U- turn)
• Raising road embankment near Persiaran Surian/Jalan PJU3/31 (pending)
• U-turn facility at Persiaran Surian (pending)
Medium-term proposals
• Improvement of Persiaran Surian (tender put up)
• Realignment of road to avoid residential road in Kelana Idaman (pending)
• Construction of missing link along Jalan PJU1A/1 to connect Ara Damansara and Tropicana (court injunction)
Long-term proposals
• Elevated road crossing at NKVE to connect FAS with Ara Damansara (pending)
• Elevated ramp connecting Jalan PJU1A/1, Persiaran Tropicana and Jalan Bukit Mayang Emas (pending)
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Kota Damansara Forest - Now a Permanent Forest Reserve
THE Selangor Forestry Department will conduct a land survey at the Kota Damansara Community Forest in Petaling Jaya.
Selangor Forestry Department senior assistant director Wan Abdul Hamid Shukri Wan Abdul Rahman said the forest area that had been gazetted was based on previous records and a proper land survey would be done in the near future.
Abdul Hamid, together with Subang MP Sivarasa Rasiah, Kota Damansara assemblyman Dr Nasir Hashim and Friends of Kota Damansara (FOKD) co-chairman Jeffrey Phang, were among those present at a press conference on Sunday at the entrance to the forest in Section 10, Kota Damansara, to announce the gazettement of the forest.
Working together: The residents have already come together to carry out various activities at the site.
Phang had mentioned in an earlier report that there was development going on in some areas of the gazetted forest.
Abdul Hamid said once the land survey was carried out, they would be able to determine if the plots of land were privately owned.
“If they have the grants for the land, then we would have to exclude those portions from the forest gazette,” he said.
Sivarasa said the forest would be used as an amenity and for research and education.
“The forest will be here for the community to enjoy and no developer would be allowed to destroy the forest,” he said.
Phang said the FOKD together with residents from Kota Damansara and its surrounding areas had fought hard for the past eight years to preserve the forest.
All smiles: The various representatives with the declaration gazetting the area
“There were plans to develop the forest in the RTPJ2 (Petaling Jaya Local Draft Plan 2) and we had formed the Green Voter to pressure the election candidates sign a pledge to keep the forest and they have kept their promise,” said Phang.
Dr Nasir commended the residents who had worked together as a group and stood firm in their efforts to save the forest.
“A lot of work has been done in the forest to make it more accessible to the public even before it was gazetted. We want the community to continue taking care of the forest,” Dr Nasir said.
Abdul Hamid added that the Forestry Department would also be conducting forest rehabilitation in the areas that needed it with the co-operation of residents.
“We will soon have meetings with the FOKD and come up with a management plan. If we can work together with the residents, it would minimise the use of state funds,” he said.
Phang said some of the facilities planned for the forest were to make it more disabled-friendly, to have a community centre for old folks and day care centre for single parents.
“It would also provide jobs for the Bukit Lanjan orang asli, some of whom are already employed by us,” Phang said.
Selangor Forestry Department senior assistant director Wan Abdul Hamid Shukri Wan Abdul Rahman said the forest area that had been gazetted was based on previous records and a proper land survey would be done in the near future.
Abdul Hamid, together with Subang MP Sivarasa Rasiah, Kota Damansara assemblyman Dr Nasir Hashim and Friends of Kota Damansara (FOKD) co-chairman Jeffrey Phang, were among those present at a press conference on Sunday at the entrance to the forest in Section 10, Kota Damansara, to announce the gazettement of the forest.
Working together: The residents have already come together to carry out various activities at the site.
Phang had mentioned in an earlier report that there was development going on in some areas of the gazetted forest.
Abdul Hamid said once the land survey was carried out, they would be able to determine if the plots of land were privately owned.
“If they have the grants for the land, then we would have to exclude those portions from the forest gazette,” he said.
Sivarasa said the forest would be used as an amenity and for research and education.
“The forest will be here for the community to enjoy and no developer would be allowed to destroy the forest,” he said.
Phang said the FOKD together with residents from Kota Damansara and its surrounding areas had fought hard for the past eight years to preserve the forest.
All smiles: The various representatives with the declaration gazetting the area
“There were plans to develop the forest in the RTPJ2 (Petaling Jaya Local Draft Plan 2) and we had formed the Green Voter to pressure the election candidates sign a pledge to keep the forest and they have kept their promise,” said Phang.
Dr Nasir commended the residents who had worked together as a group and stood firm in their efforts to save the forest.
“A lot of work has been done in the forest to make it more accessible to the public even before it was gazetted. We want the community to continue taking care of the forest,” Dr Nasir said.
Abdul Hamid added that the Forestry Department would also be conducting forest rehabilitation in the areas that needed it with the co-operation of residents.
“We will soon have meetings with the FOKD and come up with a management plan. If we can work together with the residents, it would minimise the use of state funds,” he said.
Phang said some of the facilities planned for the forest were to make it more disabled-friendly, to have a community centre for old folks and day care centre for single parents.
“It would also provide jobs for the Bukit Lanjan orang asli, some of whom are already employed by us,” Phang said.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
JUSTICE FOR ALL!
‘No sign of any penetration,’ says Anwar’s lawyer
By LISA GOH
KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy charge cannot stand as medical reports do not suggest that there was any penetration, the High Court heard yesterday.
Counsel R. Sivarasa, in his submissions for Anwar’s application to quash his sodomy charge, said that in Anwar’s case, penetration was the main and core ingredient of the alleged offence, and medical evidence was required beyond reasonable doubt.
He said the reports from Hospital Pusrawi had stated that, based on the medical officer’s observation, there was “no bleeding, no piles, no tear, no discharge, no abcess, no injuries” and that complainant Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan’s anus was “clean and normal”.
“When asked ‘Is there penetration?’, three doctors there replied that there were ‘no conclusive findings to suggest penetration to the anus’.
“In this case, medical reports from both Pusrawi and Hospital Kuala Lumpur show without a doubt that penetration was non-existent. This, in itself, is sufficient for the court to quash the charge as it is clear that no offence has been committed,” he submitted.
He said while there was no expressed provision in the Criminal Procedure Code for striking out a charge, the court had the inherent power to consider and grant such an application.
Sivarasa also submitted that the prosecution had malicious intent and was not impartial, as Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, whom Anwar alleged fabricated evidence in his 1998 “black-eye incident”, was still involved in the sodomy trial now.
Abdul Gani had signed a transfer certificate to move Anwar’s case from the Sessions Court to the High Court.
On March 10, Anwar, 62, claimed trial to sodomising his 24-year-old former personal aide at a condominium in Bukit Damansara here on June 26 last year.
Earlier this year, he filed the application to set aside his sodomy charge under Section 377B of the Penal Code, and that he be acquitted and discharged.
In his reply, Solicitor-General II Datuk Mohamed Yusof Zainal Abiden, who led the prosecution, said that according to the DNA report by the chemist, there were two male DNA specimens present from the DNA samples taken from Mohd Saiful, which supported his claim that he was sodomised by Anwar.
“The doctors said that there were ‘no conclusive findings to suggest penetration to the anus’. They didn’t say that there was no penetration,” he added.
He also submitted that while the courts had the inherent power to strike out the charge, it should be used very sparingly, and only when there was a clear miscarriage of justice.
“We submit that this is not a proper case where the court should exercise its inherent powers to quash or stay the charge,” Mohamed Yusof said.
Justice Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah fixed Dec 1 to rule on the application.
By LISA GOH
KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy charge cannot stand as medical reports do not suggest that there was any penetration, the High Court heard yesterday.
Counsel R. Sivarasa, in his submissions for Anwar’s application to quash his sodomy charge, said that in Anwar’s case, penetration was the main and core ingredient of the alleged offence, and medical evidence was required beyond reasonable doubt.
He said the reports from Hospital Pusrawi had stated that, based on the medical officer’s observation, there was “no bleeding, no piles, no tear, no discharge, no abcess, no injuries” and that complainant Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan’s anus was “clean and normal”.
“When asked ‘Is there penetration?’, three doctors there replied that there were ‘no conclusive findings to suggest penetration to the anus’.
“In this case, medical reports from both Pusrawi and Hospital Kuala Lumpur show without a doubt that penetration was non-existent. This, in itself, is sufficient for the court to quash the charge as it is clear that no offence has been committed,” he submitted.
He said while there was no expressed provision in the Criminal Procedure Code for striking out a charge, the court had the inherent power to consider and grant such an application.
Sivarasa also submitted that the prosecution had malicious intent and was not impartial, as Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, whom Anwar alleged fabricated evidence in his 1998 “black-eye incident”, was still involved in the sodomy trial now.
Abdul Gani had signed a transfer certificate to move Anwar’s case from the Sessions Court to the High Court.
On March 10, Anwar, 62, claimed trial to sodomising his 24-year-old former personal aide at a condominium in Bukit Damansara here on June 26 last year.
Earlier this year, he filed the application to set aside his sodomy charge under Section 377B of the Penal Code, and that he be acquitted and discharged.
In his reply, Solicitor-General II Datuk Mohamed Yusof Zainal Abiden, who led the prosecution, said that according to the DNA report by the chemist, there were two male DNA specimens present from the DNA samples taken from Mohd Saiful, which supported his claim that he was sodomised by Anwar.
“The doctors said that there were ‘no conclusive findings to suggest penetration to the anus’. They didn’t say that there was no penetration,” he added.
He also submitted that while the courts had the inherent power to strike out the charge, it should be used very sparingly, and only when there was a clear miscarriage of justice.
“We submit that this is not a proper case where the court should exercise its inherent powers to quash or stay the charge,” Mohamed Yusof said.
Justice Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah fixed Dec 1 to rule on the application.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
PKR Updates
PETALING JAYA: PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s warning to party members to leave and join Umno is aimed at people like Zulkifli Noordin, whose actions are not in line with party policies.
PKR vice-president Sivarasa Rasiah said Anwar’s remark was also meant for party leaders who were squabbling publicly to be more disciplined and settle their disagreements internally.
“For instance, Zulkifli attempted to table several motions in Parliament which were not in line with party policies and without consulting party leadership,” he said.
Another vice-president, Mustaffa Kamil Ayub, viewed Anwar’s statement as a stern reminder to PKR leaders, especially those who were willing to cross over to Umno or other Barisan Nasional component parties.
“It might also be a way of reflecting the crisis we are facing now. The coming months are crucial to us since Barisan is mounting political attacks on PKR and Pakatan Rakyat.”
PKR strategic director Tian Chua said Anwar’s remark was a call to leaders and members to stop petty squabbles and uphold the party’s struggles for reforms, social justice and democracy.
“He (Anwar) is not asking people to quit simply but rather asking them to focus on real issues and stop being worked up or distracted by personal differences. We can tolerate differences as long as we uphold the party’s principles.”
On the relationship between the PKR and PAS reportedly being affected by their internal crises, both Sivarasa and Mustaffa Kamil denied that cooperation between the parties was deteriorating due to their problems.
Several elected representatives have quit the PKR out of dissatisfaction, including Port Klang state assemblyman Badrul Hisham Abdullah.
“The PKR-PAS relationship is solid as ever,” said Sivarasa, adding that PAS asking its Selangor chief Datuk Dr Hasan Ali to explain his controversies with Pakatan colleagues was clear message of its full commitment to Pakatan.
Mustaffa Kamil said the two parties, along with the DAP, would iron out arising issues during the Pakatan convention next month involving 1,500 delegates.
PKR vice-president Sivarasa Rasiah said Anwar’s remark was also meant for party leaders who were squabbling publicly to be more disciplined and settle their disagreements internally.
“For instance, Zulkifli attempted to table several motions in Parliament which were not in line with party policies and without consulting party leadership,” he said.
Another vice-president, Mustaffa Kamil Ayub, viewed Anwar’s statement as a stern reminder to PKR leaders, especially those who were willing to cross over to Umno or other Barisan Nasional component parties.
“It might also be a way of reflecting the crisis we are facing now. The coming months are crucial to us since Barisan is mounting political attacks on PKR and Pakatan Rakyat.”
PKR strategic director Tian Chua said Anwar’s remark was a call to leaders and members to stop petty squabbles and uphold the party’s struggles for reforms, social justice and democracy.
“He (Anwar) is not asking people to quit simply but rather asking them to focus on real issues and stop being worked up or distracted by personal differences. We can tolerate differences as long as we uphold the party’s principles.”
On the relationship between the PKR and PAS reportedly being affected by their internal crises, both Sivarasa and Mustaffa Kamil denied that cooperation between the parties was deteriorating due to their problems.
Several elected representatives have quit the PKR out of dissatisfaction, including Port Klang state assemblyman Badrul Hisham Abdullah.
“The PKR-PAS relationship is solid as ever,” said Sivarasa, adding that PAS asking its Selangor chief Datuk Dr Hasan Ali to explain his controversies with Pakatan colleagues was clear message of its full commitment to Pakatan.
Mustaffa Kamil said the two parties, along with the DAP, would iron out arising issues during the Pakatan convention next month involving 1,500 delegates.
The plight of PPR Flats
Vandals marring image of flats, says council
THE Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has put the blame on vandals who mar the image of Public Housing Project (PPR) flats in Kota Damansara, acccording to a press statement issued yesterday,
In response to the question raised by Kota Damansara assemblyman Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim and MBPJ councillor V. Panneerselvam, the statement signed by public relations officer Zainun Zakaria explained that many facilities in the PPR flats were out of order, damaged or even missing due to vandalism.
“Vandalism is burning a hole in the council’s coffers and it is hard to monitor. The council and the contractor have carried out many repairs but the problems still persist,” she said.
It was learned that the council had appointed Tetuan Melati Evergreen Enterprise to keep PPR Kota Damansara clean.
Following the complaints, the council had also pledged to check the buildings more regularly to ensure that the contractor delivers what had been stipulated in the contract.
“It is saddening that unscrupulous individuals vandalise the units on top of stealing electrical components and other fixtures. Some use the units to store used items.
“This is proven during Dr Nasir’s visit that tenants of 11-01 Block A dump the rubbish they collect into the nearby vacant units,” she added.
Therefore, she said it was decided that repairs would only be done on the vacant units if someone applied to occupy or if the units were used to shelter disaster victims.
Following the report in StarMetro last week, the contractor had fixed the damages and cleaned the area with the help of residents through a gotong-royong.
The contractor had been instructed to ensure that the vacant units were locked to prevent intruders from vandalising and dirtying the place, while the Engineering Department would repair the faulty elevators that had indirectly caused many units beyond Level 10 unoccupied.
The statement also explained that flooding in the area was caused by construction on the PKNS land located next to Block A, adding that the matter had been forwarded to them.
THE Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has put the blame on vandals who mar the image of Public Housing Project (PPR) flats in Kota Damansara, acccording to a press statement issued yesterday,
In response to the question raised by Kota Damansara assemblyman Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim and MBPJ councillor V. Panneerselvam, the statement signed by public relations officer Zainun Zakaria explained that many facilities in the PPR flats were out of order, damaged or even missing due to vandalism.
“Vandalism is burning a hole in the council’s coffers and it is hard to monitor. The council and the contractor have carried out many repairs but the problems still persist,” she said.
It was learned that the council had appointed Tetuan Melati Evergreen Enterprise to keep PPR Kota Damansara clean.
Following the complaints, the council had also pledged to check the buildings more regularly to ensure that the contractor delivers what had been stipulated in the contract.
“It is saddening that unscrupulous individuals vandalise the units on top of stealing electrical components and other fixtures. Some use the units to store used items.
“This is proven during Dr Nasir’s visit that tenants of 11-01 Block A dump the rubbish they collect into the nearby vacant units,” she added.
Therefore, she said it was decided that repairs would only be done on the vacant units if someone applied to occupy or if the units were used to shelter disaster victims.
Following the report in StarMetro last week, the contractor had fixed the damages and cleaned the area with the help of residents through a gotong-royong.
The contractor had been instructed to ensure that the vacant units were locked to prevent intruders from vandalising and dirtying the place, while the Engineering Department would repair the faulty elevators that had indirectly caused many units beyond Level 10 unoccupied.
The statement also explained that flooding in the area was caused by construction on the PKNS land located next to Block A, adding that the matter had been forwarded to them.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
MB's speechh at Subang Deepavali Open House
Subsidiaries owe MBI RM450mil
By SALINA KHALID
THE Selangor state subsidiaries owe Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) more than RM450mil, Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said.
He said the state had detected some irregularities in several of these state subsidiaries’ financial accounts after the restructuring exercise and review of Menteri Besar Incorporated last year. MBI is the parent company of all the state subsidiaries, and as the Mentri Besar, Khalid serves as the chairman of MBI.
“We did an analysis of all the assets and liabilities of these companies and detected substantial amounts owed by these subsidiaries to MBI.
“We are now making a concerted effort to collect all the amount owed by these companies and to make sure they pay up.
For you: Sivarasa (left) presenting a hamper senior citizens and the poor at the Deepavali Open House
“The money can be used for a lot of things for the people in the state,” he said.
He said, so far the amount detected was about RM450mil, but it could be higher.
He added that these debts were incurred from various sources, including the sale of properties and land, various projects and other activities whereby the subsidiaries were supposed to pay to MBI. However, the money was not paid to MBI.
“We want to return the rakyat’s money to the rakyat by making all these companies pay their debts to the state.
“This is my promise to the rakyat before the end of my term as Mentri Besar.
“It is something that none of the the previous Mentris Besar could do,” he said.
Khalid was speaking at the Subang Parliamentary Deepavali Open House held in Kota Damansara on Sunday.
MBI is not just a finance company under the state government; it also has the power to make contracts, acquire, enjoy, sell or transfer any movable and immovable properties under certain terms and conditions.
Following the restructuring exercise early this year, MBI serves as the sole investment body for the state.
Among the companies under its wing are Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad, Permodalan Negeri Selangor Bhd, MSNS Holding Sdn Bhd, Pusat Pelaburan Selangor Berhad, Pendiddikan Industri Yayasan Selangor Berhad, Kumpulan Semesta Sdn Bhd, Bukit Beruntung Golf & Country Resort, Rantaian Mesra Sdn Bhd and Tourism Selangor Sdn Bhd,
When asked to elaborate on how the state planned to collect the amount owed by the subsidiaries, Khalid said it would be done by transferring the account to the state.
“To make sure that these companies do not forget to pay up, we will transfer the account to the state.
“That way, they will always remember to pay,” he said, adding that any transaction regarding the amount would be recorded in the state’s financial account.
He added that the matter would be discussed during the upcoming state assembly to be held from Nov 9 to 17.
Meanwhile, about 2,000 guests attended the Deepavali open house that was organised by Subang Member of Parliament R. Sivarasa.
Guests were greeted by Sivarasa and treated to lunch while being entertained with song and dance performances.
Also present at the event was state executive councillor Elizabeth Wong.
Khalid later presented hampers to the needy and senior citizens from the area.
By SALINA KHALID
THE Selangor state subsidiaries owe Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) more than RM450mil, Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said.
He said the state had detected some irregularities in several of these state subsidiaries’ financial accounts after the restructuring exercise and review of Menteri Besar Incorporated last year. MBI is the parent company of all the state subsidiaries, and as the Mentri Besar, Khalid serves as the chairman of MBI.
“We did an analysis of all the assets and liabilities of these companies and detected substantial amounts owed by these subsidiaries to MBI.
“We are now making a concerted effort to collect all the amount owed by these companies and to make sure they pay up.
For you: Sivarasa (left) presenting a hamper senior citizens and the poor at the Deepavali Open House
“The money can be used for a lot of things for the people in the state,” he said.
He said, so far the amount detected was about RM450mil, but it could be higher.
He added that these debts were incurred from various sources, including the sale of properties and land, various projects and other activities whereby the subsidiaries were supposed to pay to MBI. However, the money was not paid to MBI.
“We want to return the rakyat’s money to the rakyat by making all these companies pay their debts to the state.
“This is my promise to the rakyat before the end of my term as Mentri Besar.
“It is something that none of the the previous Mentris Besar could do,” he said.
Khalid was speaking at the Subang Parliamentary Deepavali Open House held in Kota Damansara on Sunday.
MBI is not just a finance company under the state government; it also has the power to make contracts, acquire, enjoy, sell or transfer any movable and immovable properties under certain terms and conditions.
Following the restructuring exercise early this year, MBI serves as the sole investment body for the state.
Among the companies under its wing are Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad, Permodalan Negeri Selangor Bhd, MSNS Holding Sdn Bhd, Pusat Pelaburan Selangor Berhad, Pendiddikan Industri Yayasan Selangor Berhad, Kumpulan Semesta Sdn Bhd, Bukit Beruntung Golf & Country Resort, Rantaian Mesra Sdn Bhd and Tourism Selangor Sdn Bhd,
When asked to elaborate on how the state planned to collect the amount owed by the subsidiaries, Khalid said it would be done by transferring the account to the state.
“To make sure that these companies do not forget to pay up, we will transfer the account to the state.
“That way, they will always remember to pay,” he said, adding that any transaction regarding the amount would be recorded in the state’s financial account.
He added that the matter would be discussed during the upcoming state assembly to be held from Nov 9 to 17.
Meanwhile, about 2,000 guests attended the Deepavali open house that was organised by Subang Member of Parliament R. Sivarasa.
Guests were greeted by Sivarasa and treated to lunch while being entertained with song and dance performances.
Also present at the event was state executive councillor Elizabeth Wong.
Khalid later presented hampers to the needy and senior citizens from the area.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
For a Greener Community in Parliament SUBANG
Forest to be gazetted by end of the year
THE KOTA Damansara forest will be gazetted as a permanent forest reserve by the year-end at the latest.
In a reply to Kota Damansara assemblyman Dr Nasir Hashim, tourism, consumer affairs and environment chairman Elizabeth Wong said that the state executive council had on May 27 approved for the forest to be gazetted.
“We have started the process through the Selangor Forestry Department (JPNS) by giving the approval plans to the Mapping and Survey Department (Jupem) to prepare a gazette plan,” said Wong.
She said the process was expected to be completed before September but no later than the end of 2009.
At the same time, the forest area would be gazetted as a forest reserve, educational forest and research forest under Section 10(1) of the National Forestry Act 1986.
“This would open up possibilities for the state to have a suitable forest management plan for the area, including its potential as a recreation and forest biology education area,” she said.
Wong added that the state government would focus on making forest reserves and state parks a destination for eco-tourism.
“The state, through the JPNS, continually works with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to protect and preserve the environment, especially forest areas in the state,” said Wong.
The state was in the midst of having a memorandum of understanding with the Global Environment Centre to implement a two-pronged programme that would save cost for the state government while creating awareness among the community about environmental conservation.
Meanwhile, the Selangor government has barred the State Forestry Department from issuing logging permits in a move to end indiscriminate logging in the state.
Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said only the Selangor State Executive Council had the power to approve applications for logging.
In the past, he said the state Forestry Department director was empowered to issue logging permits.
“The change is to ensure the forest reserves are protected and the state takes full responsibility,” he said.
He said the state had not only lost millions to the illegal loggers but the activity had also damaged the environment.
THE KOTA Damansara forest will be gazetted as a permanent forest reserve by the year-end at the latest.
In a reply to Kota Damansara assemblyman Dr Nasir Hashim, tourism, consumer affairs and environment chairman Elizabeth Wong said that the state executive council had on May 27 approved for the forest to be gazetted.
“We have started the process through the Selangor Forestry Department (JPNS) by giving the approval plans to the Mapping and Survey Department (Jupem) to prepare a gazette plan,” said Wong.
She said the process was expected to be completed before September but no later than the end of 2009.
At the same time, the forest area would be gazetted as a forest reserve, educational forest and research forest under Section 10(1) of the National Forestry Act 1986.
“This would open up possibilities for the state to have a suitable forest management plan for the area, including its potential as a recreation and forest biology education area,” she said.
Wong added that the state government would focus on making forest reserves and state parks a destination for eco-tourism.
“The state, through the JPNS, continually works with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to protect and preserve the environment, especially forest areas in the state,” said Wong.
The state was in the midst of having a memorandum of understanding with the Global Environment Centre to implement a two-pronged programme that would save cost for the state government while creating awareness among the community about environmental conservation.
Meanwhile, the Selangor government has barred the State Forestry Department from issuing logging permits in a move to end indiscriminate logging in the state.
Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said only the Selangor State Executive Council had the power to approve applications for logging.
In the past, he said the state Forestry Department director was empowered to issue logging permits.
“The change is to ensure the forest reserves are protected and the state takes full responsibility,” he said.
He said the state had not only lost millions to the illegal loggers but the activity had also damaged the environment.
Friday, June 19, 2009
International Entertainment Zone
Plans afoot to declare Bdr Utama area International Entertainment Zone
By YIP YOKE TENG
RESIDENTS of Bandar Utama are concerned about the impact on traffic and environment should the housing estate’s commercial area be declared an International Entertainment Zone.
During a meeting with Subang MP R. Sivarasa on Sunday at the BU3 Community Hall, residents said while the move proposed by the developer might stimulate foreign investment to counter the current economic slowdown, it would also worsen the area’s traffic congestion.
“Traffic congestion is becoming more serious especially after the link connecting Bandar Utama and Kota Damansara was opened recently. It will be a real problem to have an International Entertainment Zone here without the presence of a proper traffic dispersal system,” said resident Lai Wing Fatt from BU3.
“Since the link was opened, residents have to leave home an hour earlier than before to reach their work place on time,” he said, adding that they were also worried about the extended business hours that would affect the living quality in the area.
He said residents were earlier invited by the developer, Bandar Utama Development Sdn Bhd, to a briefing where they were told that the company had urged the state to declare the housing estate’s commercial area popularised by 1 Utama shopping centre as an International Entertainment Zone.
In line with that, the developer had also laid out a series of expansion including creating another 1,000 underground parking bays, he said.
He added that Jalan Dataran Bandar Utama was always congested during peak hours as the road was also used by parents sending their children to a school here that had 2,300 pupils.
Other residents suggested installing traffic lights and drawing yellow boxes among other measures to alleviate the problem. They also said the current traffic dispersal system facilitated shoppers and traders but had neglected residents.
Many also complained that the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) had not attended to their simple requests such as cleaning drains, adding street lights and building road humps promptly.
The accident-prone tunnel to access and exit Mutiara Damansara from the LDP and the status of the orang asli residing in the Desa Temuan apartments who have yet to receive strata titles were among the matters brought up.
Sivarasa will be meeting his constituents in a series of 30 meetings; Bandar Utama was the third location while the next will be on June 20 at Bandar Sri Damansara and at Ara Damansara on June 21. note: (these two dialogue sessions have been postponed)
He said he would request for the developer and MBPJ to listen to the people’s views and act accordingly, while he would facilitate the meeting.
“Petaling Jaya needs a macro- traffic plan as it has been overdeveloped. Many more projects were approved previously and most of them are half built,” he said.
“We were also shocked to find out that the draft Petaling Jaya Local Plan 2 was put forward without proper study on the traffic impact and water run-off.
“We need to address ad hoc planning’ and that is why we make sure public hearings are held before new projects are approved,” he added.
He said the inadequate provision of non-Muslim cemetery, worship places as well as vernacular schools were among the major issues he was looking into.
By YIP YOKE TENG
RESIDENTS of Bandar Utama are concerned about the impact on traffic and environment should the housing estate’s commercial area be declared an International Entertainment Zone.
During a meeting with Subang MP R. Sivarasa on Sunday at the BU3 Community Hall, residents said while the move proposed by the developer might stimulate foreign investment to counter the current economic slowdown, it would also worsen the area’s traffic congestion.
“Traffic congestion is becoming more serious especially after the link connecting Bandar Utama and Kota Damansara was opened recently. It will be a real problem to have an International Entertainment Zone here without the presence of a proper traffic dispersal system,” said resident Lai Wing Fatt from BU3.
“Since the link was opened, residents have to leave home an hour earlier than before to reach their work place on time,” he said, adding that they were also worried about the extended business hours that would affect the living quality in the area.
He said residents were earlier invited by the developer, Bandar Utama Development Sdn Bhd, to a briefing where they were told that the company had urged the state to declare the housing estate’s commercial area popularised by 1 Utama shopping centre as an International Entertainment Zone.
In line with that, the developer had also laid out a series of expansion including creating another 1,000 underground parking bays, he said.
He added that Jalan Dataran Bandar Utama was always congested during peak hours as the road was also used by parents sending their children to a school here that had 2,300 pupils.
Other residents suggested installing traffic lights and drawing yellow boxes among other measures to alleviate the problem. They also said the current traffic dispersal system facilitated shoppers and traders but had neglected residents.
Many also complained that the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) had not attended to their simple requests such as cleaning drains, adding street lights and building road humps promptly.
The accident-prone tunnel to access and exit Mutiara Damansara from the LDP and the status of the orang asli residing in the Desa Temuan apartments who have yet to receive strata titles were among the matters brought up.
Sivarasa will be meeting his constituents in a series of 30 meetings; Bandar Utama was the third location while the next will be on June 20 at Bandar Sri Damansara and at Ara Damansara on June 21. note: (these two dialogue sessions have been postponed)
He said he would request for the developer and MBPJ to listen to the people’s views and act accordingly, while he would facilitate the meeting.
“Petaling Jaya needs a macro- traffic plan as it has been overdeveloped. Many more projects were approved previously and most of them are half built,” he said.
“We were also shocked to find out that the draft Petaling Jaya Local Plan 2 was put forward without proper study on the traffic impact and water run-off.
“We need to address ad hoc planning’ and that is why we make sure public hearings are held before new projects are approved,” he added.
He said the inadequate provision of non-Muslim cemetery, worship places as well as vernacular schools were among the major issues he was looking into.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Persiaran Galaxy
By JADE CHAN
RESIDENTS in Taman Puteri Subang are concerned about their safety and those of the motorists who ply the roads in their housing area due to the faulty streetlights in the Shah Alam neighbourhood.
According to residents association committee member Ong Kong Soon, most of the streetlights along Persiaran Galaksi, as well as several along Persiaran Angkasa and Jalan Sungai Buloh, have been faulty for the past six months.
“Each time I lodge a complaint with the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), one or two streetlights would be repaired, but not the others,” said Ong.
Residents association chairman Mohd Khairy Buyong said there had been frequent accidents and snatch theft cases due to the poor visibility on the roads.
In the dark: Residents said there was an urgent need to repair the streetlights to reduce accidents and snatch thefts.
“There would be an accident at least once a week, mostly involving motorcycles.
“I’ve been informed of schoolchildren having their bags snatched in the early morning or evening.
“The vehicles also travel quite fast, especially from Persiaran Galaksi heading towards Jalan Sungai Buloh, where there is a slope and a bend,” he said.
Khairy said the reflective strips on the roads and the paint on the speed breakers had faded over time, making it more dangerous for motorists.
In addition to repairing the street- lights and reflective strips, he suggested that the MBSA place more speed breakers, as well as traffic lights at the Persiaran Galaksi and Persiaran Angkasa junction.
MBSA public relations officer Shahrin Ahmad said the streetlights were faulty due to an underground cabling problem.
“Repair work for the streetlights along Persiaran Angkasa are being carried out right now, and are expected to be completed by the end of this month.
“We are also looking for a contractor to repair those along Persiaran Galaksi,” he said.
On the faded reflective strips and paintwork, Shahrin said he would get the relevant department to check on the matter and get them repaired if necessary.
RESIDENTS in Taman Puteri Subang are concerned about their safety and those of the motorists who ply the roads in their housing area due to the faulty streetlights in the Shah Alam neighbourhood.
According to residents association committee member Ong Kong Soon, most of the streetlights along Persiaran Galaksi, as well as several along Persiaran Angkasa and Jalan Sungai Buloh, have been faulty for the past six months.
“Each time I lodge a complaint with the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), one or two streetlights would be repaired, but not the others,” said Ong.
Residents association chairman Mohd Khairy Buyong said there had been frequent accidents and snatch theft cases due to the poor visibility on the roads.
In the dark: Residents said there was an urgent need to repair the streetlights to reduce accidents and snatch thefts.
“There would be an accident at least once a week, mostly involving motorcycles.
“I’ve been informed of schoolchildren having their bags snatched in the early morning or evening.
“The vehicles also travel quite fast, especially from Persiaran Galaksi heading towards Jalan Sungai Buloh, where there is a slope and a bend,” he said.
Khairy said the reflective strips on the roads and the paint on the speed breakers had faded over time, making it more dangerous for motorists.
In addition to repairing the street- lights and reflective strips, he suggested that the MBSA place more speed breakers, as well as traffic lights at the Persiaran Galaksi and Persiaran Angkasa junction.
MBSA public relations officer Shahrin Ahmad said the streetlights were faulty due to an underground cabling problem.
“Repair work for the streetlights along Persiaran Angkasa are being carried out right now, and are expected to be completed by the end of this month.
“We are also looking for a contractor to repair those along Persiaran Galaksi,” he said.
On the faded reflective strips and paintwork, Shahrin said he would get the relevant department to check on the matter and get them repaired if necessary.
Damansara Damai
By TAN KARR WEI
THE Public Works Department (JKR) has to obtain a planning approval from the Petaling Jaya City Council for the shelter complex being built in Damansara Damai.
The MBPJ organised a meeting between the JKR and Armanee Condominium residents at the MBPJ headquarters in Jalan Yong Shook Lin to clear the air about the ongoing project following complaints by residents.
The contractors for the 2.4ha project had initially defied two stop-work orders issued by the council in March and May.
Councillor Robert Tan, who chaired the meeting, advised the two parties to voice their concerns and sort out differences before the matter was brought to the One-Stop-Centre (OSC) committee meeting on June 10.
According to a JKR architect, who declined to be named, the JKR project involved building a shelter complex for the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry with hostel blocks, staff quarters and an administration block.
Armanee Condominium Residents Association chairman Sebastian Oh said the heavy vehicles plying the residential roads posed a danger to residents in the area.
Fellow resident Aili Hashim said they were not opposing the project but the heavy vehicles had left their roads in a deplorable state and that lorries moved in and out as early as 7am and as late as 10pm.
Oh said noise pollution was also a problem as construction work went on until late at night and even on weekends.
The JKR architect denied the claims of residents, saying that the contractors did not work past 5pm and that there were several other construction projects going on in that area.
“We also usually submit building plans for all our projects but, for this one, we were told by the council that we did not need a planning approval,” she said.
JKR Petaling district engineer Abdul Latif Moktar said he had to approve any work done after 5pm and he had not done so for this project but residents insisted that they had proof.
Another matter discussed was the possibility of opening a road through the project that would connect Damansara Damai to Bandar Sri Damansara.
A Women, Family and Community Development Ministry representative said they could consider surrendering the land needed for the road if MBPJ would bear the cost of building it.
Councillor Chan Chee Kong said the stop-work order would only be lifted once the development order has been issued.
THE Public Works Department (JKR) has to obtain a planning approval from the Petaling Jaya City Council for the shelter complex being built in Damansara Damai.
The MBPJ organised a meeting between the JKR and Armanee Condominium residents at the MBPJ headquarters in Jalan Yong Shook Lin to clear the air about the ongoing project following complaints by residents.
The contractors for the 2.4ha project had initially defied two stop-work orders issued by the council in March and May.
Councillor Robert Tan, who chaired the meeting, advised the two parties to voice their concerns and sort out differences before the matter was brought to the One-Stop-Centre (OSC) committee meeting on June 10.
According to a JKR architect, who declined to be named, the JKR project involved building a shelter complex for the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry with hostel blocks, staff quarters and an administration block.
Armanee Condominium Residents Association chairman Sebastian Oh said the heavy vehicles plying the residential roads posed a danger to residents in the area.
Fellow resident Aili Hashim said they were not opposing the project but the heavy vehicles had left their roads in a deplorable state and that lorries moved in and out as early as 7am and as late as 10pm.
Oh said noise pollution was also a problem as construction work went on until late at night and even on weekends.
The JKR architect denied the claims of residents, saying that the contractors did not work past 5pm and that there were several other construction projects going on in that area.
“We also usually submit building plans for all our projects but, for this one, we were told by the council that we did not need a planning approval,” she said.
JKR Petaling district engineer Abdul Latif Moktar said he had to approve any work done after 5pm and he had not done so for this project but residents insisted that they had proof.
Another matter discussed was the possibility of opening a road through the project that would connect Damansara Damai to Bandar Sri Damansara.
A Women, Family and Community Development Ministry representative said they could consider surrendering the land needed for the road if MBPJ would bear the cost of building it.
Councillor Chan Chee Kong said the stop-work order would only be lifted once the development order has been issued.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Sivarasa Stands Up For Tamil Schools
Protesters want alienated land returned to Tamil school
By BAVANI M
BANDAR Utama residents want MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu to do the right thing by returning the 12,140sq metres of prime land that was originally alienated for the Effingham Tamil School to the people.
“It is good of him to acknowledge that it was an administrative error that had resulted in his name being listed as the beneficial owner of half of the land in Jalan BU11/1, but it has been almost five months since he apologised and we now want him to rectify the mistake and put things right,’’ social worker S. Bathavachalam said.
Bathavachalam said the land was designated for public use and should not be sold or transferred to any individual or political party, hence it was not suitable for the MIC to use it to build its headquarters there.
“We want MIC to return the land back to the school – it belongs to the people,’’ former student P. Kalaivani said.
Show of protest: The residents gathering outside the school.
Kalaivani added that the school had an enrolment of 600 pupils and the number was expected to increase in a few years.
Some 60 people, comprising residents and former students of the school held a peaceful demonstration outside the school premises on Sunday asking for the return of the land.
The school’s parent-teacher association had had a meeting in the morning with the school’s administration to find out the latest developments on the issue and the matter has also been referred to the anti-corruption commission.
The MIC and Samy Vellu came under fire recently when it was discovered that party president was named the beneficial owner of half of the land.
MIC secretary-general Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam had clarified last year that the land was owned by the party and there was an error in the description of the proprietor in the land title.
By BAVANI M
BANDAR Utama residents want MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu to do the right thing by returning the 12,140sq metres of prime land that was originally alienated for the Effingham Tamil School to the people.
“It is good of him to acknowledge that it was an administrative error that had resulted in his name being listed as the beneficial owner of half of the land in Jalan BU11/1, but it has been almost five months since he apologised and we now want him to rectify the mistake and put things right,’’ social worker S. Bathavachalam said.
Bathavachalam said the land was designated for public use and should not be sold or transferred to any individual or political party, hence it was not suitable for the MIC to use it to build its headquarters there.
“We want MIC to return the land back to the school – it belongs to the people,’’ former student P. Kalaivani said.
Show of protest: The residents gathering outside the school.
Kalaivani added that the school had an enrolment of 600 pupils and the number was expected to increase in a few years.
Some 60 people, comprising residents and former students of the school held a peaceful demonstration outside the school premises on Sunday asking for the return of the land.
The school’s parent-teacher association had had a meeting in the morning with the school’s administration to find out the latest developments on the issue and the matter has also been referred to the anti-corruption commission.
The MIC and Samy Vellu came under fire recently when it was discovered that party president was named the beneficial owner of half of the land.
MIC secretary-general Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam had clarified last year that the land was owned by the party and there was an error in the description of the proprietor in the land title.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Hindraf rallies nationwide
The Star, AFP & NST May 11, 2008
Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) supporters held nationwide protests to call for the abolition of the Internal Security Act (ISA), the freeing of ISA detainees and for detained Hindraf leader P. Uthayakumar to have proper medical treatment for his heart condition.
In Kuala Lumpur, some 50 supporters, including Subang Member of Parliament R. Sivarasa, gathered for half an hour in front of the Suria KLCC shopping centre in Jalan Ampang as some 200 policemen kept a close guard.
According to AFP, Siva said the government should release ISA detainees unless they had proof to charge them in open court. “As far as I am concerned, one day under ISA detention is too long, one ISA detainee is too many,” he added.
Malaysia’s ethnic Indian activists demanded that the government provide medical aid to one of its leaders. They also warned the government to free those detained under tough internal security laws or face more street rallies.
Uthayakumar and four other members of the rights group Hindraf have been detained under the tough Internal Security Act (ISA) since December after holding an anti-discrimination rally.
“This gathering is to send a clear message to the government,” Hindraf coordinator S Jayathas told reporters.
Hindraf leaders angered the government last November with a mass rally alleging discrimination in Malaysia, which is dominated by Muslim Malays.
Mounting anger within the Indian community was said to have been a factor in the ruling Barisan Nasional’s drubbing in 8 March polls where it lost its two-thirds majority in parliament.
Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) supporters held nationwide protests to call for the abolition of the Internal Security Act (ISA), the freeing of ISA detainees and for detained Hindraf leader P. Uthayakumar to have proper medical treatment for his heart condition.
In Kuala Lumpur, some 50 supporters, including Subang Member of Parliament R. Sivarasa, gathered for half an hour in front of the Suria KLCC shopping centre in Jalan Ampang as some 200 policemen kept a close guard.
According to AFP, Siva said the government should release ISA detainees unless they had proof to charge them in open court. “As far as I am concerned, one day under ISA detention is too long, one ISA detainee is too many,” he added.
Malaysia’s ethnic Indian activists demanded that the government provide medical aid to one of its leaders. They also warned the government to free those detained under tough internal security laws or face more street rallies.
Uthayakumar and four other members of the rights group Hindraf have been detained under the tough Internal Security Act (ISA) since December after holding an anti-discrimination rally.
“This gathering is to send a clear message to the government,” Hindraf coordinator S Jayathas told reporters.
Hindraf leaders angered the government last November with a mass rally alleging discrimination in Malaysia, which is dominated by Muslim Malays.
Mounting anger within the Indian community was said to have been a factor in the ruling Barisan Nasional’s drubbing in 8 March polls where it lost its two-thirds majority in parliament.
BU crime walk
By Tan Karr Wei, The Star, May 27, 2008
THE Selangor Government is looking into ways to reduce unemployment in the state.
Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Elizabeth Wong said besides insufficient police personnel, unemployment was one of the reasons for the high crime rate in many areas in the state.
The other reasons include migration of people from rural to urban areas and the failure of town planning committees to include police stations and beat bases in new residential areas.
“A lot of graduates are unemployed. We are trying to get more investors into the state to provide more jobs. We also want more people to go into agriculture, especially locals, make transparent the licensing process for traders and hawkers and make welfare more accessible to those in need,” said Wong, who is also Selangor tourism, consumer affairs and environment executive councillor.
Together with Subang MP Sivarasa Rasiah, Wong joined about 150 residents of Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, in a walk around the neighbourhood to raise awareness of crime prevention.
Sivarasa said Malaysia had a ratio of about one policeman to 260 citizens while the international recommended ratio is 1:250.
“The problem lies in how they are deployed. Out of the 100,000 police personnel, one-third are doing administrative work while another one-third are in the public order and safety department. In short, we have a police force that is not deployed efficiently,” he said.
Sivarasa added that residents now had to organise safety measures like setting up guardhouses and boom gates at their own expense, which was not the long-term answer to the problem.
“This walk organised by the Bandar Utama Residents Association (BURA) is a strong signal to the authorities that as taxpaying residents, they want better security,” he said
THE Selangor Government is looking into ways to reduce unemployment in the state.
Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Elizabeth Wong said besides insufficient police personnel, unemployment was one of the reasons for the high crime rate in many areas in the state.
The other reasons include migration of people from rural to urban areas and the failure of town planning committees to include police stations and beat bases in new residential areas.
“A lot of graduates are unemployed. We are trying to get more investors into the state to provide more jobs. We also want more people to go into agriculture, especially locals, make transparent the licensing process for traders and hawkers and make welfare more accessible to those in need,” said Wong, who is also Selangor tourism, consumer affairs and environment executive councillor.
Together with Subang MP Sivarasa Rasiah, Wong joined about 150 residents of Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, in a walk around the neighbourhood to raise awareness of crime prevention.
Sivarasa said Malaysia had a ratio of about one policeman to 260 citizens while the international recommended ratio is 1:250.
“The problem lies in how they are deployed. Out of the 100,000 police personnel, one-third are doing administrative work while another one-third are in the public order and safety department. In short, we have a police force that is not deployed efficiently,” he said.
Sivarasa added that residents now had to organise safety measures like setting up guardhouses and boom gates at their own expense, which was not the long-term answer to the problem.
“This walk organised by the Bandar Utama Residents Association (BURA) is a strong signal to the authorities that as taxpaying residents, they want better security,” he said
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