Rajiv @ MPSJ

USJ3A Retention Pond

2012-01-26T21:23:00.003+08:00

Below is part of an email I received today from a resident, but the complaint is quite common...

Need your advise. I went for a walk at the USJ 3A retention pond area and to my dismay there are a lot of unswept leaves and the pond has a lot of rubbish and smells too. Opine that there has to be a clean up and for a mini fountain to be installed in the retention pond. Presently the water is very stale and smelly.

We are aware of the problem that is raised, and have worked over the last 2 years to improve the condition of the area. But a key thing to note of the pond, is that it is a retention pond. The drains of USJ and Batu Tiga pass thru this pond, which acts as a buffer to prevent floods, as it has been well functioning in that aspect so so far.

While we have made improvements in the areas surrounding the water - i.e. cut grass, improving the water quality remains a huge challenge, as new drain water constantly flows into the pond. As for the rubbish in the pond, we have improve the "fine-ness" of the trap last year, but cannot make it too fine, as experience in Seri Kembangan has shown when the rubbish trap is too fine, during heavy rain, the water backflows and floods the surrounding area.

Ultimately, it was never designed or intended to be a recreation spot, like other ponds we see in some parks. However, we area in the midst of talking to some universities to get ideas from them on how, under the operating conditions of the pond, we can improve the water quality, whilst not compromising on the main functionality.

MPSJ bulk waste collection phone number

2012-01-15T16:10:00.003+08:00

For routine waste collection:

Domestic waste - this is household waste generated daily, such as kitchen waste, etc that is placed inside your dustbin. This is collected 3 times a week, some areas Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and other areas Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.
Garden Waste, which is maintenance waste, such as grass cuttings, leaves, twigs - twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Waste not included above are considered bulk waste, such as

Furniture,
Electrical appliances
Tree trunks / branches
other large objects

These are not collected by the routine collection, but by specific appointment. To have bulk waste collected, please contact MPSJ at 03-80267433. An appointment will be set to collect the waste from your house, at a charge of RM50 (this charge is the same since the days of Alam Flora).

Please help do your part to create a cleaner Subang Jaya. Thank you.

MPSJ 15th Anniversary Celebrations

2012-01-10T10:10:00.002+08:00

JKP3 & USJ2 gets its first public fruit orchard

2012-01-03T18:58:00.003+08:00

JKP3 together with St Gobain Contruction & MPSJ launched the first public fruit orchard in JKP3 (USJ2-15) area. 100 fruit trees of various species provided by MPSJ were planted by volunteers from St Gobain Construction.

This is also significant, as since taking over as councillor in 2009, I've been highlighting the plot of land in USJ, which was under the administration of the Department of Civil Aviation, but was in ruins and unkept. We have been pursuing this matter and recently MPSJ has taken back the land, as DCA was not using it anymore.

Upon taking it back, we have restored it as a green land, this time by turning it into a fruit orchard.

This is the 2nd piece of land in zone 3 that has been restored as an open space, after the urban forest in USJ3C which was recently planted with 1111 forest trees.

By EDWARD R. HENRY ewdard@thestar.com.my

A PRIVATE firm has planted 100 fruit trees as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) project on a hillock off Jalan USJ2/2R.

The project, called People’s Orchard, was one of Saint Gobain Construction’s efforts to create a park for the public to come and relax.

Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh said that the top portion of the hillock that once housed radar equipment for the Department of Civil Aviation had been dismantled and the land handed over to the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ).

“With fruits trees grown on top of the hillock and a public park built around it, the park is now a good place for recreational activities. Trees like mango, ciku, soursop, honey guava, kedondong, rambutan and pulasan trees have been planted,” she said.

MPSJ councillor Rajiv Rishyakaran said people would be able to reap the fruits of this labour, literally, in years to come.

Earlier Yeoh, who met the residents living around the area, said she had come to check on the newly installed floodlights and two sets of park table/benches at the park that residents had requested a few months ago in a dialogue session.

“The RM8,730 for the one pole with two lamps and the RM5,000 for the two park tables and eight benches came from my service centre’s allocation. Now, I just want the people to care for the facilities. With the floodlights installed it would help to bring down the crime rate. On the issues of graffiti, vandalism and discarded broken bottles, we need the help of the Subang Jaya district police to conduct patrols in the neighbourhood,” she said.

Yeoh added that her approach has helped to build a strong network with the residents.

Resident Y. Sela said the added facilities and the fruit trees in the park made it a better place for walks in the morning and evening.

“We are a close knit community and improved facilities at a park will augur well as this will encourage neighbours to come out in the late evenings and mingle around,” he said.

Article Source http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/12/14/central/10089023&sec=central

MPSJ legailises outdoor dining

2012-01-03T18:48:00.002+08:00

This is one of the moves that we have taken as a new government, to update the regulations to suit the real demand from the public.

Outdoor dining is very popular in Malaysia, from the mamaks to kopitiams to even higher end outlets such as Papparich.

With this policy, which was approved by MPSJ some months ago, and endorsed by the State Government recently, we can legalize all the outlets who want to put tables outdoors.

Of course, MPSJ will evaluate suitability before approval.

This will help operators operate legally, and also cut down instances and allegations of corruption by our officers.

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MPSJ legalises sidewalk dining
Writer: Gan Pei Ling (Selangor Times)
Published: Fri, 23 Dec 2011

SUBANG JAYA: A move to legalise and regulate outdoor dinning at eateries in the municipality is winning is being applauded by restaurant owners.

Subang Jaya Coffeeshop, Bar and Restaurant Association committee member Danny Lim welcomed the decision by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ).

“This will benefit around 6,000 to 8,000 eateries in the municipality,” said Lim.

Under the new policy, owners can legally apply to MPSJ to place tables and chairs on five-foot ways outside their restaurants during their operating hours.

Despite being unlawful, dinning along sidewalks is a common practice not only in Subang Jaya but throughout the country.

“Now we can apply for the permit instead of paying summonses every month,” said Lim.

He added that it would also help to reduce corruption, as some restaurant operators would rather bribe enforcement officers than pay the summons that could accumulate to thousands of ringgits a year.

MPSJ councillor Pooi Weng Keong and Subang Jaya assemblyperson Hannah Yeoh announced the new policy at a press conference last Friday.

“Previously, the operators were only allowed to place tables and chairs on five-foot ways from 6pm to midnight. They have to remove them after midnight and during daytimes.

“But after a dialogue with the operators in February 2011, taking into account their feedback, MPSJ decided it is more appropriate to base the permit on their respective operating hours,” said Pooi.

However, he noted that food outlets cannot take up all the space on five-foot ways, and must still leave a walkway for pedestrians. Otherwise, their permit could be revoked.

The new policy will affect eateries in Subang Jaya, Bandar Sunway, Puchong, Seri Serdang and Seri Kembangan.

Pooi said restaurant operators, including those that open round-the-clock, can start applying for the new permit with immediate effect.

“The fee is RM30 per table per month,” said Pooi, adding that operators must secure the new permit by March 2012.

Away...

2011-12-18T00:03:00.002+08:00

Dear all,

I'll be overseas on some personal/family matters from today, 18th December 2011 to 9th January 2012. I will still be contactable via email.

For any MPSJ related complaints or issues, you can refer to here:
http://www.rajiv4malaysia.com/search/label/How%20to%20Lodge%20a%20Complaint%20with%20MPSJ

You can contact my assistant, Salawati at 016-2213381 or wati.mpsj@gmail.com

For any DAP matters, or matters regarding the office of YB Hannah Yeoh, you can contact the office at

Tel: 03-5631 2768
Fax: 03-5631 2757

Service Centre hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday : 1pm to 7pm
Thursday nights : 8pm to 10pm

I'm sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Are we truly safer?

2011-11-28T00:26:00.001+08:00

An email from Arvin, one of my JKP3 members...

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Dear Datuk Idris Jala, Datuk Hishamuddin & Mr Eugene Teh,

Allow me to relate an incident that happened to me this morning. I live in USJ Subang Jaya & this morning at 11am, I went to the nearby town centre, Taipan, to buy some items from the hardward store. As a law abiding citizen, I parked my car a distance away across the main road at another block of shoplots and walked over to the shop. On my way back at about 11.30am (please refer to attached police report), as I was waiting to cross the main road to get to my car, whilst holding a few items in my hands, a lone motorcyclist suddenly appeared out of nowhere and snatched my goldchain from my neck from behind. Before I or anyone of the numerous people & motorists in their cars could do anything, the criminal zoomed off amongst the jam of cars. It happened in the blink of an eye and I now understand why a lot of snatch theft victims say that they were unable to react in time. Bear in mind that I am a 6 foot 82 kg, 41 year old male. Even the police were surprised that the criminal was so daring to rob a person like me as they rarely target males according to them and more so a fairly larger sized specimen such as myself.

Why am I taking the trouble to write in to you you may ask? Well, because I believe that we as Malaysians deserve much more than a lot of rhetoric and nice sounding sound bites regarding all the various acronyms that Pemandu has launched. I refer to Eugene's press conference recently where it was declared that Pemandu's crime NKRA's are working (refer to attached article). According to the said article, it was stated that an additional 30,000 police officers have been reassigned to hotspots. Trust me, we don't see them. The sergeant who took down my report was lamenting to my about his lack of resources as he had insufficient men to patrol, investigate etc. Thus, the rhetoric and the reality aren't in sync are they? USJ & Subang Jaya are definitely huge residential areas and crime hotspots. Why is it that even with a police station opened up in a shophouse in Taipan itself that criminals are still so brazenly daring in carrying out such thefts in broad daylight? What about the CCTV's that are supposedly at all main corners/junctions? I can safely say that our criminal minded members of society are able to get away with virtually anything as we as a country can't even seem to control a simple thing like illegal stickers defacing public property all over the place, even signboards and roadsigns. Nowhere else have we seen such blatant disregard for the law except for our beloved nation. I know this issue well & am trying to do something about it.

Let me state that I am a proactive Malaysian who many years ago founded the USJ9 neighbourhood watch and subsequently for the last few years, pre & post 2008, I have sat as a committee member of the MPSJ Jawatankusas Penduduk (JKP) Zon 3. We as committee members commit our precious time on a purely voluntary basis towards trying to improve the liveability of our community and every year, conduct many activities/programmes to make people's lives a bit better. Trust me when I say that I have seen things deteriorate over the years especially with regard to crime and as I stated above, blatant disregard for the laws by everybody. My story of being a snatch theft victim is not an isolated one as our Councillor for JKP Zon 3, Rajiv's brother was violently attacked from behind last week in Subang Jaya SS14, beaten up and robbed. We are men. How are we to protect our wives and families if we can't rely on the police and government to play their role in minimizing the danger to us as citizens when we go about our daily business? Almost everyone I know has been a victim of snatch theft, car windows smashed at traffic lights and robbed etc etc. These are not statistics, these are REAL PEOPLE GETTING ROBBED AND TRAUMATIZED!

Eugene, you were quoted as saying "In 2009, the main problem was snatch theft. But with a lot more police officers patrolling the streets, the number of snatch thefts was reduced. However, it doesn't mean we have resolved the issue". Definitely the issue hasn't been resolved much less reduced if you ask most of us Malaysians. Ask anyone and they will tell you that spotting police patrolling the streets either on foot or in cars is almost like striking the lottery. As stated, I stay in SJ but I work in the heart of downtown KL & frequently walk around Jln Raja Chulan & Bukit Bintang during lunchtime etc. These are busy places with tons of tourists; hardly any cops in sight at all save for those directing traffic during rush hour. Contrast this with major cities around the world; NY, London, HK, Singapore, police presence is visible everywhere and this definitely has an impact on would be criminals. In fact, the sergeant told me just now that even with a shortage of men, what he's trying to do is to get 1 policeman in a patrol car to patrol & his instructions if he comes across anything are to radio for backup as there normally should be 2 of them in 1 vehicle. He agreed that the visibility of the police has been proven to reduce the incidence of crime. So, if you say that there are an extra 30,000 officers deployed to hotspots, how come we aren't seeing them? Or are they all hiding behind some bushes somewhere?

I truly hope that as a law-abiding tax paying (the 10% who supports the balance 90% as you point out frequently, Datuk Idris), that more concrete action will be taken ASAP to bring a greater police presence where it is truly needed. The 'broken glass theory" works which I believe Rudy Giulani implemented when he became NY mayor & subsequently reduced crime drastically. We need to see this happening here. When people don't give a damn about speeding past red lights, breaking traffic rules at whim, defacing public property, dumping illegally, how do you address the bigger crime issues? There has to be a return to civility and abiding by the law. That will only happen if there's a fear of getting caught, which I can say with certainty that at this point of time, is virtually non-existent.

I hope this letter won't be filed away and forgotten as I would expect a response on how the government of the day is going to proactively make us feel that much safer about this country which we call home.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Arvin Chia

Voluntary Patrol Unit takes a big step forward

2011-11-21T17:04:00.003+08:00

Jawatankuasa Penduduk MPSJ Zone 3 (JKP3) has sponsored a car for the Voluntary Patrol Unit (VPU). This will enable the VPU Team to patrol consistently.

While many were skeptical that such a voluntary initiative will not last long, and would fizzle out after a few months, I'm proud to say that this team has gone on for nearly 2 years, and will celebrate its 2 year anniversary on January 11, 2012.

Thank you to all volunteers, and VPU chief, Mr Mak Meng Chin.

Ceramah Isu-Isu Semasa

2011-11-16T09:30:00.000+08:00

Progress & Improvements in MPSJ's 2012 budget

2011-11-15T11:04:00.003+08:00

For the 2012 budget, which was just passed in MPSJ last month, we have made some progress & improvements.

Cutting of administration overheads and transferring the amount to road maintenance and road works to the tune of RM3mil
Adding RM300,000 allocation towards our Crematorium, to add a second burner

This doesn't include savings from the termination of Alam Flora contract. Once we have finalized the new contract, then the savings would be allocated towards other services.

MPSJ allocates RM7mil for road maintenance

By THO XIN YI
thoxinyi@thestar.com.my

THE Subang Jaya Municipal Council has allocated RM7mil for road maintenance under its 2012 budget.

The amount included an extra RM3mil added to the original RM4mil allocation.

Councillor Rajiv Rishyakaran said he suggested cutting overhead expenses, such as interior decoration, office furniture, local and overseas travel allowance, before the budget meeting.

He had wanted to channel the excess, if approved, to improve the infrastructure, such as more lights at parks, building bus stops and planting more trees.

Councillor K. Arumugam was delighted that RM300,000 was approved for a second incinerator for the crematorium in Puchong and provisions for its management.

“The crematorium will be run by the council,” he said.

Arumugam has been urging the council not to privatise the crematorium to keep the service affordable.

Councillor Tan Jo Hann said the council should be careful not to allocate more than necessary by referring to last year’s budget.

Citing photographic material as example, Tan said the amount allocated in 2009 was RM80,000 and then RM130,000 last year.

“When we checked, the council spent about RM70,000 for this category in 2009. The amount should be maintained or even reduced for 2010, but it was almost doubled instead.

“About RM15,000 was spent till October this year and are we going to spend the rest in three months?” he asked.

Rajiv also proposed to the MPSJ to offer ambulance service.

“Subang Jaya is a township without government hospitals, and the residents have to rely on ambulance service from Universiti Malaya Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Serdang Hospital in Kajang and Klang General Hospital.

“Asmawi did not reject the suggestion during the budget meeting but he said there was no need to make a special provision in the budget for this. The council could make do with the existing provision.

Accessible Tourism Promotes National Development

2011-11-14T19:39:00.001+08:00

Help Amrita Soon to Nashville

2011-11-13T00:26:00.000+08:00

Hi all

Some of you may remember Amrita Soon, the young song writer who loves to sing. She performed some of her original songs during the USJ Family Day in 2010 and also 2011.

Amrita is a homeschooler and pick up guitar, singing, song writing pretty much by herself, through encouragement and support by her parents and family. Her mother is a piano teacher so I guess that helped. Amrita is a soft spoken rather shy girl but her dream is big and strong. Amrita lives in USJ, with her family of 5, a cat and a dog.

She is greatly inspired by Taylor Swift who was discovered in the CMA Country Music Festival in Nashville. Amrita hopes to attend some workshop while she's there and also perhaps be discovered.

She has produced a CD with 5 of her original songs in raising fund for her trip to Nashville. I understand that she actually wrote a lot more songs than just 5.

If you donate a minimum of RM20 or more, you will get her CD. The songs are pretty good.

Would you like to help Amrita to Nashville?

Her promo video to get her to Nashville.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXfDxZFzyKE&sns=fb

More at her blog..

http://strummingonsparklydreams.blogspot.com/p/ticket-to-nashville.html

Council mulls ways to end neighbourly disputes

2011-11-09T11:11:00.001+08:00

Something that MPSJ is considering imposing for future renovations...

Council mulls ways to end neighbourly disputes

Published: Fri, 04 Nov 2011

SUBANG JAYA: A checklist of pre-existing damage at homes has been proposed as a requirement before any renovation is approved to avoid disputes between neighbours.

Records of cracks or leakages can be used by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) as an official document to make sure houses undergoing renovation do not damage neighbouring houses.

“Fights and disputes always arise when damage occurs and both parties deny culpability,” said MPSJ councillor Ng Sze Han on Monday.

Ng, who made the proposal at the council’s full board meeting, said that the renovations could proceed more smoothly if any existing damage is identified beforehand .

MPSJ’s current rules, requiring home owners who want to carry out renovations to obtain consent from neighbours, do not help solve disputes that might happen during and after renovation works.

“Even with the immediate neighbours’ consent, there will still be disputes when cracked walls or leakages appear during renovation,” said Ng.

Neighbours will also be at odds with each other when no one wants to take responsibility for the damage.

“We will review it again at the one stop centre (OSC) meeting next month and see how this checklist can be incorporated into the current regulations,” said MPSJ president Datuk Asmawi Kasbi.

Council incurring losses over abandoned homes

2011-11-09T11:10:00.000+08:00

Council incurring losses over abandoned homes

Writer: Brenda Ch'ng

SUBANG JAYA: Cleaning abandoned or empty homes is eating into council coffers, and the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) is trying to find a way to make irresponsible owners pay.

MPSJ has spent RM47,990 to clean the compounds of over 4,000 homes since 2007.

Cleaning includes the cutting of overgrown grass and clearing of drains to prevent disease-carrying insects or rodents from breeding.

The issue was disclosed at the council’s full board meeting on Wednesday.

effective plan to make people pay up, like maybe getting a court order, to tell residents they can’t get away with not paying,” said MPSJ councillor R Rajiv.

He said these irresponsible homeowners are taking the council for granted by expecting them to clean their yards every time a neighbour complains.

Some houses are even missing doors and roofs, making it uncomfortable for neighbouring residents.

“Most residents fear that these abandoned homes with overgrown grass may serve as a hiding place for robbers,” said Rajiv.

He said although it is expensive to sue all the homeowners, a solution is needed to compel payment.

MPSJ president Datuk Asmawi Kasbi (pic), however, is un- sure if getting the court involved is the right way forward.

“To sue them will cost us more then they owe as the legal fees are high. It just doesn’t make sense,” he said.

The council charges each house a fee of up to RM100 or more for cleaning, depending on the size of compound and amount of work needed.

These cleaning works are done by either council-appointed contractors or MPSJ’s own staff.

According to council protocol, homeowners will be issued a two- week notice to clean up their premises before the council steps in.

However, some homeowners are not contactable, while others rent out their property and are waiting for new tenants to clean up the house.

The council is still brainstorming on the best way to resolve this issue.

Of hotel dinners and the poor

2011-11-09T11:05:00.003+08:00

Of course the selected poor (20 from each of the 24 zones = 480 poor residents) will enjoy a nice hotel dinner, I don't think that issue is being questioned. But the issue is, is this the right way to spend RM 60-70,000 on something that is titled "Pembasmian Kemiskinan". This year, RM200,000 has been allocated by MPSJ to run various courses/programmes for skill training. However, due to budget limitation, the program could only be run on 13 out of 24 zones. Money saved from this dinner, could fund 4-5 more programs.

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Of hotel dinners and the poor

SUBANG JAYA: Debate on whether it was wise for Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) to spend RM50,000 annually on hotel dinners for the poor turned into a heated argument on Wednesday.

“We should allocate more for programmes which will benefit them [the poor] in the long run, like workshops or sewing classes, instead of treating them to dinners at hotels,” said councillor R Rajiv (pic), who raised the issue at MPSJ’s full board meeting.

He suggested that funds for dinners be added to the RM300,000 allocated annually by MPSJ for the Urban Poverty Eradication Programme.

Rajiv pointed out that educational programmes would be a more effective way to eradicate poverty rather then spending RM50,000 on one-off annual dinners.

However, fellow councillor Keshminder Singh argued that the poor looked forward to these dinners.

“How often does the poor get to dine at hotels? It makes them happy as they are treated to hotel food,” he said.

Keshminder added that these dinners should be the highlight of programmes for the poor because they are attended by many residents, the Menteri Besar and state executive councillors.

“Even the state supports these dinners, so I think it is a good initiative which should be continued,” he said.

Councillor Tan Jo Hann suggested that MPSJ should have a fixed policy which determines and monitors programmes and cash flow for projects.

“To make things easier and ensure the allocations are properly spent on beneficial programmes, the council should look into having a financial policy to refer to,”saidTan.

He added that this is more transparent and everyone will get to see how the allocations are being spent throughout the year.

“We already have such policies which are handled by the financial committee. So I believe the funds are fairly allocated and monitored,” said MPSJ president Datuk Asmawi Kasbi.

The funds for the Urban Poverty Eradication Programme are divided into two parts, RM200,000 for 24zones in MPSJ and the other RM100,000 for cash handouts and material contributions.

Each zone is allowed to carry out its own poverty eradication programme for the poor with the limited funds given.

“The funds for dinner are actually a separate contribution by the council and not taken out of the RM300,000 fund,” said Asmawi.

Spay/Neuter & Release for Stray Animals

2011-11-08T20:17:00.002+08:00

This idea of spay/neutering a stray animal, and subsequently releasing the animal back to the community has been strongly advocated by Animal Welfare NGOs & animal lovers. By releasing the spayed animal back into the community, with proper feeding and management, the animals can live out their natural lives, instead of being put down at the animal pounds (as is the practice throughout Malaysia today).

However, the biggest challenge towards implementing this humane idea is the community's acceptance of it. Complaints to MPSJ regarding strays animals still rank in the top 5 of all complaints received by MPSJ each month. It seems that people simply don't like the idea of stray animals around their neighbourhood, be it for fear, or nuisance.

Below is an example of Spay/Neuter & Release for Stray Animals implemented in Singapore...

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_728745.html

First official cat feeding station launched in Yishun

By Daryl Chin

The common area under a block of flats in Yishun Ring Road has been turned into the first official cat feeding station on Sunday.

This will be the first of about 40 more such stations located around the Chong Pang area, or one for every three blocks.

A notice, which includes guidelines on responsible feeding of stray cats, will be hung next to each feeding spot.

Besides this, results from a survey done with 2,523 households in Chong Pang were also revealed.

The common area under a block of flats in Yishun Ring Road has been turned into the first official cat feeding station on Sunday. A notice, which includes guidelines on responsible feeding of stray cats, will be hung next to each feeding spot. -- ST PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM

Free bulk waste collection proposal rejected

2011-11-08T20:06:00.002+08:00

The reason I proposed this was to make it easy and popular for residents to call MPSJ on disposing of bulky waste, rather that illegally dumping them by the padang or street corners.

Since less than 10 people call every month, the amount that we raise from this exercise is virtually nothing. And we still have to spend on collecting it from the dumping spots.

Since we are not earning anything much, its better we just waive this fee, to reward the responsible citizens of Subang Jaya, and to encourage more to call, instead of illegally dumping.

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Free bulk waste collection proposal rejected

Published: Fri, 04 Nov 2011

SUBANG JAYA: A proposal for the municipality to provide free bulk waste collection in a bid to stop illegal dumping was shot down by Datuk Asmawi Kasbi.

“We cannot do it for free as there are still expenses to pay, like transportation. Residents who want their bulk waste collected will have to pay RM60,” said Subang Jaya Municipality (MPSJ) president.

The idea was raised by MPSJ councillor R Rajiv, during the council full board meeting on Monday.

Rajiv said that the free service would stop the public from dumping their waste along streets and empty plots of land.

Bulk waste, which includes refrigerators, sofa sets and other big items, will only be collected by the council if residents call MPSJ and request for a pickup.

“If we charge, very few people will call. But if its free, I’m sure many people will call the council to collect it from their homes,” said Rajiv.

Currently, only a handful of residents are paying for bulk waste collection while the majority are dumping it illegally, hoping it will be collected in a few weeks.

He said MPSJ should make it free for now to cultivate the habit of calling the council’s bulk waste collection hotline whenever they want to get rid of things.

“If we don’t do this, there will just be more and more illegal dumping happening in Subang Jaya, creating an eyesore for the community,” said Rajiv.

But Asmawi explained that MPSJ has other plans to tackle bulk waste collection.

“We will be placing Roro (Roll-on/ Roll-of) bins at areas with the most bulk waste disposal all around MPSJ, and people can dump their unwanted things there,” he said.

Starting next year, these Roro bins will be placed where they are needed, according to a schedule, and MPSJ will haul away the bulk waste for free.

Residents will be notified by the council on when and where the bins are placed in their areas.

MPSJ is currently identifying areas and drawing a schedule to cater to those living in Sri Kembangan, Subang, Sri Serdang and Puchong.

Shock visit for irresponsible resident

2011-11-08T20:05:00.002+08:00

Signalling to MPSJ Enforcement that illegal dumpers can be traced and can be caught. We need to start enforcing to produce good behavior.

Shock visit for irresponsible resident

Published: Fri, 21 Oct 2011

SUBANG JAYA: Homeowners who unwittingly left their addresses in piles of trash got a visit from an irate Hannah Yeoh last Saturday.

The Subang Jaya assemblyperson, accompanied by Subang Jaya Municipal councillors Dr Loi Kheng Min and Rajiv Rishyakaran, decided to confront the culprits in an effort to curb the irresponsible behaviour.

The culprits were identified by addresses on letters and receipts found in garbage bags tossed on sidewalks in SS18 and SS19.

The man who greeted them at the first house was confused and then embarrassed when told of the purpose of their visit.

“I didn’t even know about this, it was probably my wife. I am really sorry, I will talk to her,” said the man.

However, the next visit was less successful because the residents refused to answer the door.

Undeterred, they called the house using the phone number on a receipt found a few streets away, but were told that the people responsible for dumping the trash had all recently passed away.

“It seems that a call from us was like a call to heaven,” said Rajiv.

He pointed out that illegal dumping was due to the lack of civic-mindedness by sections of the community and not because of lack of action by MPSJ.

“If you doubt they are doing their job, come to me; I want everyone, especially the residents, to play their part in solving this issue,” he said.

Yeoh said she hoped the culprits realise that their actions affect the whole community.
“Confronting them will make them think twice,” she said.

Pemandu need to stay focus in improving public transport

2011-11-07T20:40:00.003+08:00

Dear Ahmad Suhaili Idrus,

Thank you for responding to my letter (response below). It is great to hear that Pemandu doesn't regard the MRT as the sole factor to improving public transport in the Klang Valley, and the solution has to be an integration of multiple modes, including the LRT and buses.

And we also acknowledge the efforts to improve the buses that you have listed, which by itself are commendable moves and efforts, which definitely has benefit.

However, we need to return to the core question - with an increasing population heading to 2020, how do you get Klang Valley citizens to abandon private cars for public transport. And towards that goal, more, much more must be done. Such as:

1) Increasing quantity of buses beyond 1450 (by 2012). Example, London, a city with extensive rail network and a population of over 7mil has 6800 buses. Buses are so important to complement rail, as there is no way you get link everyone within walking distance to a rail station.

2) Bus stops were refurbished and some new ones built - but an important element is still not installed - guides/journey planners. Unless you are already a regular public transport user, this makes it very difficult to learn the possible routes and thus use public transport.

3) No journey planner, which helps users get information on how to get from any one point to another. Examples of these are in Singapore (www.transitlink.com.sg) & Chicago (www.goroo.com). We need a similar journey planner, and one that covers all modes of transport, and all operators (not just RapidKL).

4) The bit up, bit down system for RapidKL should have been made compulsory for all public transport operators. Also, like Singapore, a discount should be given to users of electronic payment, to (a) speed up boarding of buses/trains, and (b) to gain important information on where people are traveling, to effectively improve routes and services.

5) Must have a program to recruit more bus drivers, as the industry is facing severe shortage of bus drivers. Incentives, "bus driving school scholarship" and other measures need to be implemented. This also augurs well for ETP's goal of job creation.

We know there's a lot to fix in public transport. And all effort must be geared with the single largest objective of getting people to want to leave their private cars and use public transport. And we are happy to work with Pemandu and SPAD towards improving public transport. We just hope that equal emphasis be given to other aspects of public transport and not just the MRT.

Sincerely,
Rajiv Rishyakaran
TRANSIT

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My original letter to Datuk Sri Idris Jala & Pemandu
http://www.rajiv4malaysia.com/2011/11/minister-is-wrong-klang-valley-will-be.html

Response from PEMANDU:
http://etpblog.pemandu.gov.my/posts/2011/11/03/mrt-is-integrated-with-lrt-ktm-monorail-and-bus-systems/

We refer to the letter ‘Idris Jala is wrong: MRT is not the only solution for Klang Valley’, written by Rajiv Rishyakaran from TRANSIT

Presumably, the writer was referring to Dato’ Sri’s response to a question during the recent ETP Turns One event, in which he said:

“MRT is absolutely in my opinion totally and utterly needed for our city. If we don’t have an MRT I can tell you, by the year 2020 this city will be choked.

The exact point where Dato’ Sri Idris Jala makes reference to the MRT project can be found in this video here: http://youtu.be/FmkCUl5TvXM?t=22m44s

We wish to clarify Dato’ Sri Idris Jala did not say that MRT is the only thing that will prevent Klang Valley from choking up by 2020.

The MRT project is part of an integrated and sustainable transport system for Greater Kuala Lumpur / Klang Valley, whose population is expected to hit 10 million people by the year 2020. Without the additional public transport capacity provided by the MRT integrated with the LRT, KTM, monorail and bus systems, the city will be choked by traffic, making it less livable for its residents and being an impediment to attract investors.

This fact has been communicated extensively, via several open days, engagements with the public and in the print, broadcast and digital media.

In fact, the Government is undertaking several initiatives under the National Key Result Area (NKRA) for Urban Public Transport to improve the quality of public transport. These efforts are being implemented by various agencies under the Ministry of Transport, RapidKL, SPAD, and as mentioned above, have already been communicated to the public on many occasions.

With reference to buses :-

The improvement of bus journey times by implementing Bus Expressway Transit (BET) services, and commissioning studies on the possibility of implementing dedicated bus rights of way such as bus lanes and Bus Rapid Transit systems and adding an additional 850 new buses on the roads from 2010 – 2012 by Rapid KL, bringing the total number of buses to 1450 by 2012 – 200 new buses in 2010, 400 new buses in 2011, 250 new buses in 2012.
Upgrading of 634 bus stops in 2010, 468 refurbished bus stop in 2011 across 7 PBTs with plans to build an additional 306 new bus stops in 2011 to ensure a bus stop is within 400m for 70% of the population by 2012
Reorganising the bus network in the Klang Valley in 2011 on completion of Urban Public Transport Masterplan by SPAD
Implementing integrated smart ticketing “Bit Up” and “Bit Down” which was launched on February 25, 2011 by RapidKL and sold on all RapidKL buses
Decongesting the city center by approximately 500 express buses with the establishment of the Integrated Transport Terminal (ITT) in Bandar Tasik Selatan removing the load off the Puduraya terminal. Further initiatives include a new ITT in Gombak by 2012 to cater to eastcoast and north bound express buses which will decongest the city center by a further 300 express buses.
Introducing performance standard monitoring for all public transport services

With reference to the LRT :-

The RapidKL LRT Kelana Jaya Line has improved its capacity and services with 22 new 4–car train sets starting from December 2009 with reduction in headway (interval between consecutive train arrivals) from 2.8 minutes to 2.5 minutes
Further initiatives include adding 35 sets of 4-car trains by 2012 and adding line extensions from Sri Petaling to Putra Heights and Kelana Jaya to Putra Heights to be operational by 2014
There is going to be interconnectivity between the MRT, LRT and KTM Komuter. There are 2 MRT-LRT interchanges one at Pasar Seni (Kelana Jaya line) and Taman Maluri (Ampang line) and 2 MRT-KTM Komuter interchanges at Sungai Buloh and Kajang. The MRT will also have a station near KL Sentral where the station will be linked to the transportation hub via an underground walkway with travellators, lifts and escalators. The distance between the MRT station and the KL Sentral complex is about 200m.

With reference to KTM Komuter :-

Adding 38 sets of 6-car trains to be delivered starting end 2011, doubling current capacity, with reduction in headway form 20 minutes to 7.5 minutes on major sections.

As for the MRT, the Klang Valley currently has a shortage of rail-based public transport coverage, with less than 20km of rail per million population. Public transport oriented cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong and London have more than 40km of rail per million population.

The MRT is a necessity as it will help to increase rail-based public transportation in the Klang Valley, and together with improvements to the existing urban transportation system, the Government hopes to increase the public transport modal share in the Klang Valley from the current 17% to 50% in 2020.

Ahmad Suhaili Idrus,

Director

NKRA Urban Public Transport

NKEA Greater Kuala Lumpur / Klang Valley

MRT on wrong track without masterplan, says Transit

2011-11-07T12:10:00.000+08:00

MRT on wrong track without masterplan, says Transit

By Shannon Teoh

September 10, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 — A local transport advocacy group has questioned the wisdom of committing up to RM50 billion into the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project without waiting for a public transport masterplan that will only be completed at the end of this month.

The Association For The Improvement Of Mass Transit (Transit) told The Malaysian Insiderthat this has tied the hands of transport authorities to the project instead of alternatives such as a bus rapid transit (BRT).

File photo of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (centre) launching the MRT project in July.

“We’ve put the cart before the horse as we’ve already decided we want to have the largest-ever infrastructure project, got the alignment and public feedback done and giving out contracts but nobody really knows what the big picture plan is,” said its spokesman Rajiv Rishyakaran.

Rajiv, who is representing the group while its chairman Muhammad Zulkarnain Hamzah is in Canada pursuing further studies, cited the Light Rail Transit (LRT) as a warning of the pitfalls of going ahead without a blueprint.

“Now more than a decade later they are extending it for RM7 billion,” he said of the two LRT lines which had cost an initial RM5.5 billion but continues to see low traffic at several stations.

The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) had begun drafting a national public transport masterplan in September last year, three months after it was established to streamline the country’s public transport system.

Although it gave itself 12 months to finalise the national public transport blueprint, the alignment for the first MRT line running 51km from Sungai Buloh to Kajang was opened to public feedback in March with tendering of work beginning in April.

SPAD chief executive Mohd Nur Kamal had said at the official MRT launch in July that “there is no sense waiting” for the masterplan as the mega project was primarily geared towards “jump-starting” the Najib administation’s Economic Transformation Programme.

Rajiv said the masterplan also fell short of a full transport masterplan that would take into account other parties such as the Public Works Department, local councils and the Malaysian Highway Authority.

“Instead, SPAD will plan and cross its fingers that everything else falls into place,” the Subang Jaya local councillor said.

Although Rajiv would not reveal details of Transit’s two discussions with SPAD over the masterplan this year, he said the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) had not been approached to discuss bus routes, “so you can deduce which direction they are heading.”

Transit had earlier proposed a BRT as an alternative for alleviating choking road traffic in the Klang Valley, stating that implementing it would cost 50 times less than the MRT.

But the suggestion was shot down in the MRT’s environmental impact assessment report which said that it would require 90-passenger vehicles to run uninterrupted nearly every 10 seconds to match the MRT’s targeted 30,000 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD).

The MRT project has come under fire from various parties including Malay contractors who demanded that qualifications for projects be eased to ensure Bumiputera participation.

Several communities have also been up in arms over SPAD’s insistence that it must acquire their land to build tracks for the project that it says is in the greater public interest.

Bright yellow hydrants for Subang Jaya

2011-11-07T12:09:00.000+08:00

Bright yellow hydrants for Subang Jaya

TH TEOH

Monday, September 26th, 2011 13:32:00

EASY TO SPOT : Brightly painted hydrants bring cheer to residents

SUBANG JAYA: FORTY-FIVE hydrants in the USJ13 neighbourhood were checked and given a new coat of paint, through the joint efforts of the Subang Jaya Fire and Rescue Department and the USJ13 Rukun Tetangga.

Armed with hoes, paint brushes and tins of bright yellow paint, about 30 residents from the neighbourhood and Bomba cadets from SMK USJ13 spent three hours last Saturday cleaning up the areas and repainting hydrants.

Personnel from the SS17 Fire and Rescue Department headed by their station chief Deputy Supt Khairi Daud joined residents in the initiative while checking all hydrants were working.

"We have 5,000 hydrants under our jurisdiction in Subang Jaya, USJ and Putra Heights. Through such community-based initiatives, we can check hydrants in the different neighbourhoods faster and this ensures we have functioning hydrants during an emergency.

"We are continuing our joint programme with the community and welcome any collaboration with residents," he said, adding the department had done similar work in USJ2 several months ago.

Khairi said it was important for residents who have hydrants in front of their homes to keep the surroundings clear.

"We encourage house owners who have hydrants in front of their homes to adopt the units under our Rakan Pili Bomba programme.

"All you need to do under this programme is to ensure the hydrants are not obstructed. If you notice any vandalism or damage to the hydrants, call us and we will come to check and repair them," he said.

Bandar Puteri 8 Residents Association chairman Datuk Samson Maman, who dropped in to learn more about the initiative, said he was inspired by the collaboration between the SS17 Fire and Rescue Department and the community.

"I hope to bring this back to my community in Puchong and replicate it with the Puchong Fire and Rescue Department," he said.

Subang Jaya residents who wish to initiate a similar gotong-royong in their neighbourhood can contact the SS17 Fire and Rescue Deparment at 03-5634 9444.Puchong folk can call the department at 03-8070 7879.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha

2011-11-05T23:52:00.002+08:00

Invitation to Participate in My Fiesta Carnival 16 Dec 2011 - 06 Feb 2012

2011-11-05T13:51:00.003+08:00

Dear residents,

If you'd like to participate in the carnival below....

Greetings from Garden Explore.

We are delighted to extend our invitation to you / your valued Company / esteem Organization to participate in the largest festive carnival in Malaysia, Garden Explore Fiesta Carnival, from 16^th Dec 2011 to 6^th Feb 2012 that also coincides with

· 2 festive seasons - Christmas Day & Chinese New Year

· The Celebration of the Year - 2012 New Year Countdown Music Concert

To create the fiesta ambience, lots of fun filled attractions and events have been lined up to attract visitors from different walks of life which includes the Chinese New Year Countdown with ASTRO, 2012 New Year's Countdown with artistes, automobile shows, live performances, special appearance of "Ah Beng" and other artistes, "meet the fan session", fun fair, magic shows, goodies giveaways and many more.

A wide spread of media coverage are also included to target a total visitors of 300,000 to this 8 zone of difference merchandises walk Fiesta Carnival.

As an early bird incentive, over 800 booths at the carnival are now open for rental with an attractive 30% discount for a limited time only and subjected to Terms of Carnival Contract.

So hurry, call us now at 016 3903141 (Justin Chang) or email at exp_faith@hotmail.com to find out more on how we can assist you / your esteem organization to be a part of the largest festive carnival in Malaysia.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

"Party into 2012 from X'mas to Chap Goh Mei"

Best Regards,

Garden Explore Team

Forum Belanjawan Pakatan Rakyat 2012

2011-11-05T13:38:00.002+08:00

Education on Housing Awareness

2011-11-05T13:15:00.003+08:00

I highly recommend you take a look at this, and attend if you can....

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Next week on Sunday, 13.11.2011, HBA in collaboration with Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan (KPKT) and REHDA will be hosting a National Housing Seminar on Education on Housing Awareness campaign. It is funded by KPKT and will be launched by the Minister of Housing & Local Government, YB Dato Seri Chor Chee Heung. It is the first of the series to be launched and will subsequently be taken to all the major cities of Peninsular Malaysia. Please have a look at the attached programme for the topics and speakers.

HBA on Sat, 12.11.2011 will also be hosting the "PEMUDAH Focus Group on Registering Property' with the collaboration with LHDN, JPPH, PTGWL on understanding the '1 day adjudication and 1 day registration rule'. Attached is the programme for your information.

Your rubbish, your bin!

2011-11-05T13:06:00.001+08:00

Your rubbish, your bin!

TH TEOH

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011 12:00:00

IRRESPONSIBLE: Hannah, Loi and Rajiv inspecting an illegal dumpsite in SS14

SUBANG JAYA: Pack it. Wrap it. Dump it in your bin.

That's what you do with your rubbish. Stop the habit of dumping rubbish by the road shoulders or anywhere else except in your own rubbish bins, so said Subang Jaya assemblyman, Hannah Yeoh.

Yeoh said indiscriminate rubbish dumping had come to the point where no neighbourhood in Subang Jaya was spared the ugly sight of rubbish piles by road shoulders.

"Illegal dumping by residents is one of the main contributing factors we face these days and it's not just about inefficient garbage collection by MPSJ contractors," she said.

"During a spot check with MPSJ councillors Dr K.M. Loi and R. Rajiv in SS14 and SS18, we went through a pile of rubbish and found the details and address of the culprit.

"We took a drive to the house and confronted him. This exercise actually puts a face to the act of dumping rubbish illegally. These acts are done by our own residents, our own neighbours.

"My plea to Subang Jaya residents, don't just take care of your own backyard. Please think of the community as a whole."

Yeoh said there was no reason why rubbish disposed off in bins right in front of homes would not be collected.

"There is no reason for you to dump your rubbish one or two rows away from your street. That's a nuisance to the people around you," she said.

Yeoh hoped everyone would play their part. "MPSJ must also go down to the ground to conduct spot-checks."

She said excuses by the council that it was unable to trace and compound the culprits were not true. If the council searched hard enough, it would be able to identify the culprits and nip the cause in the bud.

Council's rat baiting exercise

2011-11-05T13:05:00.000+08:00

Council's rat baiting exercise

TH TEOH

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011 11:55:00

SUBANG JAYA: A major rat eradication exercise will be launched by Universiti Sains Malaysia and the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) at the SS15 business district in December.

It is the first salvo in a long-term attempt to curb the alarming increase of rats in the municipality.

The pilot project will be spearheaded by USM’s school of biological sciences dean, Prof Abu Hassan Ahmad and MPSJ’s health department director Dr Roslan Mohamed Hussin.

Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh funded the first phase of this research, which involves rat baiting, with a RM5,000 pledge.

Abu Hassan said killing many rats in the first wave was one way of tackling rat infestation in any area.

"Our aim is to reduce and wipe out the population with continuous baiting in the affected areas," he said.

“We will start by placing high quantities of bait and continue this with more bait until we can see a reduction in the consumption of the bait by the rats."

The programme will take three months. A quick assessment will be made to identify the “hot spots” based on public complaints and this is where the major concentration of baiting will be done.

Abu Hassan said rats which consumed the bait would be dead within one to two days depending on the toxicity of the product used.

“Once we start baiting, we need the cooperation of everyone, be it MPSJ or the business community, to quickly remove the dead rats," he said.

“We also need to focus on the sanitation of the area. People need to clean up their own premises of food waste and ensure their garbage disposal is done properly."

Abu Hassan said the rat population normally boomed when there was easy access to food sources.

He said it was important for the council to strictly enforce sanitation practices in restaurants and food outlets if it wanted to seriously tackle rat infestation.

USJ Urban Forest

2011-11-05T11:50:00.003+08:00

The last remaining piece of unmarked land in USJ, situated between the TNB power lines and USJ3C along Persiaran Setia, will be developed into an Urban Forest. Since last year, the usage of this piece of land has been up in discussion, since the proposed private recreation development fell thru and was cancelled.

While private developers were eying the land (size about 5 acres) for various commercial development, JKP Zone 3 was determined to see it preserved as recreational for the benefit of Subang Jaya & USJ residents. Toying with the idea of an Organic Eco Farm, center for some cultural activities, and a green lung, the development of this recreational center is moving ahead this November with the phase 1: creating an urban forest.

What was great was MPSJ Town Planning Department also was moving along the same thinking lines as JKP, and they revealed earlier this year a suggestion to create the urban forest. Things got into motion with a meeting between MPSJ’s Town Planning Department, Landscape Department and JKP in March.

Since then, Rotary Club of USJ has come forth to volunteer to do tree planting, and the timing was perfect, and so, with that on 11^th November 2011 (11/11/11), JKP3, MPSJ & Rotary Club of USJ will be planting 1111 (yes, one thousand one hundred and eleven trees) at the site.

MPSJ is in the midst of preparing the trees to be planted, as well as the necessary earth works as you read this now. For Phase one, besides planting the trees, there will be an earth trail thru the “forest”.

Later, we aim to build some public toilets, maybe some picnic areas, and if we can get a suitable partner, start the Organic Farm, which will serve as some sort of plant and maybe animal museum to the city kids.

The trees for USJ Urban Forest 1st round planting would be:

Kasai - 100
Merawan Siput Jantan - 200
Chengal - 200
Meranti Tembaga - 200
Keruing Kertas - 200
Pelong - 100
Merawan Meranti - 100
Kelumpang Jari - 11

Total - 1111 trees

The location for the Urban Forest is here: http://g.co/maps/bmbcd

View Larger Map

MPSJ acts on improving bulk waste collection

2011-11-03T01:21:00.002+08:00

I had proposed is the recent full board meeting that MPSJ abolishes the fee from collecting bulky waste from homes. Currently, for disposing sofas, mattresses, etc, a fee of RM60 is imposed when you call MPSJ to come pick it up from your house.

Since the majority of residents don't call anyways (less than 100/yr), I think its pointless to collect the fee, penalizing the few who dispose of these bulky waste responsibly, unlike most who seem to enjoy dragging it out to street corners.

Since revenue loss will not be much, I hope this measure, if approved, will help reduce the incidences of roadside dumping.

While the proposal was not adopted in the last full board meeting, I hope my fellow councillors will give it some consideration, and that it will be approved soon.

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MPSJ acts on improving bulk waste collection

By S. PUSPADEVI
puspa@thestar.com.my

THE Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) has set up a task force comprising five teams to handle bulk waste collection.

MPSJ president Datuk Asmawi Kasbi said the task force had begun collecting bulk waste since numerous complaints arose from the public.

Since the beginning of its operations, Asmawi said the council had received a total of 102 complaints regarding uncollected bulk waste in October compared with 106 in the previous month.

“The number of complaints have reduced. We will come up with a fixed schedule and inform residential areas on the specific days and designated areas for bulk waste collection,” said Asmawi, adding that Subang Jaya is the highest on the list in terms of bulk waste collection.

“The task force has until December to compile the data and statistics on bulk waste collection in Subang Jaya,” he said, adding that the collection will be carried out twice a month.

He said since Alam Flora Sdn Bhd had ceased providing garbage collection and cleaning services in Selangor on Oct 16, the number of complaints for domestic waste collection had also reduced to 89 in October compared with 124 in August.

He said the council had no plans to increase the number of contractors for garbage collection services but assured that the council would monitor their progress from time to time.

At present, the council has 71 contractors assigned to garbage collection services in Subang Jaya.

Garbage is collected three times a week for residential areas and playgrounds, six times a week for high-rise buildings, commercial areas and industrial areas, and daily for wet markets.

Youths deface park amenities after drinking spree

2011-11-03T01:13:00.000+08:00

Its such a shame...

Youths deface park amenities after drinking spree

By ELAN PERUMAL
elan@thestar.com.my

A park in USJ12 in Subang Jaya has become a meeting place for youths in the neighbourhood who would drink until the wee hours and vandalise the facilities in the area.

The residents in the area said the benches, gazebos and walls had been vandalised and the youths were causing social problems.

Irresponsible act: The community cabin is not spared from vandalism.

Unit trust consultant K.W. Tan, whose house is across the park, said he spent a few hours every Sunday to get rid of alcohol bottles that were left behind.

Tan said after getting high on alcohol these people would smash the beer bottles leaving the broken pieces scattered at the park.

“I would pick up the broken pieces of glass because children playing at the park would get hurt.

“I feel sad that a nice neighbourhood which has a big field and park has been vandalised,’’ he said.

Cleaning up: Tan picking up a liquor bottle found in the park.

Subang Jaya municipal councillor R. Rajiv said the park also experienced frequent blackouts caused by irresponsible residents.

Rajiv added these residents would remove the fuse from the fuse box to switch off the spotlights at the park so that their drinking spree would go unnoticed.

“This usually happens during the weekends,” he said.

MPSJ senior assistant director Muhammad Zaki Yusoff, who visited the area, said the council would look into the complaints.

Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh urged the residents to be civic conscious and appreciate the facilities provided to them.

“I hope the residents will be more responsible in making their areas a nice place to live,’’ she said.

MPSJ gives reasons for issuing notices on property valuation

2011-11-03T01:07:00.001+08:00

MPSJ seeks your cooperation on this...

Council gives reasons for issuing notices

THE Subang Jaya Municipal Council’s (MPSJ) Valuation and Property Management Department director Raja Amir Iskandar Raja Azlan said the owner’s statement form was intended to update data on property ownership in areas under the loacl authority.

He said submission of the owner’s statement form would help the department in:

·Updating the latest information on property owners, such as the use of the premises, whether the property is occupied by its owner or rented out, whether the property has been modified or not, and other details to complete the department’s assessment records. Documents submitted by property owners such as title deeds and sales and purchase agreement, lease agreement are for verification purposes only and will be retained as MPSJ’s record;

·Identifying current property owner due to the possibility of a transfer or sale and purchase of property that was not reported to the MPSJ by giving the Form 1 notice (as contained in Section 160 of the Local Government Act (Act 171) to the Valuation and Property Management Department; and

·Verifying the mailing address should it differ from the address of the property subjected to assessment tax to facilitate the delivery of assessment bills and notices.

“Local authorities in Selangor received instructions from the state government to carry out the latest assessment tax evaluation, which should be done every five years,” said Raja Amir Iskandar

“The directive also required that local authorities not to increase the assessment fees despite an increase in evaluation.

“Evaluation work and amendments to the Valuation List is made from time to time (if the cause comes under the provisions of Section 144 of the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171)).

“However, as a preparatory measure towards the evaluation work, the Valuation and Property Management has taken the initial steps towards updating the information and that was subsequently approved at the Finance Committee Committee meeting,” he said.

Raja Amir Iskandar said the owner’s statement form was initiated with the SS areas in Subang Jaya on July 19, and served to property owners by sending door-to-door notices in stages.

“However, due to a number of constraints faced by the department, the delivery of the notices will be by post,” he said.

“We hope that property owners will cooperate with us by completing and returning the owner’s statement form within 14 days upon receiving the form,” he said.

Request for KESAS to move Touch'nGo & SmartTag lane to the left at Sunway toll

2011-11-02T20:47:00.001+08:00

For over a year now, MPSJ, thru the Infrastructure committee as raised and pushed KESAS to install or move one Touch'nGo & SmartTag lane to the left of its Sunway toll (Klang bound). This is to ease cars that are taking the immediate left into USJ1 from the toll booth from having to weave thru traffic.

Sadly, KESAS is not cooperating on this matter. They insist that MPSJ should foot the bill, which is likely to be more than RM100,000. This is just not logical - no where does a local government foot such bills on behalf of highway operators, when it is their highway, their customers, clearly their responsibility to do so.

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http://www.thesundaily.my/news/184725

Move a SmartTag lane to the left

Posted on 21 October 2011 - 05:07am

I AM a daily user of the Kesas Highway to get to and from work. I have written to the Kesas authorities via LSA_Web@kesas.com.my regarding the SmartTag lanes at the Sunway Toll Plaza (heading towards USJ, Shah Alam and Klang).

Currently both SmartTag lanes are located at the extreme right of the toll plaza. Vehicles exiting these lanes have to cut across to the left to enter the exit ramp to the USJ 1/Subang Permai area amid speeding traffic also exiting the toll plaza from the cash and Touch ’n Go lanes. This is a dangerous move and there have been narrow misses. I should know as I am one of those who has to make these dangerous manoeuvres on a daily basis.

In my emails, I have suggested that one of the SmartTag lanes be relocated to the left to cater to users who need to take the exit ramp to USJ 1/Subang Permai.

Unfortunately, it has been more than a year and there has been no change to the status quo.

The current scenario is an accident waiting to happen. Is it that difficult to relocate a lane or is customer safety not a priority? We are paying customers and Kesas has a duty of care to ensure our safety.

To those in a position to do something, please exercise your authority do so. Be pro-active and not react only when something happens. It will be too late then.

S.L. Lee
via email

The Minister is wrong (Klang Valley will be choked up by 2020 if no MRT, says Idris)

2011-11-02T00:41:00.004+08:00

Referring to

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=623995

With all due respect to YB Datuk Seri Idris Jala, he is wrong is stating that MRT is the only thing that will prevent Klang Valley from choking up by 2020. Traffic congestion stems from the high usage of private cars, especially single occupancy vehicles. While the proposed Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK) MRT is bound to take some private cars off the roads of Klang Valley, this is not the direct answer or remedy to the fact that more and more private cars are coming into our road system every day.

What is very important is having a reliable public transport network, that enables all citizens from in the Klang Valley to be able to move around from one end to another solely on public transport, regardless of bus or MRT. Today, this is lacking, and we need to see the government and Pemandu address this lack of a complete network.

The SBK line will not even cover 20% of the Klang Valley population, so, at this rate, many who may be staying along this transport corridor may still have to resort to using private vehicles to get to their destinations.

Since the government is not in a financial position to role out MRT lines all over the Klang Valley (similar to New York's subway), the government needs to concede the importance of buses in building and achieving the network. Both highly dense Singapore & Hong Kong today record higher bus ridership than MRT ridership, showing the importance of bus networks.

Rajiv Rishyakaran

Advisor

The Association For The Improvement Of Mass Transit' (TRANSIT)

Happy Deepavali

2011-10-25T23:30:00.002+08:00

Wishing everyone out there a Happy Deepavali...

"Ghost" bus stops in Subang Jaya

2011-10-12T23:15:00.002+08:00

SPAD needs to respond, its been over a month, and they have yet to reply Selangor Times.

Abandoned Homes - the unresolved issue....

2011-10-12T12:23:00.002+08:00

The story below is highlighted in The Star, is a very real problem. One challenge is to what extend can local councils enter private homes to clean up, but the bigger challenge is also cost. To what extend does local councils "manage" this homes. It is not just a one off clean up, but regular maintenance is needed. Also, in serious cases, where door, walls, fences, roof needs to be fixed, that's going to eat up cost too.

Unless Parliament amends the law to allow local councils to take over ownership? or at least during this maintenance period, allow the local councils to rent out the property to recoup the cost of repair, and having a tenant will keep the place decent thereafter.

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Abandoned house causes misery

By EDWARD R. HENRY
edward@thestar.com.my
Photos by SAM THAM

ABOUT 100 families in Section 17, Petaling Jaya, have signed a petition to urge Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to take action against the owner of a vacant house which has been attracting rats and snakes.

A decade ago fire destroyed the first floor of the double-storey house at the T-junction of Jalan 17/3 and Jalan 17/4. The occupants have since left the house vacant.

Immediate neighbour, Loo Hon Kong, 80, said the property had become a garbage dump, a resting place for vagrants and a haven for illegal activities.

“There’s so much noise made by drug addicts at night. I had called the police on several occasions, but the patrol car would just go pass the house without taking any action. Sometimes the police will scold me for calling them,” he said.

Unhappy neighbours: (From left) Lau, Kanesan, Chong with Leo in front of the dilapidated house that is posing a nuisance to neighbours.

Loo said the house was accessible from the back alley where the fence had fallen off.

Another resident C. Leo said the house had been vacant for 10 years.

“The immediate neighbours had approached the house owner to buy the property but he had declined and the same time, nothing is being done to solve the problem faced by the neighbours,” he said.

Housewife Chong Yoke Ying said a snake had entered her home twice and she believed that it slithered from the dilapidated house that was overgrown with grass.

Residents S. L. Lau and S. Kanesan suggested that MBPJ clean up of the house compound.

“We also want the council to track down the owner to seek a solution to the problem faced by the neighbours.

MBPJ president Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman he said he would refer the matter to the council’s Health department director Dr Chitradavi Vadivellu for immediate action.

“I would visit Section 17 to see the problem and ensure action is taken,” he added.

Cleaning abandoned homes

2011-10-09T17:30:00.003+08:00

While MPSJ does go in to clean up abandoned homes for the sake of the neighbourhood, the issue of claiming the cost remains. I personally feel that MPSJ must chase after this payments, for if not, we would be seen to encourage this bad behavior.

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