TNB says move to construct electrical towers better in the long run

The Star, Friday September 25, 2015 

by yvonne nathan

Residents at the briefing with representatives from Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj), Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Ikram Group Sdn Bhd and Selangor Forestry Department. — LOW LAY PHON/ The Star"

Residents affected by logging activities for the construction of the Mahkota Cheras Main Sub-Station by Tenaga Nasional Berhad are angry that the issue was not resolved to their satisfaction.

The pylon project that will connect transmission lines from the main Mahkota Cheras substation to the existing 275kV Serdang-Pudu Ulu and 132kV Balakong-Bandar Tun Razak lines, cuts into 45ha of the Hulu Langat Forest Reserve. The reserve is 13,000ha.

Although TNB received clearance for the project from the Selangor government, residents in the affected areas are questioning the move.

Ampang Jaya Municipal councillor and Bukit Hartamas resident Sally Sian took issue, claiming that residents were not briefed prior to the start of logging works.

“There used to be a river in the area which became our emergency water supply during water disruptions, but now it is clogged with mud,” she said.

Kamarol briefing residents on the approved plans for erecting the transmission lines.

 

Another Bukit Hartamas resident, Rosli Majid, asked what happened to his neighbourhood as he discovered a partial landslide during his morning walk.

“We have no objections to the project but there is no effort to monitor the area,” he said.

Taman Segar Perdana resident Foong Yong Wah questioned the reason for not using an underground route.

“Placing the cables underground has been successful in Europe and other developed countries,” he said.

Datuk Eadon Chen who lives in Bukit Hartamas, said there was no justification for cutting down a portion of the reserve forest.

“Who is going to be responsible if a landslide happens, and where is the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment studies?” he questioned.

Many residents are also worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) affecting them because of the close proximity of the pylons to their residences.

According to TNB Transmission Department general manager Kamarol Zaman Radzak during a briefing, TNB engaged Ikram to assess the existing slopes along the transmission route.

“The transmission line is a 12.9km route from the existing transmission line and if residents find any other areas they feel are a threat, they can inform us and we will notify Ikram.

“The project is meant to assist in supplying energy for the upcoming MRT project, the Langat 2 water treatment plant project as well as provide a reliable supply of power for Cheras, Mahkota Cheras and its surrounding areas.

“If there is an incident, and after studies by Ikram and the necessary authorities have been done and TNB is at fault, then we will accept the responsibility; we are not running away,” he said, assuring residents that TNB would carry out on-ground testing to allay their EMF concern.

He said the decision by the state government not to use alternative routes came after TNB presented the pros and cons, also weighing performance of the transmission line against that of using underground cables.

“The transmission line is superior in terms of performance, it is easier to find the cause if there is a disruption, while the underground cable will take more time to repair,” he said, adding that the route did not involve building structures and surrounding lots.

Selangor Forestry Department director Dr Mohd Puat Dahalan said the logging activities would be carried out seven days a week from 8.30am to 6pm and strictly monitored.

“This is not deforestation, they are only removing a small part of the forest and once TNB has erected the lines, they will plant grass and other suitable trees in the area.

“If there is any logging activity carried out after hours without approval, should inform us and we will take action,” he said.

Despite the assurances from various authorities, the forum ended with residents from the different housing estates banding together around a coffin as a show of their discontent with, and opposition to the project.

Woman shoplifts 70 items in five hours from hypermart

The Star. Wednesday September 23, 2015

by nicholas cheng

KAJANG: A woman spent five hours making repeated trips in and out of a Cheras Selatan hypermarket, carting a bag filled with stolen items each time.

Her “shopping trips” came to an abrupt end when a security guard noticed the woman making her way several times to her car parked outside.

She was detained and upon investigation, her car was found loaded with over RM7,500 worth of shoplifted items.

The stolen items ranged from Barbie Dolls to anti-ageing cream, pillow cases, linen and bolsters, children’s clothes, jewellery, stationery to branded handbags.

In his police report, the guard said he was on his rounds at about 11.15am in the women’s clothing aisle when he spotted the 45-year-old woman carrying a large plastic bag and walking in a “suspicious manner”.

He said she did not pay for anything and yet managed to walk out of the hypermarket without anyone stopping her.

The guard observed her returning to the hypermarket with the plastic bag, each time empty at first, to repeat the theft.

This went on for several trips before she was finally stopped.

“Two other guards and I approached her and asked if she had receipts for the items in her car,” he said.

“She did not have a receipt and I took her to a questioning room where she admitted to stealing the items.”

The list of stolen items spanned two pages in the police report.

She had, in total, stolen 70 items which also included high-knee socks, Hello Kitty blankets, reading glasses, watches and storage set.

Kajang deputy OCPD Supt Abdul Ghani Mohamad Ji said the woman had no prior criminal record but could face up to 10 years in jail if convicted for theft.

Gang robbing housewives in low-security neighbourhoods

The Star, Saturday September 26, 2015

KAJANG: A gang of robbers has been preying on housewives who do not live in gated neighbourhoods.

District police chief Asst Comm Willey Richard said the gang of seven to eight men targeted the women when they did chores outside their houses in residential areas with low security.

In their latest crime spree, the gang robbed four housewives, aged between 50 and 67, within a span of two hours on Tuesday.

ACP Willey said the robberies took place between 9am to 11am in Bandar Baru Bangi, Saujana Impian and Taman Sri Ramal.

“In one case, a 67-year-old housewife was taking out the garbage when three men on motorcycles approached her.

“One of them flashed a knife at her, forcing her to surrender her jewellery,” he said.

ACP Willey said the suspects robbed three more housewives after that.

“Each victim suffered losses between RM3,000 and RM6,000, but they were not injured,” he said.

In an unrelated case, a family of seven was rudely awakened by robbers who broke into their Saujana Impian bungalow at around 3am on Wednesday.

ACP Willey said four men, believed to be Indonesians, entered the house through the living room window and threatened the family with parang and knives.

ACP Willey said the men ransacked the house and escaped with RM103,000 worth of loot.

“They stole money, jewellery, four luxury watches and six mobile phones,” he said.

There was a closed-circuit television system installed in the house. “But the suspects took off with the footage,” ACP Willey said.

He said police were tracking down the suspects, who wore ski masks and gloves when they committed their crime.

Snooker centre employee robbed by four men

The Star, Monday September 21, 2015 

by natasha joibi

KAJANG: A snooker centre employee lost two days worth of earnings after he was robbed by four men.

District deputy police chief Supt Abdul Ghani Mohamad Ji said the 36-year-old employee was about to enter his Proton Waja parked in front of a food outlet in Kajang Utama when he was ambushed by a man wearing a helmet at about 4am Sunday.

 "The suspect pointed a knife to his neck and instructed the victim to enter the backseat of the Waja."Another suspect took the wheels of the car and drove to a nearby residential area," he explained on Monday.

Supt Abdul Ghani said the men took the victim's mobile phone, tablet and two days worth of earnings amounting to RM3500.

"Two men on separate motorcycles arrived to pick up their accomplices. All four rode off with the stolen loot.

"We believe that they were between the ages of 18 and 25," he noted.

In an unrelated case, a supervisor at a shuttle bus company was travelling on his motorcycle in Kampung Sungai Balak here when he was stopped by a Proton Saga at around 3am last Thursday.

"There were three men in the car. Two alighted from the vehicle.

"One man held  a parang to his neck while another hit him on the head. They instructed him to enter the car," said Supt Abdul Ghani.

According to Supt Abdul Ghani , the suspects drove off with the victim inside the car and abandoned the latter's motorcycle.

"They robbed him of his wallet, camera, mobile phone and RM90 of cash. His Indonesian wife's identity card was also taken.

"They then abandoned him by the roadside on the Silk Highway," he elaborated.

The victim, who suffered injuries to his head, went back to where his motorcycle was abandoned the next day, but the vehicle was no longer there.

Both cases are being investigated under Section 395/397 of the Penal Code for gang robbery.

New sewerage network for Kajang

The Star, Monday September 21, 2015

by farah fazanna zulzaha

Keeping residents updated: Lee (second from left) during a briefing with Sungai Chua residents representatives on the construction of the new sewerage system.

KAJANG will soon have a new sewerage system.

The current system is more than 15 years old and needs to be upgraded.

The upgrade, which began two years ago, will also see a centralised sewage treatment plant near Kampung Simpang Balak.

Hulu Langat MCA chairman Datuk Jeffrey Lee said the new sewerage system would make it easier for inspection and maintenance.

Lee held a briefing for Sungai Chua residents recently as the second phase of the project would start soon and would affect the residents in the area.

“The first phase was focused on residential areas and the second phase will focus on the town and industrial areas,” he said.

Other upgrades included closing down 58 sewage plants in Kajang and building nine new plants.

The nine new plants will be built in Taman Villa Heights, Taman Restu, Taman Kajang Baru, Taman Saga Mas, Taman Maju, Taman Desa Meringin, Taman Seri Kenari, Taman Mewah Indah and Taman Kajang Ria.

The new sewage pipe system is 30km long and has been designed to cater for future developments.

“The upgrade is needed to ensure less pollution and it will help to solve water issues in the area,” said Lee.

He explained that with the new centralised sewage treatment plant, a higher quality of water would be able to flow back into Sungai Langat.

Residents around Sungai Chua can expect the project to start by mid-October and the project will take about two years to complete.

Lee said there would be water disruption in the affected areas but assured that immediate action would be taken.

He added that the project by the Government would benefit Kajang residents.

“Residents facing any problem from the construction work can lodge a complaint through their residents associations.

The sewerage system upgrading project is under the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry with Sri Tinggi Sdn Bhd as the contractor.

MRT works – Cheras-Kajang Expressway lane closure

By Gregory Sze, 11 September 2015

A 200-metre portion of the Cheras-Kajang Expressway will be temporarily closed to facilitate works related to the MRT project, according to a report by The Star. The closure will be in place for one month starting today, from September 11 to October 11 for 24 hours.

In a statement released by MMC-Gamuda, the firm stated that the closure will see “the left most lane of KM 14.6 until KM 14.8 of Cheras-Kajang Expressway (KL-bound) closed for 24 hours from September 11 to October 11 to facilitate painting and reinstatement works at P115.”

During the closure, three lanes will be open for use to motorists as opposed to the usual four-lane layout from the 704 interchange, MMC-Gamuda added.

Upgrading of Kajang Hospital will be expedited - PM

Bernama, September 08, 2015 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak visiting the Kajang Hospital on Tuesday. BERNAMA pic

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Several improvements at the Kajang Hospital will be promptly implemented for the comfort of the staff and patients, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said the move was to enable the hospital to accommodate the demands of the patients at the wards or outpatient unit.

He noted that among the measures to be taken were upgrading the air conditioning system by installing air conditioners at suitable areas, especially at the treatment clinic and waiting hall.

Najib, who made a surprise visit to the hospital today, said he also wanted security to be upgraded such as changing the fences to walls besides other measures.

"Although, the hospital has adequate expertise and equipment, improvements can still be made in terms of security and comfort for the staff and patients, its capacity to accommodate patients whether at the wards or outpatient unit and several other matters," he said in his latest posting on his Facebook account.

Najib said the land usage at the hospital was not optimised as almost all the buildings were single-storey.

As such, according to Najib,the government was prepared to consider any suggestion to renovate and upgrade the hospital, which was built in 1889.

"All these are essential so that we can provide quality health service in comfort and safety to those needing it," he said.

Last year, the government approved a RM10-million allocation to add 30 hospital beds, a ward and two operation theatres (at the hospital).

"The upgrading of the hospital cannot be avoided in the long term to meet the demand of the residents in Kajang as the populace in the vicinity has gone up tremendously since its inception," the Prime Minister added.

Kids paint their love for Malaysia

The Star, Friday September 4, 2015 

by priya menon

The children and their ‘Sehati Sejiwa’ inspired T-Shirts.

DEEP in concentration, with a paint brush in their hand, the children from two welfare homes expressed their love for Malaysia on T-shirts during a special art programme over the National Day weekend.

Eager to showcase their talents, the children painted their interpretation of the National Day slogan “Sehati Sejiwa” on the T-shirts at the “T-Shirt Colouring” event organised by The Mines shopping centre.

The activity at the mall in Seri Kembangan saw participation of 58 underprivileged children from Rumah Keluarga Kami and Yayasan Sunbeam Homes.

The children, who rarely celebrate National Day beyond their home, were very eager to join in the fun.

One little budding artist was Fiona Khoo, who wrote “Merdeka is the Best” on her T-shirt in addition to the pre-designed stickers that were provided.

Rumah Keluarga Kami’s caregiver Rayal Andrews Jose said they were happy that the children were given the opportunity to enjoy a day away from the home during the long weekend. The 20-year-old home in Kajang has some 30 children aged between six and 17 years old.

“They need the exposure to other people to practise their social skills and get comfortable conversing with people,” he added.

The 58 children from the two homes feeling enthusiastic.

 

Jose said the children usually were taken on outings during festive seasons and rarely went to malls.

His view was echoed by Yayasan Sunbeam Homes Daycare coordinator S. Saraswathy, who said going out gave the children an opportunity to mingle with others.

“This way they learn how to carry themselves in public, but as caretakers we need to also ensure they do not pick up any negative influence while outside,” she added.

Saraswathy also emphasised that National Day-themed events were important for the children to understand the occasion’s significance.

She said the younger generation often treated the day lightly and did not know the importance of gaining independence and the hardship Malaysia’s forefathers went through to achieve it.

The Mines marketing communications manager Paulin Lim said the event was intended to show the children the true meaning of independence day through an easy and fun activity.

“At the same time, we wanted to give the children a chance to express what Merdeka meant to them,” she said.

A young boy focusing on his painting during the art programme.

 

But instead of expressing their creativity on paper, she said the shopping centre wanted the children to be able to wear their creation and so decided on T-shirts instead.

After their creative exercise, The Mines filled the hungry stomachs with meals from Fish & Co before they departed for home.

The children also took home goodie bags prepared by the mall.

Shades of Merdeka in drawings

The Star, Sunday September 6, 2015 

by rebecca rajaendram

Wartime staples: The students preparing tapioca and banana dishes at the school.

IT may have seemed like an ordinary task, but for the special needs students of SMK Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (Integrasi), it was extraordinary. It required time and effort.

The pictures they coloured were in various shades including red, white and blue - colours of the Jalur Gemilang.

Even if their fingers were a little unsteady, they were still focused, wanting very much to present their best Merdeka images during a colouring competition to mark the country’s National Day last week.

The school’s senior assistant (special needs education) Aliamah Mohammad was full of praise for the students. She commended them for trying and completing their tasks.

They may be different from the other students, but they are just as determined, she said.

“They should not be isolated. It is good that they participate and integrate with the rest during school celebrations to mark special events.

“In fact, these students also helped to sell food and snacks like yong tau fu, potato crisps and drinks during a mini sale held at the school grounds,” she added.

The school in Kajang has had hearing and speech impaired students since 1976. Currently it has 26 special needs students.

Aliamah added that it was important to include the special needs students into mainstream school activities to help them socialise.

“They join the mainstream students for lessons and our mainstream students are taught sign language every Wednesday, during assembly,” she said.

Aliamah said it was important for today’s youth to understand the importance of National Day and the hardships faced by past generations to secure the nation’s freedom.

Student Fatin Amirah Azlan, said it was a shame that today’s youth did not understand the true meaning of this important day.

“National Day is the day Malaysia was set free from the colonists. It put an end to their control and ideologies,” added the 19-year-old.

Her schoolmate Isaac Rajakumaran Rajkumar, lamented that many people took Malaysia’s independence for granted.

“They did not experience the situation and hardships that our former leaders went through. So, many of them don’t understand its importance.”

The celebration was launched with a bicycle convoy, flag bearers and kompang players accompanying Hulu Langat District Education Office assistant officer Mohd Fadzli Abu Bakar as he entered the school.

There was also a cooking competition where students had to create dishes using tapioca and bananas as the main ingredients.

Colourful expressions: The competition required them to colour drawings that depicted all things Malaysian - from the Jalur Gemilang to local monuments.

  The root vegetable and fruit were staples during World War II and the Emergency, when government forces had to fight with the Japanese and communists.

The students brought their own cooking utensils and serving dishes, and whipped up some old favourites such as lempeng ( a local pancake) and boiled tapioca dipped in sambal.

National cyclist Nur Rozi in critical condition after being run over by escort van

The Star, Saturday September 5, 2015 

by nicholas cheng

Bomba personnel seen here treating the cyclist.

PETALING JAYA: National junior cyclist Nur Rozi Yanti Mat Rodzi is in critical condition after she was run over by her escort van while cycling on the Silk Highway on Saturday.

The 17-year-old is currently undergoing surgery after suffering injuries to her head and lungs, along with three broken ribs.

Her breathing is being aided by a ventilator.

Nur Rozi Yanti was training with several other athletes along KM19 of the highway headed to Bukit Jalil at about 9.45am, said Kajang OCPD Asst Comm Willey Richard.

The group was accompanied by a driver in a Nissan Urvan, acting as their escort on the road.

Nur Rozi Yanti reportedly suffered a cramp in her leg and tried to readjust her footing on the paddles, which caused her to fall off her bicycle.

"The driver did not realise she was having problems, and was not able to brake in time when she fell," ACP Willey said.

Nur Rozi Yanti was rushed to the Kajang Hospital where she was warded in the intensive care unit (ICU).

When contacted, a spokesman for the National Sports Council said that Nur Rozi Yanti's family had given consent for doctors to operate on her.

Kajang police foster ties with public

The Star, Saturday August 22, 2015

by simon khoo

Fighting crime together: ACP Willey (centre) with his officers meeting the people in Bandar Mahkota Cheras during the community policing programme.

THE recent strong police presence in Bandar Mahkota Cheras caused a stir as the public thought a crime had just taken place.

However, their fears were allayed when it turned out to be a community policing initiative by the Kajang police.

Led by new Kajang OCPD Asst Comm Willey Anak Richard, the delegation members were on the streets, meeting business operators and shaking hands with residents before leaflets and name cards were handed out.

The leaflets were on rape prevention, keeping the home safe from break-ins and women’s safety while the name cards contained mobile phone numbers of all senior police officers.

ACP Willey said the walkabout would be a regular feature of the Kajang police in all business areas in the district.

He said the presence of police could help to deter crime, many of which were opportunistic in nature.
“This is also a good way for my officers to introduce themselves to the people and increase public cooperation.

“It is vital to create an awareness that combating crime is a joint responsibility to make our neighbourhoods a safer and better place to live in,” he said.

Also present were district CID chief Deputy Supt Zulkifli Abu Bakar, district public order and traffic chief DSP Azmi Wahid and Sungai Long OCS Sjn Amir Aris.

ACP Willey said based on his hour-long walkabout, the public response was very encouraging and they were receptive to the idea of seeing regular police presence.

He said the next phase would be to deploy bicycle squads to patrol housing estates in the coming months.

“I have set a target to reduce the crime index by at least 10% before the year end.

“Let’s be realistic that there is no way to achieve a zero crime rate,” he said, adding that the people could assist in cutting down opportunistic crimes such as snatch and motorcycle thefts.

ACP Willey said statistics showed more than 70% were property crimes while 30% were related to serious crimes but not syndicates.

He said during the recent Home Safety campaign for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive period, only one house in Bangi was broken into.

The campaign had encouraged homeowners to register with the police before returning to their hometowns.

“This shows the campaign is successful and we will continue having it during other major festive celebrations.

“Kajang district is huge with many new and developing housing estates, resulting in opportunistic criminals on the prowl,” he said.

ACP Willey said despite facing constraints in manpower, their personnel would continue to keep crimes in check.

He said they would also work closely with residents associations, Rukun Tetangga, village security and development committees and volunteer patrolling squads in crime prevention efforts.

Teen caught by residents after flashing woman jogger

The Star, Saturday September 5, 2015

A 13-YEAR-OLD boy was caught after he allegedly flashed his private parts at a woman jogger at a residential area in Kajang, reported Guang Ming Daily. 

The suspect approached the woman on a motorcycle. He had tried to ask the woman, who was jogging alone, whether she wanted to have sex with him at about 5am on Thursday.

When the 25-year-old woman ignored him, he flashed his private parts at her and tried to masturbate in front of her.

Angry with his indecent behaviour, the woman went up to the boy and slapped him before grabbing his hands and screaming for help.

Her neighbours rushed to help and they managed to catch the suspect.

Kajang police chief Asst Comm Willey Richard said the suspect from Kajang, who had been expelled from school, had been detained