A meaningful festival for residents

The Star, Monday December 31, 2012

RESIDENTS of Persatuan Rumah Amal Murni, Kajang (PRAM) rejoiced as 30 volunteers of IOI Group and the Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng (Yayasan TSLSC) brought the festivity into their home during the Winter Solstice (Dongzhi) celebration recently.

After being served lunch, the residents — ranging from homeless destitutes to young adults afflicted with Down’s Syndrome — had a great time playing musical chair and trying their hands at paper windmill handicraft.

While some volunteers were busy making tang yuan (glutinous rice balls delicacy), the others enjoyed interacting with the residents and proceeded to entertain them with Mandarin songs.

During the “IOI Style” dance (a parody of Psy’s Gangnam Style), even IOI Group executive director Datuk Lee Yeow Chor and Yayasan TSLSC executive director Datin Joanne Wong sportingly joined in.

The December babies were then feted with birthday wishes. Wong and volunteers then served tang yuan to the residents.

The residents received goodie bags filled with personal neccesities and toiletries.

“It was nice to see all the smiles as we opened our hearts to help the residents of Rumah Amal Murni Kajang in celebrating this meaningful festival,” said Wong.

Starting school with some help

The Star, Monday December 31, 2012

Eighty-four underprivileged children from Kajang are looking forward to the first day of school because they have new school uniforms.

No longer will they need to explain why their clothes are always dirty or why their parents are too poor to even afford rice, let alone a school shirt.

Instead, they can tell stories about how they celebrated Christmas with celebrity Lee Yvonne.

In the spirit of this season, The Nomad Offices presented Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Kajang (PKKKK) with gifts of school uniforms, socks, shoes, books and stationery.

“We were informed that some kids came to the centre crying, because schools sent them away for not wearing proper uniforms on registration day last month.

“As a child, you probably feel excited about going to a new school. But you end up feeling terrified and ashamed, because you can’t explain why you don’t have parents who can provide basic needs for you.

“As a provider of serviced offices, The Nomad Offices is able to depend on our large network of clients who are largely business people — many of whom are parents who know what it means to give the best to our children — to support this cause,” The Nomad Offices assistant general manager Cheng Shea Li.

“The Nomad SuCasa All-Suite Hotel and The Nomad Serviced Residences, Bangsar readily lent their support by getting hotel guests and The Nomad Bangsar residents to give donations.

“The Nomad SuCasa Hotel also sent its maintenance crew over to repair PKKKK’s leaking roof and other damages,” said The Nomad Group Bhd chief executive officer Roy George.

Cash collection totalled RM11,000 and sponsorship in kind from serviced office clients, residents, hotel guests and vendors came up to RM5,000.

Aside from gifts from The Nomad Offices, the “Share the Gift of Reading to Children” gave the children revision books, story books and stationery as part of their seventh year book-donation programme; Jati Bestari sponsored food and The House of Mini brought desserts for the party; The Nomad SuCasa catered a delicious tea-time spread; and Lee entertained the kids with a colouring contest.

PKKKK president Susie Arumugam, said the organisation started by helping children who came from broken families, without proper meals, without proper supervision and poor grades in school.

In August 2008, the teaching and feeding programme began with 15 kids. Today, Susie takes care of 84 kids from five to 17 years old.

Chua: Critically evaluate the Opposition’s performance

The Star, Sunday December 30, 2012

By LOSHANA K SHAGAR

Serious consideration: Dr Chua speaking with Hulu Langat Persatuan Pengurusan Rumah-Rumah Ibadat Kaum Tiong Hua chairman Lim Yew Peng (right) and its adviser Jeffrey Lee Ban Seng (left) at the association’s dinner in Hulu Langat.

 

KAJANG: The rights of non-Muslims in the country are slowly but surely being eroded and threatened by the Opposition.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, who said this, urged the rakyat to critically evaluate the Opposition's performance since the 2008 general election.

“Our rights as non-Muslims are being threatened under the Opposition, such as the freedom to choose our food, clothes, entertainment and mix with people of the opposite gender,” he told reporters during a dinner organised by Chinese temples in Hulu Langat on Friday night.

Dr Chua cited the closure of the only pig abattoir in Kedah, PAS' objections to various concerts by international artistes and the ruling by the Kota Baru Municipal Council that prohibits hairdressers to attend to those of the opposite gender as examples.

“People say that MCA is talking about small issues, but we are actually addressing issues related to the fundamental rights of Malaysian citizens.

“It is a sad day that DAP only scolds MCA but is largely silent over the matter,” he said, adding that the Opposition's statement that their rulings do not affect non-Muslims is “the biggest lie in the world”.

Dr Chua also urged the Chinese community to think critically on who would become Prime Minister should they vote the Opposition into power.

“We cannot give the mandate to a party which cannot decide who is their candidate for Prime Minister.

“There will be no candidate from DAP, not even for the post of Deputy Prime Minister,” he said.

Dr Chua noted that the Government Transformation Programme implemented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was showing positive results.

“MCA will continue to expose PAS because its rule is bad for the country, both for Muslims and non-Muslims.

“Barisan Nasional may not be perfect but at least we have given the country a clear direction, while maintaining peace and stability and ensuring economic growth every year,” he said.

The caring hearts of Kajang

The Star, Saturday December 29, 2012

 

I have never asked for anything in return. I do social work because I want to help people and it makes me happy. - WENDY YAP

 

WENDY Yap, Persatuan Rumah Caring Kajang founder 

A well-known figure in Kajang, social worker Wendy Yap has been volunteering her time and dedication to serve the needy since her 20s.

In May 2004, she founded Persatuan Rumah Caring Kajang to lend a helping hand to senior citizens, the mentally challenged, single mothers with children, young unmarried mothers and drug addicts.

Rumah Caring has been occupying two units in Taman Muhibbah, Kajang, for nine years. It is currently home to 28 residents aged between 13 and 94, including six with minor depression and mental development problems.

Her selfless act has earned her recognition in the form of two awards — Best Social Worker Award in 2001 and F&N Outdo Yourself Award in 2009.

However, 2012 was a difficult year for Yap as Rumah Caring was ordered to move out by the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj). Two of its neighbours have complained that the home was “very noisy”.

Despite an appeal, support from nine other neighbours and support letters from four politicians, the council’s decision could not be overturned. MPKj has given Rumah Caring until May 14 to vacate.

Yap is now at her wits’ end on how to keep Rumah Caring at its current premises. Her New Year wish is none other than a miracle that will save Rumah Caring from the eviction.

Datuk Yap Pian Hon, Serdang parliamentary liaison officer 

Datuk Yap Pian Hon, who is the former Serdang MP, still keeps a close eye on the townships that fall under the scope of the parliamentary seat.

As the Serdang parliamentary liaison officer, Yap highlights issues and speaks out against decisions that he feels are incapable of solving the problems at hand.

He also draws from his vast experience of serving as elected representative and offers suggestions to tackle the issues.

In 2012, Yap continued to make his voice heard.

Among others, he pushed for the opening of 1Malaysia Clinic and polyclinic and called for the state government to resolve the water shortage in the state.

Datuk Hasan Nawawi Abd Rahman, Kajang Municipal Council president 

Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) president Datuk Hasan Nawawi Abd Rahman has spoken out on several issues concerning the municipality.

For example, on the issue of stalled development projects because Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) claimed that it does not have the capacity to provide treated water, Hassan announced that development projects in the Kajang municipality would go on with or without Syabas’ approval.

The president is also quite fair when it comes to allowing journalists to attend the monthly council meetings.

During one of the council’s monthly public complaints monitoring meeting, councillor Muhmad Hamidi Mohd Nazir raised the question whether the press was allowed to sit in and Hasan Nawawi decided in favour of journalists.

Another similar incident occurred last year when a journalist from a Malay newspaper was ordered to leave the MPKj fullboard meeting by councillor Mohd Sany Hamzan.

Mohd Sany claimed that the journalist was being unfair in his reporting of a recent event at a mosque.

“He only interviewed Dusun Tua assemblyman Ismail Sani and did not bother interviewing me even though the event was organised by the council and I’m the councillor for that zone.

Hassan Nawawi came to the reporter’s defence, stating that the publication had been quite fair in their reports.

MPKj’s decision to vacate Ampang Look Out Point was spot on

The Star, Saturday December 29, 2012

THE decision to vacate the Ampang Look Out Point (ALOP) proved to be right when a landslide occurred on Nov 15.

There were erosion and soil movement a few days earlier before it worsened into a landslide, causing Jalan Ampang-Hulu Langat to be closed.

There were no casualties as the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) had instructed restaurant owners to vacate their premises on Jan 18.

However, there was a tussle between traders and the authorities over the closure of the restaurants.

Council president Datuk Hasan Nawawi Abd Rahman was quoted saying ALOP’s closure order was carried out after the operators were noted to have done extensive renovation close to the steep slope.

“The decision was taken based on the possible danger it poses to visitors and operators,” he said.

On Jan 21 (“Residents and traders protest closure of Ampang Look Out Point”), StarMetro reported that the council had issued five notices from Aug 10 last year to Jan 17 this year.

After the landslide, Public Works Department (PWD) slope department used hydroseeding (a planting process that aids erosion control) and fibremat (used to stabilise surfaces) to strengthen the slope.

PWD will also build a new drain in place of the one that gave way after the landslide.

Some of the furniture and items are still on site and MPKj instructed ALOP restaurant operators to remove their belongings from the area early this month.

In 2011, it was reported that a large crack was found in a corner of the original ALOP structure and the floor area.

The report also stated that the slope below the supporting pillars of the structure was unstable following a minor landslip.

Signs of a larger landslip were also spotted on the steep slope below the team-building facility at ALOP.

Last year, state Economic Planning Unit (Upen) issued a notice dated Nov 11, instructing ALOP to close for six months, reportedly to have settled all standing issues in the area.

However, ALOP continued to operate as usual and the management had filed an injunction against the authorities and an appeal had been made against it.

The Shah Alam High Court ruled in favour of the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) at the hearing on Feb 20 this year.

Launched in 2001, the RM20mil ALOP has passed hands from the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) to MPKj to the current owner, Selangor Tourism.

Plagued by floods

The Star, Saturday December 29, 2012

By OH ING YEEN

 

 

Aftermath: A resident checking on his belongings after moving them to a higher area when a flashflood hit the outskirts of Kajang town, affecting more than 200 houses and businesses. - filepic

 

Folks in the Kajang and Sepang municipalities will most remember 2012 for being a wet, wet, wet year. Last month’s flood in Dengkil is the worst residents have seen in many years while Kajang suffered yet another major flash flood in September after one in May. StarMetro looks back at the tough year that the residents have had.

Kajang is notorious for its flash floods such as the ones that occurred on Sept 4 and May 2 this year.

In a study by the Drainage and Irrigation Department, Kajang and Seri Kembangan were identified as hotspots for flash floods, among others.

In Kajang itself, 36 flood-prone areas had been identified including Taman Indah Jaya in Batu 14, Kampung Batu 14 in Hulu Langat, Kampung Batu 20 Sungai Lui and Kampung Batu 16 Dusun Tua.

Flash floods in Kajang were attributed to heavy rain, obstructed drainage and the high number of rivers in the district.

Among the areas, Taman Sungai Segamat was flooded in September, affecting 41 houses.

MPKj engineering department head Md Noor Mahmud, who oversees the flood mitigation task force secretariat, said there were 20 to 30 rivers and streams in Kajang, such as Sungai Jelok, Sungai Ramal, Sungai Segamat and Sungai Semenyih.

“Half of the area is catchment location for the Semenyih and Langat rivers.

“Due to rapid development, we will need to upgrade the existing retention ponds for flood mitigation,” he said.

The Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) had set up a special task force during the monsoon period and promised to clear the drains as quickly as possible to ensure flashfloods do not recur.

During the state assembly, Local Government Committee chairman Ronnie Liu pointed out that the development at near Sungai Ramal 2 and Sungai Ramal Dalam caused the rivers to overflow and flood the surrounding areas.

“The developer has been issued with notices and fines for not complying to the council rules and regulations,” he said.

Access road to illegal dump closed

The Star, Thursday December 20, 2012

Closed: An access road along Persiaran Bandar Mahkota Cheras 1 has been sealed following complaints that lorries have been using the road to enter a private land for illegal dumping.

 

AN ACCESS road along Persiaran Bandar Mahkota Cheras 1 was recently sealed following complaints from road users that lorries have been using the road to enter a private plot of land for illegal dumping.

Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) president Datuk Hasan Nawawi Abd Rahman, councillors Lee Kee Hiong and Muhmad Hamidi Mohd Nazir, MPKj enforcement officers and residents visited the site yesterday.

According to Bandar Mahkota Cheras residents’ association chairman CY Lim, residents first lodged a complaint with MPKj last year.

“There are no signboards to warn motorists of heavy vehicles accessing the road.

“The lorries have damaged the road and there were several accidents involving motorcyclists due to the poor road conditions.

Hasan Nawawi said the council had issued a stop- work order since July last year.

A final notice was then issued on Feb 17 but according to MPKj enforcement officers, the land owner defied the orders.

“The owner was issued a compound of RM25,000,” said Hassan Nawawi.

The landowner will also be charged RM19,000 for road repairs according to Yap.

“The illegal dumping stopped for a while after the final notice was issued but started again when the MRT project kicked off,” said Yap.

Jewel of the south

The Star, Friday December 14, 2012

By JOY LEE 

joylmy@thestar.com.my

Up and coming: Acacia homes, TTDI Grove, is one of Naza TTDI’s latest developments in Kajang.

SATAY comes to mind at the mention of Kajang town. But this once sleepy agricultural town is abuzz with more than just a local favourite dish.

The landscape of Kajang has transformed over the past 40 years as the town plays host to a growing population of people migrating to the big city but looking for an affordable place to stay outside of Kuala Lumpur.

Back in the 1960s, the economy of Kajang was supported by the estates that opened up in the surrounding area including coffee and rubber estates. A town square made up the heart of Kajang and was where the main roads led to and town folks convened to catch up on the day’s gossip.

But as the town drew more fortune seekers, estates were turned into housing projects and highways were built to improve connectivity to Kajang.

The population of Kajang is growing fast. Some estimate that it is growing at close to 9% per annum due to migration.

According to the Department of Statistics, Kajang’s population in 2010 was estimated to be 795,522, making up about 15% of Selangor’s population of 5.4mil though the local town council (MPKj) expects Kajang’s numbers to breach 1mil people by 2013.

Touted as a Greater Kuala Lumpur hotspot, Kajang has much to offer residents and developers alike as development plans for housing and better infrastructure are afoot by various parties.

Jewel in the making

Kajang is located about 21km from Kuala Lumpur and there are several highways that have opened up within the area over the past few years much to the benefit of Kajang.

These include the Kajang SILK Highway and Persiaran Kajang-Semenyih. Other links to the area are Lebuhraya Utara Selatan, Lebuhraya Cheras-Kajang and Lebuhraya Klang Selatan.

These roads offer easy access to and from other popular hotspots such as Puchong, Bangi and neighbouring Semenyih and Cheras.

Additionally, the proposed Sungai Buloh-Kajang MRT line which is expected to come up in 2017, also stirred up much interest in Kajang. Currently, there are three MRT stations slated for the area — Saujana Impian, Bandar Kajang and Jalan Reko.

Greater accessibility isn’t Kajang’s only appeal.

Affordability is a key factor that drives the residential market in Kajang as home buyers can still afford property in Kajang while working in Kuala Lumpur.

According to a property agent based in Kajang, it is still possible to get a double-storey terrace house below RM500,000 in some of the older parts of the town such as Sungai Chua.

“You can get a single-storey terrace house in that area for RM280,000 to RM300,000,” the agent added.

In comparison, agents note that it is not possible to buy into areas like Cheras with RM500,000 and below.

Coming soon: Camellia homes TTDI Grove Kajang.

Property reports say that prices of property around the Klang Valley have been rising by 30% year-on-year.

However, there are a lot more new developments coming up in Kajang and most of these are in the mid- to high-end market. A property agent said it was not an easy task identifying the price trend for newer properties.

“Property prices in Kajang vary depending on the types of property. It is not easy to gauge the prices of new developments because the prices keep changing,” said the property agent.

For example, the first phase of Mutiara Goodyear Development Bhd’s gated and guarded Nadayu 92, which was launched in the middle of 2010, were priced at RM433,000 to RM1.02 million.

Note that Kajang is also an education hub of sorts with several esteemed educational institutions in the vicinity including Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, the Nottingham University campus, Universiti Tenaga Malaysia, the German Malaysia Institute and the Australia International School.

Developers’ new playground

About 20 to 25 years ago, Kajang was already recognised as an ideally located town at a comfortable distance from Kuala Lumpur with affordable housing and good infrastructure.

Thanks to the strong demand for housing there, developers have also flocked to Kajang in recent years.

Last year, Ireka Corp Bhd purchased a 20.6acre site in Kajang for RM22.4mil while Dijaya Corp Bhd bought an 80ha tract for RM228mil.

Other major property developers that have claimed a stake in Kajang include UEM Land Holdings Bhd, SP Setia Bhd, Mah Sing Bhd, Naza TTDI, Sime Darby Bhd and local stalwart MKH Bhd, formerly known as Metro Kajang Holdings Bhd.

MKH Berhad managing director Datuk Eddy Chen Lok said land is becoming scarce in Kajang and prices are starting to increase tremendously.

“Also, people are expecting the MRT to be ready by 2017 so property prices are heading towards 2017 levels too,” Chen said.

For example, Chen said prices of MKH’s residential properties have appreciated more than 20% over the past five years. In fact, its two-storey terrace houses project, Hillpark Homes in Bandar Tek Kajang, saw an appreciation value of 58% in one year.

New development: MKH Bhd’s Sentosa Heights in Kajang.

Nonetheless, Chen reiterated that Kajang is still an affordable place to live.

Chen added that residents of Cheras, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya are buying up property in Kajang as cost of properties in Cheras and Cyberjaya has risen significantly while most of the homes in Putrajaya are occupied by civil servants.

But prices in Putrajaya are also on the rise, which bode well for developers’ with projects in the vicinity of Kajang as these areas cater to the spill over demand from Putrajaya.

“We have landbanks that we purchased much earlier. So we are positioned to cater to the market demand that is spilling out of Putrajaya,” Chen said.

He added that some 90% of sales closed in its Semenyih township were done by civil servants.

Apart from serving the migratory market, developers note that there is also a big group of property upgraders in Kajang itself that makes up a substantial demand for higher end properties in Kajang.

Developers have responded to this demand well with more gated and guarded projects as these developments would help them maximise the value of their land.

“Big developers are now more willing to pay a higher price to buy land in Kajang area. They are developing bigger projects for the higher end market because these types of projects have higher appreciation value,” an agent said.

With all the development in store for the town, Chen concludes that Kajang is a jewel in the making.

Bodies of two siblings who drowned located

The Star, Friday December 14, 2012 

KUALA LUMPUR: The bodies of two siblings who disappeared while fishing at the Sungai Langat near Kampung Bukit Raya, Hulu Langat on Wednesday, have been found.

Kajang Fire and Rescue Station chief Ariff Mohamed Kassim said the body of Mohammad Tarmizi Azhari, 13, was found at 7.46am about one kilometre from the spot where he and his elder brother, Mohammad Syawal, 17, were believed to have drowned. "Mohammad Syawal's body was found at the Syabas water treatment plant about 15 minutes later by a search and rescue team," he told Bernama.

In the incident, the siblings were reported to have gone fishing with a group of friends at about 4pm.

Mohammad Tarmizi was reported to have had a difficulty while bathing, which prompted Mohammad Syawal, who was then fishing, to jump into the river to rescue his younger brother but both were swept off by the strong current. - Bernama

Kajang council doing its best to unclog drains

The Star, Friday December 14, 2012

River of rubbish: A motorcyclist looking at a river filled with garbage after a downpour in TTDI Jaya, Shah Alam.

PETALING JAYA: The Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) is trying its best to clear the drains as quickly as possible during the current rainy spell to ensure that flash floods do not recur.

The latest flash flood which occurred in Country Heights in September served as a reminder that the area surrounding the town is flood-prone.

Kajang councillor Lee Learn Eng said the local authority had been pro-active in its flood preventive measures, including widening monsoon drains in housing areas.

“Realistically speaking, the council has been trying its best to widen and clear the drains but I don't think it is enough.

“Most of the old housing areas in Kajang have small drains, which often overflow due to rubbish clogging the drains,” he said.

Lee said there were still many drains to clean and many were not linked to Onside Stormwater Detention Ponds (OSDs).

“We are looking to install the OSDs in the drains but this is a long process. Some monsoon drains are not suitable for the OSDs but we are trying to explore other ways,” he said.

“Our efforts are not 100% effective but we are trying to do as much as possible,” he said.

He said the council understood the people's fear of flash floods.

“We need the cooperation of the public, especially in not dumping rubbish into the drains. We can do our part in cleaning the drains, even widening it but the people must also play their part,” he added.

Neighbours against home-based restaurant

The Star, Saturday December 8, 2012

Story and photo by JAROD LIM

jarodlim@thestar.com.my

Business venture: The corner house in Jalan Bukit which has been converted into a restaurant.

A HOUSE in Jalan Bukit, Kajang, has been converted into a restaurant and some residents in the area are unhappy because it is causing inconvenience to them.

A resident, who did not want to be named, said the restaurant in the house compound was causing distress in the neighbourhood.

“We have to endure the odour wafting out from the house as well as noise pollution every morning.

“The restaurant operates from as early as 6am and business goes on until midnight.

“My house is near the restaurant and I am badly affected,” he said, adding that he had to keep his windows closed all the time.

“There are no proper disposal of food waste and I fear that it will attract pests like rodents and stray animals to the area.

“I have also seen food waste floating in the drain junction box nearby,” he said.

He added that he was also worried about safety aspects as the caterers were using gas tanks to cook the food.

“Fourteen residents had signed a petition against the conversion of the house into a commercial lot in August and alerted the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj),” he said, adding that nothing much was done about it.

During a check by StarMetro, food waste was spotted in the drain nearby and the stench was unbearable.

Another resident, who also did not want to be named, said the traffic in the area had also worsened due to the restaurant.

“This is a residential area and cannot cater to the number of people patronising the restaurant.

“Some customers even resort to parking their vehicles illegally by the roadside.

“This obstructs the view of motorists coming out to Jalan Bukit. It is dangerous for drivers who want to turn out to the main road,” she said.

When contacted, councillor Mohd Adram Musa said the council’s audit committee was investigating the case as they suspect that the conversion of the residential house was not according to the council’s bylaws.

“The residents have highlighted their concern to me many times.

“Having a restaurant operating in their midst is not right.

“The council is still monitoring the problem and I will follow up with them,” he said.

MPKj gives old folks’ home until May 14 to vacate premises

The Star, Saturday December 8, 2012

By YIP YOKE TENG 

metro@thestar.com.my

Serving the community: Caring Old Folks Home has been operating in Taman Muhibbah, Kajang, for the past nine years.

CARING Old Folks Home in Taman Muhibbah, Kajang, is still facing eviction but has now been given until May 14 to vacate its premises.

Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) president Datuk Hassan Nawawi Abdul Rahman, when contacted, said the decision made by the Objection Hearing Committee made on April 3 remained.

The old folks’ home that has been operating for nine years houses 28 residents. In May, MPKj notified its founder Wendy Yap that the home’s application to continue occupying the residential building for the purpose of a welfare home was rejected due to complaints from nearby residents.

After attending a hearing, forwhich none of the complainants turned up, Yap received another letter from MPKj in June stating that the application was approved but the permit was only valid until December, after which they must move to a new place.

Despite several appeals, support letters from elected representatives and consent from nine nearest neighbours to operate at the current location, MPKj was firm about its decision and sent them another reminder in November.

MPKj also sent its officers to the home on two occasions to remind them that December was the deadline.

“We have informed the caretakers as early as May and have given them a year to look for a new place,” Hassan said.

“The decision was made by the committee based on complaints from the neighbours. One of the neighbours said he had suffered for nine years, and he could not rent out his unit because of the noise,” he added.

He said the home was actually given one year, that is until May 14, to move.

Meanwhile, Yap said she had received calls from well-wishers giving support and urging her not to give up doing charity work.

The Star, Thursday December 6, 2012

Old folks home’s application to remain in current premises thrown out

By YIP YOKE TENG 

teng@thestar.com.my 

Photos by YAP CHEE HONG

Serving the community: Caring Old Folks Home has been operating in Taman Muhibbah, Kajang, for the past nine years.

The Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) has been urged to reconsider its order imposed on an old folks home in Taman Muhibbah to vacate its premises before the end of December.

The Caring Old Folks Home has been in the neighbourhood for nine years. It currently shelters 28 residents, including six with minor depression and mental development problems.

In May, the home received a letter from MPKj stating that its application to renew the permit to operate in a residential unit had been rejected and they must leave by year end, based on complaints that they were “very noisy”.

The home’s founder, Wendy Yap attended a hearing as instructed but none of the complainants turned up.

Yap then filed an appeal, which came with support letters from Hulu Langat MP Dr Che Rosli Che Mat, Bangi state coordinator Datuk Mohd Fathil Daud, Semenyih assemblyman Datuk Johan Aziz and Kajang assemblyman Lee Kim Sin, who said Caring Old Folks Home was a trustworthy and responsible charity.

She also consulted the neighbours to check if their presence had inconvenienced them.

Nine neighbours had given their support to the home, saying that they were happy that the home was benefitting the society. They included the immediate neighbours to their right and back.

It was learned that only two families objected.

In June, MPKj sent another letter stating that they had approved their renewal application with condition. Still, they must move out by Dec 31.

“I could not help but cry in front of the MPKj officers during the hearing. We only wanted to work with the government to help the unfortunate ones in our society, but why have we come under attack trying to do good?” said Yap.

Show of support: Yap showing nine signatures from her immediate neighbours, as well as four support letters from politicians. Having submitted all that, MPKj is still adamant on its order to evict the home.

She said one of the families who complained, even hurled three rocks onto the home’s front awning in June, in addition to scolding the social workers and mentally challenged residents whenever they saw them.

“The most hurtful accusation was that we cheated the residents’ money,” Yap said.

Worried for the residents’ safety, she lodged a police report. However, the police told Yap that they could not do much because no one was hurt in the incident.

“I do not understand why these two neighbours from the opposite row find us noisy while our immediate neighbours feel it is alright.

“The elderly residents are frightened and the two girls scolded by the individuals are so terrified that they hide inside the house whenever the neighbours come near.

“We have planted thick shrubs in hopes of blocking the view and reducing the noise. I also apologised to the neighbours on behalf of my mentally challenged residents who might be rather loud at times,” she added.

Caring Old Folks Home is widely recognised in Hulu Langat as charitable operators who put their hearts into helping the needy.

Hospitals send their patients there when there is a lack of bed; the welfare department refers abandoned senior citizens to the home.

“We put our heart and soul into charity but we face threats and eviction. We clean up the bodily waste for the aged but we have to live in fear,” she said.

Yap has been a social worker for 22 years. She received a Best Social Worker award in 2001 and the F&N Outdo Yourself Award in 2009.

“I have never asked for anything in return. I do social work because I want to help people and it makes me happy.

“But these days, I cannot eat and sleep much. I have visited MPKj on numerous occasions but was always rejected at the enquiry counter, where officers told me my appeal had been rejected and they did not want to talk to me.

“The fate of welfare homes is at the discretion of the local council.

“If they want us to close, we have to close, despite the fact that the Welfare and Health departments have been appreciative of our work.

“Even if they want to shut us down, they should at least verify the accusations by sending officers to observe for one or two days how we operate.

“Instead of doing that, they sent officers on two occasions to evict us in September even though the deadline is Dec 31,” Yap said.

MPKj sent another letter on Nov 19 repeating that Yap’s appeal had been rejected.

Yap said she doubt she could find another rental-free property to run the home.

“We do not know where to go, we do not have the money to move. Who can help us?” she asked.

StarMetro spoke to the complainants, who declined to be named.

“We are disturbed by the noise made by the two girls with mental problems. We are old too, we cannot stand that noise,” said the complainant in her late 60s.

She denied having said that the home had abused funds.

She said the noise level had been reduced since the rock-throwing incident.

When asked if she still wanted the home to leave, she said, “I do not care whether they stay or leave, as long as they do not make noise, I am fine.”

The other complainant had refused to speak to the press.

His daughter only explained that there was a lot of noise from the home, adding that she did not know much and her brother who lodged the complaint was not in town.

MPKj councillor P. Narayanan, who was in charge of the area, said he was aware of the eviction order on Caring Old Folks Home but did not know about the appeal and petition.

In an email, MPKj planning officer Sazelina Ismail said the home’s application to renew use of two residential units for a welfare home was rejected in the hearing objection committee meeting on April 3.

The reasons provided were that the land was for residential use and that there were written objections from nearby residents.

The Star, Thursday December 6, 2012

Council finally starts strengthening hillside in Taman Bukit Kajang Baru

Story and photo by OH ING YEEN 

ingyeen@thestar.com.my 

Work begins: After numerous complaints from residents since 2000, the council finally start strengthening this Bukit Baru Kajang hillside.

AFTER numerous complaints from residents since 2000, work to strengthen the slope along Jalan 12, Taman Bukit Kajang Baru in Kajang has finally commenced and is expected to be completed by June next year.

Serdang MP Teo Nie Ching, Bangi assemblyman Dr Shafie Abu Bakar, representatives from Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) and Ikram visited the site yesterday.

“It has been a long wait since 1999, when I was the Kajang assemblyman.

“I hope this can quell residents’ fears,” Shafie said.

Teo said the council requested RM1.3mil from the Housing and Local Government Ministry for slope repair works in 2007.

“It was approved but the council claimed that it did not receive the funds.

“The cost later escalated as the erosion has worsened.

“MPKj will be using RM2.1mil from its developer deposit funds,” she said.

Ikram consultant Mohd Firdaus Ismail said they would be using the soil nail method to repair the slope.

“The monsoon season is a hindrance to slope repair works as rainwater will erode the soil,” he explained.

During the September full board meeting, MPKj president Datuk Hassan Nawawi Abdul Rahman had said the council appointed a contractor in September to strengthen the slope (“Council takes over”, Sept 27,StarMetro).

StarMetro had previously reported that landslips occurred in the area in 2000 and 2005.

The Star, Wednesday December 5, 2012

Cracking up with fear over unstable slope

By THO XIN YI 

thoxinyi@thestar.com.my

Photo by LOW BOON TAT

Up close: Residents of Taman Saujana Damai checking on the drain that is cracking.

IT has been four years since the residents of Jalan Saujana Damai 1 at Taman Saujana Damai in Kajang noticed cracks in the drain located on top of a slope in front of their houses.

Despite complaints, they said the problem was not taken seriously by the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj). The residents are worried that a lanslip would occur if the situation was not rectified.

Besides the cracks, they added that the bent railing was also another tell-tale sign of earth movement.

A few months ago, the residents started barricading the area with chairs and barrier tape to warn people of the danger.

Rosmahyuddin Baharuddin, 38, said they lodged the first complaint with MPKj in March 2009.

MPKj then instructed the developer to rectify the situation, and the developer obliged by patching up the cracks with cement.

Sixteen of them, whose houses are near the affected slope, sent another letter in January to MPKj to highlight their plight.

The letter was also forwarded to the Slope Engineering Branch of the Public Works Department, Hulu Langat MP Dr Che Rosli Che Mat and Kajang assemblyman Lee Kim Sin.

However, they have not heard from any of them.

Another resident, Rasdan Ibrahim, 35, said the concave slope appeared to have a gradient of about 60 degrees.

“The slope was not strengthened since this housing area was developed,” he said.

Rasdan, who lives directly opposite the affected area, said the residents’ safety was threatened.

They are also worried a nearby development would aggravate the situation by causing more soil movement.

Rosmahyuddin wants the problem rectified before it is too late.

“So far there has been no casualty but we should not wait until a trajedy occurs,” he said.

On another matter, resident Farid Arif, 38, said the MPKj should also consider putting up directional signages in the area.

“There are seven different housing estates but there are no signages,” he said.

When contacted, Lee said he has forwarded the residents’ letter to the MPKj for further action.

“I will also follow up with MPKj as well as councillor Muhmad Hamidi Mohd Nazir on the matter,” he said.

MPKj could not be reached for comments.

The Star, Wednesday December 5, 2012

Cracks on road in Taman Bukit Mewah could cause a landslip

Story and photo by OH ING YEEN 

ingyeen@thestar.com.my

Concerned residents: Maniam (left) and Ten showing the eroded road and the part that the latter had patched up.

TAMAN Bukit Mewah, Kajang residents are worried that the cracks on a road in the area might lead to a landslip and endanger schoolchildren of SRK Jalan Bukit situated down the hill.

R. Maniam, who has been living in the area since 2000, said the schoolchildren would be at risk if a landslide occurs.

“Jalan Bukit Mewah 37 becomes like a river during downpours as rainwater will flow from upstream, “ the 66-year-old retiree said.

“The road is badly eroded and it must be repaired,” he said, pointing to the cracks along the road.”

He has highlighted this issue to the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) since 2009 but claimed that no action had been taken yet.

“I have called the council a few times over the years about this issue. I recently also went to the council for a copy of the complaint. It was stated in the complaint report that contractors have been hired to repair the road and the problem had been rectified in 2009 but that is incorrect.

“I made a complaint again in 2010 but to no avail,” he said.

His neighbour Ten Yoke Wong spent RM2,700 on drain works and RM1,885 to tar the roads himself.

“Serdang parliamentary liaison officer Datuk Yap Pian Hon had visited the area last year and promised to highlight the issue to MPKj.

“Two weeks later, MPKj officers came in three cars and took photos of the road but still nothing had been done,” he said.

Fellow resident Casey Teh, 49, an engineer, said merely patching up the potholes and cracks wasnot the solution.

“Rainwater should be diverted into the drains instead of having it flow onto the roads, causing damage.

“MPKj is claiming that it was IWK’s burst pipe that caused the road to be eroded but IWk has denied this.

“They should stop the blame game and carry out the necessary action,” he said.