Gov't springs into action following hospital ceiling collapse

Astro Awani, September 30, 2013

 

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government has sprung into action following the collapse a portion of the ceiling at Serdang Hospital this morning.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. S Subramaniam expressed that his ministry also views the incident ‘very seriously’.
“Of course, this is related to the quality of work of contractors... I’ve asked Hospital Serdang and Public Works Department(PWD) to give me a report of the incident and check on the status,” said Subramaniam.
He said that his ministry would ask PWD to ensure that contractors are up to standard.
“I mean this is on the design, structure, on the building standards on the contractors given the job. Because we (the government) are the authority, we must enforce these things,” said Subramaniam.
Asked if there should be a review of all hospitals, Subramaniam said that the monitoring is a continuous process.
“That is something that goes on, in terms of maintenance, if there is evidence of structural issues then we take remedial actions,” he said.
Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof told reporters at the Parliament lobby that he was still waiting for a detailed report.
However, he stressed that the government would not hesitate to take action, if the contractor of the building was found to be at fault.
Meanwhile, Pas Kuala Kedah MP Dr Azman Ismail weighed in on the issue, saying that the government should set up a special committee to review all government buildings to avoid further mishaps.
Earlier this morning, a portion of the ceiling near the maternity ward at Serdang Hospital caved-in.
No one has been reportedly injured from the 2.55am incident.
This was the third time that such a collapse happened, but sources aid that there were "at least 10 more incidents" that were not made public.
In Aug 13, 2012, three nurses and a female medical officer at the Serdang Hospitals' Emergency Department were injured when 15 ceiling pieces measuring 2 ft x 2 ft each collapsed at 2.45am.
The first reported incident in Jan 2011 involved the main lobby where no one was reportedly injured in a collapse minutes after midnight.
The hospital has been operating since December 2005 and was built to serve the roughly 570,000 population of Serdang, Putrajaya, Kajang and Bangi.
The hospital cost RM690mil to construct and is one of the e-hospital networks envisioned by the Government.

Read more at: http://english.astroawani.com/news/show/govt-springs-into-action-following-hospital-ceiling-collapse-23033?cp

Uptown Cafe's creative western fare garners regulars

The Star, Monday September 30, 2013 

by yip yoke teng
photos by low boon tat

Fresh and aromatic: Grilled Salmon with Cheese Sauce.

Uptown Cafe,
35, Jalan Ria 1, 
Kawasan Perniagaan Ria, 
Kajang.
Tel: 03-8723 1021
Business hours: 7.00am to 12.00am

THE youthfulness of the chef helming the kitchen in Uptown Cafe, Kajang, has translated into an array of creative and exciting dishes, much to the delight of food lovers.

Tang Kiang Yew, 26, has impressed many customers who first initially gave the six-month-old restaurant a try and ended up becoming regulars.

Apart from the good flavours, the restaurant is garnering a bigger following by the day with its affordable prices ranging from RM7.90 for local favourites such as nasi lemak to RM17.90 for Grilled Salmon.

Set in cosy and bright atmosphere, Uptown Cafe offers mainly Western fusion delights complemented by a selection of popular Asian dishes. It also serves as the coffeehouse for the adjacent Hotel Uptown.

“I like to experiment with various ingredients to create new flavours. I think both the chef and customer will appreciate something different from the norm,” said Tang, who has six years of experience.

His culinary talent is evident in the offerings, which are made better with a strong dash of enthusiasm.

Creative team: Tang (left) is in charge of Uptown Cafe while Ng Mun Chiew is the executive chef of Melia Seasons Restaurant. They are responsible for the kitchens of Hotel Uptown in Kajang.

 

Hawaiian Chicken can “transport” one to the seaside with its combination of smoky aroma, tangy sauce and heady whiffs of the Western herbs used to marinate the meat, reminding one of having barbecue by the ocean. The chicken chop is roasted to perfection, tender and flavourful.

Teriyaki Roll is another exclusive, comprising ham and cheese wrapped in a chicken chop. It is slathered with barbecue and teriyaki sauce before being sent to the grill. The result is an appetisingly sweet and slightly tangy dish enhanced by the cheese’s aroma and creaminess.

Most of the fillets, steaks or chops come with several choices of sauce. Grilled Salmon is served with cheese, black pepper, barbecue or Italian sauce. Tang noted that they did not use inferior ingredients despite the restaurant’s reasonable prices. Instead, they accepted the lower profit margin and put in loads of hardwork to ensure they served enough to sustain the business.

Appetising: The A1 fungi spaghetti is alluring with its light spiciness.

Spaghetti is available for those opting not to have such a meaty affair.

A1 fungi spaghetti is among the best sellers with a generous use of mushrooms enhanced by spicy flavours and an appetising aroma.

As for Asian favourites, one should not miss the nasi lemak that involves a painstaking process and generous use of herbs. Its fragrance from lime leaves makes it stand out from its counterparts elsewhere.

Another Asian special, Namya Island Prawn, also stands out as something different. It is a marriage between butter and nyonya prawn, which makes it tangy and creamy, coupled with tantalising hints from lemongrass and ginger flower.

This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement of StarMetro.

Gift of warm showers for home's kids

The Star, Saturday September 28, 2013

By FARAH FAZANNA ZULZAHA
farahfazanna@thestar.com.my Photo by NORAFIFI EHSAN

Easy to use: Tan (right) testing one of the Joven water heaters installed at RKK as Culas looks on.

Water appliances company Joven is contributing instant water heaters and water purifiers worth up to RM30,000 to charitable homes nominated by the public as part of its 30th anniversary celebration.

The first to enjoy hot showers courtesy of Joven’s Showering You with Love social outreach programme were the 40 children of Rumah Keluarga Kami (RKK) in Kajang.

The home received RM4,000 worth of water heaters and a water purifier.

Joven managing director James Tan said the main objective of the programme was to uplift the lives of the unfortunate, the poor and destitute.

“We will continue to commit to our corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes to support the underprivileged and to elevate their lifestyle by providing some amount of comfort,” he said.

Apart from RKK, nine more homes will receive the water heaters and purifiers.

Tan said the homes that would receive the water appliances had been tested to certify that the electrical appliances could be installed.

“We carefully reviewed the electrical wiring in the homes to ensure that they are in good condition before agreeing to install the appliances,” he said.

He added that a total of RM21,000 worth of water heaters and purifiers had been given away and this included the cost of installation and wiring for all homes.

“Joven is still open for more suggestions of homes from the public,” he said, adding that they could nominate a home by visiting www.joven-electric.com.

RKK, operated by the Society of St Vincent De Paul, is now equipped with four units of Joven water heaters and one water purifier.

Society of St Vincent De Paul president Emmanuel Culas said the children would enjoy bathing with the new water heaters.

“We are truly grateful to Joven for their generous contributions.

“We have recently moved into a new premises and the Joven water heaters will come in handy as they have been installed in every bathroom in our home,” he said.

The management and staff members of Joven also spent time with the children by treating them to some food and games.

Better-equipped to serve the people

The Star, Friday September 27, 2013 

By JADE CHAN
Photo by SAMUEL ONG

Family man: Ng tries to be at home on Monday nights and weekends.

JUGGLING multiple responsibilities is something Eddie Ng Tien Chee is familiar with, for he was pursuing a part-time degree course while serving as a councillor, before being elected as an assemblyman recently.

The Balakong assemblyman is a former Kajang Municipal councillor, who recently completed a Business Administration degree at Twintech University, Kuala Lumpur.

“I had always intended to further my education after coming to Kuala Lumpur in the late 1990s to work,” said the native of Batu Pahat, Johor.

“During my tenure as MPKj councillor, then DAP party whip Senator Chandra Mohan S. Thambirajah encouraged me to pursue a higher education and assisted me in searching for the right part-time course.”

Ng admitted that it was quite hard to juggle between council work and studies, particularly after having left school more than a decade ago.

At your service: Ng and Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) councillor Lee Kee Hiong removing illegal stickers in Bandar Mahkota Cheras. Ng’s experience as a councillor comes in handy now that he is an assemblyman. —filepic

 

“I was fortunate to have the assistance of many friends and party members, who helped me with my studies or represented me at certain events,” he said.

“Completing my degree is definitely a personal achievement, and I feel better-equipped with this paper qualification.”

The 35-year-old, who owns an electrical component wholesaler business, is married with three children aged eight, 10 and 12.

Although his homemaker wife manages and takes care of the family, Ng makes it a point to also spend time with them.

“I try to be at home on Monday nights and weekends. We usually have dinner together or go shopping.

“My family is proud of me and understands that certain sacrifices have to be made,” he said.

No matter how busy he is, Ng tries to squeeze in one to two hours of badminton a week as part of his regular exercise and recreation routine.

“I usually play near my housing area in Cheras. I play with a group of regulars who are just a phone call away,” he said.

Ng said the experience he gained during his almost four-year stint as an MPKj councillor come in handy now that he was an assemblyman.

“I know the right channels to direct complaints to, and can provide an answer as to whether it is possible for my office to address a certain issue or whether it comes under a different authority’s jurisdiction.

“I work closely with the MPKj councillors, particularly the five whose zones are located in Balakong, to get things done faster. Teamwork is important,” he said.

Ng believes that the rapport he built with the community and his familiarity with issues in Balakong and Kajang contributed to his win in the 13th General Election.

“My priorities as assemblyman now are to resolve some of the long-standing issues of floods, environment and infrastructure, as well as more current ones such as safety and security.

“Balakong Jaya Industrial Park, Kampung Baru Balakong and Kampung Baru Batu 11 are some of the more flood-prone areas. The issue has been almost resolved in Kampung Baru Balakong by upgrading the drainage system.

“Poor town planning is another concern. When plot ratio and density are not properly considered, coupled with poor existing infrastructure, these lead to problems such as traffic congestion and over-development.”

Besides tackling these issues, Ng hopes to promote Balakong and make it better known as more than just an industrial area.

Ng’s service centre is located at 1-12A, Tingkat 1, Jalan Kasturi 1, Taman Kasturi, Batu 11, Cheras, Selangor.

For details, call 03-9076 0331, fax 03-9082 0331 or e-mail eddieng1131@gmail.com

Assistant principal under probe for "balik India, China" remark

The Star, Thursday September 26, 2013 

By TASHNY SUKUMARAN

Deputy Education Minister P Kamalanathan.

PETALING JAYA: An assistant principal of a secondary school is being investigated for allegedly telling some students to "balik India, China."

Deputy Education Minister P Kamalanathan said the ministry was waiting for a report on the matter from officers handling the case.

"If indeed the allegations are true then the ministry will take appropriate action," he told The Star Online.

The teacher allegedly became angry after some students did not participate in singing the Negaraku during the weekly assembly at SMK Engku Husain in Semenyih, Kajang a few days ago.

School principal Abdul Ghafar Kunchi Mohd told The Star Online that the school had reported the matter to the ministry and the Selangor Education Department.

He said a meeting was held on Thursday over the matter with ministry representatives and the school's Parent-Teacher Association where both he and the assistant principal were present.

He declined to comment further saying that the matter was now in the ministry's hands.

PTA president Prof Datuk Ali Hasan lambasted teachers who felt it was acceptable to tell students to return to where their ancestors came from.

"In my opinion they need serious re-training to refresh their minds on acceptable teacher-student behaviour," he said.

Ali said that teachers and educators who were found to racialise education should remember their roles in guiding children.

"The spirit of bangsa Malaysia should be inculcated in them, so they will extend it to their students instead of dividing issues racially."

He said that educators who caused racial issues should be dealt with, regardless of position.

The incident comes shortly after several racially-toned incidents involving schools, including a case in August when a Shah Alam school principal was made to apologise to students for telling them to "go back to India, China or Indonesia".

Another case was that of SK Seri Pristana, where headmaster Mohd Nasir Mohd Noor was accused of being racist after non-Muslim students were found eating their meals in a changing room during the Ramadan month.

Official opening of RKK's new wing

The Herald Malaysia, September 27, 2013 

 

 By Eddie Joseph

The National Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP) Conference of the Holy Family Kajang in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur is set to celebrate yet another milestone in its 50 years of commitment in the Vincentian Apostolate founded by Blessed Frederic Ozanam (1813-1853).

The parish Conference established in 1963, in celebrating its golden anniversary, marks the official opening of the new wing of its 23-year old care project Rumah Keluarga Kami (RKK) — known earlier as Our Family Home — at 139-A Jalan Bukit in Kajang, Selangor.

The official opening is scheduled for September 29 immediately after the 9.00am Sunday Eucharistic celebration at the Church of the Holy Family.

A challenging project of the SSVP Conference which caters to the underprivileged, abused and abandoned children who are in need of shelter, food, education and love, the RM1.8 million donation-funded extension to the project is now set to address the growing number of admissions.

A non-profit entity, Rumah Keluarga Kami (RKK) is wholly owned and managed by Yayasan Ozanam – a Foundation of the National Society of St Vincent de Paul Malaysia and is incorporated under the Companies Commission of Malaysia.

Seven men threaten enforcement officers with machetes, swords

The Star, Thursday September 26, 2013

KUALA LUMPUR: Seven men threatened enforcement officers from the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry with sharp objects during a raid at a pirated video compact disc (VCD) storeroom in Taman Mahkota, Cheras here.

The men aged between 16 and 46 brandished daggers, machetes, samurai swords and rotan at 13 officers and told them to release six men who were detained at the premise during the raid at about 4.30pm on Wednesday.

The ministry's Putrajaya enforcement division special task force chief Fahmi Kasim said the ministry had no choice but to release the men.

 "However, patrol policemen, who arrived at the scene shortly after, nabbed two of the armed men while the enforcement officers managed to haul up two of those they had detained earlier," he added.

He said the men were arrested when one of their getaway vehicles knocked into a car and the ministry's vehicle. The others managed to escape.

A report on the incident was lodged at the Sungai Long police station, he added.

Fahmi said the premise was used as a pirated VCD packaging warehouse for distribution in Semenyih and Kajang.

He said 6,916 pirated VCDs, including the latest movies such as Adnan Sempit, KL Zombie and Iron Man 3, worth RM70,000, were seized in the raid.

Kajang police chief ACP Abdul Rashid Abdul Wahab confirmed receiving the report. - Bernama

10 men who have been terrorising women at homes nabbed

The Star, Thursday September 26, 2013

By AUSTIN CAMOENS

Hard evidence: Items seized from the suspects being displayed during the press conference at the Selangor police headquarters.

SHAH ALAM: For over a year, 10 masked men have been terrorising women at their homes, committing at least 302 armed robberies – almost one everyday.

Threatening their victims with parang, they would stake out the women as they went about their activities before striking in the early hours of the morning.

Their reign of terror came to an end on Tuesday when a police task force moved in on them at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur and arrested seven men, including a 19-year-old private college student.

Selangor police chief Senior Deputy Comm Datuk Mohd Shukri Dahlan said the gang had robbed a 30-year-old housewife at her home in Taman Rimbun Hijau Country Heights in Kajang at around 6.45am after she came back from her morning exercise.

“She had left her house gate open when three masked men rushed in and attacked her. They ransacked her home and stole jewellery, cash and other valuables worth about RM40,000,” he said at the Selangor police headquarters here yesterday.

“The task force, which has been monitoring a group that had a similar modus operandi, decided to raid the hotel following the latest incident,” he said, adding that the police nabbed a man at the lobby of the hotel four hours after the incident.

The man, said DCP Mohd Shukri, then led police to two rooms on the seventh floor where they arrested six other men, aged between 19 and 31.

“We also seized an assortment of mobile phones, heavy duty bolt cutters, wigs, MyKads, drivers’ licences, jewellery, crow bars, 15 fake number plates and five cars belonging to the suspects,” he said.
Based on investigations, DCP Mohd Shukri said the gang members, working in threes, would park their cars in neighbourhoods and stake out the houses, looking for an opportunity to strike.

“They would target houses where the women were either home alone or have just come home,” he said, adding that the mastermind – a 31-year-old suspect – was also arrested.

SDCP Mohd Shukri said the man had recruited his 29-year-old brother, a mobile phone shop staff, into the gang. He, too, was arrested.

The police, he added, were now looking for the other gang members who were still at large.

“People need to be extra careful when they reach home or open their gates. Never give anyone the opportunity to take advantage and rob you,” he said, urging anyone with information to contact its hotline at 03-2052 9999.

Resolve MPKj dispute, state urged

The Star, Thursday September 26, 2013 

By STUART MICHAEL and FARAH FAZANA

Call to step in: Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) councillor showing the letter urging the state government to solve the dispute between Kajang Municipal Council president Datuk Hasan Nawawi Abdul Rahman and its councillors

SELAYANG Municipal Council (MPS) councillors want the state government to resolve the dispute between Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) president Datuk Hasan Nawawi Abdul Rahman and its councillors before the situation worsens.

 

At the last MPKj full board meeting, MPKj councillors had tabled a motion of no confidence against the MPKj administration and asked that the matter be brought up to the Selangor government.

Speaking on behalf of the group, MPKj councillor Muhmad Hamidi Mohd Nazir had said the councillors were worried about the council’s performance, administration and management, which was flawed, weak, unfriendly to councillors and filled with unhealthy practices.

He said the councillors had resorted to the move because they realised that MPKj’s failure to function properly and with integrity would affect its ability to implement policies set by the state government to benefit the people.

The problem has now resulted in councillors boycotting the MPKj full board meeting.

MPS councillor Rahim Ahmad Kasdi said the last full board meeting held in MPKj was on Aug 28 and that the councillors had refused to attend this month’s meeting.

He was speaking during a press conference following the MPS full board meeting in Bandar Baru Selayang yesterday.

“If the problem in MPKj is not resolved soon, all pending issues in the Kajang area and its surrounding areas will be put on hold.

“I urge Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim and Local Government and Research Committee chairman Datuk Teng Chang Kim to take measures to contain this problem fast,” he said.

The issue was also discussed at the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) full board meeting.

In a press conference, MBSA councillors urged the state government to take immediate action to resolve the dispute between the administration and councillors of MPKj.

“We are disappointed that the authorities are taking so long to resolve the problems,” said a councillor.

MPKj public relations head Kamarul Izlan Sulaiman said for the first time, the council would not be having its monthly full board meeting.

“We need the councillors to be present during the full board meetings, but we have to cancel it this time because they will not attend,” he said.

Kamarul said reports from both the council and councillors had been submitted to Teng.

“However, we have yet to receive a decision from the state regarding the matter,” he added.

Anger over mistreatment of dogs

The Star, Tuesday September 24, 2013 

KAJANG: A video clip showing two stray dogs yelping in pain and bleeding as workers from the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) dragged the animals on the road and then threw them into a truck has gone viral.

 

The incident at Bandar Rinching in Semenyih, about 9km from here, was recorded by a volunteer of the Malaysian Independent Animal Rescue (MIAR) group on Saturday morning and uploaded on its Facebook page the same day.

The reaction to the video has been strong, with many voicing anger at the alleged mistreatment.

MIAR president T. Puspa said since the video was uploaded, she has had messages from as far as Europe from people wanting to know what has since happened to the dogs.

Puspa suggested that softer hooks should be used to replace the ones currently in use, “which could break a dog’s neck and choke it as it is dragged on the road”.

She also proposed that the Government give more land to local councils to set up shelters for dogs.

“I hope people who see this video will be more proactive in spaying dogs. We need to take preventive measures or brutality like this will continue,” she said.

Puspa alleged that captured dogs were often left in the truck for days without food and water.

“It becomes ugly inside the truck as puppies get eaten alive by other dogs who go mad from the confinement and hunger,” she said, claiming that MPKj has no proper pound for captured dogs.

MIAR volunteer Theeban Govindasamy, 23, who video taped the incident, said: “I asked the workers why they couldn’t capture the dogs in a humane way. All they said was that they were just doing their job.”

MPKj public relations head Kamarul Izlan Sulaiman said the council has its standard operating procedures (SOP) for catching dogs.

“On that day, MIAR made it difficult for our workers and the situation became out of control. Our workers were provoked and it made catching the dogs difficult.”

Kamarul Izlan also denied allegations that the animals were mistreated.

“All captured dogs are put in a special place and we give them food and water. I have photographs to show this,” he said.

Both MPKj and MIAR have lodged police reports on the incident.

Viral video of dog catchers' cruelty sparks anger

The Star, Tuesday September 24, 2013

By MUHD BASYAR MUSTAPHA

No need to be brutal: A MIAR volunteer (in blue jersey) trying to stop the dog-catchers from further hurting the stray dog in Bandar Sri Rinching, Kajang.

MALAYSIAN Independent Animal Rescue (MIAR), a non-governmental organisation that helps stray dogs, wants the local councils to stop cruelty against stray dogs at once.

This call was raised again following a video recorded by a MIAR member showing a stray dog being treated cruelly while being rounded up by a dog-catching contractor in Bandar Sri Rinching, Kajang.

The video went viral overnight on the Internet.

It showed dog catchers dragging the stray dog by its neck, causing the animal to choke and bleed from its mouth.

MIAR president T. Puspa Rani said the dog catchers’ method was inhumane and urged the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) and other local councils to pay more attention to the matter.

“The dog catchers’ actions are an example of how stray dogs are badly treated in this country. They do not deserve to be treated in such a manner.

“In the video, we can see how much a dog suffers when being caught.

“How long will this cruelty go on? There are solutions to handling strays but the authorities fail to look at it despite pressure from NGOs and the public,” she said.

Puspa said that prior to the incident, MIAR had met with MPKJ councillors to work on building a shelter for stray dogs caught in Kajang but that there was no update until they were told by MPKj councillor Lai Wai Chong at the press conference that the shelter was already completed and would begin operations in October.

“Besides the shelter MPKj should have proper guidelines as well as contractors trained in handling stray dogs to avoid more cases of animal cruelty,” she added.

Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy Post Positive president and chairman of Canine Advisory Team for Petaling Jaya City Council Anthony Thanasyan said: “The workers should not have subjected the dog to so much pain. It is obvious that the workers are not trained and have no compassion for the dog.

“MPKj should apologise for the ill-treatment of the dog and take action against the contractor. It should also set up a special committee on dog-catching immediately,” he said.

MPKj councillor Eddie Ng Tien Chee said he would raise the matter at the MPKj meeting immediately as well as bring it up at the state level.

However, he said he would need a written complaint from MIAR and other NGOs to make the move.

Hounded for opposing gated-and-guarded scheme

The Star, Saturday September 21, 2013 

By CHOO WOON LIM
Photos by SAMUEL ONG and CHOO WOON LIM

Solid security: A sliding gate erected at the housing area.

GATED-and-guarded (G&G) schemes seem to be an expected feature in new townships these days while residents in older neighbourhoods form a committee to implement the security system to safeguard their neighbourhood and deter crime.
 
However, such schemes have its drawbacks, as residents of Section 6 in Bandar Sungai Long, Kajang have found out.

They feel like they are living in a “prison,” with certain people calling the shots and using high-handed tactics.

In relating the matter to StarMetro, several residents in this township claimed they were intimidated when they refused to participate in the G&G scheme. All the residents did not want to be named, for fear of repercussions.

“Discussions on the scheme went on for three years, during which many welcomed the project,” said a resident who wanted to be known only as “Terry”.

However, in March this year, some opposed the plan.

“We were not told what was happening or given any updates on the project. We only came to know what they were doing when the committee started erecting perimeter fencing around the neighbourhood,” said Terry.

Fences were erected, with guardhouses and barriers built at the entrance of the neighbourhood, giving rise to mixed feelings among residents of Section 6 and the surrounding areas of Section 10 and 11.

“There is a surau and shoplots nearby. This will affect their business,” said Terry, adding that there were only two entry and exit points located on one side of the whole neighbourhood.

Residents are also concerned about congestion when a new primary school opens nearby.

Another resident, who wanted to be identified only as Min said those who opposed the G&G scheme are worried for the safety of their families, as there have been incidents of cars and houses being splashed with paint.

“A car in the neighbourhood was also set on fire,” said the worried resident.

“Police reports have been lodged, but no action has been taken to-date.”

Min also claimed that verbal threats were made to those unwilling to join the scheme.

“Some were told to watch out.”

There are 504 houses in the area and occupants of 45 houses signed the petition against the project.

On July 23, Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) planning department issued a letter allowing the building of guardhouses, an automatic gate in Jalan SL6A and manual barriers at other access points in the neighbourhood.

However, the barriers have to be open during the day and they must not limit access to public roads.

Checks by StarMetro showed that the sliding gate barriers were unmanned and locked during the day.

Under the council by-laws, Section 46(1)(a) of the Streets, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133) classifies these structures as obstructions on public land.

A resident of Section 11, called Nan, said that locking the gates was irresponsible, as ambulances and fire trucks would not be able to access the roads during an emergency.

“Ambulances are supposed to reach places through the shortest route. They will need to make a big detour. It can be a matter of life and death,” said Nan.

“We know everyone is concerned about safety as we are, but it should be done and discussed in a proper manner. Their intimidating actions amount to bullying,” said Chia, another resident in the neighbourhood.

“We hope that MPKj will do something about this. We are not against the idea of improving safety,” said Chia.

“We just do not like the way it is being done.”

MPKj corporate affairs and public relations head Kamarul Izlan Sulaiman confirmed that the council had approved the building of two guard houses and barriers at certain points.

“But they must be manned and unlocked during the day. It is a guarded community, not a gated one.

“If investigations find that they have not been complying with rules, we will remove the gates,” he said.


> Names have been changed to protect privacy.

Razaly in charge of Dusun Tua

The Star, Friday September 20, 2013

By JADE CHAN
Photo by ROHAIZAT MD DARUS

Dream unrealised : Razaly had to shelve his plans to pursue a degree in Islamic Studies in Yemen or Jordan after winning the Dusun Tua state seat in the recent general election.

Razaly Hassan’s plan to further his education had to be shelved after he was elected as assemblyman in the 13th general election. He had earlier served as a councillor for about five years.

“I wanted to pursue a degree in Islamic Studies in Yemen or Jordan after I retired,” said the 61-year-old who worked as an executive in a publication company before retiring in 2007.

“In fact, I was initially asked to contest for the Dusun Tua state seat in the 12th general election in 2008. I declined as I wanted to further my education.

“I was very involved in PAS party work, and after Pakatan Rakyat formed the state government in Selangor, I was appointed as a Kajang municipal councillor.

“I did not want to be seen as shirking responsibilities, so I complied with the party directive to contest in GE13,” said the Hulu Langat PAS president.

Razaly, who was born and raised in Hulu Langat, continues to reside in Kampung Batu 10 with his wife, who recently retired from her job as an accounts clerk.

He completed schooling in Kajang, then went on to complete STPM in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, as a part-time student.

Razaly, won the Dusun Tua seat with a majority of 4,071 votes.

The Dusun Tua constituency has 46,087 registered voters, 63% Malay and 37% non-Malay.

It has a mix of urban and rural settlements, with an estimated 40:60 ratio based on land size (40% urban, 60% rural).

Razaly said one of his biggest challenges was to balance between development and quality of life of the constituents.

“However, in the course of progress and development, certain sacrifices have to be made.

“For example, there is a need for infrastructure upgrades and new road links.

“Dusun Tua is usually congested during weekends and public holidays as it is famous for its picnic and recreation spots in Sungai Gabai, Sungai Congkak and Lubuk Manggis.

“The problem is that these main roads come under the Federal Government.

“It was announced in Parliament that it would cost RM240mil to acquire land and upgrade the stretch between Batu 9 to Pekan Batu 11.

“It is definitely difficult to implement this project in the immediate future.”

Another concern is that parts of the constituency, like Sungai Serai are flood-prone.

However, Razaly said the issue was in the process of being resolved by the relevant state agencies.

“Dusun Tua has potential in terms of tourist attractions. The state government has identified these attractions, like homestays, hiking and camping spots, and natural hot springs, and has plans to develop and promote them.

“The constituency is also well-known for its orchards and local fruits like durian, mangosteen and langsat,” he said.

Razaly’s service centre is located at No 30-1, Tingkat 1, Jalan Lagenda Suria 3, Taman Lagenda Suria, Hulu Langat,

For details, call 03-9021 2308 or email dusuntua23@gmail.com

Snatch theft victim's car found

The New Straits Times, 17 September 2013

KUALA LUMPUR: A snatch theft victim's car was discovered at the Sri Indah Flats in Balakong yesterday with fingerprints and blood stains of the suspect who took off with the car.

Kajang district police chief ACP Ab Rashid Ab Wahab said police discovered the car at about 7.30pm yesterday after being informed by the public. 
 
The car belonged to a woman whose handbag was snatched by two men on a motorcycle in a car park area at the Taman Megah Flats, Cheras, on Sunday.
 
The woman chased after the duo causing them to lose control of the motorcycle and crash into the divider wall.
 
The suspect then fled using  the woman's car,  abandoning his partner in crime who was seriously injured after falling off the motorcycle at the scene. 
 
The suspect's friend was taken to the Kajang Hospital where he was pronounced dead. -- BERNAMA

Read more: Snatch theft victim's car found - Latest - New Straits Timeshttp://www.nst.com.my/latest/snatch-theft-victim-s-car-found-1.358186#ixzz2fD5Q4XOw

Factory worker conned of RM22,000 by ‘pretty girl’

The Star, Wednesday, 18 Sept 2013

KAJANG: A factory worker was duped out of RM22,000 after befriending a “pretty girl” through an SMS chat service.

The man who only wanted to be known as Tan, 25, said he met the woman in November last year.

“Based on the picture that she uploaded on the chat service, she looked very pretty and claimed to be staying in Shah Alam,” he said in a press conference at the Kajang DAP office in Selangor yesterday.

He said that after about a month of knowing the woman, she began asking him for money to pay for surgery for her ill father.

“I foolishly gave her money between last December and February, thinking that it would help her.

“In February, I went to Johor to meet her and I was met by a girl who claimed to be her sister,” he said.

He added that he was told that the woman had been kidnapped by loan sharks and needed money to be released.

Tan said he gave some more money but stopped in March when he could not get any more funds.

“I feared something was amiss and lodged a police report in April,” he said, claiming that he gave about RM22,000 and even bought a Samsung Galaxy S2 phone for the woman.

Most of the money, he said, was borrowed from his friends and he had no idea how he was going to repay them now.

“I only hope that she will repent and re-pay me the money that I had given her,” he added.

Serdang MP Ong Kian Ming, who organised the press conference, advised the public to be wary of these scams.

Traffic change, lane closures announced (MRT)

The New Straits Times, Monday, 16 Sept 2013

KUALA LUMPUR: Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) has announced that traffic in Jalan Kelab (in front of Kajang Stadium) will be realigned for a stretch of 200 metres from tomorrow until June 17, 2016. (Refer to Map 1)

Traffic entering Jalan Kelab will be diverted to a newly paved lane. Some of the parking bays in front of the stadium have been taken up and a new parking area has been constructed in front of Muzium Sate.

The realignment is to facilitate preparation works for the construction of MRT piers and Bandar Kajang MRT Station.

MRT Corp also announced that the temporary partial night lane closure in Jalan Cheras (in both directions near Cheras Sentral/Plaza Phoenix), from 10pm to 5am daily, has been extended to Sept 30.

This is to facilitate the demolition of the pedestrian bridge in front of Cheras Sentral in preparation for the construction of MRT piers and Plaza Phoenix MRT station.

The traffic will be stopped for 10 minutes, in both directions, during the lifting of the bridge to ensure the safety of road users.

MRT Corp said there would be a temporary night road closure in Jalan Kamuning and Jalan Delima, off Jalan Tun Razak, from tomorrow until Oct 17, from 10pm to 6am daily.

This is to facilitate the delivery and off-loading of tunnel boring machine components to the MRT construction site in Jalan Kamuning.

Motorists are reminded to drive carefully near MRT worksites and follow directional signs.

Safety barriers, hoardings and traffic cones will be installed at the work sites to ensure that road users and pedestrians are informed of ongoing works. A 24-hour MRT Ronda will be patrolling the routes to attend to emergencies.

For details, visit www.mymrt.com.my or www.mymrt-underground.com.my, twitter @MRTMalaysia or twitter @MyMRT Underground or call the MRT Hotline at 1-800 82 6868.

Read more: Traffic change, lane closures announced - Central - New Straits Timeshttp://www.nst.com.my/streets/central/traffic-change-lane-closures-announced-1.356674#ixzz2f824ZWVq

Snatch theft suspect who fled in car identified

The New Straits Times, Tuesday, 17 September 2013

KAJANG: Police believe they have identified the suspect who drove off in a snatch theft victim's car after his accomplice was killed in Taman Cheras Perdana here on Sunday.

Kajang police chief Assistant Commissioner Abdul Rashid Abdul Wahab said it was a matter of time before the suspect was picked up.

"He is badly injured and needs medical attention. I hope doctors who come across a man with injuries on his arm will alert the police."

He added that police had strong leads on the suspect, who is believed to be linked with several snatch theft and robbery cases in the area.

It was reported that a 32-year-old cashier lost her handbag to two motorcyclists after she parked her car in Taman Cheras Perdana about 6.30am.

She chased the suspects in her car until they lost control of the motorcycle, resulting in the death of the rider, identified as Chen Siong He, 30. He died due to head, neck and chest injuries.

However, his accomplice, who was riding pillion, managed to speed off in the victim's car in the confusion following the crash.

Chen's brother claimed the body from the Kajang Hospital mortuary yesterday after family members had initially refused to do so.

Read more: Snatch theft suspect who fled in car identified - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/snatch-theft-suspect-who-fled-in-car-identified-1.357512#ixzz2f81TNqFa

Teenager in motorcycle convoy killed in accident

The New Straits Times, Monday, 16 Sept 2013

By SUKHBIR CHEEMA | sukhbir@nst.com.my

SEREMBAN: A 19-year-old toll attendant, who was in a motorcycle convoy in conjunction with Malaysia Day, died after loosing control of his bike at KM261 Plus highway, south-bound this morning. 

  In the 10.30am incident, Muhamad Hafizie Azizi who was on his way in a convoy led by 50 of his friends from Semenyih, Selangor, to Port Dickson, died on the spot after succumbing to severe head injuries.

He had lost control of his bike before crashing into the highway divider.

A police spokesperson said that the victim, who was on his month old Kawasaki RR150, had sped ahead of the group and was alone when he crashed.

"The crash led him to be thrown a few metres into the emergency lane, while his bike was dragged about 70 metres away from his body."

The police spokesperson added that the victim, who worked as a toll attendant at the Lebuh Raya Kajang Seremban (Lekas) highway, was on a holiday trip to Port Dickson with his friends.

Meanwhile, Seremban police chief Assistant Commissioner Zainal Abu confirmed the incident and said that investigations were being carried out to determine the cause of the accident.

He added that the body of the victim was sent to the Tuanku Jaafar Hospital in Seremban for post mortem before being given to the family for the burial.

The motorcycle that was riden by the toll attendant and was involved in an accident at KM261 of PLUS Highway. 

 

Read more: Teenager in motorcycle convoy killed in accident - Latest - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/latest/teenager-in-motorcycle-convoy-killed-in-accident-1.357156#ixzz2f80W4DNg

 

Brave victim chases thieves only to have her car stolen in the end

The Star, Monday September 16, 2013

By NICHOLAS CHENG

KAJANG: A gutsy woman raced after two snatch thieves in her car at a housing estate here and they crashed their motorcycle into a road divider in trying to escape, resulting in one of the culprits being trapped under her vehicle.

She refused to help the injured man who later died of head injuries.

The 32-year-old mother-of-two, who wanted to be known only as Lee, retrieved her handbag containing RM4,000 from the snatch thieves, but while she was outside her vehicle, the other thief sneaked into her car and drove off.

Lee, a cashier, said she had earlier parked her Hyundai and was walking back to her flat in Taman Megah when the two men rode towards her on a black Yamaha SS motorcycle during the 6am incident yesterday.

“The pillion rider held a long knife to my neck, ordering me to ‘shut up and don’t scream’.

“He then asked me to hand over my handbag. I did as I was told. At the same time, I begged to have my car keys and he opened my bag and threw it on the road.

“As they sped off I wanted to scream for help. But then I realised they were only on a motorcycle and I have a car,” she told The Star.

She quickly got back into her car and went after the men as they sped through Taman Cheras Perdana.
“I was so angry because I hate these kind of people. I really wanted to hurt them,” she said.

Lee said the pillion rider tore off his helmet and threw it at her windscreen, causing the motorcycle to skid and crash onto the road divider at a traffic light junction.

She said the pillion rider’s arm was stuck under the car tyre and he begged her to let him go, while at the same time groaning to passers-by that she had knocked into him.

“I came out from my car and said: ‘No. These men robbed me’.

“I did not notice the other suspect sneaking into the car after I got out. He drove off fast,” said Lee, who described the thief as “fat, bespectacled and wore a dark blue jacket and black pants”.

Lee’s silver Hyundai bears the registration number BGQ 8831.

Meanwhile, Kajang OCPD ACP Abdul Rashid Abdul Wahab said the dead thief had three previous records. He was identified as Chen Siong He, 30, from Kampung 11, Cheras.

“We are on the lookout for his accomplice and Lee’s car,” he added.