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.