Subang Jaya exit should remain as two lanes, says Yeoh

Subang Jaya exit should remain as two lanes, says Yeoh

THO XIN YI at the Selangor state assembly

THE Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) has been urged to stop narrowing the two-lane exit from Subang Jaya to the Federal Highway.

Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh said the ongoing road work near Glenmarie in Shah Alam had reduced the exit to only one lane.

“It has created traffic congestion in the morning as the exit is one of the main access roads for Subang Jaya residents to get out of the township.

“I have received many complaints from the residents last Thursday and Friday regarding the road work,” she said.

Yeoh added that she had highlighted the matter to Seri Setia assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who was coordinating with the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) to supervise the work.

“According to mayor Datuk Mohd Jaafar Mohd Atan, the road work falls under MHA, since it is on the Federal Highway.

“MHA should not narrow the road since it affects thousands of Subang Jaya residents in the morning,” she said.

Yeoh added MBSA should brief the Subang Jaya Municipal Council, on the traffic plan for the new development.

“It seems that there would be criss-crossing of traffic especially motorists heading towards the development and those from Subang Jaya,” she said.

Political forum with Sakmongkol AK47, Aspan Alias and Zairil Khir Johari!


Admission is free. Open to all. Hope to see you there!


Price Fixing by our Mobile Telecommunication Companies

Six months ago today marks the first public outcry of the Malaysian telecommunications subscribers when it was brought to light that eight telecommunication companies met and decided to raise mobile prepaid prices by 6% owing to government service tax being passed on to their subscribers. Though within their corporate rights to raise prices and/or pass on government taxes to their subscribers, their action showed utter disregard for the law.

Section 133 of the Multimedia & Communications Act of 1998 clearly states that any licensee shall not engage in any conduct which has the purpose of substantially lessening competition in a communications market. Furthermore, Section 135 of the same prohibits every telecommunication company to enter any understanding, agreement, or arrangement that provides for rate fixing. These, among others, are just examples of the laws that the telecommunication companies in question have deliberately and blatantly ignored for the sake of profit, without considering the welfare and the joint interests of their subscribers.

Six months ago the angered consumers' opinions prevailed and resulted to a temporary amnesty. While the amnesty provides that the 6% increase not be implemented, this does not absolve the involved telecommunication companies of the legal consequences of their actions, which is an obvious breach of the law.

If these telecommunication companies can meet and collude to unilaterally raise the market prices without fear of persecution, the government must investigate if such actions have been done in the past. If no investigation or action is taken, we would repeatedly see this practice of price fixing to the benefit of the companies but detrimental to the public's interests. I, and millions more who are these companies' subscribers, strongly urge the government to act immediately and investigate the unscrupulous collusion.

Half a year has passed and yet the prevailing question still remains. Why hasn't the government, specifically the Malaysian Communications & Multimedia Commission, and its minister YB Dato' Seri Utama Dr. Rais Yatim investigated and/or released the results of the case despite Member of Parliament, YB Tony Pua's, call to action requesting the government to protect the public? Who then are the stakeholders that the government prioritises to protect, the few corporate giants or the millions of the rakyat clamouring for their rights to be protected?



--
Rajiv Rishyakaran
Chairman
DAP Kelana Jaya PLC

Tel: 012-3111585,Fax: 03-56350230
Email: rajiv@dapsj.com
Blog: http://www.rajiv4malaysia.com/
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Revamping MPSJ's 3C Complex, starting with a Toy Library

I was appointed to the Board of Directors for MPSJ 3C (Children's Creativity Center) in July 2011, my aim was to bring back the center to its original aim and focus, which was to be a center to promote Children's Creativity.

We lack such a facility here in Subang Jaya, and largely in Malaysia, though internet searches show that these centers do exist in developed countries. While not having any kids myself yet, I would like to see a center that exist that can enable children to reach their full potential.

One of the items that I proposed was a Toy Library. We need one as most parents can't afford to buy a variety of toys that a library can offer, especially more complex and expensive ones. Toys are key to helping children develop their creativity and skills.

I'm glad that this center is was opened in the begining of this year, and was recently formally launched by the MPSJ council president, as the story below...


Subang toy library promises fun time
Writer: Tang Hui Koon
Published: Fri, 02 Mar 2012, Selangor Times

SUBANG JAYA: Families can now bring their children on Saturdays to a toy library set up by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) in its Children Creativity Centre (Kompleks 3C) in Jalan PJS11/2.

“We want the children to play and learn new stuff,” said Kompleks 3C senior assistant director Haini Mohd Salleh.

The newly-expanded and refurbished toy library is divided into five main zones: “My Home”, “Transport”, “My Hometown”, “Role-playing” and “Scrabble”.

Its walls are painted with colourful graphics and the 100-sq-ft space can now fit around 50 children.

Children playing a traditional game at the toy library.

Equipped with the latest toys as well as traditional games like congkak, it has been opened to the public for free from 9.30am to 5pm on every Saturday since Feb 18.

However, Haini said the children must be accompanied by adults.

Apart from the toy library, Kompleks 3C also houses a petting zoo, reptile’s aquarium, library, art gallery and cafĂ© garden.

Located on a five-acre plot of land, the learning centre was opened in August 2006 and only accommodated three to four-year-old children.

Over the years, it started a pre-school programme for five to six-year-olds and a nursery for toddlers to children aged 12 of MPSJ staff as well.

Now, it also hosts sewing, cooking and ballet classes and other programmes for children and parents with partners such as Creative Arts & Design Centre, FTIM Designing Centre and the National Autistic Society of Malaysia.

Please take note - Our Local Plan is being amended

(as appeared in SJ Echo March 2012)

On the 13th of February, with much fanfare, MPSJ launch the drafts for the MPSJ local plan amendments. For those who are not familiar, the local plan is the ultimate town planning document, detailing out what can and cannot be built on each and every parcel of land in Subang Jaya. The plan was first mooted in 2007, and had come into force in March 2010.

We often hear complaints of overdevelopment, and the lack of consultation between the government and residents with regards to new development permission being granted. Some of feel that Subang Jaya is already overdeveloped. Others may feel that it can do with more development, or maybe requires more of a specific kind of development.

Whatever your views are, I think it’ll be good for all of us to take a look at the amendments and share our feedback, especially if they are any objections. For the first time, the document is available online, downloadable from MPSJ’s website. Previously, you would have to go and buy a copy of the book.

Some key points, that I think all of us should be aware off, is

1. The proposal to increase the plot ratio (building density) from 4 to 6, for PJS9, PJS11, SS15, SS16, USJ1 and USJ21. While condition for plot ratio 6 is that they achieve “Gold Green Building” status, I must note that no amount of green building will ease the possible 50% increase in traffic volume that will arise from these developments. In order to propose an increase of plot ratio, MPSJ should conduct comprehensive traffic studies and produce an infrastructure upgrading plan on how it will cope. In fact, if at all MPSJ will allow increase of plot ratio, it should be within the 250m to 500m radius from each LRT station, not in areas like Sunway, that is already super congested and far from any LRT station.

2. The conversion of selected industrial lots in SS13 and USJ1 into commercial lots. I personally believe in time, we will phase out the industrial areas in Subang Jaya, due to rising land prices and changes in the economy position. However, random conversions, without putting in place the right supporting infrastructure are just going to breed congestion. Both USJ1 and SS13 are old areas, which should be redesigned properly before allowing commercial redevelopment. Note, once you redevelop, putting in place the infrastructure after that is not easy, and not cheap.

3. Currently day care operations are not permitted in commercial premises. I personally feel that it should be allowed. Having day care centers near offices, shopping areas, or commercial districts will ease the chance or parents dropping and picking the kids before and after work, as well, as possibility visiting the kids during lunch or other breaks. This will also reduce the problem of objection from neighboring houses which day care centers currently all operate from.

These are just among the few items, I’m sure each of us will have different opinions. But regardless of what your opinion is, this is your chance, as a resident of Subang Jaya, to official record your views. Your objections/support for any of the proposed changes can make a difference. Let us not waste this opportunity to engage MPSJ.

Forum on "PEMANDU & the ETP: Transformative, or business as usual?"

Many ambitious targets have been set for the Economic Transformation Program (ETP). RM1.4 trillion in investments, 3.3 million new jobs, RM48,000 GNI per capita, 131 Entry Point Projects and 60 Business Opportunities.

Many big headline numbers have been touted in the ETP Updates. RM177 billion in committed investments. 389,000 new jobs. 114 Entry Point Projects announced. The incorporation of the Strategic Reform Initiatives (SRIs).

Is the ETP as transformative as the headline figures indicate? Is it playing an instrumental role in lifting the country out of its middle income trap? Or is the ETP merely a very slick and professional marketing exercise which masks the business-as-usual government-knows-best approach to managing the economy?

All these questions and more will be answered in a public forum organised by the DAP Malaysa on "PEMANDU & the ETP: Transformative, or business as usual?" on:

Date: Wednesday, 7th of March, 2012
Time: 8pm
Venue: Kuala Lumpur-Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH), Jalan Maharajalela, Kuala Lumpur

The speakers will consist of Pakatan Rakyat elected representatives YB Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad (PAS MP for Kuala Selangor) and YB Liew Chin Tong (DAP MP for Bukit Bendera); strategists and researchers, Razifi Ramli (PKR) and Teh Chi-Chang (Executive Director, Refsa)

The entrance to the forum is free and all who have any interest in or questions on to the ETP are welcome.

For further enquiries, please email: im.ok.man@gmail.com

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