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...

The story below is highlighted in The Star, is a very real problem. One challenge is to what extend can local councils enter private homes to clean up, but the bigger challenge is also cost. To what extend does local councils "manage" this homes. It is not just a one off clean up, but regular maintenance is needed. Also, in serious cases, where door, walls, fences, roof needs to be fixed, that's going to eat up cost too.

Unless Parliament amends the law to allow local councils to take over ownership? or at least during this maintenance period, allow the local councils to rent out the property to recoup the cost of repair, and having a tenant will keep the place decent thereafter.

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Abandoned house causes misery

By EDWARD R. HENRY
edward@thestar.com.my
Photos by SAM THAM

SJ Echo column, September 2011

I have to admit that before Mac 2008, I had heard of 3C, but didn’t know what it was all about. And most people I met also may have heard of it, but did not really know where it is or what it is. 3C is short for Children’s Creativity Center (however, just last month is has had a name upgrade to Children and Community Creativity Center). It’s the colourful building with high walls that sits on a 5-acre piece of land along the NPE, after Sunway Pyramid before the Millennium Park.

Turns out, contrary to public opinion, the complex is decently utilized, and not abandoned or vacant. A number of organizations run various activities throughout the week. However, I acknowledge publicity of these has been lacking, and thus is it not surprising that community involvement has been rather low.

I have been recently appointed to the Board of 3C. This year we have made a big change. An active citizen in my zone spoke to me at the beginning of this year about 3C, and subsequently, at his suggestion, I brought up the idea of admitting members of the public into the 3C Board. Previously, it was only made up of MPSJ staff and councillors.

We are also moving towards setting up a website and Facebook page. This is to promote both the facilities in the complex as well as the activities. But we need more involvement from the public for this place to truly succeed; after all it is a community center. Do tell us, what activities would you like to see organized? Or what facilities would you like to see in the community center?

In the aspect of the children’s creativity center, I admit that 3C is doing very poorly at the moment. I’ve been reading up on children’s creativity centers overseas, to get ideas over the long Hari Raya holidays. I think we can start with jungle gyms, art and craft centers, and a toy library/center among other ideas. It would be great to hear from parents – what would you like? Let’s move together on this as a community.

A pledge on rubbish

It’s sad that the township of Subang Jaya is still littered with sofas, mattresses and other rubbish by the road sides and by the playing fields. It seems that all efforts to bring about a change in behaviour, including efforts by the paper have fallen on deaf ears.
I understand some complaint that because Alam Flora does not collect certain rubbish in front of your house, you resort to dragging that rubbish to a tree by the road corner.

I would like to publicly offer and challenge all residents of my JKP Zone 3 (USJ2-15). Place your rubbish (garden waste and domestic waste) outside your house for the regular Alam Flora collection. IF Alam Flora doesn’t collect it, call me (012-3111585, rajiv@mpsj.gov.my), and I will attend to it. If you are disposing bulky waste (mattress, cupboard, sofa, etc), please call 1800-880-880, and if Alam Flora doesn’t send over a lorry to pick it up, call me, and I will intervene.

I hope we can make progress on this; after all, it’s to our benefit, to live in a clean and beautiful environment.

MPSJ bags clean award

By TAN KARR WEI
karrwei@thestar.com.my

I have just obtained from Alam Flora the work schedule for the public cleaning works (cut grass, road sweeping, drain cleaning) for Zone 3 (USJ2-USJ15). If you want to know what days in each month Alam Flora attends to your street, you can email me at rajiv@dapsj.com or message me on facebook.

This is something that's long overdue. After a tough battle during the 2009 MPSJ Budget, we got a nominal sum to get the ball rolling - RM350k. The process of preparation, study has already started. We hope to be ready to move into making this a reality by the end of the year.

More funds needs to be allocated towards this cause for the 2011 budget.

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Crematorium badly needed in Puchong

By THO XIN YI
thoxinyi@thestar.com.my