Blast-off at Putrajaya
Friday December 14, 2007
By GEETHA KRISHNAN
TheStar


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IF you want to experience what Angkasawan Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor experienced just seconds before he blasted off into space recently, you will have the opportunity, come this weekend.

Reliving the critical 6.6 seconds before the lift-off is possible within the contraption called the Blast Zone at the Malaysia International Space Adventure 2007 (MISA '07) to be launched at Precinct 5 in Putrajaya on Saturday. The year-end effort supported by the Tourism Ministry officially opens to the public on Sunday and will run for three months.

The MISA '07, the first exposition of its kind in Asia, offers visitors the chance to experience space on earth via a range of multi-dimensional and multi-sensory experiences, catering to adults and children as young as three.




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Inside view: What astronauts get to see once they are
strapped inside a space capsule before blast off.




The 27,000 sq m exposition area is close to the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC). It houses 87 space-exploration exhibits from Europe, the Apollo and Gemini space programmes and the German Space Museum.

MISA project director Jamilah Itam said it would take nearly two hours to walk through the exposition area and fully enjoy the experiences set up for the benefit of space junkies and novices.

“Panels will be put up with information in English and Bahasa Malaysia to guide visitors through their experiences. Marshals will be stationed for crowd control because we expect queues for certain exhibits,” she said.

Like the Blast Zone, the Space Shuttle Flight Deck is among the eight MISA experiences designed to enable visitors to savour the thrill of outer space travel.

One can gingerly step into a partial replica of the Discovery shuttle and engage in a simulated space mission to discover how a space expedition is organised.

A full-scale replica of the Lunar Roving Vehicles is parked in a corner of the History of Space Exploration, the experience following the Galactic Concourse where visitors can gaze upon the cosmic ocean comprising stars, planets and galaxies with surrounding sound to boot.

According to MISA technical consultant and space flight journalist Gerhard Daum, there are three Lunar Rovers built for space missions and each battery-operated four-wheel drive vehicle travelled 27km on the lunar surface.

“The replica of the International Space Station (ISS) measures 4m by 8m while the original is 100m by 80m and orbits 350km above the Earth at the speed of 28,000kmh. It orbits the Earth 16 times a day,” Daum said, pointing to the 1:18 scale model.

He also said that there had been 151 American space missions to date, including the disastrous ones aboard the shuttles Challenger and Columbia, both involving fatalities.





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Down-scaled: The 1:18 scale model of the International Space Station.





Technical consultant Jeroen Nijpels talked in depth about the 4D Theatre experience complete with motion seats, feet ticklers, water sprays, fog and smoke during the screening of a 14-minute film called “Fly Me To The Moon”. The movie is about three flies that travelled on board the space shuttle for a mission.

According to Jamilah, the MISA would be a fun outing for the whole family with an outdoor café to relax in and photo opportunities with the Astronaut Mascots.

“For entertainment, we have Strange Fruit, an internationally renowned arts troupe from Australia offering a unique fusion of theatre, dance and circus with performers dancing atop 4m-high flexible poles. They will perform from Dec 15 to 20 but we are negotiating for some New Year shows,” she said.

The MISA '07 opens from 10am to 11pm, Monday to Thursday, with last entry at 9pm, and from 10am to midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with last entry at 10pm. Admission fees are RM38 per adult and RM23 per child between 3 to 12. For details, call 03-4024 7009.

TRC unit secures RM115.45m project
19 Dec 2007 10:29 PM
THEEDGEDAILY

KUALA LUMPUR: TRC Synergy Bhd has secured a RM115.45 million contract for the construction and completion of the remaining works for government quarters development in Precinct 11, Putrajaya.

In a statement yesterday, the company said its wholly owned Trans Resources Corporation Sdn Bhd received the letter of award from Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd to undertake the works at zones 3A, 9A, 10B, 12B, 11 A&B, 10A1, 10A2 and 6B in the precinct.

TRC said the site possession would be on Jan 7 next year with completion by Jan 4, 2009.

Five-star drivers and vehicles for Putrajaya
Saturday January 12, 2008
TheStar

PUTRAJAYA: “Five-star” motorists and vehicles – this is the plan for the Federal administrative capital under a pilot project to implement best road practices among road users here to minimise road fatalities.

“When we talk about five-star motorists and vehicles, it means road users here are law abiding and disciplined, while vehicles are well maintained and roadworthy,” said Road Safety department director-general Datuk Suret Singh of the zero fatality vision programme.

The area would also be equipped with good infrastructure to determine how good practices could help reduce, if not eliminate road fatalities, he added.

The department and the Malaysian Institute for Road Safety Research (Miros) were tasked by the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Sidek Hassan to use Putrajaya as the site for the project, in line with its status as the Federal administrative centre and a popular tourist destination.

Suret Singh said various programmes would be held to educate road users on how to become “five-star” drivers, such as the importance of using seat belts and stopping at red lights and pedestrian crossings.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was expected to launch the nationwide zero fatality vision programme later this year.

According to police, 953 accidents occurred here last year, with five deaths reported. Fifty-six people were injured, 18 of them serious.

Seminar to help enhance Putrajaya’s image
Saturday February 9, 2008
By GEETHA KRISHNAN
TheStar

IT took fast track planning for Putrajaya to move from the drawing board to become a city with world-class facilities.

The city's local authority, Putrajaya Corporation, has made it its mission to establish Putrajaya as a well-managed and vibrant city to fulfil socio-economic, recreational and spiritual needs of city dwellers and visitors alike by 2015.

Towards this aim, a one-day seminar on the theme “Creating a Livable and Vibrant Putrajaya” will be held on Feb 13 at the Conference Hall of the Putrajaya Corporation Complex in Precinct 3.

This is the first effort of its kind and will be undertaken by PJC in conjunction with the Federal Territory Day celebrations.

In a recent interview, PJC city planning director Omairi Hashim said the seminar would help identify the effectiveness and weaknesses of the present practices and systems.

“We have and are still building the physical aspects of the city but we are exploring ways and contemplating ideas to inject vibrancy into the city. We want Putrajaya to have soul and we hope the seminar would help us identify the ways to achieve this aim,' he said.

“We have the government administration in place and are now looking to attract commercial players. We want them to see Putrajaya as a viable place for business investments and office space,” he added.

PJC president Tan Sri Samsudin Osman will deliver the keynote address.

Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Azlan Abdul Karim will present a paper on “Livable and Vibrant City: Putrajaya Experience and Vision” while CH William, Talhar & Wong managing director Goh Tian Sui will focus on “Putrajaya: Investment and Development Opportunities”.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall master plan department director Zainab Ghazali will speak on “Issues and Challenges in Planning for a Livable and Vibrant City”.

For more information, call 03-8887 7033.

Kite festival in Putrajaya attracts enthusiasts and visitors
Wednesday February 13, 2008
Story and photos by CHARLES FERNANDEZ
TheStar

Colourful kites of various sizes filled the blue skies of Putrajaya near the International Convention Centre (PICC) at Precinct 4 recently. The event was a prelude to the Pasir Gudang International Kite Festival, one of the prestigious events listed in the Malaysian tourism calendar.

The two-day event held on Feb 2 and 3 was launched by Putrajaya Corporation president Tan Sri Shamsuddin Osman.




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My pride and joy: A kite enthusiast
holding his giant eagle shaped creation.




The festival was a day of thrill and fun-filled time with its showcase of kites creatively put together by avid local kiters who participated under various categories as well as exhbitions and workshops.

Visitors to Putrajaya were clearly mesmerised by the creative display of kites of all shapes and sizes.

However, sometimes the absence of breeze posed a slight problem as the kiters struggled to get their respective kites up in the air. Eventually after much tugging and pulling, some of the kites were seen gently flying in the sky.

Viewers had the rare opportunity to watch among others a kite flying competition, kite performances and a basic demonstration of kite making. An event spokesperson said the main objective of the two-day festival which is in its second year, was to create interest among kite flying enthusiasts and to gather those who share the same passion of creating artistic “wau” and modern kites.




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Starting young: A youngster learning to make a kite.




“The objective is to promote the art of “wau” and modern kites among the Malaysian community,’’ said the spokesperson.

Although kite flying is relatively new to the Putrajaya population, hundreds of visitors thronged to the festival ground to view and take part in the interesting traditional pastime.

The Pasir Gudang Kite Museum in Johore located at Bukit Layang-layang, is the first museum of its kind in the country.

The museum was established by the Pasir Gudang Local Authority together with the Malaysian Kite Council and the Kite Flyers Association of Johore in an effort to preserve the favourite pastime as a national heritage.

The museum was opened in 2002 during the 7th Pasir Gudang International Kite Festival.

Showtime at lake in Putrajaya
Friday May 9, 2008
By GEETHA KRISHNAN
TheStar

FOR a few seconds on Monday night, dolphins leapt over one another inside a bubble over the Putrajaya Lake.

The scene was an illusion but the surreal effects had the crowd watching from the Promenade in Precinct 1 transfixed. The dolphins and other sea creatures later made way for traditional dancers to enthral the crowd and the splashes made by their feet were so vivid.

This was a glimpse of what is in store for The Strange World Screen and Spectacular Spheres show under the Malaysia Inter-national Spectacular show series, brought to Malaysians and locals by AD Suria endorsed by the Tourism Ministry.



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Underwater scene: The optical illusion of
a turtle gliding over the Putrajaya Lake.




The company is also behind the putting together of the Eye on Malaysia, the giant Ferris wheel that is still pulling in large crowds at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa in Kuala Lumpur and it also organised the Malaysia International Space Adventure space expo that took place in Putrajaya till April.

Tourism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Victor Wee launched the show, viewed as one of the components to draw more locals and tourists to Putrajaya in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year.

Putrajaya Corporation president Tan Sri Samsudin Osman said more than 2,000 visitors visited the federal administrative capital and garden city daily.




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Mesmerised: (from left) Tourism Ministry deputy secretarygeneral Datuk Dr
Ong Hong Peng, Putrajaya MP Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor,
Wee, Samsudin and Federal Territories Ministry secretary-general Ahmad
Phesal Talib at the launching ceremony.




“PJC and the Putrajaya Tourism Action Council have identified more components with tourism potential.

“These include hotels and commercial projects,” he added.

The 90m-wide and 35m-high Strange World Screen is reputed to be the largest and most powerful high-tech aqua screen in the world.





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Orbs of illusion: The show features the world's largest aqua screen and and
Spectacular Spheres, a combination of water, lighting and projection effects
to illuminate the Putrajaya Lake.




Crafted from a screenplay showcasing a fluid series of Malaysian images, lighting effects and high-tech laser artistry, the show is accompanied by a musical soundtrack composed by internationally acclaimed music director, Chong Lim.

Spectacular Spheres comprise large scale floating spheres that combine water, lighting and projection effects to illuminate the Putrajaya Lake at night to the beat of a captivating soundtrack.

A combination of Japanese, German and Australian technology is used to bring the spheres to life while the formation is designed to perform a symphonic visual ballet on the water surface.

The Strange World Screen and Spectacular Spheres show will take place till May 31 with 20-minute shows nightly at 9pm and 10pm.

Road safety drive in Putrajaya
Saturday May 10, 2008, TheStar

PUTRAJAYA: The administrative centre may be the smallest among the Federal Territories – at around 4,900ha – but its statistics for road accidents probably rival the others.

Last year, there were 954 cases with five fatalities. Between January and March this year, there were 250 accidents with four deaths.

To reduce the number of accidents and fatalities, the Transport Ministry has launched the Zero Fatality Vision programme in Putrajaya, with the city being the site of the pilot project.

Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said the aim of the programme was to enhance the people’s understanding of road safety.

The programme will also be carried out in Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Malacca, Selangor, Perak, Sabah and Sarawak.

“We chose Putrajaya for the pilot project because it is the administrative city, as well as being a destination for foreign and local tourists. We want it to be the city with the lowest number of road accidents,” he said when launching the programme here yesterday.

His deputy Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin read his speech. Also present was Road Safety Department director-general Datuk Suret Singh.

Putrajaya a blaze of colours with launch of Citrawarna Malaysia 2008
May 25, 2008
TheStar

PUTRAJAYA: The federal administrative centre kicked off the twoweek school holidays with a kaleidoscope of colours last night.

It was indeed a feast of colours at the Citrawarna Malaysia 2008 in front of the Palace of Justice here.

Besides a 10-minute splendid fireworks display lighting up various motives such as butterflies, birds and bamboo – and a galaxy of stars – the thousands of visitors were entertained to cultural dances by some 1,600 performers.

The two-hour show took place along the stretch of boulevard in Precinct 3.

In line with this year's theme of “the Kingdom of Flora and Fauna”, there was even a decorated giant elephant on stage for the Indian segment of the show.

Local artistes Reshmonu, Nicky and Noreen Aziz belted out hits as the crowd sang along.

The event, the 10th annual edition, was launched by the Sultan of Kedah Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah. He was accompanied by his wife Sultanah Haminah Hamidun.

The royal couple, who were representing the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, made a grand entrance in a carriage drawn by a fine white steed.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and other Cabinet members.

Najib later flagged off a convoy of 250 cars, which will tour the country.

“Our policies are to encourage the development of superior and viable tourism infrastructure, such as the building of resorts and hotels, better transportation and communication facilities, multi-lingual signages in transportation hubs, strict regulating of tour operators and the facilitation of immigration regulations,'' Najib said in his message in the souvenir programme.

Spirits of Malaysian
by Grom Airiss

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Citrawarna Malaysia 2008 (Colours of Malaysia 2008)

Freestyle dancers | citrawarna2008
by Sallehuddin Ishak (http://flickr.com/photos/andenkm/sets/72157605229010350/)

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Putrajaya a tourist magnet
Thursday June 5, 2008
By JADE CHAN
TheStar

KUALA LUMPUR: The administrative capital in Putrajaya is just as popular as Kuala Lumpur – the official capital – with both local and foreign tourists.

S. Satiya and his family, who were visiting Putrajaya for the first time, said they were there because of its significance as Malaysia’s administrative capital.

“We’ll be taking a drive around the city and parks. We also went to the Promenade and Souq and enjoyed the view of the lake,” said the 34-year-old boiler technician from Shah Alam.

Suraya Mohammad, 32, a technician from Kedah, who was taking a walk around Masjid Putra and Dataran Putra with her family, said it was their first time in Putrajaya.

“The buildings and scenery here are beautiful, but the public toilets aren’t well-maintained.”

Paul Vaz, 62, who was holidaying in Malaysia for the second time and had visited the KL Tower and KLCC, was in Putrajaya with his friend Larry Tan on the latter's recommendation.

“It’s a beautiful place. I enjoy seeing the Islamic architecture of the buildings, which is similar to the Moghul architecture in India,” said the chairman of a management institute in Mumbai.

Jerantut resident Zali Busu, 39, comes for short trips to Kuala Lumpur every year with his family and visits places which offer activities for his four children.

“We usually go to the National Zoo, National Museum, National Planetarium and Petrosains Gallery, and shops in Chow Kit and Petaling Street,” said the government servant.

“The children like coming to KL. Their favourite place is the KLCC Park as they like to swim in the pool and play in the park.”

Law Chee Seng, 29, prefers going to shopping malls and seeing sights within Kuala Lumpur as he works in the construction business and does not have much time to travel.

“Since my in-laws and their families are from Pantai Remis, I’ll be taking them to KLCC and the Eye on Malaysia at Lake Titiwangsa.”

Backpacker Daniela Kuhn, 29, planned to soak in the city atmosphere in Kuala Lumpur and enjoy the natural environment of Taman Negara.

She will be going to KLCC, Merdeka Square, Islamic Arts Museum, Bird Park, National Mosque, Little India and Chinatown.

“I like the warm weather here and it helps that the locals speak good English,” said the German native who has backpacked alone in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand.


Go to poll.thestar.com.my and take part in our online poll to pick your favourite holiday destination.

Putrajaya’s biggest school complex ready
Saturday June 21, 2008
By GEETHA KRISHNAN
TheStar

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Courtyard concept: The Precinct 11 (Phase 2) School Complex
features water elements and landscaping.

THE 90-classroom school complex, the largest in Putrajaya, is ready. No date, however, has been set for its official opening yet.

The Precinct 11 (Phase 2) school complex comprises several blocks spread over 6.2ha with 14,579.2 sq m floor space for the primary school and 21,121.6 sq m for the secondary school.

The four-storey complex is designed to cater for 1,400 primary pupils and 1,760 secondary students.

The layout and design, with emphasis on water elements and landscaping, is based on the garden city concept of Putrajaya.

Putrajaya Corporation (PJC) is the project developer while KLCC Projeks Sdn Bhd is the project manager. The main contractor is Loh & Loh Construction Sdn Bhd.

Work on the project began in 2002 and was completed in 2006. The certificate of practical completion (CPC) was issued in 2007.

Currently, only the school administration is based at the complex. No date has been announced yet for the student intake.

The complex is located near the mixed development housing area in Precinct 11 where government housing is provided.

PJC city development director Mohd Ridzwan Kulup Othman handed over the complex to Education Ministry deputy secretary (planning and management division) Omar Taib during a ceremony recently.

Among those present at the ceremony were Putrajaya Education Department director Dr Muhammad Ab Rahman and Loh & Loh Construction executive director Lee Hon Keong.

Takaful Ikhlas Opening Branch Office In Putrajaya
July 18, 2008 20:11 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- Takaful Ikhlas Sdn Bhd will open a branch office in Putrajaya soon, its vice-executive chairman and chief operating officer Wan Mohd Fadzlullah Wan Abdullah said Friday.

As a prelude to the opening, it hosted a community programme to promote Takaful Ikhlas to residents of Precinct 11 in Putrajaya on July 12 with the cooperation of the Al Furqan Surau committee members, he said.

The programme was one of the ways adopted by the company to introduce Takaful Ikhlas to residents of the federal administrative centre, he said.

"We believe the community programme is one of the best approaches to approach Putrajaya residents to promote the scheme," he said in a statement.

Wan Mohd Fadzlullah also said Takaful Ikhlas had received 18,000 certificates since it was appointed as a panel for the housing financing scheme by the Treasury's Housing Loan Division on August 2006.

Following the appointment, Takaful Ikhlas offered a special plan -- Ikhlas Takaful Gadaijanji dan Pemilik Rumah -- for civil servants, he said.

Given the encouraging response to the plan, Takaful Ikhlas launched an incentive programme called "Rumahku Syurgaku" in April, he added.

-- BERNAMA

Putrajaya set to host Waterski World Cup 2008
Saturday July 26, 2008, By CHARLES FERNANDEZ, TheStar


THE spectacular Water Sports Complex at Precinct 6, Putrajaya, will be the venue for the fifth leg of the International Water Ski Federation (IWSF) Waterski and Wakeboard World Cup series from Nov 7 to 9.

The event will be held in Malaysia after Dubna (Russia), Hacienda Bay Beach (Egypt), Singapore and Chandigargh (India). The last venue will be Doha (Qatar).

IWSF president Kuno Ritschard, who was in Malaysia to advise on the building of a jump ramp that will feature prominently in the Waterski World Cup, said the locations were the most exotic thus far in the World Cup history.

“Putrajaya can become one of the best venues in the history of the IWSF World Cup series. The facilities and setting are second to none,” he said after a familiarisation tour of the complex.

Ritschard’s responsibility include administration of day-to-day business and the worldwide promotion and marketing of Waterskiing and Wakeboarding World Cup series.

“The sport is gaining momentum. Our aim is to increase the series from the present six to 10 venues a year,” he said.

Putrajaya Corporation president Tan Sri Samsudin Osman said some of the world’s top ranked men and women competitors would take part in disciplines like the Slalom, Shortboard and Jump for the very first time in this country.

In each of the three disciplines, eight of the world’s highest ranked women skiers will take part as will 12 of the current top ranked men athletes.

“About 60 of the world’s best water ski competitors from 18 countries are expected to perform.

“There are no local competitors but we hope there will be someone within the next four years,” he said after launching the Waterski World Cup logo.

With six stops in total, three will incorporate Wakeboard and three will include Waterskiing.

“This is in line with the original objectives of the World Cup series that is to bring the best IWSF athletes to compete,” Samsudin said.

He said while water sports enthusiasts awaited the World Cup series in November, Putrajaya Corporation would ensure that the Maritime Centre and the Pullman Alam Warisan hotel would be ready and operational by September.

“We are expecting about 100,000 visitors from all over the country for the three-day event,” Samsudin added.

Meeting between buyers and builders of stalled project in Putrajaya
Wednesday July 30, 2008
TheStar

ALL buyers of the public units at Precinct 11 Development, Putrajaya, are invited to take part in a meeting with the project developer Arif Cerah Sdn Bhd at 10am today at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.

The meeting will be chaired by Housing and Local Government Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail. Representatives of Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd (PJHSB), as the master developer of Putrajaya, will also be present at the meeting.

The meeting is to update the house buyers on the status of the stalled Precinct 11 development and the action plans that had been discussed between the developer, PJHSB and ministry officials.

Construction work at the Precinct 11 development has ceased since late last year, mainly due to the ongoing dispute between the company and PJHSB

Arif Cerah is a wholly owned subsidiary company of Peremba Jaya Holdings Sdn Bhd, which in turn is a joint venture company between PECD Berhad and PJHSB.

The company is, however, actively pursuing alternative avenues to resolve the matter.

PECD had earlier briefed and requested assistance from the Housing and Local Government Ministry and the Federal Territories Ministry to find ways to revive the project and to prevent it from being classified as abandoned.

Arif Cerah, Peremba Jaya Holdings and PECD remain committed to a positive outcome for all parties concerned, especially the buyers.

Putrajaya hosts its first film fest
NST Online » Local News
2008/08/08

PUTRAJAYA: As many as 1,000 people visited Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) at the Alamanda shopping mall here for the official launch of the 21st Malaysian Film Festival (FFM 21), held for the first time here last night.
The revellers, apart from wanting to catch a glimpse of their favourite artistes, also wanted to take the opportunity to watch the premiere of two films, Wayang and Kami, at 9pm.

Wayang, produced by Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), is about an experienced and world-weary tok dalang (puppet master) passing his wayang kulit (shadow puppet) craft to two apprentices -- a visually-impaired boy and a speech-impaired girl.

Kami, a joint production by Grand Brilliance Sdn Bhd and Red Films Sdn Bhd, is about a group of teenagers who wrestle with the looming challenge of adult life after completing their secondary school examination.

The festival was launched by Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry secretary-general Dr Muzahet Masruri.
Among the actors and actresses who turned up at the launch were Eman Manan, Lisa Surihani, Liyana Jasmay and Syanie.

As part of the FFM 21 celebrations, a local film symposium was held from 9am to 5pm at the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur.

The public can catch some of the local movies in contention for this year's awards during free screenings at GSC Alamanda Putrajaya, Tanjong Golden Village (TGV) Suria KLCC and Cathay Cineleisure Damansara from 3pm onwards today till Sunday.

Free passes for the films can be obtained at the respective ticket counters.

Prizes totalling RM400,000 await FFM 21 winners in 24 categories at the award presentation ceremony to be held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre tomorrow.

For more information on the festival, visit www.sinemamalaysia.com.my.

12-hour Walk in Putrajaya
Thursday October 23, 2008
By Y.P. SIVAM
TheStar

FOR the first time in five years, the 12-hour walk, organised by the Race Walkers Association of Malaysia (RWAM), will be held in Putrajaya on Dec 13 and 14.

The last four editions of the 12-hour walk was held in Penang. But this year, for a change, the RWAM has opted to stage the event, the Putrajaya International 12-Hour Walk, in Putrajaya.

RWAM president Datuk Eddy Chen said the last four editions of the event were successful.

“Now we are keen to promote the event in other states as well. We felt Putrajaya will be an interesting venue for the 12-Hour Walk. We have received encouraging response from our partners Putrajaya Holdings and the Federal Territory Amateur Athletics Association.

“We have also got in touch with our overseas contacts to promote the event,’’ said Chen.

The organisers are expecting about 300 participants to be part of the event. They have already received confirmation from participants in Hong Kong, Singapore, Spain, the Philippines and Belgium.

Chen said they were expecting about 85% of participants to be locals.

The 12-Hour Walk will have two categories - men and women - and there will be cash prizes for the top 30 who finish in each category.

The organisers have also included a 50km event for both men and women in the 12-Hour Walk.

Chen said the 50km walk for men was to prepare Malaysian walkers for the 2010 Common-wealth Games in New Delhi.

“Our initial plan was to have the 50km walk for men only. But several women were also game for the challenge. Our main aim is to provide a platform for Malaysian walkers to prepare for the Commonwealth Games,’’ said Chen.

In the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia won the gold medal in the 50km walk through G. Saravanan.

Chen said Saravanan had proved that Malaysians had the talent to match their rivals in the Commonwealth Games.

“We did not have any representatives in the 2002 and 2006 Commonwealth Games. We hope to see a Malaysian starting the event in New Delhi,’’ added Chen.

Laughs galore in Putrajaya
CARE for a laugh at the everyday life of Malaysians? Then catch Comedy Court's duo, Allan and Indi, in action at Putrajaya on Nov 1.

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FUNNY GUYS: ’Allan & Indi Hold Court in Putrajaya’ is spiced with Malaysian humour.
Allan and Indi will be presenting Allan & Indi Hold Court in Putrajaya as part of the Putrajaya Arts Festival.

The show, spiced with Malaysian humour, will include personalities such as popular lawyers Loga and Singam, gossipy friends Thavi and Myrtle, scheming datuks KC and TC, and lovable pals Mat and Din.

The comedy promises to tickle the audience with acts on the funny sides of everyday Malaysian life, from "what's in the headlines to what's on the sidelines" with scripts that at times, can be changed at the last minute.


Putrajaya Holdings chief executive officer Azlan Abdul Karim said he was looking forward to Comedy Court as they were a huge success at the Putrajaya Arts Festival last year.

"There have been many requests to make them a regular feature in the festival.

"Their antics and stories are a lively entertainment. We are confident that everyone who sees the show will enjoy it," he said.

Allan & Indi Hold Court in Putrajaya will be held at Kompleks Perbadanan Putrajaya at 8.30pm.

Putrajaya Arts Festival celebrates the arts, from dance and music to theatre, film and photography.

The festival, jointly organised by Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd and Perbadanan Putrajaya, is making its mark as one of the country's premier arts events.

The official media partners for the event are New Straits Times Press, Berita Harian and Harian Metro.

For details on Comedy Court in Putrajaya, please call 03-2274 5693 or visit www.putrajayaartsfest.com.my.

The closing date for the Putrajaya Arts Festival photography competition themed "Putrajaya: The Vibrant City," has been extended to Nov 11.

Selangor wants more royalty for Putrajaya
Saturday October 25, 2008
By WANI MUTHIAH

SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government now wants more royalty payment from the Federal Government for Putrajaya.

Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said he would meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad to discuss various issues including plans for the state’s development, the management of river and transport systems and the royalty payment.

“We will seek the advice of the Sultan (Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah) on how best we should pursue the royalty matter with the Federal Government,” Khalid told a press conference at the state assembly yesterday.

He said all agreements signed between the state and federal governments in 2000 over the acquisition of Putrajaya would be looked at again.

Khalid explained that the Federal Government had given Selangor an initial payment of RM200mil followed by RM7.5mil annually for Putrajaya.

When asked how the proposed royalty quantum would be arrived at, Khalid said: “We will do it the accounting way. We will take the total land area of Selangor and divide it by the specified area and then work out the overheads.

“They will have to pay us a certain percentage of the overheads.”

Khalid added that the Federal Government would also be asked to be involved in the development of Selangor.

He said development in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya had in many ways benefited Selangor but at the same time it had created congestion.

He said the state government would prepare working papers on the issues to be discussed with the Federal Government.

Selangor Govt criticised for demanding more payment for Putrajaya
Wednesday October 29, 2008

PUTRAJAYA: Selangor’s demand for more royalty payment for the federal administrative centre of Putrajaya has been blasted by its Member of Parliament.

Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, who is also the Umno secretary-general, said it was “shameful” for the Selangor Government to make such demands when all agreements pertaining to the acquisition of Putrajaya had already been settled.

“The agreements were discussed, and the area given to the Federal Government when the Selangor Government was helmed by the Barisan Nasional.

“Have they no shame to ask for more royalty payment from the Federal Government when it has poured so much effort and funds into developing the infrastructure, buildings and facilities for the civil servants working here?

“They should not be raising this matter now,” Tengku Adnan said in an interview here yesterday.

“As the MP, I don’t agree to this and I will ‘talk down’ any suggestion to re-look the agreements,” he added.

Tengku Adnan was commenting on a statement by Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim that he hoped to demand for more royalty payment for Putrajaya at a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, and that the government intended to seek the advice of the Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah on the matter.

Khalid had said that under the existing agreements, the Governme-nt had given Selangor an initial payment of RM200mil for Putrajaya, followed by RM7.5mil annually.

Tengku Adnan said such a demand on the part of the state government could be just a ploy to cover up its own mismanagement of the state’s resources and revenue.

On Khalid’s criticism that Putrajaya had created congestion in Selangor, Tengku Adnan said its development had contributed to enhancing the value of land in the surrounding areas of Sepang, Dengkil and Salak Tinggi.

“Besides, the Perbadanan Putrajaya has introduced various traffic systems to control the flow of vehicles and population growth in the area.”

One more week to Waterski World Cup
Friday October 31, 2008
By GEETHA KRISHNAN
TheStar

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Aquatic feat: A water skier seen in action during his practice round for the
Putrajaya International Water Ski Federation (IWF) Waterski World Cup 2008.

MALAYSIA will host the Putrajaya International Water Ski Federation (IWF) Waterski World Cup 2008 for the first time in national sports history.

The event jointly organised by IWF and Putrajaya Corporation (PJC), takes place at the Water Sports Complex in Precinct 6 from Nov 7 to 9.

It is supported by the Federal Territories Ministry, Tourism Ministry and Youth and Sports Ministry.

Malaysia is playing host to the fifth round of the championship.

The first round of the series began in Dubna, Russia, followed by Hacienda Bay Beach in Egypt, then Singapore and later in Chandigarh, India.

The series will end in Doha, Qatar.

A modest sponsorship presentation ceremony was held recently at the complex.

Tourism Malaysia was the biggest contributor with a cheque for RM200,000 presented to PJC president Tan Sri Samsudin Osman by Tourism Malaysia Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya director Salman Ahmad.

Other sponsors were Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd (RM80,000), the IOI Group (RM26,000), Maybank (RM20,000) and Fitness Resources Sdn Bhd (RM15,000).

Sixty men and women skiers from 18 countries will compete during the championship that is estimated to draw 30,000 spectators.

The championship is divided into three disciplines — slalom, shortboard and jump.

At least 20 skiers rank high on the world list.

One of the world champs who will be in action at the event is Freddy Krueger, known to soar over 60m, using six-litre Mastercraft boats with 400hp.

The three-day schedule is divided into official practices, preliminary rounds and finals.

Development with conservation
Saturday November 1, 2008
By MAZWIN NIK ANIS
TheStar

DEVELOPERS have been urged to pay serious attention towards the conservation of jungles, forests and green lungs in areas where they are developing.

The call was issued by no less than Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, the wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, at the opening of Taman Rimba Alam in Putrajaya yesterday. Also present was Putrajaya Corporation (PjC) president Tan Sri Samsudin Osman.

According to Jeanne, it would be good if housing developers could become creative and build houses among the trees and preserve the natural environment.

She said this was better than bulldozing and levelling the land for development purposes, without leaving a blade of grass or even a tree for shade and comfort.

“We often see in television and read in the newspapers of the indiscriminate destruction of forests and jungles in the name of development,” Jeanne said.

“It would be ideal if we can protect the forest resources effectively for the future and for our younger generation,” she said.

Jeanne, an avid fan of the great outdoors, congratulated Samsudin and the PjC for creating a unique tropical rainforest, saying that the project was a fine example for everyone to re-green the cities and neighbourhoods.

“Developers building new homes, offices or highways can seek inspiration from this amazing effort to re-generate our forest. We no longer have an excuse that this cannot be done,” Jeanne said.

Taman Rimba Alam was originally a rubber estate and oil palm plantation, known as the Sedgeley and Prang Besar Estates.

It was designed as a showcase for tropical rainforest trees on a 160ha site and is one of 12 metropolitan parks on the Putrajaya master plan.

Comedians hold court in Putrajaya
Wednesday November 19, 2008
By GEETHA KRISHNAN

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Funny men: Indi Nadarajah (left) and Pereira up to
their antics during their performance in Putrajaya.

NO one can take swipes at the powers that be with a roaring audience hanging on to their every word quite like the Comedy Court duo of Allan Pereira and Indi Nadarajah.

There is even a certain irony when the popular comedians entertain in Putrajaya, the federal administrative capital. Most certainly, the politicians being made fun of will be the last to laugh.

The curtain raiser during the duo’s recent show, staged before a packed hall, was a familiar scene liberally sprinkled with a new coterie of caustic jibes and acerbic humour.

After enjoying a quick snooze, the YBs of Parliament, suitably attired for a Friday afternoon, grunted and lamented over the loss of palatial abodes and other indulgences bought with taxpayers’ money like Cuban cigars hilariously pronounced as “chuba” and overseas trips for a second wife, a former salesgirl who wanted to shop in London.

The house shook as they dissected the cloud surrounding the submarine deal, dealt with Anwar’s so-called preferences and discussed the Wives of Selangor Assemblymen and MPs Welfare and Charity Organisation (Balkis) funds fiasco.

At one point, one YB even dictates to the other how to write the perfect falsified itinerary for overseas trips funded by state governments, purportedly for work but in actual fact, more for personal enjoyment and entertainment. They end by agreeing that abject cronyism should be allowed to thrive.

The 2008 Election received its due attention with jabs at the ruling government and opposition parties. Every stage scene was interspersed with rib-tickling ditties about real debacles that filled the newspapers this year, including Shah Rukh Khan’s datukship and Puspakom’s corruption charges.

The audience literally wiped tears of laughter when Allan and Indi sang Lingam’s Devil Curry based on the main character of the recent Royal Commission of Inquiry, to Elvis Presley’s Devil in Disguise.

The dangers of hidden video cameras were exposed through Check Three Times (Knock Three Times) while Rough Little Indian Boys, (Three Little Indian Boys) inferred to the Hindraf protest.

The premise for the two Crazy Chinamen was set in a gym. As usual, it swirled around business and how more moolah could be made with amusing practices.

For a fitting finish, the lovable lawyers of Loga & Singam made their way to the Oblong Bar. As whisky glasses were emptied and ties were loosened, the comments became bolder and wittier while hypocrisies were exposed.

It is with much anticipation that Putrajaya awaits the Comedy Court’s presence next year.

Hot-air balloons over Putrajaya
Friday February 6, 2009
By GEETHA KRISHNAN

MOTORISTS travelling into Putrajaya on Thursday morning were caught by surprise at the sight of two colourful hot-air balloons slowly floating over several ministries in Precinct 2.

The balloons were part of a publicity stunt for the inaugural Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2009 to be held from March 19 to 22.

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Double attraction: The two hot-air balloons used for the publicity stunt.

The event, held in conjunction with the Federal Territories Day celebrations, will feature 25 balloonists from 20 countries including France, Germany, Japan, Belgium, Thailand, New Zealand, South Korea, the Philippines, United States and Indonesia.

The four-day event will be co-organised by the Malaysian Sport Aviation Federation (MSAF) and AKA Balloon Sdn Bhd.

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Firing up: The hot-air balloon being fired up during the media preview for the
Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2009 taking place in March.

At the media preview on Thursday, MSAF vice-president Khairuddin Rani said though rides would not be offered to the public, spectators would be entertained with thrilling take-offs and landings.

“We will also treat the public to other flying events featuring para-motor, remote-control planes, helicopters, aero models and professional kite-flying,” he added.

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Inside view: A worker smoothing out the kinks
in the canvas for one of the hot-air balloons.

The long-term objective, besides boosting tourist arrivals in Putrajaya, is to put Malaysia on par with other established annual events like the ones held in Albuquerque, United States; Bristol, Britain and Saga in Japan.

The fiesta will be held at the car park of the Millennium Monument in Precinct 2 from 7am to 7pm. For more information, log on to www.myballoonfiesta.com or call 03-7494 0298.

by nice.robo

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Big plans to light up Putrajaya
Tuesday February 17, 2009
By CHARLES FERNANDEZ

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Looking good: An artist’s impression of the proposed
plans for the Persiaran Perdana Boulevared.

PUTRAJAYA is destined to be a vibrant city and the main focus is to liven up the city during the night through the Putrajaya Lighting Master Plan (PLMP) and the introduction of commercial as well as F&B outlets and facilities for al-fresco dining.

The facilities will be introduced at the lake-side promenade with lake restaurants and outdoor cafes on the streets. However, no exact figures are available as to how many such outlets will eventually be developed.

Suitable parts of Persiaran Perdana Boulevard will also have kiosks that would offer interesting wares for sale to attract tourists.

Perbadanan Putrajaya (PPj) president Tan Sri Samsudin Osman said 4mil sq metres of com*mercial development was in the works.

“A large proportion of these will be F&B outlets and facilities for al-fresco dining. According to our Detailed Urban Development (DUD) guidelines, all buildings, including government buildings, are required to have F&B and retail outlets on the ground floor,’’ he said.

The DUD guidelines, which cover the Core Island, already allows for kiosks and small retail outlets along the Persiaran Perdana Boulevard.

He said commercial areas located by the lake side such as those in Precinct 2, 4, 5 and 8 were also encouraged to take full advantage of the lake views and have F&B outlets and facilities for al-fresco dining.

Samsudin added that the PPj was embarking on a study under the 9th Malaysia Plan with the objective of turning the 38km lake promenade into a bustling area.

One floating restaurant can already be found in Precinct 6 which forms part of the Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside Complex.

Samsudin said the PLMP was the document which established the policies governing urban lighting in Putrajaya to complement the planning and design of the buildings and structures.

He said the PLMP gave guidance to developers in terms of practical and functional aspects of the exterior lighting.

“The aim is to ensure that the buildings and structures are properly lit up at night to bring about a city nightscape with a great ambience befitting the role of Putrajaya as the Federal Government’s Administra-tive Centre’’ Samsudin said.

Community police base for Putrajaya
Monday February 23, 2009
Story by GEETHA KRISHNAN


THE seventh community police base in the Federal Territories was launched in Putrajaya on Thursday to foster closer working ties between the authorities and the public.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Muhammad Sabtu Osman said community police bases ensured the public shared the responsibility of curbing crime.

“Community participation helps to improve the delivery service and establish police omnipresence in an effort to create safer neighbourhoods,” he said in his speech.

He commended the Property and Land Management Division under the Prime Minister’s Department for donating the double-storey terrace house in Precinct 9, previously used as government quarters.

Putrajaya OCPD Supt Abdul Razak Abdul Majid said that after the hand-over on April 29 last year, the base was renovated at a cost of RM49,900 and began operating on Aug 25.

“The base is manned by a corporal and lance corporal to oversee an area encompassing 198ha with 21,500 residents,” he added.

Residents wanting to report crimes and incidents can call the base at 03-8889 2022.

Muhammad Sabtu encouraged the public to use the police hotline by dialling 03-2115 9999 or sending an SMS to 32728.

Also present at the launch was Putrajaya MP Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

Extreme-ly thrilling time in Putrajaya
Tuesday March 17, 2009
By GEETHA KRISHNAN

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Of mammoth proportions: The 2,100 sq m Wall Climbing Complex at the
Putrajaya Challenge Park incorporates a colourful trapezional climbing
wall stretching 42m wide, 42m long and 20m high.

A park for extreme sports will soon be opened in Putrajaya and it will be scoring a number of firsts.

The Putrajaya Challenge Park in the southern part of the city straddles Precincts 5 and 20, covering 46.73ha in Taman Selatan.

Possibly the largest in South-East Asia, it incorporates three key elements designed to give thrill seekers the time of their lives. The RM38mil park is 99% complete and is set to open in June.

Besides extreme sports, the park also hopes to draw those into passive sports like walking and jogging.

Putrajaya Corporation landscape and parks department (parks development) deputy director Haslinda Khalid during a recent media tour said the components for the extreme sports were the Wall Climbing Complex, Skate Park and Bike Trail.

“Every effort has been taken to preserve the park’s topography and slope disturbance was kept to a minimum. Landscaping was done along the natural contours so sports enthusiasts will have the chance to appreciate the flora and fauna during their adventures,” she said.

“The overall design conforms to international standards because we hope to hold national and international competitions here. The park is also meant for recreation sports and organised or corporate training,” Haslinda added.

The focus of the 2,100sq m Wall Climbing Complex is the colourful trapezional climbing wall stretching 42m wide, 42m long and 20m high. To cater for novice and expert climbers, the wall is divided into the beginners’ wall, competition wall, speed wall, advance wall and boulder.

Kids can also experience the fun of climbing by attempting to clamber up the kiddie wall.

“We sought the advice of the Youth and Sports Ministry and input from the National Climbers Association to design and build the complex,” said Haslinda.

The competition wall is said to be among the highest in the world.

Stretchmarks Asia managing director and established climber Patrick Andrey, who was present during the media tour, said the other wall was located in an indoor climbing gym in Scotland.

National climber Hafzanizam Bokhari, 25, wsa on hand to give a demonstration. Apart from winning two Asian X-Games silver medals, he is now ranked 14th in the world for the lead-climbing category.

Asked about his climbing experience in Putrajaya, Hafzanizam described the wall as having an 8A+ difficulty.

In the event of a competition, the complex has standing room for 2,000 at the spectators arena.

Other facilities include warm-up rooms, changing rooms, administrative block, cafeteria, kitchen area, a surau and parking bays.

Once the complex is open, trainers will be stationed there to guide climbers and offer tips. Climbing equipment will be available for rental.

A short drive away is the 2,600sq metre Skate Park designed for skating activities with numerous bowl steps, railings and mini-vert ramps.

The large skate arena is best viewed from the first floor of the small complex.

The Bike Trail near the Skate Park has two components, Free Ride Park and Fun Bike Park.

According to Haslinda, the Free Ride Park offers a 9.1km trail for mountain biking with obstacles like the core trail loop, XC loop, downhill, downhill fun ride, free cross and slope style line.

“The trail is built within the jungle setting with natural canopies for shade. The Fun Bike Park is suitable for pump track biking, dirt jumps with north shore element and slope- style jumps,” she added, while watched pump bike enthusiast Kresten Stets, 40, tackle the obstacles.

The Ridgeline Park or natural metropolitan park is built within the Challenge Park to offer basic facilities such as lookout tower, gazebo, platforms and foot trails.

As a garden city, Putrajaya was designed to incorporate 12 parks.

The Challenge Park is the ninth park set to open under the Ninth Malaysia Plan. Three other parks will be opened using funds from the Tenth Malaysia Plan.

Putrajaya A Good Spot For Couples Tying The Knot
April 03, 2009 16:04 PM
By Normalazwa Jamaludin

PUTRAJAYA, April 3 (Bernama) -- Other than being the federal administrative centre, Putrajaya is increasingly becoming a favourite spot for couples to tie the nuptials with the picturesque surrounding as the backdrop for the big day.

Couples are not only smitten by the beauty of the buildings and the panorama but also the tranquility that makes Putrajaya an ideal location to host weddings.

The general manager of Putrajaya Tourism Action Council(MTPP) Junus Suhid noted that the edifice of the Prime Minister's Office, Palace of Justice, Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) and other government offices serves as the perfect backdrop to imortalise the most memorable day for a couple tying the knot.

"I have come across a number of couples from Singapore who came here to take their bridal pictures", he said during a press conference in conjunction with Putrajaya Wedding Fest 2009 here, recently.

PUTRAJAYA A WEDDING AND HONEYMOON LOCATION

According to Junus, there are numerous venues in Putrajaya like the Putrajaya Corporation Complex, PICC, Agricultural Heritage Park and community halls that can be used to host wedding receptions.

Couples can also consider hotels as their venue as well as a number of hotels are located here. "So far quite a number of weddings have taken place at Putrajaya Corporation Complex. There were also weddings at Hotel Pullman and Shangri-la, and in community halls.

"So the choice of locations are many," he said.

The Tasik Putrajaya Cruise, among the premier attraction in Putrajaya can also be utilised in wedding and honeymoon packages.

PUTRAJAYA WEDDING FEST 2009

Junus said that the inaugural wedding festival is part of the efforts to promote Putrajaya as the wedding and honeymoon destination not only among locals but also among foreigners.

The two-day festival over last weekend highlighted the various aspects of weddings like catering, invitation cards, cakes, bridal dias, bridal atire, photography, and honeymoon packages.

He pointed out that a total of 50 local companies involved in wedding supplies and services took part took part in the event.

An exhibition on Malaysian weddings and a seminar on food, family health and wedding planning was also held. Renowned chef Chef Wan and a leading wedding planner Pak Abu narrated on their roles.

RESPONSE BEYOND EXPECTATION

However, when Junid was met at the last day of the fest on Sunday he said the turnout was beyond expectation with nearly 40,000 people attending the event. Initially a turnout of 20,000 was expected.

Visitors from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and France also joined in the event.

"The feedback that we received from the participants is encouraging with good orders for wedding cards, catering and so on. It was beyond their expectation.

Thus the program is set to be an annual affair looking at the overwhelming response.

-- BERNAMA

Putrajaya to host dragon boat festival
Wednesday May 13, 2009
By OH ING YEEN

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/5/13/central/m_08boat.jpg

We are survivors!: The Pink Challengers preparing their dragon boat in
conjunction with the 1st Putrajaya International Dragon Boat Festival 2009.

PUTRAJAYA will be hosting what is touted to be the largest Dragon Boat event in Malaysia, with more than 1,500 participants from various countries.

The three-day sporting event will be held from June 5 to 7 at the Putrajaya Water Sports Complex. So far, 1,500 participants from 30 local teams and 20 foreign teams – from China, Singapore, Indonesia, Britain, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines – have registered.

At a press conference to announce the event on Thursday, Mega Events Sdn Bhd adviser Tan Sri Soong Siew Hoong said he hoped that the festival would put Malaysia on the map as a dragon boat racing destination.

“We want to set a platform of international standard for foreign investors to see Putrajaya not only as Malaysia’s administrative capital but also as a centre with a capacity large enough to host such a significant international event.

“This is also a great way to promote the beautifully landscaped city of Putrajaya as an ideal tourist centre to an international audience at the same time.

“We want international visitors and the public at large to come and see the thrilling race and feel the exhilarating energy and passion of the participants in order to get a better understanding of the event,” he said.

“This sport promotes teambuilding, and fosters camaraderie and strength.

“Later, Mega Events will be signing a MoU with Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) to provide on-site training for its event management students as part of the CSR programme,” he added.

The festival is also set to be an exciting family event with more than 50 booths selling food, souvenirs and fashion as well as other items.

Other activities include a Coffee Tarik competition, horse rides for children and a colouring contest.

Proceeds from the event booths will be donated to the Breast Cancer Welfare Associa*tion (BCWA), Cervical Cancer Awareness Association (CARES), the Spastic Children’s Association of Selangor and Federal Territories (SCASFT) and selected orphanages.

The Pink Challengers, the team from BCWA that is known for their high spirits and strong motivation, will be among the teams to look out for at the event.

BCWA president Ranjit Kaur hoped that their participation would show that there was life after breast cancer.

“From a medical aspect, breast cancer survivors have a tendency to have swelling on the arms due to the removal of lymph nodes, and paddling provides upper body exercise and improves blood circulation.

“At the end of the race, we usually have a moment of silence in memory of those who fought breast cancer and died, as well for those who are still battling it,” she said.

Putrajaya Corporation sports and recreation principal assistant director Ahmad Azuddin Arshad said with the international-level facilities at the complex, they hoped to be the best host.

“Hopefully, this will spur more activities at the lake. We want to be the best water sports destination,” he said, adding that the Penang dragon boat coach had come to coach participants and training began two weeks ago.

The event is organised by Mega Events, in collaboration with Perbadanan Putrajaya (PPJ), the Tourism Ministry, the Information, Communication and Culture Ministry and the Penang Dragon Boat Association, and in affiliation with the International Dragon Boat Federation.

Putrajaya to host dragon boat festival The Pink Challengers will be among the teams taking part in the inaugural international event
Friday May 22, 2009
By OH ING YEEN

PUTRAJAYA will be hosting what is touted to be the largest Dragon Boat event in Malaysia, with more than 1,500 participants from various countries.

The three-day sporting event will be held from June 5 to 7 at the Putrajaya Water Sports Complex. So far, 1,500 participants from 30 local teams and 20 foreign teams – from China, Singapore, Indonesia, Britain, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines – have registered.

At a press conference to announce the event on Thursday, Mega Events Sdn Bhd adviser Tan Sri Soong Siew Hoong said he hoped that the festival would put Malaysia on the map as a dragon boat racing destination.

“We want to set a platform of international standard for foreign investors to see Putrajaya not only as Malaysia’s administrative capital but also as a centre with a capacity large enough to host such a significant international event.

“This is also a great way to promote the beautifully landscaped city of Putrajaya as an ideal tourist centre to an international audience at the same time.

“We want international visitors and the public at large to come and see the thrilling race and feel the exhilarating energy and passion of the participants in order to get a better understanding of the event,” he said.

“This sport promotes teambuilding, and fosters camaraderie and strength.

“Later, Mega Events will be signing a MoU with Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) to provide on-site training for its event management students as part of the CSR programme,” he a dded.

The festival is also set to be an exciting family event with more than 50 booths selling food, souvenirs and fashion as well as other items.

Other activities include a Coffee Tarik competition, horse rides for children and a colouring contest.

Two-bin ruling in Putrajaya
Tuesday June 2, 2009
By BAVANI M

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Pilot project: Putrajaya households will be required to display two garbage
bins. One is for organic and the other for inorganic waste.


THE move to get Kuala Lumpur residents to separate their household waste is not going to happen just yet.

The two-bin ruling, a pilot project which is supposed to start in the Federal Capital involves providing each household in the city with two rubbish bins — one for organic waste and the other for inorganic stuff.

The green bin is for organic waste while the grey is for recyclable waste.

The move, which was initially to start on June 1, is meant to encourage the public to separate their waste at source to cut down on waste ending up at landfills, hence extending the lifespan of the landfills.

This also means that the privatisation of Solid Waste Management, which was supposed to start in June, has been postponed yet again, derailing further attempts to standardise and integrate waste management in the city efficiently.

With privatisation, it would be compulsory for households in the city to separate their waste into wet and dry waste. Failure to do so will result in their rubbish being left uncollected.

However, Alam Flora will carry on with its pilot project to get residents to start separating their household waste at source but instead of Kuala Lumpur, the project may now be carried out in Putrajaya.

Alam Flora research and development senior manager Sharifah Yaacob said the company was toying with the idea of implementing a 2 + 1 bin system as a pilot project in Putrajaya.

“For the third bin, we have not decided whether to use a proper bin or get residents to just use a normal bag to dispose of their residual waste,” she said.

According to Sharifah, based on response from their pilot project in Kota Kemuning where 200 residential households were given two bins for waste separation in April, the public feedback received was positive but there was a problem with the disposable of residual waste like disposable diapers and sanitary napkins.

“You have one bin for organic waste and another for inorganic which is meant for recycling but residual waste like disposable diapers and sanitary napkins still end up at the landfills and residents are wondering where to place these items,’’ Sharifah said.

Apart from that setback, the Kota Kemuning project however has received good response since it was launched eight weeks ago with 57% of residents already separating their waste at home.

“The Putrajaya project will involve more households and is expected to begin in July,” she said.

Alam Flora chief executive officer Zahri Abdul Ghani told Star Metro in an exclusive interview in April that the new two bin ruling is part of the steps taken by the Federal government to have a more orderly and effective system to manage waste and encourage people to recycle.

Zahri said the Government had been pushing for the privatisation of waste since last year and with the enforcement of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act, the rule on the compulsory separation of household waste at source could be implemented.

An average household’s waste is composed of 40% organic waste, 14% paper, 15% plastic and 31% others (glass, metal, styrofoam, rubber and diapers).

All organic waste will be sent to a centre for decomposition and be turned into fertiliser whereas the inorganic waste would be sent to a recycling centre.

Once the waste separation is successfully carried out, the current 5% recycling rate in the Klang Valley could easily go up to 50%.

With the passing of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007, the local by-laws on garbage collection are being streamlined.

Privatisation also means the solid waste management, including the collection of garbage, road cleaning, grass cutting and drain sweeping, will be undertaken by the National Solid Waste Management Depart*ment under the Housing and Local Government Ministry.

The department would take on a regulatory as well as management role from all local authorities nationwide, including the Kuala Lumpur City Hall.

Putrajaya International Dragon Boat Festival 2009
by amateur_photo_bore
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Two-bin ruling in Putrajaya
Tuesday June 2, 2009
By BAVANI M

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/06/02/07/03/3858918_400x301.jpg

Pilot project: Putrajaya households will be required to display two garbage
bins. One is for organic and the other for inorganic waste.




how about used condom?..its got organic and non-organic ..
:lol:

Future plans for Putrajaya on display
Wednesday July 1, 2009
By GEETHA KRISHNAN

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/1/central/p6Omairi.jpg

Feedback welcome: Omairi pointing to a section of the Putrajaya map at the
ongoing publicity exercise for the Putrajaya Draft Structure Plan 2025.

THE early publicity exercise to highlight the preliminary findings of a survey carried out last year for the Putrajaya Draft Structure Plan 2025 is now taking place in Putrajaya.

The public can visit the Conference Hall lobby at the Perbadanan Putrajaya Complex on Persiaran Perdana in Precinct 3, from 8.30am to 5.30pm daily, till July 22 to get a better picture of the future plans for Putrajaya.

The exercise, carried out in accordance with Sections 9 and 13 (2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976, marks the second stage in a five-tier process, to end with the unveiling of the Putrajaya Structure Plan 2025.

A structure plan details a local authority’s policies and proposals concerning development and land use in accordance with Section 7 and Section 11 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976. It is subject to a review every five years.

Perbadanan Putrajaya (PPj) city planning director Omairi Hashim said the process involved presenting the survey report and carrying out publicity on the survey, drafting the structure plan, obtaining feedback and objections to the draft and finally, fine-tuning the draft and gazetting the structure plan.

“The publicity exercise for the Putrajaya Draft Structure Plan 2025 is being carried out simultaneously with the Putra-jaya Local Plan for Precincts 5, 6 and 20 as well as Precincts 16, 17, and 19,” he said.

“The previous structure plan involved planning for Putrajaya and part of Sepang in Selangor. The new plan only encompasses Putrajaya,” he added.

Omairi also said the urban economy component of Putrajaya will remain a main focus with Putrajaya functioning both as an administration centre as well as a tourism and commercial hub.

“Twenty ministries are currently based here and four more will move here by 2010.They are the Housing and Local Government Ministry, Tourism Ministry, Information, Commu-nications, Culture and Arts and the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry,” he added.

The local plan for Precincts 5, 6 and 20 is targeted at commercial development along the lakefront, high-end residential projects, an active tourism belt and area for water-related events.

Feedback is welcomed and the public can fill out forms available at the lobby or by visiting www.ppj.gov.my

Putrajaya hosts nine-day Flower and Garden fiesta
Saturday August 1, 2009
By CHARLES FERNANDEZ

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THE federal administrative capital of Putrajaya is showcasing an explosion of colour and design as it proudly hosts the biggest flower and garden show in this part of the region for the second time.

Described by Perbadanan Putrajaya (PPj) president Tan Sri Samsuddin Osman as “a garden within a city”, the Flower and Garden 2009 fiesta, or Floria 2009, brings the creativity and passion of the region’s top floral and landscape designers to Putrajaya, delivered in stunning displays that also convey a environmental message for gardening in the climate we live in.

Beginning today, the nine-day fiesta gives visitors an opportunity to view more than 400,000 live exhibits, including both flowers and vegetables, in a garden atmosphere.

In line with its theme of “Celebrations of Colour”, the Floria 2009 – an international event hosted by the PPj and the Federal Territories Ministry – showcases the exciting and vibrant colours of flowers and plants.

Arranged and landscaped in various settings with dedicated locations for photo opportunities, the intertwining flowers and foliage create a magnificent medley of colours that is bound to enthral visitors.

“It is hoped that the festival will inculcate in visitors a respect for nature, love for colours, flowers, plants and gardening,” Samsuddin said.

There will be much for visitors to see and do as the 6.07ha site hosts many programmes and activities.

At night, all the attractions will be lit up and visitors can expect a spectacular view of the flowers and gardens that blend well with the lights from the buildings, structures and bridges of Putrajaya.

Samsuddin, who took the press on a tour of the site at the Precinct 2 Waterfront, said beyond viewing these dazzling displays of exotic flowers and vegetables, visitors would be invited to take part in daily seminars that focused on gardening, crafts and others topics that featured family gardening projects and young “green thumbs” and hands-on activity.

Apart from several corporations like Sime Darby, Mardi, Putrajaya Holdings and KLCC Projek, snd educational institutions, like UPM, LimKokWing University, UIA, UiTM and UCSI, 400 students from both the primary and secondary schools in Putrajaya are also taking part in the nine-day floral festival.

The event is open to the public from 9am to 10pm from Monday to Thursday, and from 9am to midnight from Friday to Sunday.

For details, visit http://www.ppj.gov.my//floria/; for enquiries, call 03-8887 7437 or 03-8887 7137.

Putrajaya cancels Internet filter plan
Thursday August 13 2009

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 12 — After a huge public outcry, the Cabinet met today and cancelled a tender as well as any plans to put up an Internet filter to police cyberspace against pornography although critics said it was meant to shut out dissent and critical blogs.

Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim (pic), whose ministry ordered the tender, confirmed the plan to police the Internet is off.

The Malaysian Insider reported last Thursday that despite a guarantee of no censorship in Malaysia’s Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC), the government was evaluating the feasibility of putting an Internet filter blocking “undesirable websites” – similar to China’s aborted “Green Dam” software.

The study was to be completed by this December and the results decided by a shadowy unit monitoring blogs and websites although the decision on implementation will lie with the National Security Council (NSC) headed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

He later denied such a plan although Rais confirmed it.

The move comes on the back of proposals to register bloggers, most of whom are said to be anti-government, and the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition parties to have a larger Internet presence.

But Rais said today three ministries have been tasked to look into ways to curb the spread of lies and seditious materials on the Internet. The ministries involved would look at instances of sedition, fraud and child pornography on the Internet to provide law enforcement agencies with the necessary information.

"This has been done today (at the weekly cabinet meeting)," Rais told reporters after the launch of the Fly Jalur Gemilang campaign by Prime Minister Najib Razak, here.

The ministers involved are the Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, Rais and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Aziz.

"They have been tasked to look into the matter and report back on the various possible ways to address the issue," he said, denying reports of the Internet Filter which he had ironically confirmed last week.

But Rais said although some research had been done into the matter, the government had no implicit applications designed for the purpose todate.

"This will have to be looked at by the National Security Council. It must come up with some preventive measures," he added.

According to tender documents seen by The Malaysian Insider, the parties intending to submit a bid must:

- evaluate the readiness and feasibility for the implementation of Internet filter at Internet gateway level, through assessments on the existing infrastructure and existing products in the market,

- evaluate and estimate costs for the implementation,

- study the existing legal framework in addressing content filtering and no censorship issue, including the impacts that are caused by the implementation to Internet users and the Malaysian economy.

The successful bidder is also to visit Internet services providers (ISPs) and question them on various issues apart from studying countries which have some form of Internet filters to study the suitability for the Malaysian environment.

Among the recommended countries are India, Pakistan, Australia and Hong Kong. It is not known whether these countries use filters or what they are filtering.

China controversially planned to install the “Green Dam Youth Escort” Internet filtering software on all computers but delayed implementation last July 1 although officials said it was only “a matter of time” until the software was installed.

In a notification to all users, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) said: “In order to build a green, healthy, and harmonious online environment, and to avoid the effects on and the poisoning of our youth’s minds by harmful information on the Internet, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), Civilisation Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and Ministry of Finance, in accordance with the Government Procurement Law, have used CPC financial capital to purchase one-year exclusive rights to use ‘Green Dam Youth Escort’ Green Online Filtering Software (hereinafter referred to as ‘Green Dam Youth Escort’) along with related services so that the whole society may use it free of charge. After comprehensive testing and pilot use, the software has been shown to effectively filter harmful content in text and graphics on the Internet and has already satisfied the conditions for pre-installation by computer manufacturers.”

But the country’s Internet users mounted a vociferous campaign against the policy that led to the MIIT delaying using the filter which officials claim will help to curb access to pornography, particularly by younger users.

Internet users say the image and keyword filter blocks pornographic, violent and politically-sensitive content and monitors behaviour and fear it will be used to curb access to information and keep track of users.

Green Dam has also come under fire for exposing users to security breaches, with experts warning it could easily be hacked, and a US-based software firm is threatening to sue the Chinese developers for copyright infringement.

Industry bodies, the US government and others had also called on China to abandon the project.

Exploring Putrajaya’s well-hidden depths
Thursday August 20, 2009
By GEETHA KRISHNAN

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Keeping watch: The Local Action Centre on the
surface closely monitors the CUT through CCTV feeds.

THE air in the secret labyrinth below Putrajaya was slightly chilly and the sounds of vehicles whizzing by above were muffled.

We were 3m below the Core Island and cut off from the world above. With a sense of trepidation, we approached the heart of the Common Utility Trench or CUT for a rare peek into its operations. For security purposes, its exact location cannot be disclosed.

The RM250mil CUT, a first for the country, houses a mass of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) cables, Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) pipes, Gas Malaysia natural gas pipes, chilled water pipes, multimedia cables, telecommunication cables and fiber-optic cables, all neatly stacked.

The ingenious box culvert design housing these cables and pipes is an 8.7m by 5m maze snaking through 10.8km of the Core Island across Precincts 2, 3 and 4. It is the nerve centre for utility companies and service providers, catering exclusively for ministries and government buildings.

At the top of the list of the many questions we had was naturally, why?

“Simply put, because it complies with Putrajaya’s no digging policy and fulfils the characteristics of a city built with minimum impact to green fields,” Perbadanan Putrajaya (PPj) city development director Mohd Ridzwan K. Othman said.

“The idea was derived from Japan but local input was valuable in the CUT’s construction. Such technology is possible with a planned city and its obvious selling point is the year-round access for the purpose of inspection and maintenance work,” he added.

“If there is a leak, the problem can be pin-pointed down below without touching the surface and all the utility company or service provider has to do is send its workers down the Construction Access shaft to rectify the problem,” he added.

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Intricate network: The CUT houses a mass of
cables and pipes and stretches for 10km.

The companies involved pay a quarterly maintenance fee to PPj.

Construction on the CUT was carried out between 1999 and 2006 with work divided into seven packages, basically deploying the cut-and-cover method for minimal surface disturbance. The trench features 16 compartments and is well ventilated.

The general trench management is closely monitored via 153 CCTVs channelling 15-second feeds to the Local Action Centre or LAC, which is manned round-the-clock.

The CUT also explains why there are no overhead cables in the Core Island and there is no need to constantly resurface roads following another common digging exercise. It is one of the answers to enhancing the aesthetic value of Putrajaya.

Pilot project on waste recycling in Putrajaya
Sunday August 30, 2009

PUTRAJAYA: Residents here will be part of a pilot project on solid-waste separation, which will serve as a model for increasing recycled waste nationwide from about 5% currently to 22% by the year 2020.

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Kong Cho Ha said the six-month pilot project would include recycling kitchen and garden waste to produce compost for landscaping work around Putrajaya.

He said that under the pilot project, all houses, apartments, shops, schools and kindergartens within the areas involved would be supplied with two bins to allow residents to separate recyclable items and other waste.

“Turning kitchen and garden waste into compost is fast gaining popularity in developed nations, and in time, perhaps Malaysians will also be able to save money by creating compost for use in their gardens,” he told a press conference after launching the project here yesterday.

Kong said recycling would also help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills daily and ensure they have a longer lifespan, as well as create an opportunity for the growth of recycling-based industries in the country.

He said the programme could be successful only if it was fully supported by the people and therefore it was important to educate them on the efforts to help create a cleaner environment.

Kong also said that getting people to join recycling efforts should not be a problem because many were doing this when they sold their old newspapers, cans and bottles to scrap dealers.

The pilot project will be jointly conducted by the National Solid Waste Management Department, Putrajaya Corporation, Housing and Local Government Ministry, cleaning concessionaire Alam Flora Sdn Bhd, Konsortium SSI-Schaefer and Universiti Teknologi Mara.

Putrajaya Corporation president Tan Sri Samsudin Osman said Putrajaya generated 14,378 tonnes of waste in 2008 but only 5% of it was recycled through an initiative launched in 2005 that involved the placing of recycling bins at strategic locations and the setting up of recycling centres.

---

52 trees to be planted to mark 52nd Merdeka
Saturday August 29, 2009

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For the future: The tre -planting ceremony
by Kuwait Finance House in progress in Putrajaya.

FIFTY-TWO trees of various local species will be planted in Putrajaya in conjunction with the upcoming 52nd Merdeka celebration.

The green commemoration of the auspicious occasion signifies Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Berhad’s (KFHMB’s) efforts to contribute to the environment.

The first of the trees was planted at a ceremony held at Taman Monumen Alaf Baru in Putrajaya recently.

The ceremony was attended by Putrajaya Corporation Landscape and Parks Department director Mohammad A. Shukor as well as KFHMB deputy chief executive officer Ab Jabar Ab Rahman.

The project, which is one of KFHMB’s Corporate Social Respon-sibility (CSR) initiatives, aims to contribute to nature by adding greenery and shady areas to the city.

This is the third year running that the project is being undertaken. Last year, 51 trees were planted, and the year before, 50 were planted, to mark the respective Merdeka celebrations.

During the recent ceremony, a sapling of the Pteleocarpa lamponga (Tembusu tikus) species was planted. Saplings of 51 other indigenous varieties will be planted progressively along Persiaran Timur, Putrajaya.

“We are thankful to be granted the opportunity again this year to plant the trees, and hope this tradition will continue in the future,” Ab Jabar said as he expressed his appreciation to Putrajaya Corporation.

Noting that Islam taught that every living organism was created for a purpose and mankind was entrusted to look after and protect the environment, he said it was KFHMB’s duty to contribute towards this noble cause.

Meanwhile, KFHMB has also rolled out its School Landscaping Project since 2008, with the aim of improving the environment within schools.

To date, eight schools in Selangor, Perak and Pahang have benefited from the initiative.

“This programme is unique and meaningful to us, as it involves the participation of all our employees and even their families.

“They voluntarily participated and contributed their energy and resources to upgrade the schools’ garden and recreational areas. These areas, in turn, can be utilised by the students to conduct activities, or outdoor lessons with their teachers,” Ab Jabar added.

KFHMB, which celebrated its fourth anniversary earlier this month, views the effort to preserve the environment seriously.

The initiative not only encourages participation from all levels within the organisation, but also aims to set an example to the corporate sector and the public to follow.

“The act of planting a tree has a substantial significance in every culture and society. Therefore, whether as individuals, groups or corporate bodies, collective participation such as this could be a solution to the current environmental crisis.

“The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), under its ‘Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign’, targets the planting of seven billion trees by the end of 2009. We are very pleased that our CSR initiative concurrently supports this noble cause,” Ab Jabar said.

World Champions To Glitz In Putrajaya Water Sports Complex
October 08, 2009 17:30 PM

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Reigning world waterski champions Freddy Kruger of the USA and France's Lucine Clementine will provide the glitz at the Putrajaya Waterski World Cup 2009 from Nov 6-8 at the Water Sports Complex in Putrajaya.

Putrajaya Corporation President Tan Sri Samsudin Osman said Putrajaya was chosen by the International Waterski Federation (IWSF) as the venue of the Waterski World Cup series after successfully organising it for the first time last year and that it was indeed an honour to Malaysia.

Samsudin said about 60 participants from 18 countries are expected to compete in the three-day event, especially countries renown for the sport like Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Britain, France, New Zealand, Belarus and United States.

"World waterski champions Freddy Kruger of the USA and France's Lucine Clementine have also confirmed their participation and I hope Malaysians from all walks of life will come and witness this world class event," he said.

Samsudin said organisers are expecting about 20,000 local and foreign fans to converge in Putrajaya, compared with 15,000 last year.

Though Malaysia do not have a world class team to compete in the Slalom, Tricks and Jumping events contested, the Malaysian Waterski Association has taken the initiative to develop the sport by starting to train young participants from the age of four, he said.

The Putrajaya event is the final series after earlier rounds in Dubna, Russia (July 10-12) followed by Liuzhou, China (Oct 1-3).

-- BERNAMA

1e-Government Conference 2009 at Putrajaya
Monday October 12, 2009
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As part of the Government’s continuous support on ICT governance structure and also continuous promotion of the Electronic Government Flagship, the 1e-Govern-ment Conference 2009 will be held over two days at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC).

The conference starting today with the theme “Transforming Service Delivery: People First, Performance Now” will bring together government organisations and the private sector to share how ICT is being used to transform service delivery through innovative and creative initiatives that have far reaching impact on the government and citizens alike.

A total of 700 participants are expected to attend the conference.

The conference hosted by MAMPU will be officiated by Senator Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, who will deliver the keynote address. The objectives of the conference are:

> To share knowledge, ideas and experiences towards improving the public service delivery system via the implementation of Electronic Government;

> To strengthen and institutionalise the Public Sector CIO governance structure.

> To provide opportunities to share new and advanced ICT technologies; and

> To exhibit the Public and Private Sector’s ICT initiatives.

There are seven plenary sessions and 33 papers will be presented by high-level public sector and private sector presenters.

Day one focuses on Chief Information Officers (CIOs) while day two focuses on focuses on Electronic Government.

The cooperation and strategic alliance between the public and private sector will boost and accelerate the implementation of EG in the public sector and further bring to maturity the government service delivery system through the sharing of creative ideas and innovations at this conference.

Among the papers that will be presented by the speakers are:

(i) Beyond Malaysian EG presented by Dr Nor Aliah binti Mohd Zahri, Deputy Director General (ICT) MAMPU, and the Government Chief Information Officer;

(ii) Viral Data and How It Affects E-Government and CIO Respon*sibilities by Mr Neal Fishman, IBM;

(iii) Leveraging ICT Towards Achieving National Key Result Areas – The Malaysian Perspective by Ms Diaan-yi Lin, McKinsey Consulting;

(iv) Engaging Citizens via SMS – MySMS 15888 by Mr Wan Rosdi bin Wan Abdullah, MAMPU;

(v) i-Government: Strategy To Move To The Next Tier of e-Government by Mr Lalit Gupta, Oracle Malaysia

(vi) Strategic Direction For ICT Development by Mr Muhammad Rosli bin Abd Razak, MAMPU;

(vii) Implementation of Citizen Registry System – Once Is All It Takes by Ms Parmjit Kaur, MAMPU;

(viii) From Information to Scorecard by Mr Francis Han, Oracle Asean, India and SAGE; and

(ix) Improving Competitiveness – Role of The Government CIO by Ms Ong Lih Ling, International Development Authority of Singapore.

An exhibition on EG initiatives with public and private sector participation will also be held in conjunction with this seminar.

Thirty organisations will be displaying the various EG initiatives among them being the Internal Revenue Board (eFiling); the Employees Provident Fund (iAccount, EPF Statement, Nomination Registration and EPF Scheme), MyEG Sdn Bhd (E-Services); MAMPU (OSCC, mySMS, myGOV and myPrestasi), Ministry of Finance (eProcurement initiative); Ministry of Natural Resources (e-Land); IBM (Connected Government); Micro-soft (Citizen Service Delivery), Les Copaque (animation technology), Oracle (Hyperion Performance and Planning, Performance Score-card and BI Applications) and others.

This conference will be held annually to further promote and disseminate information on ICT governance structure as well as the development and implementation of EG initiatives in both the public and private sectors.

Sailing is no walk in the park
2009/10/12 RIZUWAN ZAINI

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Datuk Peter Gilmour explaining to the writer how to manoeuvre the yacht.
— Pictures by Rizuwan Zaini, and courtesy of Monsson Cup

AHOY sailors, anchors away and man the deck as we try to out-sail the other yacht. RIZUWAN ZAINI writes about his experience at a sailing clinic organised by the Monsoon Cup.

PUTRAJAYA: Do you have aquaphobia (fear of water)? If you do, imagine if you were asked to go sailing.

Recently, a group of journalists and photographers were invited to participate in a sailing clinic at the Putrajaya Maritime Centre.

The clinic included a "match race" between two yachts to give the media the chance to experience what it is like to compete in the Monsoon Cup.

We were taken aboard a F-36 match-racing yacht that was used during the Monsoon Cup races. It was the first time that a large yacht had been sailed on the lake of Putrajaya.

Being less than enthusiastic when it comes to water sports, I was not really looking forward to learning to sail a yacht.

Each individual was assigned a specific task and unfortunately for me, instead of just tying up ropes or holding on to the sail, I had to manoeuvre the yacht.

I did not know what to do, whether to turn the helm (steering) left or right, and I was supposed to steer the yacht in a direction guided by small, round, floating flags. I barely understood what I was told to do.

I almost crashed into the other boat and the crew screamed with terror, especially an 8-year-old girl named Fatimah Al-Zahara Azman, who was the youngest participant of the clinic.

Luckily, Datuk Peter Gilmour, who is a professional sailor, intervened and saved the boat from a collision. Otherwise, I would probably be the first journalist in history to be billed with a hefty sum for repairs on two damaged yachts.

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Datuk Peter Gilmour giving a safety briefing.

The incident ended with everybody bursting into laughter. At the end of the race, my team won twice when we managed to catch the wind that blew us to the finishing line.

Gilmour is the Monsoon Cup race adviser and has won numerous sailing competitions, including the Monsoon Cup itself.

Sailing can be very tricky and hard if you do not understand it. But once you get the hang of it, it is a wonderful experience.

The clinic was part of the Monsoon Sailing School activities organised by Monsoon Cup under the patronage of the Youth and Sports Ministry, and Malaysian Yachting Association.

The programme was aimed at imparting the knowledge and skills of renowned world-class sailing coaches such as William Gladstone, Charles Thomas Enright and Gilmour to the participants.

Those who attended were trained under the famous North U (university) training module in a fee-based programme which was partially subsidised by the Youth and Sports Ministry.

Participants who completed the 4-day course were encouraged to compete in events such as Monsoon Cup Qualifiers and the Malaysian Match-Racing Championships.

"It is our aspiration that the match-racing school will be a platform for participants to improve their sailing skills and at the same time, get more people to be interested in match-racing events, particularly the Monsoon Cup," Gilmour said.

Putrajaya Waterski World Cup 2009
From flickr

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Putrajaya Waterski World Cup 2009
From flickr

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Freddy tawan Putrajaya
9 November 2009 Oleh DRAHMAN BAHARUN

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PEMENANG kategori utama merakam gambar kenangan dengan Raja Nong Chik
(tengah, depan) dan Samsudin (kanan, depan) selepas berakhir Kejohanan
Piala Dunia Luncur Air Putrajaya 2009 semalam.

PELUNCUR Amerika Syarikat, Kruger Freddy menawan Putrajaya apabila meragkul gelaran juara kategori Jump lelaki pada Kejohanan Piala Dunia Luncur Air Putrajaya 2009 di Kompleks Sukan Air, Presint 6, Putrajaya semalam.

Freddy beraksi cemerlang apabila mencatat rekod baru dengan lompatan sejauh 69.0 meter.

Peluncur dari Amerika Syarikat itu berjaya memecah rekodnya sendiri 60.9 meter selain mempertahankan gelaran juara yang dimenanginya pada kejohanan sama di Kuala Lumpur tahun lalu.

Dia menewaskan Asher Thomas dari Britain yang menduduki tempat kedua dengan lompatan sejauh 63.2 meter dan Seels Jason juga dari Britain menduduki tempat ketiga (62.2m).

Fladborg June dari Denmark memenangi kategori Jump wanita setelah melakukan lompatan sejauh 48.3 meter.

Tempat kedua dimenangi oleh Mathieu Marion (Perancis) dan Turets Iryna (Belarus) menduduki tempat ketiga.

Bagi kategori Tricks lelaki pula, juara dimenangi oleh Zharnasek Aliaksei dari Belarus diikuti Fortamps Olivier (Belgium) tempat kedua dan Siemers Jimmy (Amerika Syarikat) tempat ketiga.

Untuk kategori, Tricks wanita pula, gelaran juara menjadi milik Aynaud Marion dari Perancis diikuti Berdnikava Natallia (Belarus) tempat kedua dan Nightingale Mandy (Amerika Syarikat) tempat ketiga.

Bagi kategori Slalom lelaki, Parsons Nick dari Amerika Syarikat merangkul gelaran juara diikuti Fisher Jodi (Britain) di tempat kedua dan Faisy Jean Baptiste (Perancis) di tempat ketiga.

Untuk kategori Slalom wanita pula, juara dimenangi oleh Truelove Karen dari Amerika Syarikat diikuti tempat kedua Amade Anais (Perancis) dan Lucine Clementine (Perancis) tempat ketiga.

Turut hadir pada majlis itu ialah Menteri Wilayah Persekutuan dan Kesejahteraan Bandar, Datuk Raja Nong Chik Dato Raja Zainal Abidin dan Presiden Perbadanan Putrajaya, Tan Sri Samsudin Osman.

Solid waste separation at source pilot project initiated in Putrajaya
Thursday November 19, 2009
By GEETHA KRISHNAN

PUBLIC perception towards waste separation at source has to change if the lifespan of landfills is to be extended.

The Sungai Sedu landfill in Banting was to have ceased operations in June. Due to the scarcity of landfills in Selangor, Sungai Sedu remains open for municipal waste from Sepang and Putrajaya, a federal territory.

A pilot project to separate solid waste initiated in Putrajaya on Aug 29 by the Housing and Local Government Ministry aims to reduce the waste sent to landfills nationwide by 40%.

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Changing the mindset: Safian (right) and Muhamad Zubir distributing
flyers on the waste separation at source pilot project in Putrajaya.

The six-month project partners the National Solid Waste Management Department under the ministry with Perbadanan Putrajaya (PPj), Alam Flora Sdn Bhd and Konsortium SSI-Schaefer.

“The Solid Waste Management Act 2007 stresses on recycling and has a special allocation for waste separation at source,” emphasised Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha at the launch.

The pilot project involves 170 apartments in Precinct 8, 276 houses in Precinct 9 and 105 houses in Precinct 10. Schaefer has supplied altogether 1,800 120-litre mobile garbage bins (MGB) and 10-litre mini bins.

Pointing out the difference, Khairil Ibrahim of Konsortium SSI-Schaefer said: “The two-wheel MGBs come with green lids for organic waste like food, fruits, vegetables, leaves, prunings, flowers, twigs and small branches or grey covers for recyclables comprising paper, glass, plastic and metal.”

PPj city services chief assistant director Muhamad Zubir Saran said the collection schedule for organic waste was on Monday and Thursday while recyclables were picked up Monday.

“The ministry has loaned PPJ a compacter for the waste separation project and a lorry for collecting recyclables since the launch of the recycling project in 2004,” he added.

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Up it goes: Mondays and Thursdays are organic waste collection days under the
waste separation at source pilot project in select housing precincts in Putrajaya.

Recyclables only amount to 5% of the solid waste collected in Putrajaya, amounting to 14,378 tonnes in 2008. The ministry has set a target to increase recycled waste nationwide from 5% to 22% by 2020. Solid waste produced by an individual in Putrajaya averages to 0.5kg to 1.5kg per person.

Jalan P9B & P9D Neighbourhood Watch committee member Safian Md Salleh said while the waste separation at source initiative was to be applauded, the biggest hurdle lay with changing mindsets.

“We are dealing with old habits here where people, especially those from villages, are used to discarding refuse under the banana tree. It is a good start but I foresee a long process.”

Working with PPj, the committee has been distributing flyers to educate the chosen households on the proper solid waste separation methods.

“The feedback received is that the process is cumbersome but necessary once the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 is enforced come February 2010,” added Safian.

Precinct 9 resident and community chef Roslan Adnan has his work cut out for him when the need arises for communal cooking. With the two-bin system, he needs to separate cooked food and gravy.

“It takes getting used to but once you develop a habit, I don’t think it is so difficult. It takes maybe 30 seconds more but residents need to consider the overall impact including the state of our landfills,” he suggested.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/11/19/central/p3waste.jpg

(Left) A little effort: Roslan putting his recyclables into one of the mini bins
sponsored by Konsortium SSI-Schaefer for selected kitchens in Putrajaya.

Under the pilot project, PPj has also identified a 0.6ha site in Precinct 20 for solid waste composting, to be jointly maintained by UiTM and Alam Flora. Funding will come from the ministry.

Composting will convert organic waste to soil conditioner or organic manure for Putrajaya’s vast landscaping.

The ministry is also exploring suitable alternatives like vermiculture, a method of composting by breeding a species of earthworms.

Back in 2004, Putrajaya was selected as the national model for a recycling project, implemented by supplying residential areas with recycling bags, setting up recycling kiosks at apartments and establishing collection centres at government or private buildings and all 16 primary and secondary schools

Recyclables statistics for 2008 revealed that government and private sector buildings contributed 48%, housing 22%, recycling centres 18% and schools 11%.

It is acknowledged that the collection in Putrajaya is noticeably higher than other cities in the Klang Valley hence it is understandable for the pilot project to begin here.

Malaysian Energy Commission (ST)
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by James Foong

Teknologi hijau main peranan dalam ekonomi baharu
27 November 2009 / 9 Zulhijjah 1430

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/1127/Utusan_Malaysia/Ekonomi/ek_03.1.jpg

Peter Chin Fah Kui (tiga dari kiri) melihat model bangunan Suruhanjaya
Tenaga di Putrajaya yang dilengkapi tenaga solar dan mesra di Kuala Lumpur,
semalam.

KUALA LUMPUR 26 Nov. - Teknologi hijau akan memainkan peranan yang penting dalam model ekonomi baharu kerana ia akan menjadi jentera pertumbuhan baharu negara ini, kata Menteri Tenaga, Teknologi Hijau dan Air, Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui.

"Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak mahu menggalakkan penggunaan teknologi hijau untuk mendorong pertumbuhan ekonomi dalam model ekonomi baharu."Kami membincangkan tentang pertumbuhan hijau dan pembiayaan hijau dan bagaimana ia boleh dilakukan menerusi proses pembangunan hijau.

"Berikutan perbincangan tersebut, kerajaan baru-baru ini telah mengumumkan peruntukan sejumlah RM1.5 bilion sebagai pinjaman kepada syarikat-syarikat yang membekalkan dan menggunakan teknologi hijau.

"Bilangan syarikat mungkin tidak banyak, tetapi jika ramai yang menggunakannya dari industri ini, saya yakin RM1.5 bilion itu akan ditambah.

"Teknologi hijau boleh menjadi pemangkin untuk mendorong industri," katanya kepada pemberita selepas merasmikan Pameran dan Persidangan Teknologi Hijau dan Produk Eko Antarabangsa di sini hari ini.

Fah Kui berkata, inisiatif ini diambil untuk mempercepatkan pembangunan teknologi hijau.

Beliau berkata, kerajaan akan mengambil langkah untuk mempromosi Malaysia sebagai hab teknologi hijau dan perkhidmatan berkaitan.

"Melihat kepada pertumbuhan kita dalam industri hijau, kita patut melihat banyak perubahan di bawah Rancangan Malaysia Ke-11.

"Teknologi hijau akan menjadi fokus ekonomi kita. Walau apa yang anda lakukan, kereta anda akan lebih efisyen, kita akan ada lebih banyak kereta elektrik dan hybrid.

"Pemaju perumahan akan membina lebih banyak rumah hijau apabila orang ramai menyedari kepentingan teknologi hijau," katanya.

Mengenai Persidangan Antarabangsa Teknologi Hijau dan Produk Eko, Fah Kui berkata, ia akan menjadi wadah ke arah perlaksanaan Dasar Teknologi Hijau Kebangsaan. - Bernama

Parking charges now imposed at Precinct 1
Wednesday December 2, 2009

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/12/2/central/m_07precinct8.jpg

Space constraints: Cars parked along the road shoulder
in an area in Putrajaya due to lack of parking space.

PUTRAJAYA Corporation is imposing parking charges at the Precinct 1 Government Office Complex and Diplomatic Precinct effective from yesterday.

A total of 386 parking bays have been made available around Kompleks Perdana Putra, Laman Perdana, Kompleks B and Kompleks C in Precinct 1 to prevent motorists from parking their vehicles haphazardly and making it easier for visitors to get a bay to park.

The move is expected to alleviate the worsening traffic problems including congestion and lack of parking bays in these areas.

Meanwhile, 559 bays are ready at Diplomatic Precinct.

The system is operational daily from 8am to 6pm at 50 sen per hour for the Pay and Display System and RM1 per hour for Controlled/Covered Bays.

Motorists are advised to park their vehicles at the payable parking bays to avoid being fined by the traffic enforcement team.

In order to ensure that the need for parking bays has been catered for, the Park and Ride area in Precinct 1 and Precinct 7 can accommodate another 3,000 bays at any one time.

This facility is complete with Nadi Putra bus service that plies all government offices.

Putrajaya Corporation is also ready to increase the frequency of the service if response from the public is encouraging.

Putrajaya and Cyberjaya on ‘environs-friendly’ fast track
Wednesday January 27, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/1/27/nation/5554622&sec=nation

Putraya, Cyberjaya to go green ASAP

PUTRAJAYA: Putrajaya and Cyberjaya will be developed as pioneering green technology townships in the “shortest time possible” to reflect the Government’s commitment to environmentally-sound and sustainable practices.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the decision was made during the inaugural Green Technology Council meeting that he chaired yesterday.

This, he added, was among the efforts being undertaken by the Government to ensure that the use of renewable energy and green technology was actively pursued.

“The Government realises that countries adopting sustainable energy and green technology will be the winners and leading nations of the 21st century. This is not an option but a reality that all nations must face.

“The use of renewable energy and green technology will be an important part in the Government’s agenda, and it will go beyond the responsibility of the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry to further promote and propagate its use.

“It is our commitment to bequeath the future generation with an environment which is pristine and healthy,” he said at the launching of the RM1.5bil Green Technology Financing scheme here yesterday.

Najib said the fund aimed to encourage business investment in green technology, green construction and innovation, adding that the scheme would also encourage much-needed direct foreign investment and support technology transfer and capacity building for local companies.

He said as an added incentive, the Government would play its role by covering part of the loan’s interest rate and providing a guarantee of 60% on financing, while the remaining 40% would be covered by banks.

Since the scheme was launched on Jan 1, 186 companies have responded to the initial soft loan offer, he added.

Najib said Malaysia was committed in playing its role to address climate change issues, including setting a carbon reduction goal of 40% by 2020 while investing in green technology.

Meanwhile, Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui said his ministry was also working on several plans and road-maps such as the Energy Efficiency Master Plan, the Renewable Energy Policy and Action Plan and the Green Technology Action Plan.

“We hope we will be able to spur the economy by encouraging entrepreneurs to construct green buildings and hydro power plants, and manufacture solar panels, wind turbines and energy-efficient equipment,” Chin said.

Putrajaya to host meet on green cities

PERBADANAN Putrajaya (PPj) has taken the initial step towards a Green Action Plan for the administrative capital by organising the International Conference on Green Cities on Feb 23 and 24.

The event will be held in co-operation with the Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP), the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KETTHA) as well as the National Green Technology Centre.

The conference at the Sri Siantan Conference Hall, Perbadanan Putrajaya Complex, will start with an official opening by Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin and will conclude with a workshop and a technical tour on the Feb 24.

A total of 12 speakers - eight from the United States, Austria, China, Singapore and Indonesia have confirmed their participation to deliver papers on Green City and Green Technology related topics at the conference.

PPj corporate communications deputy director Zaharah Selamat said the conference was part of PPj’s Urban Conference Series and apart from the city officials, the targeted participants are mayors, councillors and officers from city councils and municipalities, developers, real estate players and professionals such as town planners, architects, property valuers, engineers, landscape architects and lawyers.

“The conference might also interest financial institutions, green technology suppliers as well as members of the community,’’ added Zaharah.

This initial step by PPj was in line with the Malaysian government’s National Green Technology Policy which was launched in July last year, with the aim of enhancing the nation’s environmental sustainability by reducing its carbon footprint.

The government had announced its carbon footprint through four primary pillars of energy, environment, economy and social perspective and has made Putrajaya and Cyberjaya the pioneers of Green Technology City.

For further details, visit www.ppj.gov.my

Karnival Wow! Putrajaya

From flickr
by fendi-ayob clan
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CCTV link between KL and Putrajaya
By LESTER KONG Friday March 12, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/3/12/nation/5845023&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: All of the closed-cicuit television (CCTV) cameras here and in Putrajaya will be linked to a “nerve centre” enabling authorities to better detect street crimes.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusof said an integrated centre will be set up to link and manage the 430 CCTVs operated by the police, KL City Hall, and the Housing and Local Government, Works and Transport Ministries.

“CCTV is an important tool to take action on street crimes. There is a need to integrate the CCTVs operated by the police and various ministries,” he told reporters after a meeting at the KL police headquarters yesterday.

“Police will conduct the supervision and help direct control and act on crimes. We will send personnel to upgrade skills in this field with suppliers of the CCTVs and its applications,” the minister said.

He added that training and supervision at the centre would be handled by the police.

Abu Seman said the ministry would integrate the CCTVs the soonest possible.

“We want it as soon as possible to implement the programmes under the National Key Results Area (NKRA). We need it very urgently to solve these street crime problems,” he added.

The Home Ministry aims to reduce the crime index by 5% and street crimes by 20% this year, as part of the NKRA under the Government Transformation Programme.

The CCTVs located in strategic places under the care of the various ministries involved included the city centre, public transportation stops and hubs, public walkways, housing areas and commercial complexes, Abu Seman said.

He also said that the Government would continuously increase the number of CCTVs in areas where street crimes were likely to be committed.

Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon rides draw the crowd
By OH ING YEEN Friday March 19, 2010
Photos by CHUA KOK HWA

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/3/19/central/m_04balloons.jpg

Unusual sight: Hot air balloons dotting the sky over Putrajaya.

MAKE your way to the Monumen Alaf baru in Precinct 2, Putrajaya, from now till this Sunday for an exciting ride in a hot air balloon.

The Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2010 will feature attention-grabbing designs like the Darth Vader and Orange design from Belgium, which are among the 23 hot air balloons from 12 countries that will adorn the sky over Putrajaya.

The participating countries include Japan, Belgium, Switzerland, New Zealand, South Korea, the Netherlands, the United States, France and Malaysia.

The inaugural event last year attracted more than 150,000 spectators throughout the four-day fiesta.

The Putrajaya Corporation (Ppj) will be providing five hot air balloons to conduct tethered rides that will float above ground for 20m for the public. It costs RM10 for adults and RM5 for children from now till Sunday at two sessions — 8am to 11am and 6pm to 9pm.

Aside from the balloon ride, there are other activities such as a remote controlled aircraft display, paramotor showcase, helicopter rides, water ball and sphere rides, colouring competition, photography competition, auto show and petting zoo.

The highlight will be a night-glow display tomorrow when the balloons will glow like light bulbs, giving a spectacular display of illuminated lights in the sky followed by a fireworks display.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/3/19/central/m_04balloons1.jpg

Up in the air: A couple taking a ride in a colourful balloon.

Families were seen taking in the sights and some had picnics at the spot.

It was also a field day for photography enthusiasts who took the opportunity to snap the sights in the air and the ongoing side programmes.

Ppj president Tan Sri Samsudin Osman was exhilarated with the experience above ground.

“It was a great experience and although I have tried it three times, I still want to go for another ride,” he said at a press conference.

Samsudin added that after the inaugural event last year, there were as many as 60 ballonists from various countries who wished to take part but they had no choice but to turn down some due to space constraints.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/3/19/central/m_04darth.jpg

Standing out: The Darth Vader designed balloon set to soar.

“If there is an opportunity, we hope to increase the participation. We did not expect such an overwhelming response when we organised the inaugural event last year.

“Therefore, we started planning for this year’s event last year and we received strong support from partners and sponsors, such as MasKargo that helped us ensure smooth transportation for the hot air balloons from other countries,” he said.

The event is co-organised by Malaysian Sport Aviation Federation and AKA Balloon Sdn Bhd formed in 1993.

For more information, visit www.myballoonfiesta.com or call 03-7981 8769/03-7981 8712 (Secretariat).

From flickr

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2nd Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2010
From flickr

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Putrajaya set to be garden city of world fame — Najib
July 11, 2010, Sunday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=47066

PUTRAJAYA: The tropical botanical garden here is to be enhanced in line with the efforts to eternalise Putrajaya as a garden city, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said yesterday.
The garden would be developed into a tourist attraction of domestic and international fame, he told reporters after launching the Putrajaya Flower and Garden Festival 2010, here.

He said the 90-hectare garden would be beautified even more and on par with the gardens overseas which have become a major tourist draw.

“I was informed by Putrajaya Corporation chairman Tan Sri Samsudin Osman that more plants would be added to the garden and those which do not grow well would be replaced with more beautiful ones,” he said.

Najib said the overwhelming response for the festival showed that the people appreciated the lushness of flora and the uniqueness of fauna in the country and, as such, these should be nurtured for greater appreciation at the international level.

“Many private companies in the floral and garden business are participating in the festival because it receives growing response from our people.

“This is an encouraging sign, not only for the exhibitors but also for Malaysians who are beginning to appreciate flora and fauna more for the satisfaction they provide in many ways,” he said.

This third annual festival, dubbed Floria 2010 and carrying the theme ‘Tropical Splendour’, is 50 per cent bigger than the two previous ones, and is expected to attract more than 500,000 visitors over the coming nine days.

It is being held at the waterfront of Precinct 2 and is open from 9am to 10pm from Monday to Thursday, and from 9am to midnight from Friday to Sunday. — Bernama

Putrajaya a safe city to live in
By CHARLES FERNANDEZ Friday September 17, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/9/17/central/7033384&sec=central

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/9/17/central/p6mears.jpg

In full alert: A police personnel at one of the operation rooms that is
equipped with fully integrated CCTV linked with 999 Emergency Response System.

THE crime index in Putrajaya is low, thus making it a safe city. Except for some petty crime and break-ins, the residents believe the city is safe.

Moreover, Putrajaya is built on a safe city concept where its residents interact frequently to keep crime at bay.

In explaining this, Putrajaya police chief ACP Abdul Razak Abdul Majid said there were 176 closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) placed strategically around the city and even the most minor offences could be caught in action.

The cameras are operated by the Putrajaya Corporation (PJC) and since they are linked to the police heaquarters, people feel safe to move around without having to worry much.

Unlike most high-end residential areas in the Klang Valley that are forced to implement gated and guarded schemes due to the rising incidents of crime in their areas, Abdul Razak said there was no such need in Putrajaya.

“Here, the various communities have leveraged partnerships to help the police reduce crime and create an environment where people feel safe and secure. It is through their commitment and effort that the city is safe,” he said.

He said apart from providing 24-hour security, the police also worked with the PJC to light up areas to make it safer at night.

He added that the police were also regularly engaged in meetings with the various residents’ associations.

Joyride through Putrajaya
By SAM CHEONG Wednesday October 27, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/10/27/central/7294045&sec=central

AFTER cycling an 18km route carefully planned by the Environment Department, it is only proper to sum up that Putrajaya is a place best seen on two wheels.

I snapped at the first chance of riding in our country’s administrative capital after an invitation from Wey, a fellow folding bike rider, who has her own team called the GT Girls.

Best of all, the event was a free ride with a sackload of goodies thrown in.

This covered breakfast, a pit-stop with treats like bottled water, bananas, cakes and packed lunch at the end of the event.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/10/27/central/m_pg28wawasan.jpg

Field care: A rider with a broken-down bicycle being tended by safety
marshalls while a young participant pushes his ride uphill towards Taman
Wawasan in Putrajaya.

“What a great way to utilise public funds!

“I am definitely going to join in for more rides,” said a fellow folding bike rider when met at Precinct 4 where the event took place.

Our day started with a briefing on safety and all the important check-points along the fun ride and vehicle pick-up points if you don’t feel like continuing the journey.

Event managers and marshalls took turns to conduct the safety talks as well as a warm-up exercise before the ride commenced.

I was amazed at the turn-out as there were many families with children who took part in the ride.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/10/27/central/m_pg28boulevard.jpg

Victory lap: Riding along the Putrajaya boulevard
with the Prime Minister’s office in the background.

My wife Michelle and I were joined by three other Dahon folding bicycle owners who signed up for the ride which was announced on Facebook.

At 8.15am sharp, the Department’s Director-General Datuk Rosnani Ibrahim flagged off the ride.

Along the ride, we made our way to parts of Putrajaya rarely seen from a motorist’s view.

This became an interesting perspective as some parts of this city could only be seen on the bicycle path.

During the briefing, the course director said there were two interesting stages: a climb at Taman Wawasan and the journey to the Deputy Prime Minister’s residence.

Both were steep inclines and took a toll on riders who were unfit.

Blessed with thick skin, I was not ashamed to push my bike as I could not go further.

Michelle made it all the way on her little Dahon Curve D3 bicycle.

Many riders who were using their larger wheeled bikes were simply amazed.

Our friends, the GT Girls too did very well as they rode their roadsters with much ease throughout the course.

By 10.30am, nearly all the riders who took part in the fun ride had crossed the finish line.

The ride marshalls, safety officers, medics and traffic police were there to make sure that nothing untoward happened.

I was one of the few remaining riders who were given a police escort when reaching the Putrajaya boulevard and that was a feeling money could not buy!

With food and drinks thrown in and lucky draws featuring some really good prizes sponsored by the Putrajaya Corporation, the Environment Department’s fun ride would definitely draw a larger crowd in the future.

To get more information on the Department’s activities for the public, visit their website at www.doe.gov.my or on Facebook.

Do more to ‘sell’ Putrajaya
VALLEY VIEW by OH ING YEEN Saturday March 26, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/3/26/central/8310670&sec=central

AlTHOUGH Putrajaya has scenic bridges and parks which makes it a popular filming location for local and foreign movies, it needs more than that to make it a major tourist destination.

One should be able to spend at least a day there sight-seeing and doing other worthwhile activities.

For shopaholics, the only shopping mall is Alamanda Putrajaya.

Those who like nature and the outdoors can explore the Botanical Park, Putra Perdana Park, Wawasan Park, Taman Rimba Alam and Taman Wetlands.

Now, visitors go to Putrajaya during events such as water sports competitions and the recently held Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

But if Putrajaya were to be a tourist destination, there should be visitors on other days as well.

From the Putrajaya Corporation website, one could see there are quite a few events every month such as an agro bazaar and workshops but the point is are these enough to draw the crowd?

The tourist information centre has relocated from the parking lot in front of the Prime Minister’s Department to Dataran Putra in Precinct 1.

This relocation is apt as it is now situated near the Putra Mosque where tourists throng.

However, only a few brochures in English and Chinese are available at the new information centre at Dataran Putra.

When asked for other brochures, I was told it was taken by the many tourists who visited the centre. This should not be an excuse as there should be enough to cater to visitors.

There should also be brochures in other languages such as Arabic, Japanese and Korean.

It pales in comparison to information centres in Japan and South Korea where plenty of brochures are available with information on must-see places and the recommended routes to take.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/3/26/central/m_08dataran.jpg

More information needed: The new tourist information centre in
Dataran Putra does not have ample supply of brochures.

There should also be public transport with punctual schedules for people to get from one tourist attraction to another.

While there are signboards directing motorists, some could lead you on a longer route.

My colleague who wanted to go to one of the government complexes in Precinct 1 found it confusing and ended up driving around the place a few times.

Many are not familiar with the Federal Government Administra-tive Centre.

The moment I mention I work in Putrajaya, my peers would exclaim, “Wow, that is far away!”

That is the perception of many about Putrajaya. It seems far away from the city centre and a hassle to travel there.

It takes 20 to 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur city centre via the Maju Expressway (MEX), 15 to 20 minutes from Kajang via the Silk Kajang Expressway (SKVE) and 20 to 30 minutes from Subang Jaya via the Damansara-Puchong Highway to Putrajaya.

Given it is less congested than the KL city centre, it takes less time for me to get there than to travel around KL during peak hours.

But its distance from KL is not the main reason some are reluctant to make their way there. I know some Klang Valley residents who would drive all the way to Port Dickson or Genting Highlands for a domestic getaway or just for a day tour.

Existing places of interests should be promoted and new activities should be developed to draw visitors and mark Putrajaya as a must-see place when visiting Malaysia.

Being a planned city gives it an edge and coupled with natural landscapes and green areas, Putrajaya does have a potential in becoming a tourist destination.

The question lies in whether there is enough effort put in to make it a tourist destination in the long run and not a flash in the pan.

^^
new tourist infomation centre at dataran putra...
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/7351/5550466286a168346675b.jpg (http://img41.imageshack.us/i/5550466286a168346675b.jpg/)

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build the international standard theme park to attract tourist,disneyland is good for putrajaya..

Putrajaya action plan launched
Posted on March 29, 2011, Tuesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=110333

PUTRAJAYA: The government yesterday launched the Putrajaya Action Plan for the Inculcation of Good Values 2011-2015, as a guide to transform Putrajaya into an exemplary city, in terms of good values and social status.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan said the rapid development in Putrajaya, if uncontrolled, could cause the city to be deluged with various social issues and declining moral values.

“We do not want a situation where ‘while we build, we destroy’,” he said.

For example, we build so many recreational parks, but at the same time, there is an increase in the number of vice-related cases.

We built first-class roads but the number of traffic law violations and road accidents is still on the rise.

“We do not want a situation where, the more modern values were brought into the community, the weaker they become in terms of good values, ethics, morals and religious belief “It is only right for this kind of phenomenon to be erased so that Putrajaya will become a monumental city in practising good values,” he said when launching the action plan here yesterday. — Bernama

They should reinstate the tours combining the train from KL Sentral and the guided tour bus. Best value tour ever. Shame it was closed down a few years back.

Putrajaya taken over – by one million youths
By ZUHRIN AZAM AHMAD, RAHIMY RAHIM and LEE YEN MUN
Saturday May 28, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/5/28/nation/8777192&sec=nation

PUTRAJAYA: The federal administrative centre is bustling with activities as it hosts one million youths from all over the country in conjunction with the National Youth Day celebration this weekend.

The gathering, held along the 2km-long Persiaran Perdana where most ministry buildings are located, will see various programmes, including forums, job fairs, sporting events and concerts.

The celebration kicked off yesterday with a youth convention, which saw 160 participants discussing the direction for youth transformation, and the launching of a World Youth Fantasy and Gadget World digital electronic fair.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/5/28/nation/n_01tentCity.jpg
Early visitors to the One Million Youth Gathering in Putrajaya rushing out of
their tents to shake hands with Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun
Hussein. The girls had put up tents at empty spaces near Persiaran Perdana,
the site of the gathering which is being held in conjunction with the National
Youth Day celebration.

The highlight of yesterday's events was the launching of the Home Ministry's Crime Awareness Team (CAT) programme by its minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, attended by more than 2,000 youths.

The CAT set up to encourage youth participation in crime prevention, aims to attract 10,000 members when it is expanded nationwide by the end of 2011.

Hishammuddin said so far, 3,592 CAT members had been registered in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Penang.

“Youth involvement in crime prevention activities, like CAT, is crucial as they are the target group which is often linked to crime.

“CAT will provide opportunities for youths to know and understand the dangers and implications of their involvement in crime,” he said in a statement.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/5/28/nation/n_14youths.jpg
Planning strategies : Some of the youths taking part in one of the many
activities at the One Million Youth gathering in Putrajaya Friday.

Other activities included a demonstration of a new extreme sports event from Japan, a Muslim fashion competition and displays and sales of artwork.

Visitors were also treated to views of 25 military vehicles, including a tank, all-terrain carriers and a military mobile hospital, parked along the main square in Precinct 2.

One delighted visitor Nurul Ain Azmi, 20, said she got to board and explore an automatic grenade launcher besides wearing a soldier's helmet.

“Although I am not a fan of military affairs, the experience was interesting,” she said.

Marketing executive Sanny Tang, 28, who was met onboard the Oerlikon, an air defence gun owned by the Royal Artillery Regiment, said she found the explanation by the military officers helpful.

12 countries expected at Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
Posted on January 28, 2012, Saturday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/01/28/12-countries-expected-at-putrajaya-international-hot-air-balloon-fiesta/

PUTRAJAYA: Twelve countries are expected to take part in the 4th Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2012 scheduled to be held from March 15 to 18 at the Millennium Monument here, Federal Territories and Urban Well-being Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said yesterday.

He said the countries included Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Poland and the United States.

The fiesta, with the theme ‘1World, 1Malaysia and 1Fiesta’, will see 25 hot air balloons adorn the sky over Putrajaya, he told reporters after the soft launch of the fiesta, here.

Raja Nong Chik said Putrajaya’s beautiful grounds have become home to this annual international sporting event for many reasons.
“The wide open spaces, favourable flying weather, the scenic ambience and the general features and tourist amenities the grounds have to offer make an ideal venue,” he said.

Meanwhile, Khairudin Abdul Rani, chief executive officer of AKA Balloons Sdn Bhd, the main event organiser, said some of the newly introduced activities this year include a street touch rugby tournament for families, a bicycle fest, water sport activities and extreme sports.

“In the 2012 fiesta, we will see the return of the ever highly anticipated ‘night glow’ event where the hot air balloons will participate in a light and sound show on the night of March 17, culminating in a beautiful display of fireworks,” he said.

He said thousands of local and international visitors are expected to attend the four-day fiesta this year compared to about 250,000 visitors in 2011. — Bernama

Putrajaya popular with local and foreign filmmakers
By OH ING YEEN Thursday February 23, 2012
ingyeen@thestar.com.my Photos courtesy of ANDREW OH and PUTRAJAYA CORPORATION

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2012/2/23/central/tv.jpg

ASIDE from being a popular site for wedding photography, Putrajaya is also a favourite filming site for many filmmakers.

If you look closely at some of the scenes in our local dramas, be it Malay, Chinese or Tamil, you will notice landmarks in Putrajaya such as the scenic bridges, modern architecture and futuristic lamp posts.

Local film Cicakman was shot in Putrajaya for the scenes of Metrofulus, a fictional city inspired by Batman’s Gotham City.

It is not just local filmmakers but also foreign ones who have chosen Putrajaya for their scenes.

About 80% of Hong Kong action drama Viral Factor shown in cinemas recently, was shot in Malaysia and some scenes were filmed in Putrajaya.

A temporary cafe was even erected near the Putrajaya Corporation building to facilitate a chasing scene.

Kpop fans will be thrilled to know that popular boy band Super Junior shot their music video for the song Dancing Out in Putrajaya.

Last year, of the 123 filming done in the city, 37 were commercials, 27 dramas, 13 films, nine documentaries and five photography shoots.

According to location coordinators who scout for filming locations, one of the main reasons for choosing to film in Putrajaya is because of its modern and stylish architecture.

Apparao, a local sponsor for foreign films in Hindi, Telegu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada languages, said foreign filmmakers chose Putrajaya because of its modern location and beautiful parks.

He has also arranged locations for Chinese and local Tamil filmmakers.

“Having more foreign filmmakers shooting in Malaysia will bring more money to the country and help spur economy growth,” he said.

Apparao also hoped that Putrajaya Corporation (Ppj) could issue permits faster.

Ppj, entrusted with the functions of a local authority and local planning authority, administers and manages Putrajaya on behalf of the Federal Government.

“It takes seven days to obtain a permit to film in Putrajaya whereas it takes only a day in Kuala Lumpur. Red tape is also increasing as there are more regulations and more documents needed when applying for filming permits.

“Those in the film industry have a tendency to suddenly change their arrangements. For example, a foreign filmmaker may suddenly decide to shoot in Kuala Lumpur. The Indian film industry works very fast,” he said.

Production manager Andrew Oh, whose company scouted the location for Viral Factor, said it was easier to control traffic in Putrajaya.

“Those who want high-tech buildings, clean environment, less crowd and traffic will opt for Putrajaya.

“Those who want crowd scenes will film in Kuala Lumpur,” he said, adding that it is easy to obtain filming permits in Putrajaya.

Aside from movies, the intelligent city is also a popular destination for making commercials.

According to location coordinator for commercials Goh Wai Leong, Bangkok is the first choice followed by Malaysia.

“We have clients from India and we used to have clients from Dubai and Singapore who film their commercials here. If their budget permits, they would choose to shoot here instead of their own country. It is also cheaper to shoot in Malaysia.

“Putrajaya is the choice location if the client wants modern, stylish buildings as a backdrop,” he said.

Putrajaya Corporation senior deputy director (Public Relations) Zaharah Salamat said filming in the city started in 2001.

“Local productions make up 70% while 30% are international films or commercials.

“Filming in Putrajaya was at its peak six to seven years ago. There is slight decline after that as filmmakers and production companies prefer to shoot at new locations.

“We welcome filmmakers and advise them on traffic control. We sometimes provide enforcement officers but applicants must apply to the relevant agencies such as the police or Department of Civil Aviation (for helicopter scenes),” she said.

She added that the corporation did not generate much revenue from issuing filming permits.

It cost RM2,500 for a three-day permit for commercial purposes and RM250 for government film productions. Last year, RM105,150 was generated from issuing filming permits.

If the shooting is done in a public area, a deposit is required.

Any damage to public amenities will result in a deduction of the deposit.

“Filming here indirectly helps PPj and the Government to promote Putrajaya and Malaysia not only as an administration centre but also a tourist destination,” she said.

Just keep your eyes peeled the next time you visit Putrajaya. Who knows, you may just bump into your favourite Bollywood star or witness a filming scene.

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