KL News N' Buzz [Archive] - Page 3

nazrey

March 17th, 2007, 08:02 AM

Newton-John set for maiden Malaysian concert on April 29
Saturday March 17, 2007
TheStar

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/3/17/nation/n_pg18olivia.jpg

G’day to all: Newton-John waving as she arrives for the
second annual G’Day LA Australia Week event in Los Angeles in a Jan 15, 2005, file photo. —
Reuters

PETALING JAYA: Are you prepared to “get physical” with Olivia Newton-John?

The 59-year-old pop star will be performing at Genting’s Arena of the Stars on April 29 as part of her Body, Heart and Spirit Tour.

In her maiden concert in Malaysia, Newton-John is expected to revisit her popular early hits such as Physical, Magic, You’re The One That I Want, Let Me Be There, It’s so Easy, If You Love Me Let Me Know, Xanadu and Hopelessly Devoted to You, among others.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been to Malaysia before,” said the Australian-born, Malibu-based singer in a phone interview yesterday, adding that she had been to Jakarta.

Newton-John’s tour will kick off in Hong Kong on April 15, followed by Taiwan (April 21 and 22), Shanghai (April 25), Singapore (April 27) and Kuala Lumpur (April 29).

In a career that has spanned close to four decades, Newton-John has won numerous awards including the coveted Grammys, Country Music Awards, American Music Awards and People’s Choice Awards.

Asked if she ever gets tired of singing her early hits, Newton-John said she did not.

“You might find that hard to believe but I find something new in the songs each time I sing them,” she said.

The singer is famous for her role as Sandy in the movie Grease. But is she bothered that people still associate her with the nerdy character from the 1978 movie?

“Not at all,” she said without hesitation.

“I am lucky to have starred in a movie which is still so loved.”

Jojo Events project director Cynthia Chen said: “It’s an honour for us to have her perform here. I believe she has a strong fan base in Malaysia and a concert like this would definitely benefit folks in the 50s.”

She said the concert was also in support of national women’s sports under the wings of Women’s Sports and Fitness Foundation Malaysia.

Tickets for the concert will go on sale from March 23.

For more information, call the ticketing hotline at 03-2718 1118 or visit www.genting.com.my.

pedang

March 19th, 2007, 09:31 AM

World registrars to convene in KL

Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

The world's corporate registrars with jurisdiction in business registration and regulatory control, will convene in Kuala Lumpur from April 17 for the annual Corporate Registers Forum 2007 (CRF2007).

The conference, which is jointy organised by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) and the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) of Singapore, is themed Evolution of the Corporate Registers - Challenges and Opportunities.

In a statement on March 19, CCM said CRF2007 would feature 28 distinguished speakers in three sessions in Kuala Lumpur and another five sessions in Singapore.

It said the forum was expected to focus on the evolution of corporate registers in response to the dynamics of the business environment.

CCM chief executive officer Abdul Karim Abdul Jalil said the main agenda was to leverage on the expertise and experiences of delegates for the mutual sharing and exchanging of ideas.

He said one of the highlights would come from Lynn Lynch of the Companies House, UK, who will expound on how her organisation is electronically managing 225,000 kilogrammes of mail or five million paper documents each year.

pedang

March 20th, 2007, 04:34 AM

2,500 to attend world IT congress in May

PENANG: About 2,500 participants, including academics and researchers from more than 80 countries, are expected to turn up for the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) 2008 to be held in Kuala Lumpur from May 18-22.

Among the global personalities to be invited are former US president Bill Clinton, Microsoft’s Bill Gates, and Infosys Technologies founder Narayana Murthy.

The WCIT is a premier gathering for the global information and communications technology (ICT) industry. It offers participants numerous opportunities for business networking and the exchange of policies, ideas and technology.

Being a regional ICT hub, Penang should have a significant presence at the event, WCIT 2008 Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Wendy Liew said.

“WCIT is not a discussion on IT technology but on what IT can do,” she added.

World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) secretary-general Dr James H. Poisant said the congress would focus on the role of ICT in the eradication of poverty, its role in doing business in Asia, globalisation of Asia’s ICT companies, future vision of the World Wide Web and computer science education in the 21st century.

Poisant said Malaysia secured the right to host WCIT 2008 from WITSA in May 2006, winning over Singapore and India.

“Malaysia was also given the right because of the valuable contribution that the Association of the Computer and Multimedia Industry of Malaysia has made to WITSA,” he added.

nazrey

March 21st, 2007, 10:06 AM

'Spiderman' returns... and gets nabbed
21 Mar 2007
NewStraitTimes

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Wednesday/National/20070321071940/insidepix1

KUALA LUMPUR: Ten years after he caused a stir by attempting to scale the 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers, "Spiderman" Alain Robert was back at it again.

And the Frenchman’s second attempt yesterday ended the way his first did in 1997 — with the authorities stopping him on the 60th floor.

Wearing a yellow shirt emblazoned with the words "Petronas Twin Tower 1 - 20th March 1997, Ten Years, Petronas Twin Tower 2 - 20th March 2007", the daredevil, who climbed without any gear, started his ascent at Tower 2 at 3.05pm.

However, he was stopped by the authorities who persuaded him to end his stunt. Robert agreed, but not before unfurling a Jalur Gemilang to the cheers of 500 onlookers below.

His stunt resulted in the police cordoning off the area below Tower 2, while a helicopter hovered nearby.

Fire and Rescue Department operations commander Christopher Chong said the department had received a call at 3.20pm.

"When we reached the scene about 3.45pm, he was already at the 55th floor. We decided to stop him on the 60th because there’s a ledge there.

"When he was at the 59th floor, he saw us and tried to move away but we managed to convince him to give up," Chong said, adding that Robert was taken away by the police.

Robert has climbed over 65 buildings around the world, including the Eiffel Tower, London’s Canary Wharf building, New York’s Empire State Building and Chicago’s Sears Tower.

Speaking to the New Straits Times, Robert said he initially wanted to climb at 8am to avoid people noticing, but the morning rain disrupted his plan.

"I don’t want to wait for the next day as the anniversary of my previous climb is today, so I decided to wait for an appropriate time," he said.

Robert, who was brought to the Dang Wangi district police headquarters, was well prepared for his arrest this time around.

In less than an hour, a group of his friends, including a Datuk and a lawyer, arrived at the police station to help him.

It was clear the 44-year-old was enjoying the attention and he was jubilant over his achievement — he even asked for champagne from one of his friends.

One of his close friends said Robert was a persistent person.

"He will not stop until he reaches the top of the Petronas Twin Towers and he will keep on trying," he said, adding that Robert had tried to get permission from the tower management.

Dang Wangi district police chief ACP Mohd Zulkarnain Abdul Rahman said Robert was detained for trespassing.

pedang

March 23rd, 2007, 09:24 AM

Goemancy Conference 2007 to be held in KL

PETALING JAYA: Whether you call it feng shui, tiang seri, Vastu Shastra or geomancy, aficionados will be pleased to know that the Asia Pacific Geomancy Conference 2007 will be held here.

The July 20 to July 22 conference, organised by the Malaysia Institute of Geomancy Sciences (MING), aims to bring the ancient concepts of geomancy together onto one platform for everyone.

MING founder and honorary life president master David Koh said: "Geomancy are ancient concepts of human dwelling in the universe.

"From cave dwellings to houses, small settlements to town planning - all for the purpose of better human dwelling in a given environment," he said in a press statement recently.

He added: "To live with nature, to be in harmony with nature and to prosper with nature.

"Different civilizations and cultures each have their own theory or practice of how best to achieve this," said Koh, who will be speaking on the theme 'Modern Living, Ancient Concepts'.

Four notable speakers include grand master Yap Cheng Hai, who will speak on How to use Feng Shui in a practical way, Dr Smita Jain Narang from India on Vastu Shastra: Old & New, Prof Dr Mohd Tajuddin Mohamad Rasdi from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia on Tiang Seri or Ilmu Tajul Muluk and Sergio Zelinscki from Brazil on Semiotics of Feng Shui: Western- Semiotics, I-Ching and Feng Shui.

A segment of the conference will also take participants on a tour through the old and new parts of Kuala Lumpur, with a briefing on how geomancy.

The conference will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, and will be on a first come, first serve basis.

nazrey

April 4th, 2007, 05:06 PM

KL City Hall pledges to improve e-delivery
Wednesday April 4, 2007
CHOW HOW BAN reporting from Shanghai

MORE improvements will be done to make Kuala Lumpur City Hall's e-delivery system more effective and efficient.

City Hall Information and Communications Technology Department director Mohammad Em-bong said the local authority would keep on introducing the latest digital services to benefit the public.

"E-governance is a big word and people expect a more convenient way of doing things via the Internet and other online processes," he said in Shanghai, China, on March 29.

"We launched the e-submission system in January and contractors and developers can now submit applications using CDs containing information on building plans and keep track of the progress of their applications through the Internet."

Mohammad and another colleague represented City Hall at a workshop on e-Governance: Di-gital Local Agenda Awareness Raising organised by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (Unitar) from March 28 to 30, in collaboration with the Regional Network of Local Au-thorities for Management of Hu-man Settlements (CITYNET).

It was hosted by CIFAL Shanghai, one of the 12 international training centres for local authorities under Unitar. City Hall has another centre at the Kuala Lum-pur Regional Training Centre.

Mohammad said many digital services were already available via City Hall's website – www. dbkl.gov.my – such as e-perumahan which allowed qualified citizens to apply for public housing schemes, e-cukai pintu for the public to pay their assessment and e-summons for payment of summonses online.

However, he said more needed to be done to encourage the public to fully utilise the e-summons feature.

"There have been a lot of hits and enquiries but when it comes to payment, people prefer going to the counter to see the compound officer and ask for discounts," he said.

He added that perhaps it was necessary for City Hall to review its policy to offer discounts as well as to encourage online payments.

To a question on whether City Hall would give the public the opportunity to highlight their opinions and interact with department heads through online chat sessions like what the Singaporean and Shanghai governments are doing, he said the local authority used to have an online forum but it was abused.

"We have that option in our website and we can easily use it again," he said, adding that City Hall would continue to upgrade and add new features.

At the workshop, City Hall presented a case study on its Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) application on enforcement for advertisement billboards while other countries' local authorities shared their experiences on e-procurement and digital management of health records.

Unitar programme officer Akiko Miyahara said the workshop was for participants to share their experiences of using IT to make their governments more transparent, efficient and effective.

nazrey

April 4th, 2007, 05:20 PM

Linkin Park singer breezes into KL
Wednesday April 4, 2007
By ZACK YUSOF

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/4/4/nation/Chester.jpg

Hot reception: A smiling Bennington at KLIA yesterday.

SEPANG: Screaming fans, enthusiastic TV crews and flashing cameras greeted Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington when he arrived in Kuala Lumpur yesterday to promote the band’s forthcoming new album.

Bennington was all smiles as he made his way through the throng of fans and media representatives waiting for him at the KLIA arrival hall.

He stopped briefly to pose for pictures with a number of lucky fans, some of whom had driven from as far away as Malacca to give him a typical warm Malaysian welcome, before being whisked away by his entourage.

The vocalist is in town to attend an exclusive media pre-listening session of the band’s soon-to-be released third album Minutes To Midnight, as well as an album pre-sale booking at Tower Records, KLCC, at 4pm today.

The album is scheduled for release on May 15.

Linkin Park has chosen Malaysia as the country to premiere tracks from the eagerly awaited album.

nazrey

April 16th, 2007, 09:06 AM

Helicopter Joyride & City Tour
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Validity: 01/01/07 - 31/12/07
Duration: One hour
Rate: Price Per Helicopter Rate (RM)
1. Ecureuil - 5 Passenger VIP Helicopter 3,500.00
2. Colibri - 4 Passenger VIP Helicopter 3,300.00

Enjoy spectacular views of Kuala Lumpur and its city landscapes on a helicopter city tour.

The helicopter pilots are experienced and knowledgeable about the local landscape and will provide informative commentary during the helicopter tour.

Bring your camera and get ready for the helicopter tour of your life!

Both the Ecureuil and Colibri are VIP single-engine helicopters with air conditioning and carpeting.

http://www.shajasa.com.my/travel/images/ecureuil1.jpg

http://www.shajasa.com.my/travel/images/ecureuil2.jpg

Source : Shajasa travel and tour (http://www.shajasa.com.my/travel/travel.htm)

nazrey

April 19th, 2007, 07:02 AM

Petaling Street still an ugly duckling
Thursday April 19, 2007
SHORT TALE
WITH HOO BAN KHEE
TheStar

I took a walk along Petaling Street, the so-called Chinatown of Kuala Lumpur, the other night, something I have not done for a couple of years.

It wasn’t a very pleasant experience although in a way, it was a trip down memory lane as I have known the place since the 60s.

The street was congested, hot and chaotic. With stalls lining both sides of the street and also in the middle lane, one has to literally rub shoulders with a lot of sweaty people just to walk through.

Cheap imitation goods flooded the place, from shoes, bags, watches to CDs and DVDs and any empty place left was occupied by make-shift food stalls.

The foreign tourists were mostly down to their T-shirts and shorts, browsing through the street selling mainly cheap imports from China.

By 8pm, most of them were seated at tables covered with bright red table cloth set up on the pavements, enjoying local delicacies such as Satay and Hokkien mee washed down with jugs of beer.

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/4/19/central/p8petaling.jpg

New look: Two arches have been erected at both
ends of Petaling Street to give it a ‘Chinatown’ look.

They chatted and watched the world go by. Some roving peddlers weaved in and out of the crowds selling CDs or DVDs. Others sold lottery tickets.

Maybe, these foreigners were making comparison between Petaling Street and Patpong of Bangkok, Sanur or Kuta of Bali.

Or were they talking about Orchard Street of Singapore?

The pertinent question is: are they enjoying their stay and will they return for a second visit? Will they recommend friends to come?

The answers will be important to the development of our tourism industry which has become a sizeable foreign exchange earner.

Petaling Street has undergone tremendous changes in the past decades so much so that even some of the landmark buildings have been demolished to make way for bigger and glitzier complexes.

Their businesses have also changed hands or have been turned into something else.

It used to be a thriving entertainment and commercial hub of Kuala Lumpur together with Batu Road which is now known as Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.

The major attractions then were the two cinemas Rex and Madras, a wet market and a number of department stores and good Chinese restaurants.

But things began to change in the 70s when the street was turned into a sort of pasar malam in the evening. Stalls began to spring up on both sides of the street and gradually, spill over to the five-foot way.

They began to block the shops and because they sell almost the same merchandise, business of the shopkeepers shrunk.

Petaling Street is now covered to shield it from the sweltering afternoon heat. Two arches, one on each end, have been erected to give it a Chinatown look.

It is being promoted as a tourist attraction of Kuala Lumpur.

But unfortunately, nothing much has improved despite the planning and money spent. The place is still thriving, but very third-world, cheap and vulgar.

Former MCA president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik has been kind enough to promote the place by taking his visiting VIPs to eat at the hawker stalls there.

As for me, I would be a little hesitant to take my foreign friends there, unless they make a special request or show specific interest.

There is no denying that the food is excellent, but then what can you say about the ambience?

Petaling Street has grown over the years but it is still an ugly ducking.

Leeigh

April 20th, 2007, 07:42 AM

Hmmm...I think that is what Chinatown is about, I hope this dude is not expecting Petaling street to be like any other open air malls?? the hustle and bustle, hawkers, stalls, the smells and sounds and sights of chinatown like any other Chibatown all over the world. It can't be strile and boring and too organized..let Chinatown be chaotic..tourists in sandals amongst locals and let the haggling begins!

Lastresorter

April 21st, 2007, 05:09 AM

^^ I agree, Leeigh... even ugly duckling has its very own charm!

Nonetheless, Chinatown shd improve their ventilation...

nazrey

April 22nd, 2007, 01:14 PM

A serene sight in the heart of the city
Saturday April 21, 2007
DOWN MEMORY LANE
By DEBBIE CHAN
Photos by CHUA KOK HWA
TheStar

RESTAURANTS , heritage trails and quaint bungalows are some of the factors that have put Jalan Conlay on the tourist map of Kuala Lumpur.

The tree-lined road is less travelled by urban dwellers and is a pleasant change from the hustle and bustle of the city.

A relatively new road that is not connected to the mining empire of old Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Conlay was named after a figure who played an important role in the history of Terengganu.

W.L. Conlay was the first British agent sent to Terengganu during the expansion of British powers in the Malay states.

His posting was strongly objected to by then ruler Sultan Zainal Abidin III who rejected the agreement made in the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 to receive British officers into his government.

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/4/21/central/m_10conlay.jpg

Pleasant sight: The tree-lined road located close to the
hustle and bustle of the city is a serene sight.

Sultan Zainal eventually accepted the posting with much reluctance with the signing of another agreement in 1910 that officially recognised the role of a British adviser in the state.

Academic texts often refer to a particular incident of a disagreement between Conlay and Sultan Zainal where the ruler was quoted as saying: “Terengganu has a master. You talk to the master!”

The master was Tokku Paloh, a religious adviser to the Sultan and who stood up to Conlay.

Conlay then went on to play other major roles in the Federated Malay States where he was assigned to different positions to facilitate the British rule in Malaya.

He was elected the Police Commissioner for the Federated Malay States in 1916 and was also president of the Royal Lake Club from 1921 to 1922. He also served for a while as a district officer for Temerloh in 1898.

Jalan Conlay is currently dotted with bungalows that have been converted into different establishments and the most notable one is the National Craft Complex. It is a one-stop centre for Malaysian culture and craft.

Right opposite the complex is the Heritage of Malaysia Trust that features different events and exhibitions to help visitors understand the rich history of Malaysia. It is also home to The House of Penghulu Abu Seman, with its original structure preserved.

The Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration also makes its presence felt on the road with its huge compound and important role in the arbitration system of the country.

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/4/21/central/m_10craftcomplex.jpg

Culture and craft centre: The National Craft Complex in Jalan Conlay.

A new addition to the road is the Chulan Tower which has been built according to traditional designs and blends well into the area.

Restaurants like Sri Melayu located here draw customers and the Conlay Club continues to entertain the late night crowd.

Prince Hotel is another modern structure on the street while on the other end where the road meets Jalan Kia Peng, abandoned bungalows are a sorry sight.

nazrey

April 22nd, 2007, 01:17 PM

When Malaysia goes marching in
Saturday April 21, 2007
By DEBBIE CHAN
TheStar

The Kuala Lumpur World Marching Band Competition , is set to close the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 with a bang in December. Orga-nised by Present Malaysia Pro-ductions, the competition will be part of an international circuit of marching band competitions sanc-tioned by World Association of Marching Show Bands.

Among some of the countries that have confirmed participation are Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, the United States, England and South Africa.

The event is projected to be even bigger than the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics with over 2,500 participants.

At the launch of the event that was graced by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, the marching band of Victoria’s Institution presented a demonstration show that delighted the audience.

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/4/21/central/m_36victoria.jpg

Talented: The Victoria Institution Cadet Corps Band
demonstrating at the launch.

Also present was the World As-sociation of Marching Show Bands president Robert Eklund and City Hall deputy director-general Mohd Amin Nordin.

“The marching band competition has grown to become a sophisticated industry and tourist attraction for many countries. This is a great platform for us to show our ability to organise world class events such as this,” Tengku Adnan said in his speech.

“Another event, which is of relevance to this is the International Tattoo Show in September. Among the highlights of the event will be precision marching by various military groups which I believe will generate a lot of interest among the audience towards the KL World Marching Band competition,” he added.

The competition will be an annual event and Kuala Lumpur has been offered to host the competition for next year.

“This is an honour and it shows that the world recognises our capabilities to host such events,” Tengku Adnan said.

“KLWMBC 2007’s main objective is to support the development of a positive self-worth in every participant involved in the band activity - performers, teachers, parents and community - through this internationally-acclaimed event. KLWMBC 2007 fo-cuses on individual character building, self-discipline, leadership qualities and the fostering of a good value system,” Present Malaysia Productions chief executive officer Norzam Baharu Zaman said.

The event will be held at Dataran Merdekan from Dec 9 to 16. Tickets are priced at RM 30 and can be purchased from www.klwmbc.com

nazrey

April 22nd, 2007, 01:21 PM

Cheap to invest in Penang, KL
Sunday April 22, 2007
By DAVID TAN
TheStar

IT is still cheap to invest in properties in Penang and Kuala Lumpur compared with other international cities as they are among the lowest in the region.

FIABCI (International Real Estate Federation) Penang Chapter chairman Datuk Khor Teng Tong said that high-end residential and commercial properties in Penang and Kuala Lumpur were now selling from between RM500 psf and RM1,000 psf.

“Similar properties cost an average of RM15,000 psf in Hong Kong, RM11,000 psf in Shanghai and RM7,000 psf in Singapore,” he said after the opening of FIABCI Smart Property Investment Seminar 2007 by Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

The seminar is organised by FIABCI-Penang Chapter and jointly sponsored by Hunza Properties Bhd and ING Home Loan. The Star is the official media sponsor.

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/4/22/north/david.jpg

Thank you: The Star regional advertisement manager Chung Chok Yin
receiving a souvenir from Khor. Looking on are Dr Koh and organising
chairman Datuk Fauzi Naim Noh.

Khor said housebuyers should take the opportunity to buy now before prices increased.

“We expect property prices to shoot up by another 15% this year due to the rising cost of steel and other raw materials.

“Foreign funds from the United States, China, Hong Kong and the Middle-East are also now entering Malaysia to shop for high-end residential and up-market commercial properties,” he noted.

Khor said since Independence, the prices of properties in the country had moved on an upward trend.

On the one-day seminar, he said it focused on the five ‘Ws” of buying properties – when, where, what, why, and whom.

The speakers included Ho Chin Soon Research Sdn Bhd director Ho Chin Soon, Raine & Horne International Zaki + Partners Sdn Bhd director Michael Geh, FIABCI Malaysia international ordinary member Juanita Chin, and CHUR Associates proprietor, Chris Tan.

Some 300 house buyers and property consultants attended the function.

nazrey

April 23rd, 2007, 11:28 AM

DBKL cultural troupe helps promote Malaysian culture
Monday April 23, 2007
By BAVANI M.
Photos by KAMARUL ARIFFIN & AZHAR MAHFOF
TheStar

KUALA LUMPUR City Hall’s (DBKL) duties are not just about sweeping roads, cleaning drains and cutting trees. There are other aspects to the local authority’s role including show-casing Malaysia’s multi ethnic culture to the world via its cultural dance troupe. And with this year being visit Malaysia Year, the troupe has been working non-stop to display Malaysia’s culture to the world.

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/4/23/central/m_02cultural1.jpg

Malaysian flavour: Traditional dances (above and below right)
are among the main performances carried out by the troupe.

THE dancers moved gracefully and languidly on the tarred road to the beat of the rebana (a traditional Malay drum).

Each move was calculated and carefully choreographed, and despite the scorching heat from the blazing afternoon sun and the weight of their heavy dance costumes, they continued dancing, swaying to the beat of the music, showing no sign of fatigue or exhaustion.

Today they are performing at the grand stand in Sepang for the launch of the Formula Grand Prix event. Tomorrow they would be in Malacca for another show.

Since Visit Malaysia Year 2007 was launched early January, the troupe has been training non-stop and working at times seven days a week performing in different parts of Malaysia.

At times, they are even required to travel overseas to promote Malaysia as a choice travel destination.

The dancers, however, are used to performing for all sorts of events and at unusual venues, too.

Most times they perform at hotels and convention centres, but they have also performed on the wet soggy fields of Dataran Merdeka or along Bangsar’s Telawi Street.

And they don’t mind because this is what they do best.

The dancers are professional performers from Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) cultural troupe.

The cultural troupe comes under the local authority’s cultural, arts, and sports department.

Comprising 19 male dancers, 27 female dancers, three choreographers, five trainers, three costume directors, one make-up artist and 12 traditional musicians, the troupe plays an important role in showcasing Malaysia’s multi-cultural dances to the world.

“While the dancers have been trained to focus on traditional Malay dance forms, they can also perform modern and cultural dances of other ethnic groups and they have travelled to different parts of the world to participate in Folklore Dance and Music Festivals,” said DBKL culture, arts and sports director Ramly Othman.

“People think that City Hall is just about cleaning streets, cutting trees, and paving roads. We also have a department that deals with culture and arts and we are proud of showing the world our culture,” he said.

According to Ramly, the cultural troupe was established in 1988 with only five traditional musicians, 16 dancers and one choreographer.

The then Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Elyas Omar who served as the third Datuk Bandar from 1981 to 1992 saw the potential of the dance troupe.

“Elyas saw the need for a dance group as a sort of tourism tool for the city,” Ramly said.

So in 1998, the troupe was amalgamated into the culture, arts and sports department and members of the troupe became full-time staff with the local authority.

“They became one of our tourism products to showcase the uniqueness of our culture inside and outside Malaysia,” Ramly said.

“While the basics are still rooted in traditional Malay dance, there was a need to include cultural dances of other races as well.

“There also came a need to introduce some changes to the traditional style of dancing,” said DBKL’s culture, arts and sports deputy director Nor Shuram Norhashim.

“When Kuala Lumpur became the centre of attraction for hosting world class events like the 1998 Common-wealth Games, Formula One and Visit Malaysia Year, there was a need to incorporate contemporary styles into the performances,” he said.

Nor Shuram said this year was going to be a busy year for the department.

Apart from VMY 2007, it’s also Malaysia’s 50th independence anni-versary.

“National Day celebrations are going to be very grand and we have a lot of work to do.

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/4/23/central/m_02cultural4.jpg

Hard at work: Mohd Yussoff (left) puts the
dancers through their paces during practice.

“Apart from locals, we are expecting thousands of tourists and the dancers to come up with new choreographed moves and styles to suit current times,” he added.

DBKL dance choreographer Jasni Abd Hamid, 47, said: “Contemporary and modern styles are required but, of course, the basic traditional steps are still important,” he said.

“They also have to know basic Indian and Chinese dances and even ballet,” added choreographer Kamarul Zaman Laini.

“In fact, we even incorporate the influences of Kuda Kepang and Indonesian folk dances in the choreography,” he said.

Jasni and Kamarul, who started off as dancers with DBKL, added that even though dancers today were willing to go the extra mile to learn and pick up extra skills they merely did it to put food on the table.

“Dedication and passion are no longer the motivational factor today as today’s dancers are in it for the money,” said Kamarul.

Choreographer Mohd Yusoff Mohd Nor, 42, said: “Gone are the days when dancers danced solely for the love of dancing.

“Of course, money is important, but dancers back then were dancing for glory too and it is rare to find that kind of devotion in today’s dancers,” he said.

forrestcat

April 23rd, 2007, 12:33 PM

A very well done to these dancers....I like to see them in Malaysian tourism ads and mat sallehs really like this kind of things.

The Citrawarna Malaysia could rival the parades in South America someday. :)

nazrey

June 8th, 2007, 07:49 AM

Midnight sales at seven KL malls
Friday June 8, 2007
TheStar

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia mega sales carnival this year will, for the first time, see seven shopping malls in Bukit Bintang launching midnight sales besides better promotions and bargains.

The sales will be on between July 7 and Sept 2, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said yesterday.

“We’re expecting a RM3 billion revenue from this carnival,” he said.

Last year, the retail industry notched up an 8.4% increase in sales figures during the mega sale between July and August, he told reporters.

On the midnight sale, Tengku Adnan said it was to ensure that tourists in Malaysia would have activities all day long.

“I know most tourists do not know what to do at night, especially the Arabs. I hope we can offer them more places to go to at night besides entertainment outlets,” he said.

Apart from sales, shopping hunts and lucky draws would be among the other attractions.

Asked about Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's concern over the low number of British tourist arrivals to Malaysia, Tengku Adnan said lack of direct flights from London to Kuala Lumpur was one of the reasons.

Currently, British Airways does not operate direct flights from London to Kuala Lumpur, he said, adding that it only flies direct to Singapore.

Nonetheless, concerted efforts would be made to woo more Britons, he added.

Speaking at a gala dinner in conjunction with Malaysia Week '07 in London on Tuesday, Najib had said Malaysia lagged behind its neighbours in British tourist arrivals although the two countries shared mutual interests in various areas, from cultural aspects to business and trade.

He called for new approaches, particularly in Britain, in promoting Malaysia as a tourist destination to the European community. – Bernama

triple-j

June 10th, 2007, 07:14 PM

The Star

Sunday June 10, 2007

New technology to clean up rivers

PETALING JAYA: When smelly water flowed from taps in parts of Selangor in February 2006, no one could pinpoint the culprit and the accusing finger moved from garbage dumps, to sewage treatment plants, to livestock farms.

That kind of blame game will be a thing of the past once the proposed RM1.02bil river cleanup project by YTL Corp Bhd gets under way.

Managing director Tan Sri Francis Yeoh said technology that was used in Europe, which would be adopted here, could trace river pollutants to their source.

"We will be able to tell where the pollution came from. So, enforcement will be made much easier.

"Enforcement is now difficult as you cannot catch someone who is polluting, as everyone is doing it."

The project, in three phases, will start with Sungai Klang using technology owned by British-based Wessex Water, a subsidiary of YTL Power International Bhd.

The plan is to raise the water quality of Sungai Klang from the present 'polluted' Grade IV to the 'suitable for consumption' Grade II.

Yeoh said maintenance work would continue even after the river was restored so that it stayed clean and the water, drinkable.

He added that the status of Sungai Klang was "not that bad" as the river remained clean and clear at its upper reaches, while dirty downstream stretches could be restored with suitable know-how.

The Wessex technology, he added, was being offered at an inexpensive price and the river cleanup would cost a fifth of that in Europe.

Once rehabilitated, Yeoh envisioned Sungai Klang to be a recreation site for city folk and more importantly, an emergency source of drinking water.

He hoped that a clean Sungai Klang would help change the public mindset about keeping our waterways healthy.

triple-j

June 11th, 2007, 03:01 AM

Utusan Malaysia

Banjir besar di KL
Oleh Tan Ming Wai

KUALA LUMPUR 10 Jun – Ibu negara malam ini dilanda banjir, disifatkan sebagai terburuk sejak 2003 apabila beberapa kawasan utama bandar raya ditenggelami air sehingga satu meter.

Kesesakan teruk dilaporkan berlaku di beberapa jalan utama dan mangsa-mangsa yang terperangkap terpaksa diselamatkan oleh pasukan bomba dan Jabatan Pertahanan Awam (JPA3).

Antara kawasan paling teruk dilanda banjir termasuklah Jalan Masjid India, Jalan Ipoh dan Kampung Baru, Kampung Chubadak dan Sentul.

Dataran Merdeka, yang meliputi kompleks bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad ditenggelami separas pinggang.

Lebih dahsyat, air banjir turut memasuki sehingga ke ruang sembahyang di Masjid Jamek, Jalan Raja. Masjid itu terletak kira-kira 10 meter dari paras normal Sungai Gombak-Sungai Klang.

Ibu kota juga dilaporkan mengalami kesesakan teruk di beberapa jalan termasuk Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Dang Wangi dan Jalan Kampung Pandan.

Hujan turun lebat di sekitar ibu negara sebelum 6 petang dan berlarutan sehingga 8 malam ini.

Tinjauan Utusan Malaysia di sekitar ibu kota mendapati kenderaan terkandas di jalan-jalan tersebut akibat dimasuki air sehingga menyebabkan kesesakan.

Banjir terburuk pernah melanda ibu negara ialah pada 1971 apabila beberapa kampung di Selangor dan Kuala Lumpur dilanda banjir termasuk Kampung Haji Abdullah Hukum, Kampung Baru, Semenyih, Kampung Arang Batu dan Penempatan Orang-Orang Asli Changkat Bintang di Hulu Selangor.

Kuala Lumpur juga ketika itu terputus hubungan terus dengan dunia luar dan pasaran saham terpaksa ditutup kerana seluruh Kuala Lumpur banjir.

Sementara itu, menurut Pegawai Operasi Jabatan Pertahanan Awam (JPA3) Wilayah Persekutuan, Shahrul Kamar berkata, kawasan yang dilaporkan paling teruk dilanda termasuklah Jalan Masjid India, Jalan Ipoh dan Kampung Baru.

Menurutnya, bot-bot penyelamat dikerah mengesan dan menyelamat mangsa yang dipercayai terperangkap akibat bencana alam tersebut.

‘‘Secara keseluruhannya, JPA telah mengerahkan seramai 40 anggota untuk ditugaskan dalam usaha menyelamat,” katanya ketika ditemui di Jalan Tun Perak dekat stesen LRT Masjid Jamek di sini, malam ini.

Dalam perkembangan yang sama, Shahrul memberitahu, tiga orang mengalami cedera ringan selepas terkena serpihan kaca dalam sebuah restoran makanan segera di Jalan Tun Perak di sini.

‘‘Kaca di restoran itu dipercayai pecah selepas terkena libasan air akibat daripada sebuah bas yang melalui jalan itu,” katanya.

Sementara itu, seorang peniaga di Lebuh Ampang, K.Maran, 36, ketika ditemui kecewa dengan cara pihak berkuasa menangani masalah banjir di ibu negara.

Katanya, beliau sudah hilang kepercayaan kepada terowong SMART yang sebelum ini dikatakan boleh menangani masalah banjir kilat di ibu kota.

‘‘Baru satu minggu lalu banjir melanda, minggu ini ia berulang lagi, apakah setiap kali hujan lebat banjir akan terus melanda,’’ katanya.

The Star

Monday June 11, 2007

Flash floods hit areas in KL

PHOTO GALLERY ON THE FLOOD SITUATION
http://gallery.thestar.com.my/default.asp?id=818

KUALA LUMPUR: Several areas in and around the city were hit by flash floods with Dataran Merdeka being the worst-hit area during a three-hour downpour last night.

Two people were admitted to the hospital after they were pinned down by a fallen tree.

At the height of the downpour, many low-lying areas were submerged in water – between one and two metres. Traffic came to a standstill in the city.

A City Hall operations centre spokesman said the areas badly affected were those along Jalan Raja, Jalan Tun Perak, Jalan Melaka, Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Petaling Street, Jalan Munsyi Abdullah, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Taman Hillview, Setapak, Segambut and Sentul Pasar Dalam.

Areas along Jalan Travers, Jalan Bangsar, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Jalan Semantan and Jalan Tun Razak were also affected.

Several hotel basement car parks were flooded.

Vehicles parked at the Dataran Merdeka basement car park were submerged in floodwaters which reached up to its ceiling after the nearby Sungai Gombak overflowed its banks.

At one point, Dataran Merdeka looked like a padi field while Jalan Raja, which runs between Dataran Merdeka and the Sultan Abdul Samad building, was submerged in one-metre deep floodwaters.

There was bumper-to-bumper traffic along Lebuhraya Mahameru near the exit to Jalan Parlimen and near Bukit Tunku, Jalan Tun Razak near Bulatan Kg Pandan and Jalan Loke Yew.

A woman and her two children were pinned under a tree after it fell on them at the St Mary's Anglican Cathedral near Dataran Merdeka.

Kamala Devi, 46, had a broken right leg and injuries to the neck. Her daughter S. Thanaletchumy, 20, had bruises on the body while her son S. Thanaraj, six, escaped unhurt.

Speaking to reporters later, her husband, Royal Selangor Club chief security officer L. Selvarajah, 48, said his family was waiting near their car while he went to assess the flood situation.

City Hall and Fire and Rescue Department officials got the three out within 30 minutes. Two cars were also damaged when part of the tree landed on them.

DBKL officer Mohd Noor Razali, met at Dataran Merdeka, said waters began to rise at 6pm.

City Traffic chief Asst Comm Hamza Taib said no major accidents were reported during the downpour, adding that all manpower had been deployed to help out the DBKL officers to man traffic in the affected areas.

An affected motorist Johari Alias, 44, said that his car was damaged after it was submerged in waters reaching up to the vehicle's windows.

“I had parked my car behind the courts and was at the Central Market. When I noticed the Sungai Gombak overflowing its banks, I rushed to my car but it was too late,'' said the artist.

Floods have hit the Dataran Merdeka car park several times over the years.

In 2002 and 2003, similar floods due to heavy rain and overflowing of the Sungai Gombak nearby had left the vehicles of many motorists damaged after the car park was submerged in floodwaters right till the ceiling.

nazrey

June 11th, 2007, 07:04 AM

Image upgrade for KL night markets
Monday June 11, 2007
By BAVANI M
Photos by T.K.LIM.
TheStar

KUALA LUMPUR City Hall is considering upgrading the image of all its night markets by extending the size of lots and introducing a more modern look to the popular Malaysian hangout.

“The new look would incorporate certain specifications as well as colour scheme,” said deputy director of City Hall Petty Traders Management and Development Department Ibrahim Yusoff.

“Details are still being ironed out but at the moment we have increased the lot size of Bangsar Night Market, Lorong Tunku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Kuching from 6 x 3 to 8 x 8,” he said, adding that the change was only on a trial basis.

Ibrahim said night markets were very popular with the community as it had become a culture of sorts.

“With 2007 being Visit Malaysia Year there is a need to improve the image of our night markets to make them more attractive to visitors,” he said.

As for the new specifications, he said City Hall was not demanding that traders only used canopies provided by its agents.

He was responding to complaints by some traders that City Hall had demanded that they buy the canopies from agents hired by the local authority.

“We are not monopolising anything as the Night Market Associations are allowed to buy the canopies on their own as long as they follow our specifications,” said Ibrahim, adding that the Bangsar night market traders had blown matters out of proportion.

When asked why City Hall had refused to meet with traders to clarify matters, he said a meeting had already been held with the association in 2006 to inform them about the changes.

Traders at the Bangsar night market, however, claimed that the association that had met with City Hall officers was an illegal one.

Traders had since formed a special action committee to ask for transparency and details on the 20-year old market's relocation.

They have even lodged individual complaints against City Hall to the Public Complaints Bureau under the Prime Minister’s Department.

Special action committee adviser Khong Chee Seng said the Bangsar Night Market Association was illegal because no general meeting was ever held.

Some of the grouses that were brought up by the Bangsar traders was the fact that some people were allocated extra lots while others got only one and that City Hall had shown favouritism to new faces and sidelined the traders who had been trading there for many years.

A City Hall officer in charge of night markets said that lots were given depending on the items sold.

“If you are only selling kacang putih (nuts) you don’t need a big lot,” he said.

As for the new faces, the local authority denied showing any form of favouritism and said the new faces were probably the result of some traders sub-letting their lots to third parties.

Since the traders were moved from Jalan Telawi 3, many complained that the new spot was not conducive for business.

Trader Chua Lean Huat who sells Assam Laksa, said he was not informed about the move until the very last minute.

“We received our letters on the last day and they (City Hall) never told us where our lots would be and City Hall officers came to draw the lots at the last minute,” he said.

Abdul Rahman Sulaiman, who has been selling shoes for 10 years in Bangsar said after the relocation exercise, he was given a lot to trade at the Jolly Green area, which was sheltered.

“My business has declined since I moved to the new place,” he said.

From RM800 a night, now I can barely make RM80. On top of that I have to pay rental to City Hall, the Jolly Green management, for garbage and parking which comes to RM18 a night,” he said.

Abdul Rahman said City Hall should have talked to the traders first before relocating them.

Meanwhile, City Hall said it decided to move the night market from Jalan Telawi 3 because the neighbourhood was becoming congested.

“We received many complaints from the residents and the business community in the area. The opening of Bangsar Village II had made the situation worse,” said Ibrahim.

“We have see to the needs of property owners in Bangsar as they are the ones paying assessment fees to the council every year.

“While there is a need to help low income earners make a living in the city, we are however not going to do that at the expense of the rate payers,” he said.

nazrey

June 11th, 2007, 07:05 AM

Massive mall for south Klang folk
Monday June 11, 2007
Story and photos by ELAN PERUMAL
TheStar

WORK on the country’s largest Jaya Jusco mall in Bandar Bukit Tinggi, Klang, is on track and the outlet is expected to open for business according to schedule in December.

Construction of the AEON Bukit Tinggi Shopping Centre began about a year ago. The giant structure taking shape on a 26ha plot of land in Persiaran Tengku Ampuan Rahimah is already making an impact in the area.

“We are working round the clock and I’m happy that we are keeping to schedule.

“You can see the walls are up and I believe it will be ready for business by the end of the year,” said Lai Yeng Fock, executive director of WCT Land Berhad, which owns the mall and the land on which it is sited.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/6/11/central/10highway.jpg

On track: Work on the mall (below and above) is going on at a rapid speed.

Lai said the giant structure had been attracting a lot of interest.

While members of the public were keen to know when the mall would open, he said, many business enterprises were booking trading lots in the shopping centre.

Lai said the mall would cater to the needs of middle- and upper-class shoppers from Klang South and other nearby vicinities, including Banting, Shah Alam and Subang Jaya.

He said the shopping complex was the third largest Jaya Jusco outlet, after two others in Japan.

It would occupy a total gross area of 2.1 million sq ft with a built-up area of 1 million sq ft.

“It will add colour to this part of the town and contribute towards the economic welfare of the Klang people,” he added.

nazrey

June 13th, 2007, 06:50 AM

Short KL tour for KLIA transit passengers
Wednesday June 13, 2007

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/6/13/nation/n_03kasmin.jpg

Transit Tours staff member Muhammad Mustaqim Kasmin providing
information to a group of tourists at KLIA on the quick tour packages
around Kuala Lumpur available. — Bernama

SEPANG: Passengers who are on transit at KLIA will have the chance to experience Kuala Lumpur despite their short stay.

Now, those who are on transit for at least four hours will able to take a quick tour of the city as part of many ongoing efforts by KLIA and its partners to attract more tourists and visitors to the country.

Under the Discover Kuala Lumpur programme, visitors will be whisked away on the high-speed KLIA express train to KL Sentral before they visit the many interesting places within the city. There is also a special package to Menara KL, which includes a guided tour, nature walks and meals.

Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab described the programme as a positive way of getting visitors on transit to experience the sights and sounds of Kuala Lumpur.

He also lauded the effort, saying there was tremendous potential in “transit visitors,” whose number was constantly growing.

“No matter how much has been explained to tourists abroad about Malaysia, particularly what Kuala Lumpur is and has to offer, the metropolis never ceases to amaze visitors.

“Tourists still get pleasantly surprised by how beautiful Kuala Lumpur is. Getting visitors on transit to sample a small part of what the city has to offer promises great returns as I am confident tourists will want to return for more,” he said at the launching of Discover Kuala Lumpur at KLIA yesterday.

Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad senior general manager (operations) Datuk Azmi Murad said the service would be tapping a new market segment and further enhance the facilities offered at KLIA.

nazrey

June 13th, 2007, 07:06 AM

KL to host international conference on lung disease
Wednesday June 13, 2007
TheStar

THE 1st Asia Pacific International Union Against TB & Lung Disease conference will be held in Kuala Lumpur from Aug 2 to 5.

The Malaysian Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis (MAPTB) together with the Health Ministry and the Malaysian Thoracic Society (MTS) have been given the honour by the International Union Against TB & Lung Disease (IUATLD) to host the conference.

The theme of the conference is Overcoming an Old Scourge with a New Face (HIV/TB Co-Infection).

The gathering will not only address HIV/TB co-infection, which is currently fuelling the TB epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia Pacific region, but also place emphasis on the other core challenges of the TB control programme such as early diagnosis and effective treatment access.

Also to be discussed are topics covering the threat of Multi Drug Resistant TB (MDRTB), newer diagnostic TB tests, management of non-infective lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and sleep apnoea.

About 800 delegates from around the world is expected to attend.

The MAPTB is a voluntary non-profit NGO founded in 1948 by a group of civic-minded community leaders.

They felt there was a need to form the association because tuberculosis, was the No.1 killer in the 1950s and due to the absence of any concerted government plan under the then colonial regime to control the spread of Tuberculosis in the country.

The objective of the MAPTB is to lend support, complement and supplement the National Tuberculosis Programme of the Ministry of Health so as to ensure that Tuberculosis does not pose a major public health problem in the country.

halfnutz

June 13th, 2007, 08:38 PM

The Star

Monday June 11, 2007

Flash floods hit areas in KL

PHOTO GALLERY ON THE FLOOD SITUATION
http://gallery.thestar.com.my/default.asp?id=818

KUALA LUMPUR: Several areas in and around the city were hit by flash floods with Dataran Merdeka being the worst-hit area during a three-hour downpour last night.

You know.... I am wondering when will the goverment learn their lesson on the flash flood that happened everytime it rains heavily.

I really wonderr....!:dunno:

nazrey

June 30th, 2007, 01:11 PM

Study to be conducted to upgrade the Lake Gardens
By BAVANI M
Saturday June 30, 2007
THEEDGEDAILY

THE Federal Territories Ministry and Kuala Lumpur City Hall would be conducting a study to ascertain better ways to upgrade and extend Kuala Lumpur’s oldest public park – the Lake Gardens.

Built in the 1880s, the Lake Gardens is undoubtedly the most popular park in the city and the ministry is hoping to start work as soon as possible.

“The Lake Gardens has been a popular hang out for city folks for years and we hope to make it more attractive by ensuring that it is equipped with better facilities,” said Federal Territories Minister Datuk Zulhasnan Rafique.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/6/30/central/m_pg02kiara.jpg

Picture perfect: Taman Lembah Kiara in Taman Tun Dr Ismail
is a popular spot for wedding photography.

Zulhasnan also said that plans are in the pipeline to upgrade other parks in the city like the parks in Kepong, Titiwangsa and other areas to ensure the parks are more people friendly and family orientated.

“I want every park in Kuala Lumpur to have its own identity and attractions. While the upgrades are being carried out, we will ensure each park will have its own theme,” he said, adding that he does not want to see static parks but lively, interactive ones.

The minister said parks should have facilities catering to the whole family, from the youngest to the oldest members with sports amenities as well.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/6/30/central/m_pg02lake.jpg

Aerial view: The Lake Gardens is Kuala Lumpur’s oldest public park.

Zulhasnan also said the upcoming public park in Bukit Kiara would also feature similar amenities and was expected to be a popular hangout for city folks in the future.

“Environment conservation is something the ministry takes very seriously and our inaugural Federal Territory Environment Day project next year will be part of a bigger plan to teach city folks to better appreciate the environment,” he said.

The minister also suggested that KL residents show their commitment in preserving the environment by starting at home.

“Each household should plant a tree at home to teach your children to respect and love the environment.

“This is the best way to start – at home and when the children are still young,” he said.

Zulhasnan added that The Star and SuriaFM's Green Every Day Concert 2007 tentatively scheduled for July 7 at Bukit Jalil Stadium was a great way to teach people about the environment as well as celebrate World Environment Day.

“My family and I visited the Green Fest 2007 organised by The Star and Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) in Kepong recently and the experience was more meaningful because we were there as a family,” he added.

The minister said such campaigns are only successful if families come together and celebrate together.

nazrey

July 2nd, 2007, 04:26 AM

Green links for a better city
Monday July 2, 2007
By BAVANI M
Photos by SAMUEL ONG and courtesy of DBKL
TheStar

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/7/2/central/m_pg01viewkl.jpg

AGAINST a backdrop of skyscrapers, condominiums and malls lie trees, plants and shrubs where wildlife like birds, lizards and squirrels roam freely - this vision is what Kuala Lumpur City Hall hopes to create by the 2020 via its green linkage system – a project to bring the jungle into the city and the city into the jungle.

IMAGINE a spot in the heart of Kuala Lumpur amidst sprawling skyscrapers and bustling highways zigzagging with LRT and Monorail lines, a spot that is a green sanctuary where squirrels, lizards and birds come out to play.

This is not a fantasy and may yet be a reality if Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s green linkage system - a project to create a network of green corridors throughout the city comes to fruition.

The green linkage system is an inspiration to connect pockets of green belts located in the fringes of town into the heart of the city.

The green linkage will connect parks, playgrounds, and green belts into the city centre and will run through other green areas in the outskirts.

“The idea is to link green areas located in the outer edge of towns into urban areas,” said Kuala Lumpur City Hall landscape and urban cleanliness department deputy director Siti Zakiah Mohamed.

“The connection will run through parks, gardens, ponds, rivers, lakes and surround the town,” she said.

The linkage involves planting trees and plants along highways and roads and even getting developers to create their own green areas within their developments.

“Imagine cruising along the highway and, as you enter Kuala Lumpur, instead of concrete jungle, you see green belts everywhere,” said Siti Zakiah.

“We hope that Kuala Lumpur will be surrounded by linked parks, playgrounds and rivers in line with our vision of transforming KL into a sustainable tropical garden by 2020.”

The idea in creating the green linkage system, said Siti Zakiah, is the need to protect our natural environment.

“We want make sure that city folks have a chance to be close to nature, to appreciate and respect Mother Nature’s bounty.

“As KL residents become more aware and knowledgeable about the effects of global warming, the need for such a project is vital,” she said.

Siti Zakiah added that benefits of having a green area in the middle of the city are numerous.

“Air quality will improve, the trees would provide shade and shelter, erosion will decrease and it would bring in the wildlife into the town centre.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/7/2/central/m_pg02dataran.jpg

All tied up: City Hall envisions green belts stretching from one end
of the city to the other, like this scene near Dataran Merdeka.

Siti Zakiah said the department is currently in the process of gazetting its green lungs.

A core aspect of the department’s work is tree planting.

“Each year, we plant some 70,000 trees all over the city and if there is a need to bring down trees for development, we insist that for every tree felled, another four are planted,” she said, adding that on that score the department will not compromise.

When the city was inundated with flash floods and thunderstorms three weeks ago, Siti Zakiah was crestfallen.

She was busy preparing the evening meal when she got news of the devastation down town.

“At that time, all I could think of were my poor trees,” said Siti Zakiah.

Indeed, after 25 years with the local authority’s landscape division, Siti Zakiah has developed a passion for trees and plants and all things green.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/7/2/central/m_pg03green.jpg

Good start: The green linkage system can already
be seen at work in several areas of the city.

“I only managed to sleep at 4am that day, once I got the tally of the number of trees that came down as a result of the storm,” she said.

Planting trees, she said, was the best way to ensure the green linkage system works.

“In the early 80’s, we planted many angsana trees all over the city. That time no roads were without trees – it was a long-term plan for sustainable living.

“The trees provided shade, cut down heat, and provided oxygen,” she said, adding nowadays the trend is to plant more of the forest species to bring the jungle into the city.

nazrey

July 18th, 2007, 07:26 AM

Traders who protested may lose licences :) :)
Wednesday July 18, 2007
By BAVANI M
TheStar

NIGHT market traders from Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman who protested and lodged police reports against the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) last Sunday after receiving notices to stop trading for the local authority to facilitate upgrading work at the site may have their trading licences revoked.

“The whole ruckus which took place last Saturday was the result of miscommunication with some traders instigating others to pro-test. This would not have happened if they had simply read the notice properly and realised that ample notice was given to them,” said City Hall’s Hawkers and Petty Traders Department deputy director Shaari Ahmad Junid.

According to Shaari, the DBKL notice clearly stated that the traders would only have to stop trading on July 21, and not last Saturday as complained by tra-ders.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/7/18/central/p2awas.jpg

Closed: The site will be closed for three weeks to facilitate upgrading works.

“The dates were very clear on the notice yet they decided to protest and lodge a police report without reading it first,” he said, adding that DBKL would not be held to ransom.

Shaari said City Hall was trying to improve the image of the night markets in Kuala Lumpur in line with VMY2007 and National Day celebrations.

“They were given notices on Friday via the association to stop trading from July 21 onwards, which means they had one week’s notice,” he said.

“We are talking about just three Saturdays to facilitate upgrading work, is that too much to ask?'' Shaari said.

He said some traders even wanted the DBKL to provide an alternative spot in Masjid India for trading but the DBKL could not accommodate them, as it would get the other business owners riled up.

“We want to help the low in-come group but we won’t do it at the expense of rate payers,” he said.

Shaari said he had requested that contractors speed up upgrading works by Aug 17 for the National Day celebrations.

“We are tarring the road, cleaning the drains and retiling some of the areas to upgrade the image of the night market as Lorong Tuan-ku Abdul Rahman is one of the dirtiest in the city,” he said, adding that the DBKL was spending a few hundred thousand ringgit to do this.

In an exclusive interview with StarMetro last month, City Hall Petty Traders Management and Development Department deputy director Ibrahim Yusoff had said that the DBKL was upgrading the image of all its night markets to make it more modern as well as to promote it as a tourism tool.

For the time being, five night markets have been chosen for this exercise and Lorong Tuanku Ab-dul Rahman night market is one them, the other four are the night markets in Bangsar, Bandar Tun Razak, Taman Tun Dr Ismail and Jalan Kuching.

The upgrade includes increasing the lot size from about 1.7 sq m to 6 sq m, introducing standard canopies and retiling the night market site.

Ibrahim said that despite the efforts by the DBKL to upgrade the image of the city night markets, there are always people who are not happy and have things to complain about. “Imagine, we have about 98 night markets in Kuala Lumpur each with a few hundred traders. We cannot please everyone,” he said.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/7/18/central/p1LorongTuanku.jpg

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/7/18/central/p2Lorong.jpg

All set: In some parts, the tiled bricks have already been removed.

Meanwhile, when contacted for comments, Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman Night Market Association president Yaakub Abu Bakar said that he had nothing to say and that there was no issue.

nazrey

July 31st, 2007, 05:53 AM

Making eKL a lifestyle for people living within Klang Valley
Monday July 30, 2007
By SIM LEOI LEOI, News
TheStar

PUTRAJAYA: The 6.4 million people within the Klang Valley are about to enjoy better Internet connectivity and access to public services with the introduction of the eKL project.

The project, which covers three cities and an administrative centre – Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya and Putrajaya – will stretch from Hulu Langat area in the north down to Nilai in Negri Sembilan.

The project, which takes off this year and runs until 2010, will involve 150 agencies ranging from the land office and the local councils to government departments.

Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Unit (Mampu) director-general Datuk Normah Md Yusof said that under the eKL project, the Government would increase the number of online services it now offered to the public from over 400 to 5,000 by 2010.

"We also aim to increase the number of services offered through the SMS (short message service) from 50 to 500 by 2010.

"The eKL project will not only offer public services through the Internet but also through wireless technology, interactive voice response system via telephone calls and mobile web," she said in an interview here recently.

Normah said the eKL initiative aimed to give a "push" to the implementation of the electronic government concept in the Klang Valley, which was chosen as the area was the country's main business, financial and administrative centre.

The unit, she said, would propel Malaysia to be among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of global competitiveness for its public service delivery.

"This is especially so when neighbouring countries are growing so fast. We need to implement such a project so that we won't lose out.

"Under the project, we want both the Government and our customers – the public – to use the electronic service delivery system as a kind of lifestyle, an eKL lifestyle," she said.

To ensure speedier Internet access, she said the "Klang Valley Broadband Push" agenda would be implemented by the Energy, Water and Communications Ministry.

nazrey

July 31st, 2007, 07:06 AM

TheStar

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nazrey

August 3rd, 2007, 01:12 PM

Indonesia's 'Jawa Pos' Newspaper Reopens KL Office
August 03, 2007 19:20 PM

JAKARTA, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- The "Jawa Pos" newspaper, Indonesia's biggest media news network which operates in all the 33 provinces of the republic, has reopened its Kuala Lumpur office to provide wider coverage on Malaysia.

The newspaper, which has its headquarters in Surabaya, the second biggest city in Indonesia, has sent journalist Hafid Abdul Rahman as its correspondent in Malaysia, based in Kuala Lumpur.

Jawa Pos Editorial Secretary Uemi Ati told Bernama today reports on Malaysia filed by Hafid would be carried not only in the Jawa Pos newspaper, which has a daily circulation of 350,000, but also in all the 82 tabloid and broadsheet newspapers and magazines of the company's network, known as the Jawa Pos News Network (JPNN), which also encompasses five television stations.

Jawa Pos, which was established in 1949 as Java Post, marked its 58th anniversary on June 1.

Umie said Kuala Lumpur was the only Jawa Pos bureau outside Indonesia to be reopened. The company had closed all its bureaus, even those in Europe, at the height of the Asian financial crisis of 1997-1998.

"Hafid is not our first journalist in Kuala Lumpur. We have had, among others, Bahar Maksum, Tiah and Abdul Moes, there," she said.

Asked why Kuala Lumpur was the choice of Jawa Pos, she said it could be due to the geographical closeness, and declined to elaborate.

The Jawa Pos newspaper goes by the name of Indo Pos in Jakarta, and various other names in its network, such as Radar Bali in Bali; Cenderawasih Pos in Jayapura, Papua; Berita Kota Makassar and Fajar in southern Sulawesi; Harian Equator in Pontianak; Jambi Independent in Jambi and Pos Metro in Batam.

The Jawa Pos newspaper itself has more than 300 journalists and printing section employees in Surabaya, and is led by its chief editor, Rohman Budianto.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

August 4th, 2007, 02:24 AM

Dr Mahathir’s bakery to open second outlet in Kuala Lumpur
Saturday August 4, 2007
TheStar

KUALA LUMPUR: The Loaf, the bakery cum bistro jointly owned by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, will open its second outlet at the Pavilion here on Sept 20.

The former Prime Minister, who revealed this yesterday, said Loaf’s first outlet in Langkawi which opened last year had been “very well accepted.”

“So much that my (Japanese) partner and I decided we should come to KL,'' he said during a Q&A session after delivering a keynote address on 'Driving Malaysia as a Franchising Hub' at the Putra World Trade Centre yesterday.

Dr Mahathir had set up the bakery in Langkawi with Japanese businessman Jiro Suzuki.

“I have been telling people to do things and advising people in business. Now let’s see if I can do what I have been telling other people.

“I hope I succeed. I hope I encounter difficulties and find solutions to them. Then I can talk with greater authority,” he said.

He said if the business was successful here, he would consider franchising The Loaf.

The Loaf is a Japanese-style gourmet bakery using Japanese baking techniques. It employs a famed Japanese baker.

Dr Mahathir said that in going into business, one should always do it properly and not “cut corners.”

“I believe one should produce a really good product,” he said, in conceding that some locals found the prices at the Loaf a bit expensive.

nazrey

August 6th, 2007, 04:49 AM

Walking your way through KL
Monday August 6, 2007
By BAVANI M
Photos by SAMUEL ONG
TheStar

THE recent announcement by the mayor of Kuala Lumpur Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan to connect buildings to train stations via elevated bridges and sheltered walkways is probably a move in the right direction. But did you know that the government embarked on a similar project under the EPU back in the 1970s that would have seen a perfect system if not for the 1987 recession?

JUST imagine - 55km of connectivity linking office blocks and shopping complexes to train stations and bus terminals via pedestrian bridges and sheltered walkways?

Heaven indeed for city folks but will KL-ites ever see this vision taking shape?

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/8/6/central/m_01puduraya1.jpg

Kuala Lumpur City Hall is planning on building a RM20mil elevated pedestrain
bridge connecting Ancasa Hotel, the Cahaya Suria building (the structure on
the left) and Menara Maybank (the main building in the foreground) to the
Puduraya bus terminal (where this woman is looking from). But some think
that the link to Cahaya Suria complex and Menara Maybank is not necessary.
– By SAMUEL ONG / The Star

Apparently, we almost did...30 years ago, that is.

Back in the late 70s, a study was carried out by a Hong Kong-based British firm to network pedestrian walkways and bridges throughout Kuala Lumpur.

The project under the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) involved the expertise of traffic and town planners from different parts of the world and almost came to fruition if not for the Asian Economic crisis.

“We are talking about 55km of connectivity – a system of pedestrian walkways and bridges that links up places like Bukit Bintang, Jalan Pudu, Sultan Ismail, Raja Chulan to the outer edges of the Golden Triangle” said private traffic consultant Goh Bok Yen.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/8/6/central/m_02pedestrianbridge.jpg

Not used much: Although the pedestrian bridge linking Lot 10 to Sungei
Wang is in place, many pedestrians seem to prefer dashing across the road.

Goh, who was involved in the project, said the study involved connecting pedestrian bridges and walkways along Jalan Bukit Bintang to Jalan Pudu, the Puduraya area, Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Chinatown, Pasar Seni, Masjid India, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Sultan Ismail, P.Ramle and other parts of the city where there is a high volume of commercial activities.

“We went up in a helicopter with a team of planners to snap pictures of the KL skyline and our research also involved building a mechanical and air-conditioned walkway – a prototype that was stored in a factory in Glenmarie,” said Goh.

Goh is convinced that the current plans by the Kuala Lumpur mayor may just work if only the connectivity links up as a system.

“The 70s project was complete. It covered the entire Kuala Lumpur - if it came through, it would have been a perfect system,” he said.

While Goh is convinced that the mayor’s plan may still be feasible today, he insists that the connectivity must link up as a system.

“It may not extend to 55km today but it must at least serve important areas to enhance tourism in urban areas. We don’t want a system that will benefit some people - it should be for all those working here, the business folks, the tourists - everyone,” said Goh.

Dr Kamaruzaman Ujang, a private consultant for DBKL involved in economic planning and management, said City Hall’s aim is to create a 70 - 30 modal split with 70% opting for public transport and 30% for private vehicles.

“It is not easy to solve KL’s traffic problems and for us to achieve that 70% target, inter-city public transport must be developed further,” he said.

Dr Kamaruzaman was also involved in the 1970’s project. However, he feels that Kuala Lumpur needed to be developed before there is better connectivity - that would be a better investment for the long term.

nazrey

August 6th, 2007, 04:50 AM

Pedestrians share their thoughts
Monday August 6, 2007
By BAVANI M
TheStar

KUALA LUMPUR sidewalks and pedestrian bridges are never where you need them, declared American Joe Discombe.

“It’s inconvenient and frankly irritating, especially when there is no connectivity at all.

A pertinent point indeed and one shared by fellow American Frank Baker who currently lives in Kuala Lumpur.

Baker had written to The Star asking why Low Yat Plaza and Sungei Wang do not link up to the Pedestrian crosswalk over at Jalan Imbi built by Berjaya Times Square.

Why indeed?

He further enquires why there is no connection from Pavilion KL to the Hang Tuah LRT Station.

In fact, many city folks and tourists wondered why there was no connectivity to the KLCC area?

Public relations executive Shahjehan Safian said a connection to KLCC is vital as the traffic volume there is high.

“It’s common sense to have one there instead of the one proposed by DBKL to connect the Sime Darby building to Maju Junction complex,” he said.

The mayor also proposed a RM20 mil elevated walkway to connect Menara Maybank, Ancasa Hotel, and the Cahaya Suria Shopping Centre with the Pudu Raya Bus Terminal.

“Menara Maybank and Cahaya Suria Shopping Centre are too near and I don’t think the volume of pedestrian traffic is something to be concerned about,” said Shahjehan.

“A better bet is to link up the area to Bukit Bintang.

“We have the Pasar Seni LRT station to go to KLCC but no link to Bukit Bintang,” said Radziah Mohamed Fadzil whose office is at Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock.

Charlene Lim, on the other hand, felt DBKL’s plan to link up Menara Maybank and the Puduraya Bus Terminal is a good one but questioned the connection between Maju Junction Complex and the Sime Darby building.

“We definitely need a better link to KLCC as the area is popular with tourists too,” she said.

The woes of taking public transportation in Kuala Lumpur are all-too-familiar to any commuter within our capital.

The challenge is for DBKL to ensure that pedestrian facilities such as sidewalks, pedestrian bridges, sky bridges, covered walkways connecting shopping complexes to government building and transit hubs, and car park facilities for public to park and ride are not just in place - but are in the proper place.

travellator

August 8th, 2007, 02:49 AM

Does anyone know where Carl's jr is located. heard that they were here in the early '80s but closed.

Carl's Jr.(R) Restaurants Enter Malaysia
PR Newswire
August 07, 2007: 02:11 PM EST

CARPINTERIA, Calif., Aug. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CKE Restaurants, Inc. announced today that Carl's Jr.(R), one of its subsidiary hamburger chains, has opened its first flagship restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The franchise restaurant opened on Monday, July 23 and is the fifth of 25 that will be opened over the next six years as per an agreement with Singapore-based franchisee Aspac F&B SDN. BHD. Aspac has been operating Carl's Jr. restaurants in Singapore since 2005, and is excited to enter the Malaysia market.

"We are very pleased to see Aspac expand their presence across the Asia-Pacific region by opening their first Carl's Jr. franchise restaurant in Malaysia. This is a dynamic market with a strong appetite for great-tasting food, and the premium hamburgers offered at Carl's Jr. will be a perfect fit," said Ned Lyerly, senior vice president of global franchise development for CKE Restaurants, Inc.

TWK90

August 8th, 2007, 11:59 AM

^^

That would be in 1 Utama....

nazrey

August 9th, 2007, 09:03 AM

Changing face of KL’s Chinatown
Thursday August 9, 2007
By ELAN PERUMALand FAZLEENA AZIZ
Photos by ABDUL RAHMAN and SENIN and ELAN PERUMAL

It is touted in tourist brochures as Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown but the majority of the sales people on bustling Petaling Street are foreign workers hired by Malaysian stall owners.

IF the authorities wish to rename Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown than they should seriously consider naming it “Foreigners Town”.

Foreign tourists are not the only ones flocking to the Petaling Street area these days, foreign sales staff are doing the same, too.

They are employed by the Malaysian owners of the stalls to man the business at night.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/8/9/central/m_02bargain.jpg

Bargains galore: Foreign tourists browsing for souvenirs at the stalls on Petaling Street.

Their presence is slowly eroding Petaling Street’s Chinatown appeal.

Most of the foreign salesmen are from Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Pakistan and China.

They are considered lucky to have found comfortable jobs which offers them daily cash at the popular tourist shopping district.

The foreigners earn between RM20 and RM30 daily. Their employers prefer to be behind the scene after finding the foreign labourers to be cheap and reliable.

“Most traders like to employ foreigners due to cheap labour and because it is becoming increasingly difficult to find locals to man the stalls especially at night. Furthermore, the younger generation is no longer interested in helping the elders in the business,” said a trader, who did not look too pleased with the current situation there.

But all these foreign sales people may cause tourists to wonder why the place is called Chinatown when the majority of the people selling things on the street are non-Chinese.

During a walkabout in the area recently, StarMetro saw hundreds of foreigners selling all sorts of things on Petaling Street.

They not only man the row of stalls along the road but also the push carts set in the middle of the street and other available nooks to be found there.

They sell everything, from fruits to clothes, immitation goods, perfume, leather bags and belts.

Those on carts often sell wallets, watches, sunglasses, fabrics souvenirs and variety of beautifully crafted fine imitation jewellery.

When approached, some of them speak fluent Malay and even claimed that they were locals while others refused to be photographed.

Some made no fuss about being photographed as they were too busy attending to customers.

Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun believes that these foreign workers operate about 20% of the stalls.

“We always encourage local people to man the shops and some of the shops have been operating for a long time. The main reason I think these operators hire foreign workers are because their children don't want to get involved in their businesses,” Fong said.

“This matter has been brought up by the KL Hawkers Association. What tourists want to see are local people, if not Malaysian Chinese than Malaysians of other races handling the shops not foreigners,” he said.

A local Chinese operator said there were more foreign workers in the area on weekends as those working in the area would be visited by their friends who flocked there on their day off.

“The foreign workers are willing to work for less money compared to locals,'' he said

A City Hall official said they had no control over the presence of foreign workers there because they were hired by the operators.

However, he said, foreigners were not allowed to operate businesses and hoped that locals had not passed on their businesses to the foreigners.

“We will conduct frequent raids to ensure that the traders adhere to their licensing conditions,” he said

fritz_kaktus

August 21st, 2007, 11:27 AM

KUALA LUMPUR (Thomson Financial) - The Malaysian property sector is expected to benefit from the current stock market uncertainty as investors seek refuge in investments offering more stable return, Michael Yam, deputy president of the Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association (REHDA), said.
Yam said the recent sharp sell-off in the local stock market will have a 'neutral to positive' impact on the property industry as increased volatility in the equity market may prompt investors to shift their funds into properties, which offers stable income over the longer-term.
'If you look at a 10-year cycle, property has always done well,' Yam told reporters.
The 100-stock Kuala Lumpur Composite Index is now off about 11 percent from the 1,392.18-point all-time high recorded on July 24.
Yam said he does not expect any major impact on Malaysians' purchasing power from the recent sell-off in the stock market as retail participation in the local bourse had declined significantly since the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
'Most of us couldn't be bothered' by the drop in the stock market, he said.
'In addition, those short-term funds that are getting out now are not invested in property,' he said.
Separately, Yam said a recent survey conducted by REHDA showed that more developers experienced improved sales performance in the first half of 2007 than a year ago.
He said 36 percent of the 130 developers who responded to the survey said they recorded improved sales performance during the first-half, compared with only 14.9 percent in 2006.
The percentage of developers who recorded weaker sales had dropped to 14.1 percent against 61.2 percent in 2006.
Yam attributed the improved operating environment to the removal of real property gains tax with effect from April 1.
Previously, the maximum tax on property gains was 30 percent for both individuals and corporations.
The local property sector has also benefited from the spillover from Singapore's burgeoning economy, Yam said.
'Industry players are expecting more enquiries and more conversions from sales going forward,' he said.
aipeng.soo@thomson.com
as/jg
COPYRIGHT
Copyright AFX News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.
The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News.

forrestcat

August 22nd, 2007, 03:59 PM

KL lure for Middle Eastern tourists

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http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/8/22/central/m_02tourist.jpg

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By TAN KARR WEI
Photos by SAMUEL ONG and TAN KARR WEI

Middle Eastern tourists are arriving in increasing numbers and much effort has been made to make them feel at home, including street signs with Arabic lettering in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Popular: Perfume stores are a hit with the Middle Eastern tourists.
TAKE a walk around the Bukit Bintang area and, at some point, you might just forget that you are in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia has been an increasingly popular destination for Middle Eastern tourists and the city has seen changes over the last few years to cater to their needs.

According to figures from the Tourism Ministry, there has been a rise in tourist arrivals from West Asia over the past three years – 126,050 in 2004, 147,646 in 2005 and 186,821 last year.

All along Jalan Bukit Bintang, you will find shops that have signboards with Arabic words on them.

There are also some signboards at various places that are solely in Arabic.

To add to the Middle-eastern feel, there are a few Arabian perfume stores around the Bukit Bintang area with bright neon lights that are hard to miss.

Restaurants like Tarbush and Naab are also making their presence felt as many Middle Eastern tourists frequent them.

Even the Izzi restaurant, which serves a variety of Italian and Asian food, has promotional signs with Arabic words and a menu that is fully in Arabic.

Taking a breather: Tables and chairs set up along the sidewalks are popular with the tourists.
Around the Sungai Wang and Bukit Bintang Plaza area, many tourists take a breather from the sightseeing by having a drink at the many stalls that have set up tables and chairs along the sidewalk.

Head towards Jalan Berangan nearby and you will find an arch carved in Arabic style leading into Ain Arabia, an area set up by the government as a leisure spot that has a fountain shaped like an Arabic teapot and a gazebo.

A place to relax: The Arabian-inspired teapot fountain within Ain Arabia.
Across the road from Ain Arabia is the Sahara Tent restaurant where many Middle Eastern tourists go for their fix of food from home and to mingle while smoking the Shisha.

Hotels and shopping malls have also undergone changes to make Arabic-speaking tourists more comfortable during their stay in Malaysia.

“During the peak season between June to August, we have two permanent employees who speak fluent Arabic to assist tourists,” said Nikko Hotel Kuala Lumpur communications manager Katie Hoo.

To make the guests feel more at home, Nikko Hotel has added the Arab Radio and Television (ART) into the hotel’s TV channel offerings.

According to Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur assistant public relations manager Cindy Wong, the hotel has a permanent Arabic guest recognition officer and they employ another four management trainees from Lebanon during the peak season.

The hotel has also printed guestroom letters, leaflets and brochures in Arabic.

Entryway: The arch leading into Ain Arabia at Jalan Berangan.
She said the hotel also has Arabian cuisine in the room service menu for times when the occupancy rate of Middle Eastern tourists is high.

Bandar Sunway is another popular spot for these tourists and it is hard to miss a signboard at the entrance of Sunway Pyramid shopping centre, with a welcome message in Arabic.

According to Sunway Pyramid public relations assistant manager Darren Chear, they have directories of the mall printed in Arabic.

During the peak season, Arabic interpreter Mohammed Youssous Adam is stationed at the information counter to communicate with the Arabic-speaking tourists.

“Some of them are really surprised when I speak to them in Arabic. They’re grateful because many can’t speak English. They ask me for directions to get around the mall and suggestions on which store to shop at.

“Some tourists even ask me about places they should visit in Kuala Lumpur so I would suggest places like Batu Caves, Genting or KLCC,” said Mohammed Youssous, who is from the Republic of Chad.

Chear added that they work together with Sunway Resort Hotel, Pyramid Tower Hotel and Sunway Lagoon to provide a whole package for their holiday needs.

r4d1ty4

August 29th, 2007, 02:06 PM

Wasit Indonesia Dipukuli Polisi Malaysia

JAKARTA – Indonesia akan mempermasalahkan penganiayaan oknum polisi Malaysia terhadap wasit karate Indonesia Donald Luther Kolopita. Donald bersama rombongan tim karate Indonesia tengah mengikuti Kejuaraan Karate Asia (AKF) yang digelar di Kota Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, 24-26 Agustus.

Namun, sebelum kejuaraan itu berakhir hari ini,tim Indonesia telah memutuskan menarik diri dari event Asia itu. Alasannya, mereka merasa dilecehkan dengan tindakan oknum polisi Raja Diraja Malaysia terhadap wasit terbaik yang juga Ketua Dewan Wasit Indonesia.

Insiden tersebut bermula saat Donald pulang dari acara pertemuan wasit Indonesia menuju hotel tempatnya menginap, Alson Kelana di Nilai, Jumat (24/8) dini hari. Dia tak menggunakan kendaraan karena jarak tempat pertemuan itu dengan hotel hanya sekitar 600 m.Apalagi, kondisi saat itu sudah larut sehingga tak ada lagi taksi yang lewat.

Tapi, di tengah perjalanan, empat orang oknum polisi yang menggunakan mobil menghampirinya. Ironisnya, tanpa basa-basi, mereka langsung memukuli sang wasit sampai babak belur.

Donald memang sempat membela diri. Namun, situasinya sangat tidak seimbang. Dia kemudian ditangkap dan diborgol saat dibawa ke kantor polisi.Tapi, sepanjang perjalanan dia terus digebuki.

”Pak Donald sudah teriak-teriak minta tolong pada masyarakat yang ada di sekitar situ, tapi tidak ada yang menolong.Dia mengira dia dirampok,” tutur Konsuler Kedutaan Besar Republik Indonesia (KBRI) di Malaysia Slamet Nugroho, Sabtu (25/8/2007)

Menurut Slamet, Donald juga sudah memperkenalkan dirinya sebagai Ketua Dewan Wasit Indonesia di Kejuaraan Karate Asia. Bahkan, dia sempat memperlihatkan paspor miliknya.Tapi,keempat oknum polisi tersebut bergeming dan malah semakin bersemangat menghajar Donald.

”Kami protes keras dengan tindakan sewenang-wenang ini. Karena itu, kami akan menuntut keempat polisi itu sesuai hukum.Bahkan,kami sudah melaporkan kejadian ini kepada pihak kepolisian di sana,” ujar Ketua Umum PB Forki Luhut Binsar Panjaitan saat dihubungi SINDO lewat telepon internasional. (sindo/uky)

pedang

August 30th, 2007, 08:21 AM

Samsung to invest RM1.2b

By SARBAN SINGH

SEREMBAN: Samsung Group Malaysia will invest another RM1.2bil in the next few months as part of its expansion plans here, said president Datuk Lee Sang Bai.

He said earlier reports that the South Korean chaebol was planning to relocate elsewhere were unfounded.

“We are here to stay ... we have received so much support here,” he said.

Since setting up base in Malaysia in 1989, the Samsung group has invested over US$1.8bil (about RM6.3bil) with three plants in Seremban and one in Port Klang.

The Seremban plants are under Samsung SDI (M) Sdn Bhd, Samsung Corning (M) Sdn Bhd and Samsung Electronics Display (M) Sdn Bhd. Samsung Electronics (M) Sdn Bhd is located in Port Klang.

Lee was speaking at the 15th anniversary celebrations of Samsung Corning at the Tuanku Ja’afar Industrial Park. Also present was Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

Lee said several new products would be manufactured here from next year with the commissioning of two new lines.

“We cannot reveal these yet. When the appropriate time comes, you will know,” he said, adding that some of these products were already being manufactured in South Korea and by some subsidiaries in other parts of the world.

Mohamad said Samsung's move to increase investments showed its confidence in doing business in Malaysia.

“At a time when people are thinking of moving to China, Samsung is increasing its investments in the country,” he said.

Lee said the group decided to boost investments here as Malaysia was strategically located for the Asean and Indian markets.

Malaysia is Samsung’s second-largest overseas investment after China.

The 52ha Samsung manufacturing complex here, known as Samsung City, manufactures televisions, monitors, cathode ray tubes, display glass panels and funnels.

pedang

August 30th, 2007, 08:28 AM

Bintai Kinden aims to clinch RM1bil projects

Group tenders for mechanical and engineering jobs

KUALA LUMPUR: Mechanical and electrical engineering group Bintai Kinden Corp Bhd aims to secure some RM1bil worth of local and foreign projects in the current year ending March 31, 2008 (FY08).

Chairman Tan Sri Kamarruzzaman Shariff said the group had tendered for projects, mainly mechanical and engineering (M&E) jobs, in the Middle East, Indochina, Singapore and China.

“We normally secure half the projects that we follow,” he said after Bintai Kinden’s AGM yesterday.

The group planned to make bigger forays into overseas M&E markets in line with the recovery in this segment in regional countries, Kamarruzzaman said. The company undertakes a wide scope of M&E jobs and has ongoing projects in Indochina and the Middle East.

Overseas projects accounted for 20% of Bintai Kinden’s earnings in FY07. It now plans to rev up the overseas division to account for 30% to 40% of earnings in three years.

“We are sending a strong team overseas,” Kamarruzzaman said.

He said Bintai Kinden’s project order book of between RM350mil and RM400mil mainly would be completed in a year.

Besides M&E, the group also competes for turnkey projects and undertakes property development “whenever it sees good opportunity”, he said.

Kamarruzzaman said the company usually developed properties to offset the weak performance of its M&E division.

The group, which has seen encouraging response to its medium-cost apartments, is targeting to launch the final phase of Sentul Perdana in Kuala Lumpur.

On the outlook for next year, the group, which is “following up” on projects under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, sees 2008 as a more vibrant year for the industry and the company.

“Cyclically, the construction and engineering industry is slated to pick up next year,” Kamarruzaman said, adding that he expected the company to turn in better performance in FY08 and FY09.

For FY07, Bintai Kinden posted a lower pre-tax profit of RM5.8mil against RM6.26mil a year earlier.

pedang

August 30th, 2007, 08:29 AM

Bina Puri wins RM186mil Pakistan job

KUALA LUMPUR: Bina Puri Holdings Bhd has received a letter of award for sub-contract works worth about RM186mil for a housing development in Lahore, Pakistan.

The contract was from BRD Development Sdn Bhd, Bina Puri said in a statement.

It said the project was part of master development plan (phase six of the Defence Raya Golf & Country Club, Pakistan's first gated and integrated township), built around the greens of an 18-hole golf course.

The entire township spans 400 acres of landscaped luxury homes, a golf and country club, a retail centre and high-end business premises.

The construction period was 24 months from the date of commencement, Bina Puri said.

The company added that the latest project brought the group's total book order to RM2.55bil, with 50% of the works from overseas. – Bernama

r4d1ty4

August 30th, 2007, 08:48 AM

Dubes Malaysia Tak Langsung Minta Maaf, Tapi Sangat Menyesal
Pipiet Noorastuti - Okezone

JAKARTA - Dalam pertemuan mendadaknya dengan Ketua DPR Agung Laksono, Dubes Malaysia, Zainal Abidin hanya mengulang perkataan Menlu Malaysia yang beberapa saat lalu bertemu Presiden SBY, yang tak secara langsung minta maaf tapi deeply regret alias sangat menyesal.

"Saya tertekan, deeply regret the insident that happened, yang dapat dikatakan sebagai minta maaf. Kata-kata kita berbeda dalam bahasa, tapi kalau kalimat menyesalkan diartikan minta maaf, ya silahkan saja," ujar Zainal.

Hal tersebut disampaikan Zainal usai pertemuan mendadak dengan Ketua DPR Agung Laksono di Gedung DPR, Jalan Gatot Subroto, Jakarta Selatan, Kamis (30/8/2007).

Usai pertemuan ini, selain menyatakan penyesalannya yang sangat mendalam, Zainal hanya mengulang perkataan Menlu Malaysia Datok Sri Syed Hamid Albar, yang beberapa hari lalu menemui Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

"Menlu Malaysia juga sudah mengatakan perkataan penyesalan tersebut kepada Presiden beberapa waktu lalu," ulang Zainal.

Untuk diketahui, wasit cabang Karate dari Indonesia, Donald Kolopita akhirnya pulang ke Indonesia dalam kondisi babak belur. Donald mengalami luka berat setelah dikeroyok empat polisi berpakaian preman di Malaysia. Kini, Donald masih terbaring lemah di RS Pusat Pertamina, Jakarta Selatan. (ism)

pedang

August 30th, 2007, 09:07 AM

^^ SO WHAT ? SHOULD WE POST ALL CRIMED BY UR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ?

OshHisham

August 30th, 2007, 09:21 AM

^^hoi!! menteri luar malaysia dan ketua polis negara dah pergi dtg jakarta buat press conference sudah lah! nak apa lagi...? bising btullah nkorang ni...macam lah baik sgt dia tu! aku terajang indon2 ni karang...naik lemak ek nkorang?!

pedang

August 30th, 2007, 09:48 AM

dengar media diorg bebas.. tapi mane berita kes pembantu rumah Indonesia bunuh bayi majikan malaysia baru2 nie ?

OshHisham

August 30th, 2007, 09:55 AM

diaorg ni hipokrit....tak habis habis dengki dgn negara orang lain. negara diaorg dah 62 tahun...tak aman-aman pun...lantak pilah diaorg!

r4d1ty4

August 30th, 2007, 09:58 AM

NGENTOT

pedang

August 30th, 2007, 10:02 AM

NGENTOT

woi bodoh lain kali buat kaji selidik dulu la. warga haram kau hari2 ade record jenayah kat malaysia. ade sibuk2 president n menteri nak datang nak minta maaf kat rakyat malaysia ??

mesti malaysia tue pi sane pun bodoh. buat malu je. aku terasa menyesal bagi bantuan mangsa tsunami n gempa bumi. pasnie sorry la. baik bantu warga miskin negara sendiri.

OshHisham

August 30th, 2007, 10:27 AM

kat Chow Kit penuh dgn indon indon...dressing dah la ketinggalan zaman....buat serabut mata memandang!

pedang

August 30th, 2007, 10:35 AM

Malaysia's QSR to open KFC outlets in Cambodia

KUALA LUMPUR: QSR Brands Bhd is expanding its restaurant business under the KFC brand to Cambodia.

The first outlet is expected to be operational in Phnom Penh by year-end, said chairman Tan Sri Muhammad Ali Hashim during a press conference to announce the new venture Thursday.

The group plans to open four outlets initially in the capital as well as in major towns. This would be followed by two new restaurants every year.

The expansion to Cambodia involves setting up a joint venture company with two local partners, Royal Group of Companies Ltd and Rightlink Corp Ltd. QSR will hold 55% while Royal Group and Rightlink have 35% and 10% respectively.

QSR's initial investment is about US$3mil (RM10.5mil), which will be funded internally.

The group is hopeful that Cambodia would contribute profitably in the first year. "Everyone likes to eat chicken," Muhammad Ali said, adding that the country has a population of more than 14 million.

Presently, overseas operations, namely Singapore and Brunei, contribute about 15% of revenue.

If this latest venture proves to be successful, the group will consider expanding the Pizza Hut and Ayamas brands to Cambodia as well, Muhammad Ali said.

He noted that besides Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos also did not have the KFC presence.

Blue_Sky

August 30th, 2007, 08:42 PM

dengar media diorg bebas.. tapi mane berita kes pembantu rumah Indonesia bunuh bayi majikan malaysia baru2 nie ?

We are free...
I just surfed article for 15 minutes and here what I got

four Robbers From Indonesia Was Captured (http://www.detiknews.com/index.php/detik.read/tahun/2007/bulan/05/tgl/17/time/140130/idnews/781898/idkanal/10)

19 Indonesian Workers Facing Death Sentences (http://www.detiknews.com/index.php/detik.read/tahun/2007/bulan/01/tgl/24/time/153141/idnews/734187/idkanal/10)

Indonesian Worker Stabbed Employer Till Death (http://jkt3.detiknews.com/index.php/detik.read/tahun/2005/bulan/08/tgl/22/time/172447/idnews/426803/idkanal/10)

70% Illegal Worker In Malaysia is Indonesian (http://www.antara.co.id/arc/2007/8/23/70-persen-pendatang-ilegal-di-malaysia-adalah-wni/)

Just 15 minutes and all those articles pop up

diaorg ni hipokrit....tak habis habis dengki dgn negara orang lain. negara diaorg dah 62 tahun...tak aman-aman pun...lantak pilah diaorg!

Please enlight me... Are we really a hypocrite?

@r4d1ty4

Please dont turn the flame on
This problem is settle now
I think you and me need to learn from our President regarding this problem

kat Chow Kit penuh dgn indon indon...dressing dah la ketinggalan zaman....buat serabut mata memandang!

Btw very smart of you
Comparing low class worker fashion with teenager in One Utama or Times Squre

I've live in both cities and I dare you to compare best designer from Malaysia just with people who walking around Plaza Senayan or Pondok Indah Mall in Jakarta. If not why Siti Nurhaliza must bother to travel to Jakarta to get her kebaya dress

Click me, Malaysian website (http://www.syokkahwin.com/direktorikahwin/fashiondesignermalaysiaindonesia.htm)

cheers to all

:cheers:

Leeigh

August 31st, 2007, 02:14 AM

C'mmon now, we did what he had to do...what else do they possibly want? Unfortunately shit happens and we do recognize that and do out part to apologize..but apparently it's not good enough and now they question the sincerity..there are bad Indons and there are bad malaysians, period.. and lets us not bicker in this forum like teenagers.

haze

August 31st, 2007, 01:18 PM

btw, im really surprised atas over reaction by indonesia media.

Blue_Sky

August 31st, 2007, 02:31 PM

I personally think the media is not over reaction but some people really do with gain advantage to become late heroes to gain popularity like burning Malalysian flag and sweeping Malaysian in Indonesia (for this one, no need to worry. Indonesian head chief police already stated that they will protect all Malaysian)

Why I think media need to put this thing in the cover?

This is Indonesian referee, part of contingent sent by Indonesian government as result of Malaysian invitation for a karate competition in Negeri Sembilan.

Just imagine if Malaysian athletes for Olympic in Beijing who came for the sake of Malaysia being attacked by Chinese people :)

Therefore this problem in different with some Indonesian workers who came here and commit a crime. They are guilty but Indonesian President dont have to carry such responsibility to apologize to Malaysia

^^ SO WHAT ? SHOULD WE POST ALL CRIMED BY UR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ?

cheers to all

:cheers:

ssshenzoong

August 31st, 2007, 06:44 PM

pukimak

sila ke laman ini

http://www.kaskus.us/showthread.php?t=616424

Leeigh

September 1st, 2007, 01:32 AM

btw, im really surprised atas over reaction by indonesia media.

I totally agree with you...I don;t quite like the 'tone' of Indonesian media, instead of putting off fire..it seems to ignite even more flames!!:bash: and that 'NGENTOT' Indoensian dude...very smart guy, good representation of Indonesians eh?:ohno:

Blue_Sky

September 1st, 2007, 04:36 AM

pukimak

sila ke laman ini

http://www.kaskus.us/showthread.php?t=616424

Who are you?
Making fun of szehoong nick name :ohno:

haze

September 1st, 2007, 01:51 PM

pukimak

sila ke laman ini

http://www.kaskus.us/showthread.php?t=616424

what a joke :D

Arkdriver

September 1st, 2007, 05:24 PM

alsen

September 1st, 2007, 05:26 PM

pukimak

sila ke laman ini

http://www.kaskus.us/showthread.php?t=616424

you and your satanic forum must be erased .! :bash:

alsen

September 1st, 2007, 05:28 PM

btw, im really surprised atas over reaction by indonesia media.

i'm not surprised at all.thier media full bunch of idiots.

OshHisham

September 3rd, 2007, 03:05 AM

media dia mainkan api..mengatakan syarikat2 indonesia banyak dibeli oleh kampeni2 malaysia dan singapore...so, diaorg anggap itu sebagai 'mencabuli kedaulatan'. so, kesimpulan aku...mereka ni mmg tak pandai dalam hal2 ekonomi...

pedang

September 5th, 2007, 08:14 AM

Lion Group planning to build US$7b steel mill in Vietnam

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian conglomerate Lion Group is considering plans to build a US$7 billion (euro5.15 billion) steel mill in Vietnam as part of its regional expansion.

Lion Corp. has teamed up with Vietnam's state-owned Shipbuilding Industry Group, or Vinashin, to conduct a feasibility study of the project, it said in a statement to the stock exchange late Tuesday.

Once the feasibility study is completed and approvals are obtained, a consortium will be formed to undertake the steel plant project, said Lion Corp., which is the group's main investment holding company in Malaysia.

The facility is earmarked for completion in the next 10 to 15 years, the statement said, without providing further details.

Company officials declined to comment when contacted Wednesday.

The Lion Group is involved in a wide range of businesses from steel to property development.

It has operations in the region including Indonesia, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, as well as the United States and Mexico.

Vinashin is the largest shipbuilding company in Vietnam and is expanding its operations into other areas such as financial investment and transportation services. - AP

forrestcat

September 7th, 2007, 03:38 AM

i believe indonesian SSC are much more smarter than the people who are creating ruckus about this issue. But some of them misusing SSC to be their own national hero champion. Burning Malaysian flag is unforgiveable, but dont forget Malaysia is Indonesia's biggest foreign investor. I believe this issue will cool off sometimes. And i do believe that the difference between Indonesian and Malaysian is that they react differently on issues spread by media. TO SzeHoong faker i think u should start thinking with your head more than your kepala kontol.Go to your doctor,place your brain at the place it should..tengkorak kepala... Get a life and learn to think better with rational argument like Blue Sky.

Malaysia and Indonesia politicians(mostly Malaysian) always invoke serumpun whenever conflicts exist between both nations.

If so, why Indonesians invoked 'Ganyang Malaysia' during Sipadan and Ambalat events.Why Indonesia always act like big brother? The same with Malaysia, if Malaysian politicians consider Indonesia serumpun brothers, how could we authorise the law to have Indonesian illegal immigrants whipped like animals, do we treat our brother like that, by whipping them?Why Malaysians always abuse Indonesian workers?

We must acept both countries have their own interests. Its no use invoking serumpun bangsa..it's so embarrassing for both nations.Look at forumers here, the one stabbing each other are 'serumpun bangsa' :nuts: ..even speak the same language.

nazrey

September 11th, 2007, 04:14 AM

It’s Clean Toilet Month in KL
Tuesday September 11, 2007
By DEBBIE CHAN
Photo by LOW LAY PHON
TheStar

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/9/11/central/m_pg03mascot.jpg

Come clean: The campaign’s mascot flanked by
Mohd Amin (left) and Lau at the launch.

Clean toilets might be the norm instead of the exception soon as Kuala Lumpur City Hall has just launched the Clean Toilet Month campaign to instil public awareness and responsibility in the proper use of public toilets.

The campaign, launched by Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew, is aimed at changing common bad habits when using toilets.

City Hall’s Health Department has released pamphlets and flyers containing guidelines on toilet usage as well as a standard cleanliness protocol to be adhered by cleaners.

Areas covered in the pamphlets include the cleanliness of the floor, walls, ceiling, doors, toilet bowls, flushing cistern, urinals, washing area, water supply pipes, drainage systems, ventilation, and lighting of the lavatories.

Additional facilities included in the campaign are hand washing soap, hand dryer, toilet paper, disposal bin, mirrors, air freshener, maintenance system and facilities for the disabled.

As of May 2007, City Hall manages and maintains 98 public toilets in public areas like parks and markets.

The city currently has 2,754 public toilets in restaurants, 91 in hotels, 52 in shopping complexes, seven in public transport stations, 15 in tourist centres, 186 in petrol stations, 32 in mosques, 31 in government offices, and 15 in stadiums.

Among the common complaints that City Hall receive with regard to toilets are poor hygiene and damaged facilities.

“City Hall has spent a lot of money in maintaining and providing public toilet facilities. The issue of toilet hygiene is everyone’s responsibility and not just the authorities. If all toilet users start practicing good civic consciousness towards toilet usage, I’m sure the problem of dirty toilets would be solved,” said City Hall’s deputy director-general for service, Mohd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz.

The local authority has set up a Hygiene Committee to observe and ensure cleanliness of all public toilets in Kuala Lumpur.

The committee is chaired by the director of the Health Department and encompasses all service departments in City Hall.

“The committee will consistently monitor the cleanliness of public toilets and study and analyse the needs of toilet users in different areas,” Mohd Amin said.

From January to May 2007, 61 compounds and 695 warnings have been issued to various parties managing public toilets who were found to have neglected toilet cleanliness.

nazrey

September 17th, 2007, 08:18 AM

The making of world-class shopping centres
Monday September 17, 2007
Stories by ANGIE
TheStar

The retail landscape is moving into a more exciting phase with the entry of sophisticated industry players. New retail concepts such as therapeutic and experiential shopping as well as customercentric malls will draw in the crowds.

BENCHMARKING against the world's best will further lift the standards of the Malaysian retail property developments to turn the country into a shopping haven that attracts more shopping tourists from overseas.

Chic lifestyle retail malls that aim to match the world's best are taking shape in the Klang Valley.

The architectural splendour and unique themes of some of these shopping centres have made them must-visit destinations for tourists.

Sunway City Bhd managing director (property investment) Ngeow Voon Yean said the quality of retail space in Malaysia ranked on par with those in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Australia – all considered shopping havens in their own right.

Among the iconic retail facilities are Suria KLCC at Petronas Twin Towers and Sunway Pyramid Shopping Centre with its unique Egyptian-inspired architecture and design. I Utama is also appreciated for its sheer size and its multitude of tenants.

Ngeow said the planning of new shopping centres was not just about shopping per se but must also cater to the psychological needs and wants of shoppers.

“The marketing strategy of shopping centres is moving away from being product-centric to customer-centric.

“Some centres are already embracing a new strategy of spiritual-centric where a centre is positioned as offering therapy that soothe the soul and mind of shoppers to make them feel good through shopping and experiential shopping – one that offers an interactive experience that is memorable,” he said.

There are even wellness precincts that pamper to one's personal well-being - gymnasium, yoga centre, self-enrichment and development centres, and even resting areas for the tired feet.

The successful malls can look forward to enjoying high rental and occupancy while the others would have to find their own niche and competitive advantage to command reasonable rental and occupancy.

More retail gems with their own distinct character will emerge as the retail sector matures with a greater degree of sophistication and creativity.

These malls have facilities that cater to the changing lifestyle of the people - alfresco dining, and spa and fitness centres, among others.

Zerin Properties head of investment Francis Quah said several local retail malls had achieved world-class status and were better than many of those found in Europe and rest of Asia.

“Holistically, it will be good to see Bukit Bintang emulate Singapore's Orchard Road where there are fantastic pedestrian walkways and covered areas.

“It will also be good to see the Pavilion KL-Starhill-Westin-KL Plaza stretch progress to be like Oxford Street in London,” he added.

According to SP Setia Bhd group managing director Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin, retailers are adapting global trends and applying the features in the local market.

“The new breed of retailers realise that shopping is a visual experience and they need to entice shoppers repeatedly. Hence, constantly projecting a fresh, hip and new visual image is very important apart from creating a lasting customer service experience.

“Among the trends that retailers are turning to are sophisticated graphics, programming strategies, environmental design, bold architecture and creative visual merchandising to create powerful places, settings and experiences for shoppers,” Liew said.

He said retail today was no longer about the transaction but more about the relationship.

“Shopping has become secondary as retail is really about place-making, connecting with your favourite brands and creating an all-embracing sensory experience for the shoppers.

“The burgeoning middle class, younger clientele and sophisticated urban tastes of well-travelled locals are driving the standards of retailing and shopping higher.”

Liew said popular and successful malls were actually lifestyle centres that drew people in by providing a total experience encompassing food, entertainment and community all under one roof.

“Retailers are moving towards trends that bring brands to life, create differentiation and foster a vivid experience for shoppers.

“Among the popular retail trends that are making their presence felt are alfresco dining, concierge services and personalised consultations,” he said.

nazrey

September 20th, 2007, 06:36 AM

Making a fast buck with stall licences
Thursday September 20, 2007
By BAVANI M.
Photos by SAMEUL ONG
TheStar

The concept of Ramadan bazaars is to provide an avenue for the lower income earners a chance to make some money for Hari Raya. Yet some unscrupulous parties jostle for these licences, only to sell or sub-let them to other traders.

The going rate can be between RM7,000 and RM10,000 depending on the location. To control this dishonest practice, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall has come up with some new rules and regulations. However, a checked by Star Metro at the Jalan Masjid India bazaar shows that many traders are not following the rules.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/9/20/central/m_02stall.jpg

Not right: This stall in Jalan Masjid India bears the picture of
two women yet two men were spotted manning the stall on Friday.

To curb the misuse of Ramadan bazaar lots such as sub-letting and selling of trading licences, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall has introduced some new regulations this year.

The licences issued will bear the photos of the trader and at least two assistants manning the lot.

“We will revoke their licences immediately if the people in the photos do not look anything like the ones manning the stalls,” said City Hall deputy director-general Mohd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz.

“We are trying our best to en-sure that people don't abuse their licences by selling or renting them out and so far we find that this might just be the best way to curb misuse,” he said.

Amin said that the DBKL was working hard to close all the loopholes, as there were always people looking for ways to make easy and fast money.

“Our enforcement team will be making their rounds at all the bazaars. They will conduct spot checks from time to time and check their master list to determine those who are abusing their licences,” he said.

In previous years, traders have complained that there were those who managed to get lots to trade at the Ramadan bazaar but had sold or rented out their lots to third parties.

They said this practice was unfair as these greedy opportunists deprived those who genuinely needed the opportunity to earn some income to celebrate Hari Raya with.

Star Metro visited the Ramadan bazaar on Friday and discovered that the majority of lots did not display their licences on the canopies as required. The brand new blue and yellow canopies with the DBKL logo looked smart but the licences were missing on many of them.

As for those that did display the licence, the photos did not match the people manning the stalls.

Salmah Abdul Aziz, 51, who sells Malay cakes at the bazaar said, the new DBKL's ruling was a move in the right direction.

“For years I have been trading and I always hear stories of people saying they have bought their licence for RM6,000 or RM7,000. It is not easy to get a lot especially in Masjid India because it's a very popular location and everyone wants a spot here,” she said.

Gusnaidi Mohd Zan, 23, who sells bags and belts, said the ruling had not done any good.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/9/20/central/m_02lesen.jpg

Up close: Under the ruling, the licences displayed on the stalls must bear the
photos of the trader and the assistant manning the lot. Only these people
can do business there.

“Coming up with rules alone is not enough - you need to enforce it,” he said.

Linda Shahril, 27, who sells baju Melayu, said she had heard of some people paying as much as RM10,000 for a lot.

“It all depends on location. If you get a spot near Semua House the price is even higher,” she said.

One trader who spoke to Star Metro on condition of anonymity said that he was asked to pay RM7,000 for a licence but had declined as he was hoping to get a much lower offer.

He even provided this reporter the mobile number of the person offering the licence for sale but repeated attempts to call the number failed in getting a reply.

“Just like everyone else we applied for the licence but others who did not deserve it had got the licence,” he said, adding that all that he wanted to do was to make some extra money for the festive season.

Siti Salwa, 62, who hails from Kampung Baru, said that she had tried to apply for a licence to trade during Ramadan for years but had never been lucky even once.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/9/20/central/m_02amin.jpg

»We will revoke their licences immediately if the people in the photos do not
look anything like the ones manning the stalls« MOHD AMIN NORDIN ABDUL
AZIZ

“I am poor and old this is my only way to make money but I never get it,” she sighed.

City Hall deputy director of Hawkers and Petty Traders De-partment Shaari Ahmad Junid asked those with proof of traders selling their licences to third parties to come forward and lodge a complaint.

“This year we have done our best to make everything right from the application to balloting as transparent as possible. If there is something that is not right, please lodge a report and we will take action,'' he said.

This year, balloting for the lots was conducted on Aug 14 at Stadium Titiwangsa.

Over 4,000 traders had applied for lots in Jalan Masjid India and Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman but only 486 lots were allocated in Jalan Masjid India, Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman 3, 5 and 7, Wakaf Pemuzik Buta, Jalan Bonus, and Lorong Bonus.

A total of 8,267 lots were allocated at 92 sites within Kuala Lumpur.

The bazaars will operate from 11am to 11pm for dry item stalls and from 2pm to 8pm for stalls selling cooked items.

triple-j

October 26th, 2007, 08:16 PM

Hi guys,

I went to see the show on Friday, 26/10/2007 with my family. Being an average joe/couch potato/"Overhauling" and "Biker's Build-off" fan, I can only give you review and comments as deep as typical average joe will do (or maybe a bit more depth).
Here goes...

The musical info is at this link
http://pramleethemusical.com.

The Music
- Musical score by the musical director and arranger, Erwin Gutawa is top notch. Love every single of them!!!
- Dick Lee as the composer has done tremendous job on all songs he composed. Could have been in any Hollywood soundtrack if the lyrics are in English
- Adlin apart from being director and scriptwriter he is also the song lyricists for this musical.

The Production design
- The set...the prop....the stage ....amazing...freaking awesome.... detail design and elaborate set on show. kudos to Raja Maliq and team!!
- The lighting is to be praised. Amazing.
- The sound. Several times audience heard of sound of breaking microphone. The first few wasn't that obvious but the later ones were. Shouldn't be happening since this is not their first show. But don't worry, people forgot about it after the dance scenes
- Then the flowing of changing one set to another set is flawless and smooth...

The acting
- Sean Ghazi has done a good job consider a huge load he has to lift on the main character
- Melissa Saila as Norizan (second wife) upstaged Sean Ghazi during the fighting and parting scene between Melissa and Sean. Very good actress.
- Don't expect too much from Siti. She's ok for first time theatrical acting. Singing is a plus from her
- Atilia (Junaidah, 1st wife) - acting is OK. Good singer
- Liza Hanim (Saloma, 3rd and last wife) - Few of her scene cracked audience up. Have a couple of funny scenes with Sean.

The choregraphy
Dancing is awesome - Love all the dancing sequences/acts. Pat Ibrahim has done an excellent job. Very very high school musical or hairspray. Enjoyable!!

:banana: I would give this play 3.5 stars out 5.

Again don't trust me too much. Very very average joe on my first try to watch a musical theatre!!:)

triple-j

October 26th, 2007, 08:28 PM

^^ Now the pics...

Before show started...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2190/1762012972_186d8c9d75.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2148/1761155411_54b141da66.jpg?v=0

Pics are not allowed to be taken during the show. This is the closing.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2379/1761239097_6c5e8f2d9e.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2415/1762062954_afa2033ef7.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2353/1761219973_90498ed43c.jpg?v=0

Sean Ghazi (P Ramlee), Liza Hanim (Saloma), Melissa Saila (Norizan), Colin Kirton (Run Run Shaw) and Joseph Gonzales (BS Rajhans)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2052/1761222983_31a159d13a.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2099/1761235305_6add7070c4.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2109/1762077964_14ed3cffa3.jpg?v=0

Erwin Gutawa and the orchestra. I think the place where the orchestra located was lifted a bit because we never see any of them during the show.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2279/1762085870_0d0dd8dc22.jpg?v=0

triple-j

October 26th, 2007, 08:36 PM

After the show

People leaving...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2070/1762093718_8a28c474be.jpg?v=0

This is very very bad angle (sorry Tiara...) She was wearing that purple shirt and with her are the parents of Sepet and Gubra's Sharifah Amani
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2262/1762089968_69da0ee33e.jpg?v=0

Autograph session
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2400/1761303747_5b1c1b8c56.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2192/1762144724_b44166c532.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2010/1762177350_b9caed9b47.jpg?v=0

nazrey

October 27th, 2007, 12:37 PM

I NEED you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

travellator

October 28th, 2007, 10:58 AM

triple j thanks for the review of P Ramlee the musical. I have not seen it myself but was told by friends that have, that it was very enjoyable, professional and comparable to a westend production!! Bravo to the producers and all those involved :okay:

triple-j

October 28th, 2007, 11:12 AM

I NEED you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sounds a bit awkward there nazrey, what do you need me for?:wink2:

triple j thanks for the review of P Ramlee the musical. I have not seen it myself but was told by friends that have, that it was very enjoyable, professional and comparable to a westend production!! Bravo to the producers and all those involved :okay:
It was indeed enjoyable. A good way to reach and attract unfamiliar masses/crowd to see our theater. One thing though, I missed PGL and hoping sometimes in the near future Tiara and Enfinity could bring back the production back to Istana Budaya. I heard good reviews from Singapore audience too when they were performing there last year. Maybe they will release P Ramlee The Musical - The Soundtrack soon.:)

nazrey

November 5th, 2007, 05:36 AM

Beauty seems to come before comfort
Monday November 5, 2007
By BAVANI M Photos by DARRAN TAN
TheStar

New bus and taxi shelters in Kuala Lumpur may look impressive but a study by a private consultant suggests they are not entirely appropriate.

IT LOOKS like a work of modern art with steel bars and glass panels gleaming in the Malaysian sunlight, like a contemporary art piece for public display.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/11/5/central/m_02modern.jpg

New look: One of the new bus stops that
looks more like a work of modern art.

Yet, maybe that’s why it looks so impressive, because it’s been built to be on public display rather then public use.

One is not talking about another one of those impressive landmarks pieces like the SUKOM Keris or the Bunga Raya steel structures that local councils love putting up to commemorate significant events.

These remarkable structures are the latest bus and taxi shelters in the city installed by a private contractor hired by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

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Taken over: This bus stop in Bukit Bintang no longer serves its
purpose as motorcyclists now use it as a convenient spot to park.

However, findings in a detailed report carried out by a third-party consultant specialising in road fixtures and signs at the request of the Federal Territories Ministry suggests that the city bus and taxi shelters are built to amaze, rather then impress.

The study also showed that the bus stops are not standardised, as is the practice elsewhere.

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Uncomfortable: The steel bars can get quite hot in the afternoon sun.

“Our study, which involved two months of research studying the design, shelter specifications, ma-terials, installation method, safety, and maintenance, suggests that KL bus and taxi shelters are sub-standard and that improvements need to be carried out immediately,” a consultant with the firm said on condition of anonymity.

“One of the first things we discovered is that the shelter design and materials used are inadequate for Kuala Lumpur’s weather conditions and they’re very uncomfortable,” the consultant said, add-ing that the current modern shelters in the city are meant for countries with temperate clima-tes.

”It’s simply uncomfortable,” Gadafi Harun, 15, declared when asked by StarMetro what he thought of the bus shelter in the KLCC area.

“It hurts if I sit down for too long,” he said when found perch-ed awkwardly on the seat that were merely two steel bars lined together.

“The seat also gets really hot, especially in the afternoons,” he added.

Indeed, many city folks agreed that the modern looking shelters were only meant for beauty and were not suitable for the local weather.

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Unfriendly: The design may be contemporary
but commuters find in uncomfortable.

Some of the feedback obtained was that the glass panelling and steel bars easily absorb heat when the weather is hot while during heavy rains the shelter fails to protect one from the rainwater.

A city denizen who only wished to be known as Brother Bob said the modern bus stops seats could only take in a few people, while the older ones were better since more people could sit while waiting for the bus to arrive.

“For a city like Kuala Lumpur where one is constantly waiting for the bus, you need to ensure that the shelters are comfortable,” public relations director K. Eswari said.

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Exposed: The shelters absorb heat readily and
provide little protection from the elements.

It is easy to understand the public sentiment, especially when referring to a world-class city like Kuala Lumpur, where there is duty by the local authority to ensure that basic amenities like bus shelters are people friendly.

“We are always building world-class structures, the biggest malls, the tallest buildings and even sending people to space, but our bus shelters are pathetic. The authorities should start getting their priorities right,” 61-year-old retired teacher Ramoo Muthu-samy said.

Ramoo added that KL bus stops are not disabled friendly. Appa-rently not all bus stops in the city are installed with guiding blocks or tactile blocks for those with impaired vision. Many bus and taxi shelters outside the city do not have tactile blocks to guide the blind.

“In a modern city like KL, the bus stop is the landmark for the community and as a city develops so must it’s bus shelters,” Eswari said.

nazrey

November 5th, 2007, 05:37 AM

:lol::lol:

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/11/5/central/m_01bustop.jpg

In the hot seat: Commuters say the steel bars used are not comfortable to
sit on as the bars absorb the heat of the sun in the afternoons. – By
DARRAN TAN / The Star

nazrey

November 5th, 2007, 05:39 AM

sounds a bit awkward there nazrey, what do you need me for?:wink2:

I mean P.Ramlee la! :lol:

nazrey

November 9th, 2007, 11:48 AM

MIC wants Little India set up in KL
Friday November 9, 2007
TheStar

THE MIC wants a specific area in Brickfields to be given official status as the Little India of Kuala Lumpur, like Petaling Street which is officially recognised as the Chinatown of the capital city.

MIC information chief Datuk M. Saravanan said the party’s Federal Territory communication committee would prepare a memorandum on the proposal for the Federal Territories Ministry and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

Saravanan said that copies of the memorandum would be submitted by party president Datuk S. Samy Vellu to Federal Territories Minister Datuk Zulhasnan Rafique and also to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi after the Deepavali celebration.

“We have not decided on where the specific location should be our Little India, but Leboh Ampang is an option for us. We are flexible with any arrangement,” he said.

Saravanan claimed that the idea was first proposed five years ago to the then Federal Territories Minister Datuk Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, who was agreeable to the concept.

“We are hopeful that under the current Federal Territories Minister Datuk Zulhasnan Rafique, the proposal would be approved, if possible within two years,” he said.

“The place will reflect our culture from every aspect of the diversified Indian community here in Malaysia,” Saravanan said.

“It will be a one-stop centre for crafts, food, textile, traditional treatment, cultural programmes and performances. Tourists and locals will experience Malaysia Truly Asia in a greater sense than what Brickfields has to offer,” he said.

nazrey

November 12th, 2007, 03:20 PM

Epicor Software to grow KL office
Published: 2007/11/12

SINGAPORE: Epicor Software Corp, a leading provider of enterprise business software solutions for the mid-market and divisions of Global 1,000 companies, plans to significantly grow its Kuala Lumpur office over the next few years.

“Kuala Lumpur is our focus in this part of the world and we will continue to grow that office,” its senior vice president (global operations), Jim Bork, told a recent media briefing here.

Founded in 1984, Epicor serves over 20,000 customers in more than 140 countries worldwide.

Its solutions included enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management and supply chain management software that support over 30 languages.

Epicor’s office in Damansara Utama, which now serves some 170 customers, was set up 12 years ago.

Epicor’s senior director (Asia) Bryan Tan said the company expected 37.4 per cent growth in ERP solutions over the next three years in Malaysia.

“Kuala Lumpur is a major regional hub and our plan is to continue invest in the operations in KL and grow that location significantly.

“We’ve seen excellent results there and will continue to add employees,” he said.

Epicor in Malaysia has a mix of customer profiles in Malaysia, mainly manufacturing, hospitality and services industries.

In Asia-Pacific, Epicor has 11 offices with more than 200 employees, over 100 partners and 1,500 customers.

“Asia-Pacific a fast-growing market ... we are adding two-digit new customers every quarter,” he said. — Bernama

nazrey

November 12th, 2007, 04:14 PM

Federer live at Starhill Gallery - Nov 21
The Star Online, November 11, 2007

http://www.ytlcommunity.com/common/showimage.asp?imgid=81364

Roger Federer

SHANGHAI: World number one Roger Federer won a four-way shave-off in Shanghai on Friday in an unusual warm-up for the Masters Cup.

Appearing at a publicity event for a vibrating razor, Federer demonstrated his skills with a blade to 1,000 youths at a Chinese coming of age ceremony.

Introduced as the world's sexiest man, Federer also said he wanted to play until he was 35 – and that he wants Brad Pitt to play him if a movie was made about the Swiss player's life.

“I still want to play for a very long time.

“Up to 35 I definitely want to play,” said the 26-year-old in between dishing out shaving tips. “I still feel fit and healthy.”

Dressed in a charcoal suit, Federer chose “Fight Club” star Pitt over fellow Hollywood idols Johnny Depp, Matt Damon – even Denzel Washington and Jet Lee – to play him in a film.

“Brad Pitt did some tough movies and I'd like mine to be a tough movie too,” said Federer, who will be bidding for a fourth title at the Masters Cup beginning today.

“Comedy would be fine too but I'm more a tough-guy movie kind of guy.”

Federer finished his appearance in downtown Shanghai by shaving alongside three baby-faced Chinese 20-year-olds, who appeared not to know one end of a razor from the other.

“You have to put water on your face,” Federer advised his fellow shavers, who shook nervously under the glare of flashlights and television cameras. “Then add the shaving cream.” – Reuters

Roger Federer (won 12 Grand Slam and currently World No.1) and Pete Sampras (formerly world no. 1 and he won a record 14 Grand Slam) will be at Starhill Gallery on 21st November at 6pm.

nazrey

November 16th, 2007, 12:09 PM

Frost & Sullivan to set up research and consulting hub in KL
16-11-2007: THEEDGEDAILY

KUALA LUMPUR: Consulting firm Frost & Sullivan Inc will establish Kuala Lumpur as its research and consulting hub upon receiving its MSC-status as it views Malaysia as a key growth market in the Asian region.

The firm received its MSC certificate from Multimedia Development Corporation’s chief executive officer Datuk Badlishan Ghazali at a ceremony in New York on Wednesday.

Frost and Sullivan’s partner and head of Malaysian operations Kavan Mukhtyar said Malaysia’s diverse talent pool and skilled human capital were some of the influencing factors for the growth consulting company’s progress in the country.

He added that the government’s attractive incentives for foreign companies operating in the country were an important factor in its decision to turn Kuala Lumpur as its hub.

Its research and consulting centre here would focus on delivering services such as growth consulting, best practice research, technical research and econometric studies for its clients to penetrate Asean markets.

“As the business landscape in Asia becomes more competitive, we see more companies engaging external consultants to help them grow. This is what we do best — identify growth opportunities,” Kavan said.

Frost and Sullivan expects to double the number of its staff in Kuala Lumpur to about 200 employees in the next three years.

nazrey

November 18th, 2007, 10:58 AM

Jln Choo Cheng Kay: From vice to nice
Saturday November 17, 2007
DOWN MEMORY LANE:JALAN CHOO CHENG KAY
Story and photos by DEBBIE CHAN
TheStar

MENTION Jalan Choo Cheng Kay and many might cringe or grin mischievously at the reputation that the road has garnered since pre-independence. days.

It was infamous for vice activities in the early 1970s but, even though many still think the same, it has been reformed today.

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Housing boom: There are many condominiums
and apartment buildings along the road.

Take a stroll down Jalan Choo Cheng Kay in the late morning and you can see the wonders of a wai sek kai or Glutton Street, as the locals have come to call it.

It is hard to miss out as at every corner, one would see a small shack or stall set up with steaming hot soups or tempting aromatic curries to attract visitors.

Even the lanes between the shop houses have become home to small food stalls that cater to not only the local community but also food lovers who travel from afar to taste the delicacies.

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Quaint: Food stalls are set up everywhere there is space.

One especially famous stall on Jalan Choo Cheng Kay is Wing Wong, which serves noodles with unique side dishes.

Many of the shop houses play host to old Chinese medicinal halls as well as olden launderettes that the locals still affectionately call dobi. There are also grocery stores that have stood the test of time and, despite their appearance, still play an important role to the residents of the shop houses and nearby condominiums.

The Wilayah Persekutuan Fire Department headquarters stands right in the middle of the street, serving as one of the area's landmarks.

While Jalan Choo Cheng Kay is a relatively short road, it is connected to Jalan Talalla, which is also home to similar decades-old shop houses.

However, part of the road has become a huge dumpsite and it has become an eyesore for the residents to wake up to every morning.

“I’ve lived here for the past 30 years and, in recent years, the road has definitely changed from what it was before.

“I remember my friends used to make fun of me for staying in a hong tau kai (red light district) and there were definitely interesting sights during the night. Sometimes there were even fights but we’ve always stayed away and kept our peace,” Lee Kai Meng, who runs a small food stall in between the lanes, said.

“Now, the road is very quiet at night and, once in a while, we get the sirens of the fire brigade but on most nights, only the sound of passing cars and chatter from the mamak stall would fill the air,” Lee said.

The road takes its name from Choo Cheng Kay, who was a famous tin ore miner and businessman in the 1930s.

nazrey

November 18th, 2007, 10:59 AM

Hawker relocation to go on until 2015
Saturday November 17, 2007
By Fazleena Aziz
TheStar

THE relocation of hawkers from the streets of Kuala Lumpur into hawker centres will continue until 2015.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) deputy director-general Mohd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz said the local authority together with the Federal Territories Ministry was constantly updating the Hawker Management Policy as part of efforts to manage hawkers in KL.

“Hawkers are a part of the city culture, therefore we have a programme to relocate them as well as upgrade their present operating site if found suitable. Those operating in areas we find unsuitable will be relocated.

“This process will happen in stages based on the availability of hawker centres, suitability of location and on the studies conducted.

“City Hall’s Hawker Management Department is updating its administration to allow enforcement action especially where there are new hawkers operating on illegal sites.

“We have a task force to monitor the situation based on feedback from the Enforcement Department. This will enable us to control and monitor the number of hawkers in the city,” he added.

Amin was speaking to reporters at the DBKL Housing Clean and Serene Competition prize giving ceremony.

The Clean and Serene Competition Programme aims to have a long-term effect on cleanliness, landscaping and creativity at every DBKL public housing project while promoting togetherness, responsibility and awareness among the local community of their surroundings.

The competition was divided into two categories, public housing and PPR.

The top three winners in the public housing category were Seri Perak in Bandar Baru Sentul; Seri Negri Sembilan, also in Bandar Baru Sentul, and Seri Kota in Cheras.

In the PPR category, the top three winners were PPR Seri Alam in Cheras, PPR Beringin in Jinjang Utara and PPR Intan Baiduri in Kepong.

The top three winners for each category took home RM4,000, RM3000 and RM2,000 respectively.

Special award were also given to cleanliness, creativity, landscaping, mural and active residential association.

The competition, which covered 68,000 units in DBKL’s public housing projects in four zones. began in January.

Amin said the competition was an annual initiative by DBKL.

“We also had a clean and serene competition at other residential areas, shopping malls and even hotels.

“Each participating registered residential association also received RM5,000, which will be used for the association’s activities,” he added.

nazrey

November 18th, 2007, 12:18 PM

Promoting KL as high-end shopping destination
The Star Online, November 17, 2007

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Tan Sri Francis Yeoh (right) at the signing ceremony with retaiiers

KUALA LUMPUR: Starhill Gallery's A Journey Through Time is set to put Malaysia on the world's horological map.

The shopping gallery will be hosting one of the largest retail-focused luxury watch and jewellery showcases in Asia as part of its efforts to build on its image as a high-end shoppers' destination.

The fair, from Dec 3–12, would feature over 100 renowned international luxury timepieces and jewellery brands, YTL Corp Bhd group managing director Tan Sri Francis Yeoh told a press conference yesterday. It is planned to be an annual event.

He said that one of the highlights of the exhibition, which would be graced by the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah, would be the unveiling of the priceless Korloff Noir, the world's biggest brilliant-cut 88-carat black diamond.

The Korloff Noir will be seen for the first time in Asia.

According to Yeoh, there is a need to project the correct image for the city of Kuala Lumpur and promote it as a “sexy” high-end shopping experience as opposed to just a destination for cheap mega sales.

“We believe the compelling full factors of Malaysia's duty-free status (in certain areas), its world class tourism products and the warm hospitality of its multi-racial people will help increase high net-worth tourism flows and promote the country as a preferred destination for well-heeled tourist,” he added.

Yeoh was confident on the outlook of the Malaysian retail industry, especially with the efforts by the Government to promote the Malaysia My Second Home programme.

He said these efforts would give rise to a different set of consumers, and hence the need to enhance the country's image as a high-end shopping destination.

nazrey

November 30th, 2007, 06:36 AM

Green lung for Cheras
Friday November 30, 2007
By DEBBIE CHAN
TheStar

TOMORROW should be celebrated as the Cheras Green Day. The much-awaited Pudu Ulu Park along Jalan Cheras in the Shamelin Perkasa vicinity will be officially open to the public.

The green lung is certainly an early Christmas gift for the residents of Cheras and the neighbouring areas.

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Central theme: The hibiscus motif feature significantly at the park.

At present, most of the Cheras residents have to go to Taman Tasik Pemaisuri, the only park in the area equipped with proper facilities, if they want some relaxation and recreation.

“This is truly a significant project for us because at the moment, we do not have any place to go to for our physical exercise activities,” Pudu Ulu Projek Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) Rukun Tetangga chairman Yap Pooi Ngen said.

“Taman Tasik Pemaisuri is too far off for us and the Cheras area is so big that we can’t expect everyone to use only one park,” he said.

“Transport is a problem, especially for the senior citizens who like group activities like morning walks and tai-chi exercise. The new Pudu Ulu Park is definitely more convenient for us,” Yap said.

The Pudu Ulu Park is expected to serve residents in the vicinity that includes Taman Miharja, Taman Cheras, Taman Maluri, Shamelin Perkasa, as well as all the small housing projects in the neighbourhood.

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Thirst quencher: Water fountains like these are very convenient for park
users especially those who carry out sporting activities there.

Surrounding the park are condominium blocks and the PPR Pudu Ulu blocks that house a few thousand families, which have been complaining about the lack of recreation facilities for the children.

“It is a very healthy move in the sense that now there will be a place for young people and students to conduct activities and to keep them off the streets,” Yap said.

The 8ha (20 acre) park is the first phase of a 24ha (60 acre) development by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall. The land has been gazetted as a park area and no development will be allowed on it.

“This is a very commendable move by the government to gazette such a big piece of land in the middle of the city,” said Cheras MCA service centre chairman Dr Jeffrey Goh, who visited the site with some City Hall officers.

Construction of the park began in 2005 and took two years to complete. It is part of the City Hall’s effort to provide more facilities for the local communities.

“We welcome all feedback from the public to help us further improve and develop the parks,” City Hall landscaping department director Saharudin Mohd Nor said.

The park was designed with the patterns of the hibiscus as the central theme. Hibiscus motifs are heavily present in terms of decor as well as layout of the park.

The park is very well equipped with up-to-date facilities, including toilets for the disabled, surau, dustbins, drinking water tap, a playground, jogging tracks, reflexology paths, centralised parking lots, bicycle tracks, parking lots for bicycles, football field, multi-purpose courts, and a sculpture garden. The operation hours for the park are from 6am to 7pm daily.

“Security guards will be stationed in the park to ensure the safety of the park users as we understand that a lot of parents are concerned about their children’s safety when they are running around the park,” Saharudin said.

“I think the facilities are very adequate to cater to park users of all ages. I urge the residents to fully utilize this park and at the same time, practise adequate care to help maintain the facilities,” Goh said.

“We are so used to seeing public properties being vandalised and I really hope that the local residents will not do so with this park. Please do treat the park like your own,” he said.

Goh also urged the residents to make use of the many rubbish bins available and to take care of the cleanliness of the place.

“I also hope the City Hall will review the opening hours of the park because closing at 7pm is too early. Some parents will finish work by then and it is too late to take their children to the park,” Goh said.

nazrey

December 1st, 2007, 07:41 AM

China Unionpay may set up KL office next year
by Lim Shie-Lynn, 30 Nov 2007 12:30 PM
THEEDGE

KUALA LUMPUR: China-based bankcard association China Unionpay Co Ltd (CUP) is considering setting up an office here next year to support its cash withdrawal system, its regional head of marketing Lu Hang said.

He told The Edge Financial Daily that its plan to set up an office was necessary as it was keen to expand its presence here to cater to the growing number of Chinese travellers to the country.

Shanghai-based CUP, which was founded in March 2002, is the sole credit card organisation in China’s bankcard industry.

Licensed by the People’s Bank of China, the financial institution was established through capital contributions by more than 80 domestic financial institutions.

Speaking to reporters after the official launch of its ATM cash withdrawal services here yesterday, CUP’s international division vice president Jeffrey Huang said: “Malaysia has seen higher influx of Chinese travellers to the country and I believe there will be a significant increase in turnover.”

CUP is collaborating with Malaysian Electronic Payment System (1997) Sdn Bhd (MEPS) to allow its cardholders to withdraw funds from over 3,000 automated teller machines (ATM) of MEPS’ three participating banks — Hong Leong Bank Bhd, Maybank Bhd and Public Bank Bhd.

By mid-2008, CUP cardholders would be able to access MEPS’ other 15 member banks and over 6,000 ATMs. CUP, which has 1.3 billion cards in circulation in China, said its cardholders may withdraw up to 5,000 renminbi (RM2,200) daily.

Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai who described the CUP-MEPS partnership as a significant milestone in the diplomatic relationship of Malaysia and China, launched the ATM services yesterday.

“Spending from the Chinese tourists is on a high side, compared to other tourists. On an average, tourists spend about RM2,200. Chinese tourists however, spend close to 20% more,” Lim said.

MEPS group managing director Datuk Mohd Hata Robani said it would be leveraging on its partnership with CUP to provide similar services for Malaysians to access funds in China in the next 18 months.

He also said it planned to introduce an electronic point of sale service, or e-Debit for CUP cardholders which is an extension to the ATM service, to allow its cardholders to pay for their purchases directly from their savings or current account at participating merchants in Malaysia.

He added that MEPS is also considering venturing to Saudi Arabia in the near future.

nazrey

December 9th, 2007, 11:47 AM

Named after the city’s oldest mosque
Saturday December 8, 2007
By DEBBIE CHAN
TheStar

DOWN MEMORY LANE
JALAN MASJID JAMEK, K.L.

MENTION the name Jalan Masjid Jamek and one would visualise the busy bazaar and colourful sights.

The road is perhaps one of the busiest in the city and is constantly filled with human traffic as compared with other roads in the city which are usually congested with vehicles.

Named after Masjid Jamek, the most important and monumental mosque in the city, the road itself holds plenty of stories from the day Kuala Lumpur was founded.

Masjid Jamek is situated at the point where Klang River and Gombak River meet and this is where the history of Kuala Lumpur began.

The meeting point of the rivers is said to be the centre of the city and was among the first places where settlements began in KL. The mosque takes after the word jamek which in Arabic means congregation.

The mosque was built in 1907 and was officially opened on Dec 23, 1909, making it the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur.

The early settlers of Kuala Lumpur built their homes in this area and in the 1850s, the meeting point of the rivers was where miners would unload their equipment and provisions. Through this path, they would track to Ampang where they mined for tin.

Masjid Jamek was designed by Arthur Benison Hubbock, an architectural assistant in the Public Works and Survey Department who drew inspiration from Mogul architectures in India.

The money to build the mosque was raised through subscription from the Malaysian community as well as government funds and the construction cost RM32,625.

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Busy: The area is always full of people because
the Masjid Jamek LRT station is situated here.

There are three domes surrounding the prayer hall. The central dome measuring 70 feet high is flanked by two lower domes.

The biggest dome in the centre collapsed in the 1990s and was later rebuilt with two red and white minarets at the corner.

The two minarets are 88 feet high and are designed in the shape of chatris, which are umbrella-shaped cupolas. Mini chatris also decorate the entrances and corners of the mosque.

Masjid Jamek was the central mosque of the city until the National Mosque was built in 1965.

The mosque is commonly known as the Friday mosque as the area will be congested during Friday for prayers.

Jalan Tun Perak, which is adjacent to Jalan Masjid Jamek, is now also home to the Masjid Jamek LRT station.

haze

December 10th, 2007, 03:51 AM

December 09, 2007 22:24 PM

200 World Experts To Attend Global Knowledge Conference

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- About 200 international experts will convene here for the three-day Global Knowledge Conference (GK3) beginning Tuesday to discuss, among other things, Knowledge for Development (K4D) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

The conference, with the theme "Emerging People, Emerging Markets, Emerging Technologies", is organised by Global Knowledge Partnership (GKP), an international network that promotes the power of knowledge and utilisation of ICT for sustainable and equitable development.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is expected to deliver his keynote address at the conference.

Orlando Ayala of Microsoft Corporation, John Davies of Intel Corporation and Valerie Faudon of Alcatel Corporation are expected to present papers on emerging markets.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

December 11th, 2007, 12:11 PM

Developing and harmonising KL
Tuesday December 11, 2007
By DEBBIE CHAN
TheStar

THE Rat Race will not likely slow down in the Year of the Rat, but folks in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur will certainly be able to enjoy a better quality of life, given the Christmas gifts the KL mayor has prepared for them.

Mayor Datuk Hakim Borhan has tabled a budget for the city for 2008 with plenty of good things for the people.

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Smart development: The Smart Tunnel not only offers motorists the benefit
of time savings, it also serves as a drainage system to divert water out of the city in the event of a major flood.

For a start, the theme for the 2008 budget is “Towards Developing and Harmonising Kuala Lumpur”, reflecting the commitment of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to make the city one of the most pleasant places to live, work and conduct business.

The city folks can look forward to a year of massive infrastructure development, better housing and educational facilities.

The whole budget for next year involves a massive allocation of RM2.457bil, a 3.93% increase from this year’s figure.

A total of 51.1% of the allocation will be for management while the rest will be used for development.

“The development of Kuala Lumpur has to be taken at two levels – global and sub-global. The DBKL will continue to create an environment which is appropriate for living, working and business,” Hakim said.

In terms of infrastructure development, 2008 will see the building of flyovers and connecting roads at Jalan Ampang–Jalan Jelatek, Jalan Genting Klang, Jalan Air Panas–Jalan 1/27A, and Jalan Kepong Baru–Jalan Api Api.

Road projects in Cheras, Kepong, Bandar Tun Razak, Wangsa Maju and Gombak are scheduled to be completed before the end of next year.

In the city centre, upgrading of existing roads will take place and new connecting roads will also be built to connect Jalan Dewan Bahasa and Jalan Hang Tuah as well as flyovers at Jalan Pudu–Jalan Imbi–Jalan Hang Tuah.

“This is to complete the road system being implemented by the Malaysia Highway Council and includes the Duta–Ulu Kelang highway and the Putrajaya–Kuala Lumpur highway,” Hakim said.

On curbing flood woes, the DBKL has received RM160mil in grants from the federal government. A further allocation of RM14mil in the budget will mean that the DBKL will have RM174mil for flood crisis management.

The proposed flood alleviation measures include building of water retention ponds, upgrading of drainage systems, and maintenance of river and drain flows.

Three retention ponds – in Jinjang, Cheras and Batu – will be completed while seven new ones in the vicinity of Ampang Hilir, Universiti Malaya and Bandar Sri Pemaisuri will be built in 2008.

A sum of RM380mil will be set aside for the river rehabilitation project involving parts of the Klang River from Jalan Jelatek to Masjid Jamek.

A sum of RM4mil will be used for the installation of new CCTVs all around the city to complement the current security system.

More public facilities like sheltered pedestrian walkways, shelter areas for motorcyclists, parking lots, cyclist paths, noise barriers and access ways for the disabled will also be developed all over the city.

To make Kuala Lumpur a pleasant liveable city, the DBKL also plans to increase the number of night markets.

A sum of RM42mil is set aside to give the Golden Triangle a facelift in line with the City of Lights theme.

The DBKL will also be giving incentives for development plans of residential projects in the city to encourage people to live in the city to ease mobility between work and home.

According to Hakim, nearly 2.1 million people travel into the city for work each day and the high traffic is causing congestion.

A sum of RM95mil will be used for building recreational parks and green areas.

The Air Panas Neighbourhood Park and the Pudu Ulu Park Phase 2 will be built next year while Taman Tasik Pemaisuri and Taman Metropolitan Kepong will be upgraded.

Environment will be a main focus for next year with campaigns and activities to create environmental awareness among the urban folks. In line with this, RM5mil will be used for tree planting all over the city next year.

A total of RM29.37mil will go into the building of trading lots for hawkers and 1,000 new licences will be issued to small traders to help the low-income citizens.

The residents associations and Rukun Tetangga units will also receive grants to conduct youth-oriented activities in an effort to promote a healthy lifestyle among young people.

A sum of RM12.8mil will be used to upgrade facilities at public housing areas.

The DBKL will also collaborate with the Higher Education Ministry to build two new community colleges in the city for SPM leavers who want to equip themselves with technical and vocational skills.

A sum of RM8mil is dedicated to the building of low-cost houses for civil servants and citizens at PT7 and PT8, Section 98, Jalan Pantai Dalam. A further sum of RM16mil has been set aside for Lot 193, Jalan Kolam Air and Lot 101, Jalan Jelatek.

The DBKL is also conducting a revaluing exercise on properties in Kuala Lumpur for assessment rate purposes but no announcement has been made on whether the amount will be increased or reduced.

nazrey

December 17th, 2007, 08:04 AM

A mayor’s vision for a city
Monday December 17, 2007
By BAVANI M
TheStar

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/12/17/central/m_01hakim.jpg

Workplace: Hakim in his office.

Kuala Lumpur is going wireless and green. That's the vision mayor Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan has in store for the city. And judging from his track record, this may happen a lot sooner then expected.

IMAGINE living in the year 2015. You can access any information pertaining to the city via kiosks placed in different locations of the city.

Information like application for business licences, information on building floor plans, the filing of reports of accidents, to find out the arrival time of the next bus or to access data on the city's history can all be done at a push of a button.

DBKL officers conducting random checks on Public Housing schemes in the city will no longer have to knock on doors to get information on tenants living in the units.

By using high-tech gadgets, all they have to do is scan the barcode installed at the entrance of the units and information like the number of tenants, age and the duration of their tenancy will all be displayed on the screen.

In fact, tourists visiting the Garden City of Lights would no longer need the aid of tourist guides, as buildings in Kuala Lumpur, be it modern or heritage, will have barcodes installed at the entrance whereby by just displaying their hand phones, they would be able to get information like the year it was built, the history and people behind it.

This is a glimpse of the future of Kuala Lumpur, which Mayor Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan is already working towards and he is confident that it would be achieved even before 2015.

“We have to move with the times and embracing ICT is inevitable. You cannot run away from it. It's one of the facets of being a world-class city,'' said the 56-year-old mayor.

“Kuala Lumpur is like the big brother to the other towns in the Klang Valley. We have to set an example. By going wireless, we will be able to serve the city and its citizens more effectively and efficiently by keeping them connected to each other,'' he said, adding that there would come a day when DBKL would be paperless.

Hakim, who was appointed as the eighth Datuk Bandar of Kuala Lumpur exactly one year ago last week, speaks with conviction.

No one can accuse him of being idealistic as he has a track record; he knows his goals and is motivated.

An advocate of ITC, Hakim has always been an IT savvy individual. During his tenure as Klang Municipal Council president, Hakim introduced computerised parking system machines in Klang in 1995. Klang was the first town in the country to introduce the system.

During his stint as Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) president, it is no secret that MPSJ was known as one of the best run municipality in Selangor, mostly because of its e-committees and e-local government programmes.

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/12/17/central/m_02greenlung.jpg

Soothing sight: A patch of green in Kuala Lumpur.

And since his appointment as Kuala Lumpur mayor on December 14, 2006, DBKL had launched six state-of-the-art e-services with the latest being the introduction of the Billboard Management System (BMS) that uses a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology that enables the DBKL enforcement officers to track, trace, manage and locate billboards faster and easier.

“All this is possible by merely directing the hand-held BMS reader to the tag displayed on the billboard from a distance of 30m,” Hakim said.

“The technology is there and it's just a question of implementing it,'' he said.

DBKL has thus far introduced e-submissions – whereby contractors and developers can now submit applications using CD'S containing information on building plans and keep track records of the progress of their application through the Internet.

Then there is e-housing that allows qualified citizens to apply for public housing schemes, e-cukai pintu for the public to pay assessment and e-summonses for payment of summonses online, and e-Licence whereby applications from advertising and premises can be done online.

Hakim assures that more improvements were being made to make DBKL's e-delivery system more effective and efficient.

The mayor is quick to add, however, that nothing is possible without the public's support.

“I am a public servant. I have been put here to serve, deliver, improve and to make Kuala Lumpur a pleasant place for people to live, work and play.

“That means ensuring that problems like congestion, floods, preserving the green lungs are addressed,'' he said.

One of the boldest move he made when he became mayor was suggesting the need to impose a congestion levy for the city in a move to reduce congestion.

While Hakim stresses that it is only an idea, he does not dispute the fact that the time will come for the implementation of the congestion levy.

“We are seriously looking into plans to improve our public transport system, ensuring adequate parking facilities as well as have user friendly pedestrian walkways, which will be implemented by next year,'' he said.

High on the mayor's agenda is the issue on environment. He places emphasis on the preservation of green areas and recycling.

“One of my biggest challenges is trying to balance the need of city folks with that of the investors.

“I need to provide the best possible solution for all. If development in an area is not feasible, we won't do it. We are reasonable in that sense.

“But the people need to understand that you can't fight urbanisation. We will try our best to control and complement it with development,'' Hakim explained.

He said that DBKL 2008 budget allocates a sum of RM95mil for the building of recreational parks and green areas and that an additional RM5mil would be used for tree planting all over the city.

“We will also create a network of green corridors or belts to connect parks, playgrounds, retention ponds, buildings, gardens, rivers, ponds and lakes that will run through all over the city,'' he said, adding that DBKL would offer the necessary incentives to developers and corporate companies who create green areas in their buildings.

Such a daunting task for one man alone, yet Hakim is confident to the point of predicting that all this is possible even before 2015.

With so many tasks ahead, one wonders if the Datuk Bandar ever has the time to relax?

“Yes, I relax when I jog,'' he said.

Hakim makes it a point to jog three times a week and usually jogs at night, either at Lake Titiwangsa or Perdana Lake.

“It's relaxing and I think a lot during that time,'' he said, adding that he has been doing this for years.

nazrey

December 17th, 2007, 08:06 AM

Study being done on having CCTV in parks
Monday December 17, 2007
By YIP YOKE TENG
TheStar

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/12/17/central/m_04pudu.jpg

New phase: Zulhasnan (in excavator) performing the groundbreaking
ceremony for the second phase of the Pudu Ulu Recreational Park,
near Taman Shamelin Perkasa in Cheras.

THE Federal Territories Ministry and Kuala Lumpur City Hall are conducting a feasibility study into installing closed-circuit cameras (CCTVs) at recreational parks in Kuala Lumpur.

FT Minister Datuk Seri Zulhas-nan Rafique said the move was to keep an eye on vandalism, crime and other social problems at the parks.

However, he said he could not reveal much as the study was still in its initial stages.

“Apart from that, we have launched Rakan Taman in June this year with the cooperation of the communities, to make them the eyes and ears of the local authorities,” he said at the soft launch of the Pudu Ulu Recrea-tional Park, near Taman Shamelin Perkasa in Cheras, on Saturday.

Also present at the function were KL mayor Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan, FT Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib and deputy secretary-general (planning & development) Datuk Bakaruddin Othman, City Hall director-general Datuk Salleh Yusop and deputy director-general Mohd Amin Nordin.

Hakim pointed out that there were sufficient enforcement officers monitoring security at the parks daily.

“City Hall bought eight horses last year, bringing the total number of horses used to patrol Kuala Lumpur parks to 50,” he added.

The Pudu Ulu Recreational Park measuring 24.28ha (60 acres) is part of the KL Structure Plan 2020 to make Kuala Lumpur a tropical garden city.

Ground works began as early as 1998 with City Hall levelling the area and planting trees, while a total of 700 trees, sponsored by the National Landscape Depart-ment, were planted under the Millennium Planting programme at the end of 1999. In 2000, City Hall reassessed the development concept and site condition of the park.

The park has two phases; the first phase measuring 8.1ha (20 acres) was completed in November while the second phase of 16.2ha (40 acres), which had its groundbreaking ceremony during the soft launch, will be ready in two years.

According to Zulhasnan, the first phase, comprising a plaza, public toilets, parking bays and recreational facilities, cost RM21mil while the second phase will cost RM15mil. Its design is inspired by the national flower, with hibiscus motifs adorning the fences, walls and amenities.

He said the Pudu Ulu Recreational Park was the latest in Kuala Lumpur's line of 12 parks, namely Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Taman Tasik Perdana, Taman Tasik Permaisuri, Taman Metropolitan Batu, Taman Metropolitan Kepong, Taman Bukit Jalil, Taman Tasik Manjalara, Taman Tasik Datuk Keramat, Taman Lembah Kiara, Taman Rimba Bukit Kiara and Medan Idaman in Taman Ibu Kota Cheras.

He added that three others were in the pipeline, which were Taman Tasik Ampang Hilir, Orchard Park at Jalan Bellamy and Taman Air Panas in Setapak.

There is also the much talked-about 188.93ha public park, equivalent in size to about 300 football fields, in Bukit Kiara.

nazrey

December 18th, 2007, 09:49 AM

Focus Action Programme for all areas in KL
Tuesday December 18, 2007
TheStar

THE Federal Territories Ministry wants to implement its Focus Action Programme (FAP) in more public areas in Kuala Lumpur as it has been proven to be successful.

According to its Minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique, the programme, designed specially for those in the low-income bracket living in the DBKL Public Housing Programme (PPR) areas, had been effective in uplifting the economic well-being of those living in such areas.

The FAP is a community project initiated by the ministry to develop all three federal territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.

The PPR Seri Semarak is the fourth area in Kuala Lumpur where the programme has been implemented. Earlier the programme was implemented at the PPRs in Jalan San Peng, Taman Seri Sentosa in Jalan Kelang Lama and Kampung Kerinchi in Pantai Dalam.

“Next year, we will be launching the programme in two more PPRs – at Jinjang and Seputeh,'' Zulhasnan told reporters after launching the Setiawangsa level outreach programme at the Seri Semarak PPR in Air Panas Setapak on Sunday.

Zulhasnan said that since its inception four years ago, the programme had brought about many benefits to the people, including the marked decline in crime rates and the raising of living standard among the poor, besides facilitating proper planning of infrastructure projects such as sport complexes, multi-purpose halls and hawker centres.

The programme comprises five core activities, including a physical development scheme involving the upgrading of public infrastructure and the social wellness scheme comprising activities such as talks, seminars and health screenings.

For Setiawangsa, of which Zulhasnan is the MP, he has also identified three additional priorities – enforcement, improving infrastructure and enhancing community involvement.

He said each programme would be monitored for a year to ensure its effectiveness.

Prior to the launch, Zulhasnan took part in a 15km cycling session with some 500 residents in Wangsa Maju that day.

The cycling tour, organised by the Wangsa Maju Barisan Nasional Service Centre in Taman Danau Kota, was held to celebrate 50 years of Merdeka.

haze

December 31st, 2007, 09:21 AM

Mixed views from corporate leaders
by Kevin Tan
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Corporate leaders and top managers of some of the largest companies in Malaysia have mixed views about the business environment next year.

Some feel the environment will be more challenging in 2008 due to rising oil prices and the fall-out from the subprime mortgage crisis in the United States. At the same time, they also feel that Malaysia’s economic outlook is still robust and resilient.

In email interviews with The Edge Financial Daily , several corporate chieftains shared their sentiments on the business outlook and their company’s strategies to deal with the challenges ahead.

Tengku Azmil Zahruddin
Malaysian Airline System Bhd executive director and chief financial officer

Q: What is your take on the economic outlook for 2008?
A: The global economic outlook is expected to be more challenging. There could be a potential slow down in the global economy due to the soaring energy prices coupled with the subprime credit crisis in the US.

However, in the emerging markets such as China and India, economies are expected to remain strong, possibly driving the growth of the world’s economy. To some extent, they are dependent on US consumption and therefore, we need to monitor this closely. Malaysia’s growth prospects are expected to remain upbeat and the growth projected between 6% and 6.5% in 2008 is achievable.

Q: What influenced your sentiment?
A: In an open and interdependent global economy, all countries face the same challenges although at varying degrees. Asian economic powerhouses such as China and India are still resilient and may be able to withstand the potential slow down in the US economy, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that China and India’s economy will grow 10% and 8.4% respectively for 2008. Malaysia itself has relatively limited exposure to the subprime credit crisis in the US.

Q: What are the opportunities and challenges the new year will bring to your company?
A: There are two challenges. Firstly, the high oil price, which is an industry challenge. The oil price is already at the highest levels ever seen. Even if it comes down, there will be a lag with whatever response we come up with.

Second is over-capacity. According to Airbus and Boeing’s data, some 800 plus new aircraft will be coming to Asia Pacific, South Asia and Middle East. This situation of overcapacity, the proliferation of low-cost carriers and the liberalisation of Asean skies, will lead to erosion on prices and margin.

Airlines that succeed have to do one or two things, either you reduce cost drastically so that at lower cost margins, you will remain profitable or you pitch your offer and products in such a way that is distinctively unique that you will attract a lot of customers.

Q: What is your company doing to capitalise on the opportunities or to cope with the challenges ahead?
A: In MAS, we are positioning ourselves to do both: offering premium products and services, and reduce cost at the same time. We have a new charter in Malaysia Airlines. The new charter is to transform ourselves into a Five Star airline @ LCC cost (“FSLCC”) to grow profitably.

How can we do this? There are 5 key steps:
Step 1: We will continue to maintain high quality products and services;
Step 2: We must structurally reduce our costs;
Step 3: With a lower cost base, we will be able to offer even lower and more competitive fares to our customers, and still be able to make a profit;
Step 4: With high quality products and services at low/competitive fares, more passengers will fly on MAS and this translates to more reve-nue; and
Step 5: With more revenue and profit, we can invest in growing our network and building our capacity.
The five steps are repeated until we get an upward spiral — we call it the virtuous cycle of profitable growth. Details will be announced in our Business Transformation Plan, which will be launched in January 2008.

Morten Lundal
DiGi.com Bhd chief executive officer

Q: What is your take on the outlook for 2008?
A: As we say every time we look forward, it’s going to be more challenging and even more competitive, that’s the mindset we need to have. We expect to continue to innovate and also to focus even more on individual customer experiences.

In 2008, the industry will introduce MNP, a code name for Mobile Number Portability, which means that you can take with you your current number to any mobile operator. I think that will shift the power further to the end-consumer and force the industry to take service and quality even more seriously.

This will lead to improved performance and even more satisfied mobile users in Malaysia in general. We hope for positive impact on DiGi, because we know there are a lot of people who would love to change to DiGi, but love their numbers even more. Soon, with MNP, they can take their beloved numbers and join us.

Q: What are the opportunities and challenges the new year will bring to your company or industry?
A: More and new competition in an industry with very low overall growth is going to challenge all the players. At the same time, MNP will reduce the barriers for customers to shift away from the under-performers.

The broadband ambitions we all have are promising but actually very challenging. But, we are working with areas that have reached must-have status for most Malaysians — access to a mobile phone and access to the Internet. So I am very optimistic, especially for the long term.

Q: What is your company doing to capitalise on the opportunities or to cope with the challenges ahead?
A: We are focusing on competing well, developing our people and to prepare for the future. Competition is our key mindset and people development our competitive advantage. When it comes to preparing for the future, we are going through a fundamental upgrade of all core technical platforms in DiGi.

The bad news is that it’s a lot of work — but the good news is that DiGi, in 2008 and forward, will be able to do much more, and that should lead to even better customer experiences.

We want to create excellent customer experiences. It is as simple as that, and also as difficult as that. And then we think our financial performance will benefit as a consequence of that.

We intend to give the best customer experience so that customers would trust us, and for that reason stay with us. We would like to see the DiGi brand being used more often. We want it to be a household brand, not just a mobile brand.

Q: What about trends that will shape the industry?
A: If you asked that question to someone in the mobile industry a few years ago, they would all say, “We are about to go through dramatic change very soon”. But that hasn’t happened. The industry tends to overhype trends. We think we know what consumers want but it is always difficult to change people’s behaviour.

Most advanced services are insignificant revenue contributors. Of course, there are some successful new services but only in some segments and in some countries; it’s not at a global level.

However, what is proven globally is that people love to be able to call anyone wherever they are or whenever they want, and SMS. So, voice and SMS will remain strong, but both broadband and a few other services will start to actually impact the mobile operators’ performance.

Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng
IOI Corp Bhd executive chairman and chief executive officer

Q: What is your take on the economic outlook for 2008?
A: The Malaysian economy should continue to perform reasonably well with GDP growth of about 6% for 2008, provided we do not get too badly affected should US enter into a recession. The local economy should benefit from increased public spending and private sector consumption growth.

Q: What influenced your sentiment?
A: Local business sentiments are positive and 2008 is expected to be an election year. Its also election year for US, and it is the summer Olympics for China. So I think despite the problems with subprime and all that, I think markets should hold up.

Q: What are the opportunities and challenges the new year will bring to your company or industry?
A: Palm oil and soft commodities in general will continue to enjoy high prices because of tight supply amidst robust consumption growth. So, the palm oil industry will enjoy another excellent year in 2008. The challenge will be in finding more hectarage at reasonable prices and to build more capacity to sustain growth when prices flatten out.

Q: What is your company doing to capitalise on the opportunities or to cope with the challenges ahead?
A: We are bullish about the long-term prospects for palm oil and so we will continue to invest at the appropriate time and in an appropriate manner to grow the business, both upstream and downstream.

We have recently entered into a joint venture (JV) to invest in oil palm cultivation in Indonesia. Our effective interest in the JV is equivalent to about 70,000 hectares, which will be an almost 50% increase to current planted hectarage in Malaysia.

It is a very significant addition and this will likely be the main new area of focus in 2008 for the upstream sector.

We will also be further investing in our downstream operations in Malaysia, Europe and the US over the next two years in order to capture increased demand, further value add and innovate on the use of our palm oil fractions.

Also, not forgetting that we have a sizeable property business, which should also see decent growth as the market is improving.

nazrey

December 31st, 2007, 10:40 AM

Several roads in Kuala Lumpur closed
Monday December 31, 2007

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Ready for blast off! Workers putting the final touches to firework stands in
Kuala Lumpur for tonight's Countdown 2008@KLCC party. Numerous other
locations in the Klang Valley will be hosting celebrations to greet the
New Year and they include – 1 Utama Shopping Complex, The Curve, Sunway
Lagoon, MidValley Megamall, Plaza Mont Kiara and Dataran Merdeka.

KUALA LUMPUR: Several roads in the city will be closed in conjunction with the 2008 New Year's Eve countdown celebrations.

Those who wish to participate in the celebrations at eight locations are advised to park their vehicles in the designated areas or use public transport.

The eight locations are Dataran Merdeka, KLCC Twin Towers, Bukit Bintang, Stadium Merdeka, Bangsar/Telawi, Sri Hartamas, Mid Valley and KL Sentral.

Kuala Lumpur acting traffic police chief ASP Ng Fook Long said the police expected traffic congestion, adding that some 1.5 million vehicles would be entering the city.

He said road closure would be implemented in permanent and temporary phases.

Roads to be totally closed in the vicinity of Dataran Merdeka are the stretches from the Jalan Hishamudin traffic lights, the Jalan Raja traffic lights and along Jalan Raja from the Jalan Raja-Jalan Tun Perak intersection.

At the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), the affected roads are Jalan Persiaran Exxon Mobil to the Jalan Stonor traffic lights, which was closed from Sunday for the construction of a stage, while roads leading there, namely Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Pinang, Jalan Kia Peng and Jalan Stonor, will be closed in stages.

Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, will be closed from 3pm on Monday to 1am on Tuesday.

The MCA will organise a concert at Merdeka Stadium and the roads around the stadium such as Jalan Hang Jebat, Jalan Changkat Stadium and Jalan Stadium would be turned into one-way streets.

Several roads in Bukit Bintang will also be closed. The stretch from the Jalan Imbi-Jalan Sultan Ismail traffic lights to the Jalan Sultan Ismail-Jalan Bukit Bintang traffic lights was closed from midnight Saturday for the construction of a stage. The roads will be reopened at 5am on Tuesday.

Outer ring roads like the Seremban Highway heading towards Jalan Tun Razak, the Kampung Pandan roundabout to Jalan Tun Razak (towards Bukit Bintang), the Jalan Kuching exit road from Mahameru towards the Putra World Trade Centre and the Bukit Petaling/Jalan Dewan Bahasa exit road towards the Jalan Loke Yew/Hang Tuah traffic lights will also be closed. – Bernama

nazrey

January 15th, 2008, 06:56 AM

Government goes all out to solve KL’s traffic problems
Tuesday January 15, 2008
TheStar

KUALA LUMPUR: A comprehensive and integrated plan will be drawn up by the Government to solve the city’s traffic woes, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said yesterday.

He told reporters this after opening the “Empowering the Public Transportation System-Traffic System in Kuala Lumpur Hotspots” retreat.

Najib said the Government would consider suggestions made during the retreat before drawing up the plan.

He said the main reason for traffic jams in the city was due to the considerable increase in the number of single occupancy vehicles coming into the city.

“Nowhere in the world can you keep increasing the number of roads or widening roads to keep pace with the sharp increase in passenger cars,” he said, when asked whether the main reason of traffic jams was due to lack of public transportation.

“In major cities in most developed countries, 60% of the people use public transport. In our country, it is about 20%, so we are way below the world average.”

In his speech, Najib said one reason the public still chose to use their own vehicles was because the public transportation system was still unsatisfactory and did not fulfil the demands of users especially in accessibility, continuity and being on time.

“The Government realised this and steps were being taken to improve public transportation services,” he said.

Najib, who also chairs the Cabinet committee on Public Transportation, said this included expanding LRT services, improving the quality of commuter trains and increasing the number of buses and their stops.

He said a holistic solution was needed to solve traffic problems in the city for the next two to three decades.

“This is a serious matter and should not be looked at as being unrealistic. It is very important because developing the infrastructure for traffic systems is complex in nature and needs a huge expenditure because the physical characteristics need to be streamlined with existing and future developments.”

When asked to comment on Parti Mahasiswa Negara, a group of university students who wanted to contest as independent candidates in the general election, he said it was against the laws of the country.

triple-j

January 15th, 2008, 04:59 PM

“Nowhere in the world can you keep increasing the number of roads or widening roads to keep pace with the sharp increase in passenger cars,” he said, when asked whether the main reason of traffic jams was due to lack of public transportation.

it is always been the problem. good he know it now...

“In major cities in most developed countries, 60% of the people use public transport. In our country, it is about 20%, so we are way below the world average.”

In his speech, Najib said one reason the public still chose to use their own vehicles was because the public transportation system was still unsatisfactory and did not fulfil the demands of users especially in accessibility, continuity and being on time.

I think all this time we built all the roads and highways here and there to suits car drivers and indirectly encouraging driving a car culture whereas if the money spent used for public transport something might positively change.

Najib, who also chairs the Cabinet committee on Public Transportation, said this included expanding LRT services, improving the quality of commuter trains and increasing the number of buses and their stops.

Hope the actions are immediate.

nazrey

January 26th, 2008, 10:33 AM

IT giants coming to KL
Friday January 25, 2008

http://www.ytlcommunity.com/common/showimage.asp?imgid=85366

DAVOS (Switzerland): Microsoft’s Bill Gates and Intel chairman Dr Craig Barrett will be among the eminent global personalities at the 16th World Congress on Information Technology in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia is the first South-East Asian nation to host the biennial event, often billed as the Olympics of ICT, from May 18 to 22.

Other personalities include Blue Brain Project chairman Dr Robert Bishop, International Telecommunication Union secretary-general Dr Hamadoun Toure, Dr Robert Atkinson of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Robert Carter of FedEx and Douglas Merrill of Google.

More than 2,500 delegates from over 80 countries are expected to attend the meeting, which will address issues like technology’s impact on education, innovation, technopreneurship and the future of the Internet.

“The congress will bring the world’s ICT giants to Malaysia,” Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis told Malaysian journalists on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting here.

He said Malaysia must continue to develop its ICT industry, particularly its technology entrepreneurs, as innovative knowledge could help drive the future economy.

Dr Jamaluddin said innovative strategies could be used to develop industries as the country could not just depend on exports of commodities like rubber and palm oil or its human expertise.

nazrey

February 6th, 2008, 03:16 PM

Cops: Crime rate in KL down by 7%
Wednesday February 6, 2008
TheStar

KUALA LUMPUR: The crime rate in the city dropped by 7.1% last year compared to the year before.

The solving rate also recorded an increase, as the police solved 54.7% of violent crimes and 33.2 % of property crimes. A total of 37.5% of serious crime cases were solved last year.

There was a sharp drop in snatch thefts as the total decreased by 999 cases last year. General property theft also dropped by 2,308.

However, violent crimes like rape and unarmed gang robbery rose. Rape cases in 2007 rose to 228 from 147 the year before.

City CID chief Senior Asst Comm (II) Ku Chin Wah said the rise was caused by the growing trend of statutory rape.

“Sex with a teenager under the age of 16, even with consent, is still considered rape and is punishable by law. Rape cases however recorded a 91.2% solving rate,” he said. SAC II Ku also said that rapists usually know their victims and the crime is rarely done at random.

He said that the rise in unarmed gang robbery from 508 cases in 2006 to 1,041 cases was caused by amendments to Section 391 of the Penal Code, which previously stated that a gang had to consist of five or more people. As of October last year, robbery committed by two or more people is considered gang robbery.

Other reported crimes that recorded an increase included motorcycle and car thefts, which increased by 667 cases, amounting to a total of 9,995 cases.

“The number of vehicle thefts is usually accurate as the victims cannot claim insurance payouts without police reports,” he said.

nazrey

February 9th, 2008, 12:26 PM

A luxury shirt maker is now in KL
Saturday February 9, 2008
By LIM WEY WEN TheStar
Photos by GLENN GUAN

LUXURY brand Thomas Pink has finally reached Malaysian shores, much to the delight of shoppers and fashion aficionados.

The brand officially launched its presence recently at one of its outlets at The Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur.

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/2/9/central/m_11TunkuNaquiyuddin.jpg

Royal touch: Naresh (left) showing Tunku Naquiyuddin
and Tunku Nurul Hayati one of the shirts available at the store.

Present to officiate at the launch was Negeri Sembilan Tengku Laksamana Tunku Naquiyuddin Tuanku Ja’afar and his consort, Tunku Nurul Hayati Tunku Bahador.

Established in 1984 by James, Peter and John Mullen, Thomas Pink was conceptualised to reinvent the traditional British shirt.

Till today, every Thomas Pink shirt is crafted to the same exacting standards, keeping alive the heritage of Jermyn Street, which had been synonymous with classic British shirt-making for centuries.

Trinidad Holdings managing director Naresh Mohan said that bringing in Thomas Pink to Malaysia had been one of his most anticipated endeavours.

He believed that Malaysian consumers have evolved into a community that is ready to embrace a specialist brand like Thomas Pink.

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/2/9/central/m_11thomaspink.jpg

Stylish look: A model showing off
one of the shirts available for ladies.

Thomas Pink CEO Jonathan Heilbron added that Kuala Lumpur, a thriving international city with a cosmopolitan population, was a perfect choice for the brand.

There are also plans to add about 20 more outlets worldwide, he added.

Now part of the luxury group LVMH, the Thomas Pink range has expanded from shirts for men and women to luxurious silk ties, accessories such as cufflinks, cummerbunds, braces, socks, scarves, boxer shorts, nightwear and even small leather goods.

Prices for shirts start at RM669, cufflinks from RM299, ties from RM429, boxer shorts from RM199 and evening accessories from RM269.

Currently, the two Thomas Pink outlets in Malaysia are located at The Pavilion and The Gardens in Kuala Lumpur.

haze

February 11th, 2008, 10:12 AM

Symbol of power for man and woman
by Woon Wu Lin
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

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KUALA LUMPUR: “This is what they call a power pen on Wall Street,” said Lutz Bethge, whisking out a Meisterstück from his suit. “No other pen has signed more mergers, acquisitions or contracts than this writing instrument.”

Meisterstück is but one of the many Montblanc masterpieces with which countless men have inked billion dollar deals and changed the fortunes of companies and countries. Montblanc has long been a brand for powerful and influential men.

But the era of male dominance in the business world has changed significantly in the last 50 years, said Bethge, the chief executive of Montblanc International.

“A lot of ladies have become executives and take charge in politics,” he said. “Initially, they became attracted to these power tools when they got successful in business but the more they shopped in our stores, the more they became attracted to our product development as well.”

Women now constitute some 40% of Montblanc’s clientele.

“The share of ladies’ products purchased in our stores are ever increasing, and today, out of our total revenue, 25% to 30% depending on the product category are pure ladies’ products that are sold,” Bethge said.

“And if you add unisex products such as the Meisterstück and some of the male watches which are chic that ladies carry these days, we end up easily with 30% to 40%,” he added.

Montblanc’s commitment to capturing the ladies’ market for its luxury products is clearly visible at its design studio in Paris. “We have Italian, French, and Asian designers working there... a very international breed of people who are designing handbags, jewellery, watches, writing instruments which help capture the spirit of these products for ladies.”

And in Malaysia, Montblanc has invested a “substantial amount” in its largest and first ever double-story flagship boutique in Southeast Asia.

The store occupies 3,373 sq ft of space, more than double the 1,500 sq ft store in KLCC, and offers the full range including writing instruments, watches, jewellery, leather products, accessories and limited editions items.

Its most outstanding feature is a floor dedicated solely for women. Bathed in muted neutral colours to add warmth and pleasure to the shopping experience, it also boasts staff trained to assist customers find products that match their personal styles.

The flagship store would serve to not only attract women, but also function as the focal point for its initiatives, which include in-store events and advertising on the Pavilion’s frontage to draw customers during its year-long campaign.

“We are using the flagship store at Pavilion to bring to the mind of the Malaysian customers that Montblanc has a wide range of offerings for men and for women and in particular the watch and jewellery section,” said Bethge.

“We are targeting people who enjoy timeless, luxury, elegant products. Montblanc is a brand with timeless and elegant products catering to both men and women.”

Bethge illustrates his point by unclasping his RM300,000 watch and flipping open the back cover to unveil intricate gears and dials ticking away seamlessly.

The CEO beamed with pride as he displayed his timepiece and said: “When men look at this they say — There is a real motor in there! — and ladies would say — This looks beautiful, where are the diamonds?”

But how many Malaysians are ready to splash out on luxury items?

Bethge said the luxury market is experiencing steady year-on-year growth, as Malaysians and Asians become more educated, and their sense of taste and style sharpen.

nazrey

March 20th, 2008, 03:00 PM

Houses for poor families in KL by year end
Thursday March 20, 2008
By BAVANI M & CHRISTINA LOW
TheStar

FEDERAL Territory Barisan Nasional Chairman Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique who was sworn in as Federal Territory Minister on Wednesday assured that economically-deprived families would have a roofover their heads by year end.

Zulhasnan said that his election promise was to ensure that people who were poor and without houses would have a roof over their heads adding that he also said that he would work towards ensuring that Kuala Lumpur would be squatter-free by the end of 2008.

“This is a mandate for me to ensure that the Federal Territory heads towards a progressive and prosperous era in accordance with Vision 2020 and Mission 2057,’’ he said.

Zulhasnan is the sole BN survivor in Kuala Lumpur who managed to retain the Setiawangsa parliamentary seat in the general election.

The opposition had won 10 seats out of 11 in Kuala Lumpur.

Meanwhile deputy Federal Territory Minister M. Saravanan who won the Tapah parliamentary seat pledged to ensure that the welfare of the Indian community in Kuala Lumpur is secured.

“We will make sure that the welfare of the Indians, in terms of housing, and education will be looked after.

“My vision is in line with the Minister’s (Zulhasnan’s) vision which in turn is in line with vision 2020 to develop the Federal Territories and make them all safe and prosperous places to live in,’’ he said.

Saravanan, 40, said that he would also look into the plight of Indian schools in the FT especially in areas like Bukit Jalil.

“I also promise that no Indian temple will be demolished in KL, and if that is something that cannot be avoided, then an alternative site will be found,’’ he said.

Saravanan who is the Federal Territory MIC chief said that he was used to working with the community at grassroots level in his capacity as the FT MIC head.

“It’s not new to me - the only difference now is that I have the power to do more and I promise to do my best to help the Indians,’’ he said.

On his relationship with the FT Minister, Saravanan said that he had worked with the minister before at Barisan level and found Zulhasnan to be a capable leader and one with a proven track record.

The appointment of Zulhasnan and Saravanan, ended speculation as to the role of the Federal Territories Ministry after the Federal Territory Barisan Nasional’s dismal performance in the general election.

Many including political analysts, politicians, and the public predicted that though the ministry might be retained, its role would definitely be reduced. There were even some who speculated that there would be lesser interference from the Ministry in the running of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

However opposition leaders in KL were of the opinion that the Ministry should have been dissolved and had expressed disappointment over Zulhasnan’s appointment.

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng felt that the minister’s post should have rightfully gone to the opposition as it had a whopping majority in the seats contested in KL.

Seputeh MP Teresa Kok said: “It is unbelievable that the only Barisan Nasional candidate who won in Kuala Lumpur is the minister.’’

Kok who is a third term MP for her constituency felt that the ministerial post should be abolished as its purpose was similar to the one of the city’s Mayor.

Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai was upset with the Prime Minister’s decision to retain Zulhasnan as the minister. He also felt that the post should be abolished.

“Both mayor and the FT minister seem to have overlapping powers. “It is also difficult for the mayor to work independently when he has to constantly report to the Minister said Tan.

Tan also added that 62.3% of voters in Kuala Lumpur voted for the opposition. “The Rakyat have faith and are supportive of us because of the failure of City Hall (DBKL),” said Tan.

Kepong MP Dr Tan Seng Giaw on the other hand said he had expected Zulhasnan to retain his post adding that after all he was the only BN candidtae to have won an FT seat.

Tan hoped that Zulhasnan would review the entire administration of the FT Ministry and especially the management of its funds.

“He must ensure that efficiency is improved at all levels and that a local plan for the city should be drawn up as soon as possible said Dr Tan adding that there was still no local plan for the city.

nazrey

March 26th, 2008, 01:25 PM

Development anarchy in KL
Wednesday March 26, 2008
By BAVANI M
TheStar

IF only the rules are followed, there would not be such a mess in the nation’s capital city. True?

This is the question on the minds of city folks each time they see developments encroaching into green areas in their neighbourhoods.

The rules in question are the ones contained in the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2020 and the Federal Territory (Planning) Act 1982.

The mess? The unlawful hillside developments taking shape in areas like Bukit Sri Persekutuan (Federal Hill), Jalan Gallagher and Bukit Tunku.

Despite having the rules, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has continued to totally disregard them by going ahead to approve ad-hoc developments in the city.

Ratepayers and residents are extremely unhappy with the way planning decisions are being made and projects approved in the city.

But what irked the city denizens most is the fact that despite being major taxpayers, they have absolutely no say in the way their city is being run.

In the case of Federal Hill, the question puzzling the residents is how an area designated as “institutional” (police reserve) has suddenly become commercial overnight?

What piqued the residents most is the fact that they have never been told by the local authorities concerned, in this case the DBKL, about what is happening there.

“There can be no taxation without representation,'' declared an irate member of the Joint Action Committee for Bukit Gasing (JAC).

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Taking shape: The development at Federal Hill.

“If you take bread from the people, you must be directly accountable to them,'' said the member, who did not wish to be named.

“As a taxpayer I have the right to know what is happening in my neighbourhood. I have a say,'' he said.

The JAC member said that the DBKL owed residents an explanation.

“The DBKL has to be accountable to us,'' he said.

According to Federal Hill resident Tan Lye King, the residents had written numerous letters to the mayor, the area MP and the Federal Territories Minister, but they had not received a single reply from any of them.

“Why isn’t the government responding to us?'' Tan asked.

Pook Li Yoon, who lives around the Federal Hill area, said that she would go all out to fight the developments in her area.

“The powers that be should take into consideration the wishes of the people. The recent election results have shown that we have an opinion and we want to be heard,'' she said.

Pook said that she was in the process of collecting signatures from city residents and that they already had the support of the 10 new MPs of Kuala Lumpur.

She said they would be submitting the list to the Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique.

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Unhappy lot: Residents of Federal Hill studying a picture
showing the planned developments in the area.

He is the 11th MP and the Setiawangsa incumbent who was re-elected in the just-concluded general election.

The Federal Hill residents are objecting to a development in their neighbourhood, which involves the construction of two 30-storey blocks and one 16-storey structure as well as a five-storey podium right smack in their backyard.

This project at Lot 55, Jalan Travers is clearly contrary to the low-density and non-commercial proposal for the area in the KL Structure Plan.

“I came here under the Malaysia My Second Home Scheme a few years ago from Britain. I liquidated all my assets and bought a property in Federal Hill because it appeared to have a sound 2020 Vision,'' Amar Khan said.

“We chose Federal Hill since KL is a garden city after all. Now everything is topsy- turvy,'' Khan said.

Resident K.K. Leong said that when he bought the property at the Federal Hill, the S&P agreement clearly stated that the police reserve land was “institutional” and not commercial.

“Never in my wildest dream would I have expected this to happen. I feel cheated,'' Leong said.

Local government and town planning expert Derek Fernandez, who is representing the Federal Hill residents, said that the ad-hoc developments by the DBKL was causing resentment among the KL residents against the government.

“The DBKL should have come out with a local plan by now, a detailed plan of KL so that residents would know the developments taking shape in their neighbourhoods and they can decide if they want to make an investment in their area or not,'' Fernandez said.

He said that if a local plan was in place, then one would know if a particular area was low density or not.

Fernandez said that without a local plan there would be plenty of opportunities for abuses.

“By right no development order should be approved until a local plan is out,'' he said.

Fernandez said that without a local plan, corruption could thrive and ad-hoc development was the mother of all corruption.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Development projects approved by the DBKL, which disregard the rules in the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2020 and the Federal Territory (Planning) Act 1982.

Case 1 - Federal Hill

2.1ha (6.2 acres) of land at Lot 55 Plot A, Section 70, Jalan Travers. This prime land belonging to the federal government has been categorised “institutional” use, which basically means that it is land for the police to build their quarters and offices and not for commercial use.

Yet, plans are being made to build two 30-storey blocks, a 16-storey structure and a five-storey podium, which is of high density. This is in clear violation of the KL Structure Plan 2020 which states that the Federal Hill must be left with low density population.

Despite the fact that the DBKL will be holding an objection hearing with residents on April 4, the residents are questioning the relevance of the hearing when construction on the site has already started. By right there should not be any form of construction before the objection hearing.

Case 2 - Bukit Gasing

15.4ha (38 acres) of privately owned land on the KL side of Bukit Gasing, which does not come under the green belt area.

The project involves the construction of 68 lots of bungalow units, with two units per acre. It was widely criticised because the development sits on a hill slope and residents are in fear of their safety via a possible future landslide. However, what irked the residents most is the silent arrogance on the part of the DBKL in refusing to show them the technical reports pertaining to the development.

Apparently, the residents were promised a planning hearing by the DBKL but that did not happen. The residents claimed that the DBKL had acted contrary to what is stated in the Federal Territory (Planning) Act 1982, (Act 267), requiring local plans for KL that would have given the affected owners the right to be heard in respect to the proposed development.

The residents also said that the DBKL had not acted in accordance with the principle of Local Agenda 21, requiring partnership between the DBKL and the public.

The residents have since gone to court to compel the DBKL to hold an objection hearing.

Case 3 - Jalan Gallagher in Taman Duta

In 2005, the developers submitted an application to the DBKL to build 13 blocks of five-storey apartments with a total of 188 units at Jalan Gallagher.

This would increase the residential density from 10 to 75 people per 0.4ha. There was no attempt to adhere to the 10 people per 0.4ha density requirement and the three-storey limit to maintain Bukit Tunku and Taman Duta as high quality, low density residential area as stated in the KL Structure Plan 2020.

The new development will increase the density in the area by 750% from 10 people per 0.4ha to 84 - that is in violation of the laws.

nazrey

April 1st, 2008, 02:35 PM

DBKL launches latest project
Tuesday April 1, 2008
By CHRISTINA LOW
TheStar

Eight schools in Sentul have been chosen to kick start the City Hall Kuala Lumpur’s (DBKL) Excellent Star Project under its Local Agenda 21 Kuala Lumpur (LA21 KL) programme this year.

The long-term project is sponsored by the YTL Corporation Berhad with the assistance of DBKL, Malaysian Association of Environmental Health (MAEH) and the Ministry of Education.

The project hopes to see a few objectives achieved during the programme period, which includes producing holistic students who are well versed in all aspects, better quality of life and introducing the concept of modernisation and development of the city together with the residents of the area.

“We believe this programme would encourage positive competition among students, as well as teach them to be more disciplined, tolerant, creative and to have more self-confidence in them,” said YTL Corporation Berhad deputy managing director Datuk Yeoh Seok Kian at the launch of the project.

Yeoh later gave away prize money totalling up to more than RM30,000 to 98 students who excelled in the recent UPSR, PMR and SPM exams.

The chosen schools are SRK Convent Sentul 1, SRK Convent Sentul 2, SRK La Salle Sentul 1, SRK La Salle Sentul 2, SMK Convent Sentul, SMK La Salle Sentul, SJKC Chi Man and SJKT St Joseph.

The KL Mayor Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan, who was also present at the launch, said that to ensure the success of the programme, the students are also required to be all-rounders, excelling in both co-curriculum activities and academics.

In the sports and co curriculum category, prize money would be given to schools that win in a state level competition.

The highlight of the project is the Mayor’s Challenge Trophy, which will be awarded to the best overall school. Yeoh said that YTL Corporation would be spending RM150,000 for the project this year.

“The smart partnership concept with the private sectors and the people is an ideal way to gain strength and responsibility together,” said Hakim, who hopes more private companies would come forward to work with DBKL.

The four themes under the LA21 KL is to have a cleaner, safer and peaceful city and an e-city. A working committee has been formed to ensure all projects start as planned.

nazrey

April 6th, 2008, 08:31 AM

Celine back on track to perform in KL
Sunday April 6, 2008
By JO TEH
TheStar

PETALING JAYA: Canadian superstar Celine Dion, who was hit by respiratory infection last week, said she was back on track now and looking forward to performing in Kuala Lumpur on April 13.

“It started out as a minor throat infection which got into my sinuses and then into my chest. After some solid rest and some antibiotics, I got my strength back,” said Dion, 39, adding that her immune system was down from all the travelling and shows.

This past week, she performed in Brisbane and Melbourne, Australia.

“I feel bad that I had to postpone those shows and move the Kuala Lumpur show back because I know fans make specific plans, especially those who travel to the shows from out of town,” she said in an e-mail interview with The Star.

“Actually, with the exception of getting sick recently, the tour has been going fantastically well. I am on the road with my husband, my 81-year-old mother, my seven-year-old son, and a few of my sisters and a brother, and we’re having a great time,” she said.

“I usually try to take it easy on the days off but I am also trying to see as much of the sights as I can, especially since my mum and son are with me.”

Dion, who will perform in Shanghai, China, before playing here, said she enjoyed touring and was savouring every moment.

“There is nothing more thrilling for an artist than to play big stadiums and arenas, and travel to countries where your fans live,” she said.

Dion will perform in Malaysia as part of her Taking Chances World Tour, which follows the successful release of her latest album Taking Chances.

“We’ll play some new material, of course, but we are also going to play the favourites from the past. There’re a few cool surprises in the show but I obviously can’t talk about them, otherwise they won’t be surprises!” she said.

Kuala Lumpur is the only venue on her South-East Asian leg.

“I have heard so much about your beautiful country, I cannot wait to finally experience it with my family and my entourage!” Dion said.

The concert, jointly organised by Artist World and Galaxy Group, will be held at Stadium Merdeka on April 13 at 8pm.

For details contact 03-2282 2020 or visit www.galaxy.com.my.

nazrey

April 14th, 2008, 06:02 AM

Dion wows KL
Monday April 14, 2008
By MELODY GOH and JO TEH

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Thrilling concert: Dion performing in front of more than
10,000 fans at Stadium Merdeka last night.

KUALA LUMPUR: Canadian singing sensation Celine Dion lived up to her top billing right here last night with a power-packed performance in the open.

The petite 39-year-old Dion performed 22 songs, almost non-stop, as over 10,000 fans at Stadium Merdeka followed her every move, and tune.

The show kicked off at 8.50pm with vignettes of Dion’s many music videos shown on two large screen placed at the sides of the stage.

The singer got things going with the fast-paced I Drove All Night, followed by one of her smash hits, Power of Love.

Dion then extended her apologies to Malaysians for postponing the show, which had initially been scheduled for April 8, saying that she had fallen ill while performing in Australia.

“Thank you for being understanding and for giving me another chance to perform here tonight,” said Dion, as the audience cheered her on.

She also said that the rain began to worry her when she arrived here earlier yesterday.

“But I was told that it usually rained in the afternoons here, so that was all right,” she quipped.

Backed by an ensemble that included four guitarists, a drummer and a pianist, Dion also belted out her other chart-topping hits like Because You Loved Me, All By Myself, Alone and a French number, Pour Que Tu M’Aimes Encore.

Also on stage with her were three backing vocalists and eight dancers, who entertained the audience during short intervals.

Dion reserved the best for last, when she sang her monster hit My Heart Will Go On, which was the theme song for the movie Titanic.

The concert, part of her “Taking Chances World Tour” with Kuala Lumpur being the only South-East Asian venue, ended at 10.30pm.

Also present were Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, and singer Datuk Siti Nurhaliza and her husband Datuk Khalid Mohd Jiwa.

nazrey

April 21st, 2008, 07:31 AM

Olympic flame arrives
Monday April 21, 2008
TheStar

SEPANG: The Olympic flame arrived here from Bangkok early yesterday morning for the Kuala Lumpur leg of the Beijing Olympic torch relay which will start from Dataran Merdeka today.

The flame, which is being transported in a lantern, arrived on a special plane which is carrying it to all the destinations where the torch relay will be held.

Beijing Olympic Games Organising Committee executive vice-president Jiang Xiaoyu alighted from the plane at the KL International Airport at 2.25am to cheers from some 300 Chinese students studying in Malaysia.

On hand to receive the delegation was Olympic Council of Malaysia deputy president Datuk Dr M. Jegathesan, honorary secretary Datuk Sieh Kok Chi and China’s Ambassador to Malaysia Cheng Yonghua.

The flame was later brought to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Kuala Lumpur under police escort.

Sieh said the flame would remain with the delegation until it is brought out for the launching ceremony at Dataran Merdeka today.

“The flame and the Olympic torch will stay in their possession for security reasons. The police are the ones providing the security protection right from the time they arrived here until they leave for Jakarta for the next leg,” he said.

It was earlier reported that 1,000 policemen would be in the torch run group to ensure that nothing untoward happens during the relay. The Special Action Squad will form a cordon around the torchbearers throughout the route.

Security has become an issue at each leg of the torch relay as pro-Tibetan independence activists had disrupted the run in London and Paris while the relay route had to be modified in San Francisco because of security concerns.

The Kuala Lumpur leg of the relay is expected to start after the launching ceremony at 2.15pm and 80 runners will be involved in the 16.5km run.

The flame will also be carried to the top of Kuala Lumpur Tower before ending at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre around 6pm.

Only 21 cities outside China were given the privilege to host a leg of the Olympic torch relay and it is only the second time Malaysians will get to witness the historic event up close.

Malaysia last hosted a leg of the torch relay in 1964 when Japan became the first Asian country to host the Olympics.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim said Malaysia's involvement in the relay was an honour for Malaysians and the country and showed the close and cordial relations with China.

He said the Beijing Olympics should not be politicised and added that the country was confident the Olympics would be held successfully in August this year.

ethan

April 21st, 2008, 06:36 PM

nazrey

April 29th, 2008, 06:55 AM

Pedestrian project a monument to shoddy work
Tuesday April 29, 2008
By YIP YOKE TENG, TheStar

Behind the hoardings at the busy Masjid Jamek LRT station, construction of the Pedestrian Plaza is under way to integrate the two LRT lines and shield commuters from the weather. However, the multi-million ringgit project might have failed to meet these objectives and may even become a danger to users.

THE Pedestrian Plaza at the Masjid Jamek LRT station may be one of the most anticipated projects to rectify a major problem in the city's public transport system but the RM5mil development seems to have become another public display of Kuala Lumpur City Hall's shoddy monitoring of projects.

City Hall Urban Transportation Department director Dr Leong Siew Mun said the plaza was aimed at providing further integration with the Ampang/Sri Petaling-line LRT station and to protect commuters from the weather.

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Exposed: The ticketing counters offer no protection from the weather.

It is supposed to fix what has been described as “a shame of the city” – that the two LRT lines at the interchange station are located away from each other and commuters are exposed to the weather when travelling from one side to the other.

Work started on the project early last year. In an earlier public announcement, it was said that the main entrance to the Kelana Jaya-line station would be closed from Oct 22 last year to Jan 23 this year for the construction. However, the entrance is still closed till today.

Dr Leong conceded that there was a “slight delay due to several issues arising from day one of the project, namely site constraints, inclement weather and technical problems.”

As the structure looks to be nearing completion, StarMetro investigated the site and was shocked to find that those sweet promises are not forthcoming.

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Potential hazard: The tiles used for the floor
could become slippery when it rains.

First of all, the roof – in a fancy multi-layered design – does not shield commuters from rain or shine.

Amazingly, the ticketing counters and the ticket-vending machines are located outdoors.

Secondly, the Kelana Jaya line and Ampang/Sri Petaling line stations are supposed to be linked by the same platform so that commuters can go between the two sides with ease.

However, a wide gap now runs between the two and the stretch had better be fenced up as the gap is so deep that anyone falling into it would suffer severe injuries.

If the gap is still there after construction is completed, commuters will then have to use the same old routes in Jalan Melayu or Jalan Melaka to get to the other station.

If that is the case, what is the point of spending RM5mil on the Pedestrian Plaza?

Public safety is another major concern. Railings are low with horizontal bars that will enable children to easily climb over.

The floor will also be slippery whenever it rains since the roof does not cover the structure.

Earlier, LRT users had pointed out that the gutters of the roof contain stagnant water and could be a mosquito-breeding spot.

When informed of such concerns, City Hall assured the public that they would constantly monitor the site.

The high ceiling of the project would also make maintenance like changing bulbs and cleaning difficult.

These structures not only show that public funds have not been wisely spent, but also give an indication of the future problems commuters may face when the building is finally ready to be used.

nazrey

May 1st, 2008, 07:48 AM

Pay & Display parking system in KL next month
Thursday May 1, 2008
By YIP YOKE TENG
TheStar

THE Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will be introducing the “Pay and Display” parking system and extending parking meter hours to 10.30pm in June.

This is part of the local authority's effort to create more parking spaces in the city and to address existing problems concerning parking such as illegal car jockeys in busy commercial areas.

Mayor Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan said DBKL had been conducting frequent enforcement against illegal car jockeys but the problem still persisted.

“The public parking rate is only 60 sen per hour in the city centre and 50 sen in suburbs, by extending the parking meter hours we can ensure that the facility is not abused by unlicensed car jockeys and those soliciting parking charges illegally,” he said at the weekly meet-the-Press session.

He added that there were 9,000 over metered parking bays in the city and there would be 30,000 bays in total following the implementation of “Pay and Display” system in June.

The new system would be similar to the one being used in Selangor.

He said currently seven operators were managing the metered parking system while 15 others were taking care of the off-street parking in the city’s outer areas.

On the exorbitant rates imposed by private parking operators, Hakim said the existing Private Parking Bylaw did not have control on the rates but DBKL would arrange for a meeting with the operators to discuss the matter.

“It also depends on whether the residents and motorists accept the rates.

“There would be no issue if they are comfortable with the rates they are paying,” he added.

nazrey

May 1st, 2008, 07:50 AM

A greener city with 60,000 trees
Thursday May 1, 2008
TheStar

A total of 60,000 trees will be planted in Kuala Lumpur this year to make the city a greener place.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan said it was part of efforts to make Kuala Lumpur the Eternal Tropical City (Bandaraya Tropika Lestari) by 2020 and the Kuala Lumpur Greening Programme launched in the 1970s.

The large-scale tree-planting programme would involve 40 main roads and 40 open areas in Kuala Lumpur.

The programme would be carried out in four phases, from April.

About 15,000 trees will be planted each phase, which spans over three months. The first phase involves Jalan Parlimen, Jalan Imbi, Jalan Ipoh and Jalan Duta among others.

Hakim said RM5mil had been allocated for the programme this year.

“The programme is in tandem with the Cabinet's decision to encourage tree planting in major cities, and to increase public awareness on the importance of tree canopies to maintain a high percentage of green in the cities,” he said.

He added that many trees in the city had been found to be unsuitable as they broke drains and road kerbs and such trees would be replaced from time to time.

nazrey

May 16th, 2008, 11:53 AM

DBKL tears down hawker stalls
Friday May 16, 2008
By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ
TheStar

EIGHT hawker stalls near Kampung Kerinchi were torn down by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) enforcement officers yesterday for failing to move their businesses to another site nearby.

Despite being given several eviction notices by City Hall since September last year, the hawkers still did not move and this prompted the local authority to go ahead with the demolition plan.

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All systems go: DBKL officers carrying out the
demolition work in Kampung Kerinchi yesterday.

A DBKL officer said the hawkers would be shifted to a food court called Medan Selera Dataran Seri Angkasa Jaya, also located in Jalan Kerinchi. The officer also mentioned that four of the stall owners did not have any licences.

Headed by DBKL's enforcement and security department, the operation was also assisted by Tenaga Nasional Bhd, DBKL's mechanical and engineering department and the Brickfields police.

The vacated land will be used to build a public toilet for the food court and for some landscaping works by developer Nakkon Sdn Bhd.

Meanwhile, hawker Rohana Abu Samah whose shop was demolished said she did not receive any eviction notices from the local authority.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/5/16/central/m_04salvage.jpg

Still time: Stall owners trying to salvage their things as
the backhoe (background) begins to tear down the stalls.

She added she was unprepared when the enforcement officers showed up in trucks and backhoe loaders.

“I asked for the eviction notice but they said it was given out but I did not receive any.

“So I had to quickly remove my things as they carried on with the operation,” said Rohana, who has been operating in Jalan Kerinchi for six years.

pedang

June 4th, 2008, 05:17 AM

Global business chambers to meet in KL next year
Rupa Damodaran Published: 2008/06/04

THE global business community will discuss how to compete and grow in difficult economic conditions at the sixth World Chambers Congress (WCC), an international event of business associations.

The WCC will be held from June 3 to 5 in Kuala Lumpur next year, the first time in Southeast Asia, with the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) as the host.

"The Malaysian business community, and the small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must take advantage of the opportunities to showcase their capabilities," International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin said at the launch of a one-year countdown to the biennial congress.

Miti, through its agencies the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (Mida) and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) will arrange business matching sessions for SMEs that register early.

With over 1,000 business visitors and business matching sessions, FMM will also invite foreign chambers of commerce to organise business delegations and hold briefings for the participants.

FMM president Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon said Malaysia has an advantage as a gateway for other markets in the region, especially once the Asean Free Trade Area (Afta) is fully realised by 2015.

The WCC will have plenary and workshop sessions. Plenary sessions will address the key challenges faced by businesses today including economic implications of climate change, how businesses will need to respond to new challenges as well as the impact of globalisation on SMEs.

Other topics that will be addressed include corporate governance, counterfeiting and intellectual property, women in business, information technology and leadership.

"Businesses are being challenged with rising costs of doing business, increasing fuel prices as well as having to assume greater responsibilities on environmental and social issues."

Previous WCCs have been held in France, South Korea, Canada, South Africa and Turkey.

nazrey

June 10th, 2008, 08:09 AM

New look bus shelters for KL
Tuesday June 10, 2008
By CHRISTINA LOW
TheStar

BUS shelters are rarely nice places to wait for public transport, as they are often dirty and not well maintained.

At night, many bus shelters look like a scene from a haunted house with the dimly-lit fluorescent lighting.

This will have to change if Kuala Lumpur plans on becoming a world-class city and Parisign Marketing Sdn Bhd has taken the first step to help improve the situation.

“We wanted to do something nice and adaptable to the environment and buildings around us,” Parisign managing director Michael Tan said.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/10/central/m_pg08panels.jpg

Shiny sight: At night, the shelters are brightly lit to enhance safety.

The company specialising in signage manufacturing took months to study shelters in various parts of the world before deciding on one that will suit the local weather.

“In China, they have winter so their shelters are built for it but we can’t adapt such designs here as we have tropical weather,’ Tan, who has more than 25 years experience in building bus shelters, said.

Early this year, the company completed 154 bus and taxi shelters allocated to them by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

All bear the same design of glass panels and are brightly lit at night.

They also give the public a good view of the city’s skyline.

General manager Henry Tan, who was put in charge of completing the shelters, said the design was chosen to give the city a modern outlook as well as make the shelters a safer place to wait for taxis and buses.

Work on the shelters began in June last year and it took three days to complete a shelter, before the laying of electricity cables, tiling and lighting could be added.

The glass roof and backdrop differentiate the shelters from others as it was the company’s copyrighted design.

Parisign did not back down from complaints or comments on the new shelters.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/10/central/m_pg08shelter.jpg

Colourful: One of the new shelters along Jalan Sultan Ismail.

“We made a lot of adjustments after listening to public feedback. Most of the complaints were about the glass roof and that it was too hot,” Henry said after a trial bus shelter was placed in the Jalan Pudu area.

Parsign went on to improve its glass ceiling to provide more protection from the rain and added Rike Cool lamination, which is said to be able to provide at least 90% protection from IR radiation and also able to generate a cooling environment.

For the new style seating which is made of stainless steel, Tan said they had received complaints that it was too hot, especially during the dry season, but Parisign continued with the design in hopes of curbing vandalism.

The shelters are also equipped with side glass panels for more protection as well as bus route maps for the convenience of the public.

“We will also be introducing vending machines at the shelters so that the public can buy drinks while waiting, as certain locations do not have kiosks,” Henry said.

At night, all bus shelters are fully lighted and site inspectors will monitor the conditions regularly.

“They will check if there are bills stuck on our shelters as well as the power source is fully functioning,” Henry said, adding that any repairs would be completed within three days.

Parisign completed the task as a form of sponsorship with its sole income coming from advertisements on the shelters.

“We have invested RM22mil in building the shelters,” Henry said.

Costs also runs high if an accident occurs involving the shelters or vandals damage the glass panels, which the company has to replace within 24 hours.

From the revenue received from the advertising, Parisign said it had invested RM1.5mil in providing several improvements to the shelters.

Parisgn’s new shelters are located in Jalan Ampang, Jalan Ara, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Jalan Dungun, Jalan Gereja, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Jalan Hang Tuah, Jalan Lapangan Terbang, Jalan Pahang, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Pinang, Jalan Raja Muda, Jalan Syed Putra, Jalan Yap Ah Loy, Jalan Tan Siew Sing, Jalan Tun Perak, Jalan TAR, Bukit Bintang, Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Imbi, Jalan Melaka, Jalan P.Ramlee, Jalan Pudu, Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan Semantan, Jalan Melaka,Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Tun Razak.

Petaling Jaya folks can look forward to such designs in their neighbourhood soon as it is the second phase project after Kuala Lumpur.

Henry said work in Petaling Jaya had begun in stages.

nazrey

June 18th, 2008, 07:29 AM

New look for KL bus shelters and taxi stops
Wednesday June 18, 2008
TheStar

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/18/central/m_04bushelters.jpg

Getting a feel: City Hall, FT Ministry and ROW representatives
trying out the bus shelters at the ROW factory.

KUALA Lumpur will be getting a facelift with new bus shelters and taxi stops that are designed not only to be stylish but also to last longer.

New concessionaire Ritz Outdoor Worldwide (ROW) has been chosen by City Hall to spearhead the efforts to change the look of bus shelters and taxi stops to make KL a world-class city. ROW will be responsible for the development, installation and maintenance of 910 bus and taxi shelters in 11 districts in Kuala Lumpur.

“We are satisfied because the company is very comprehensive and has come up with interesting concepts for the bus shelters and taxi stops,” said Federal Territories Ministry deputy secretary-general Datuk Bakaruddin Othman during a site visit to the company’s factory to inspect the manufacturing processes of the bus shelters.

This project is part of the KL Street Furniture Concession, which is a new initiative by the Federal Territories Ministry and City Hall to redevelop all the existing bus and taxi shelters in Kuala Lumpur to ensure better transport shelters for commuters and create a new identity for KL.

It is also aimed at reducing government and local authority operational spending through privatisation.

“The 910 shelters will be built over three years and we will replace the old stops with new ones. There are five different models that we have designed to suit different places and sizes,” said ROW executive chairman Abdul Manan Nasir.

The stops are also built to last longer as they incorporate features to prevent vandalism.

“We use tempered glass of 8mm to 9mm thickness so that it will not break easily. We also have a comprehensive main-tenance programme, under which we will clean the stops every few days. We use chemicals that will remove any unwanted stickers or banners stuck on to the stops,” Abdul Manan explained.

ROW is also looking at using rough surface so that stickers cannot be stuck onto the shelters.

“We also use uniquely de-signed screws to put together the shelters so that they cannot be removed with normal screwdrivers. We have factored in vandalism when designing these shelters,” he added.

The smaller stops cost about RM30,000 each while the bigger ones cost about RM70,000 each.

“The building cost is borne by the concessionaire but they also have the exclusive rights to advertising. That said, content of the advertisements will still be regulated by City Hall,” Bakaruddin explained.

ROW will be using the network concept to sell advertisements rather than selling the whole bus shelter space.

“We will be using the network concept where we move the advertisements from one shelter to another within a particular time-frame. This is the latest advertising trend that the world is moving towards,” Abdul Manan said.

All the other concessionaires will have to follow the new models and specifications of these shelters designed by ROW.

forrestcat

June 19th, 2008, 02:25 AM

Kuala Lumpur the Abnormal City
Posted by St Low
Wednesday, 18 June 2008

The problem lies not just with the city and the city planners but also with it's inhabitants.

It’s easy to blame everybody else, particularly Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) and the government for problems faced by Kuala Lumpur, especially the perennial problem of traffic congestion.

People in the city are not civic-minded; they park their vehicles everywhere, even in the middle of the road, just so they do not have to walk a little to go to the shops, etc.

And the government can never make it right. Everything they do, or had done or tried to do to make life in Kuala Lumpur better will definitely be met with rejection. And they have found this to be especially true in the last general election when they lost many more votes than before especially in areas where stiff action had been taken to make cities cleaner and more comfortable.

There are just too many illegal activities in the city, and to wipe them off will cause the government to be less popular.

The people have been taught the culture of blaming others and not themselves. Many have become lawless and engage in illegal activities. And they become some of the major reasons why there is no peace in the city.

And for the authorities to act against these illegal activities, the people must bear with them to see their efforts come to fruition and not express their discontent by not voting the government in again when elections come around.

Yes, there are many selfish people in the city who care only for themselves and not for the city itself and the others who also live there.

There are many people who want to conduct their business activities illegally and in their own way turn every pavement, sidewalk and terrace house into their godown, store rooms and restaurants or sundry stores.

The roads are too narrow and the new town centers are poorly designed, causing traffic congestion. Garbage collection is collected irregularly and is poorly done, so there are garbage dumps everywhere especially during long weekend breaks and other public holidays.

Blame all these on the authorities?

Try and blame the inhabitants of the city for a change. What have they all done to deserve the city they live in?

If they are too careless and neglectful, and do not contribute by keeping their areas clean, then they should not blame others if bigger problems arise in the form of traffic congestion or a dirty environment.

To blame just the government and especially DBKL for neglect and inefficiency is wrong. The authorites can only do so much. But, if the city-dwellers, especially those who are affected do not welcome it, then there is not much the government can do to the city to make it a nice place for everybody else.

Little things have a tendency to collect and become bigger. And a big issue or problem faced by the city is traffic congestion. There is no one reason or factor that causes this, and there is no one way that it can be solved altogether.

The traffic congestion in Kuala Lumpur is abnormal for a city of its size. This is because Kuala Lumpur itself is not a normal city. There is no other city of its size in the world which has similar traffic problems.

The early administrators of Kuala Lumpur mostly lived within walking distances to the city center which was in the Mesjid Jamek and Jalan Melaka areas, and further up to Jalan Petaling. Only a few vehicles and ox-carts and horses could be seen travelling or parked on the roads.

However, since the early 1970s when our politicians started to dream of turning what seemed to be a well-planned city into a bigger city with more tall buildings and shopping complexes or hotels and office buildings, that everything turned haywire.

Life in Kuala Lumpur was not what it was supposed to be anymore. And the city started to deteriorate, and the nature of its well-balanced life changed for the worse.

This, unfortunately, can be manifested by the traffic congestion that can be seen today.

Kuala Lumpur has now ceased to become a real city in the right sense of the word. It is now no more than a huge shopping and office complex with most of the major hotel chains operating in it.

Hardly anyone actually lives in the city. Many high-rise apartment buildings in the city center had been demolished as they have been deemed to be ‘eyesores’, and in their places now stand much taller buildings meant only for commercial purposes like offices and hotels.

Unlike much bigger cities such as London, Tokyo, New York City and Paris, people actually live in them, and they can just go down the elevators to shop and walk a short distance to a cinema without even having to take the bus or taxi or subway.

In Kuala Lumpur on the other hand, people have been relocated outside the city. Kuala Lumpur has no place for dwellers; only shoppers, office workers and tourists.

And because of this there is a tide of people flowing into the city in the morning to get to work; and later in the evening the tide reverses with the same people stuck in traffic in every mode of transportation trying to return home, often reaching their houses late at night and having just enough time to sleep before having to wake up early the next morning to repeat the performance.

Therefore, the greatest mistake made by the authorities since the early 1970s is to relocate the inhabitants and demolish their living quarters in the city and replacing them only with tall buildings meant for commercial purposes which are dead after office hours.

In other cities, these buildings are still lit as they are also apartments for those who live there. So, many of them do not have to travel much or take public transportation to go to work. They just need to take the elevator to go to their offices or in other cases, take a short walk and they can get inside their offices.

Kuala Lumpur has been developed by leaps and bounds to turn it into a so-called modern mega-city but no thought was put in to maintain it's soul. Having more office buildings or parking lots will not ease traffic congession. We need more living spaces.

Forget about developing Pudu Jail. Turn it into a park. A new high-rise building in the already congested Jalan Pudu/Jalan Bukit Bintang area will bring more traffic there.

Even recently built buildings such as the Selangor and Malayan Mansions are now being threatened with extinction. In their place, taller commercial buildings are planned. Here, thousands of people have lived and it had created a life of its own, unique to the city, like a living museum. All that it needs is to be upgraded and not demolished.

Our authorities seem to think that tall buildings tend to give a good impression that our cities are modern. But, what they do not seem to realize is that with each tall building, the traffic flow will be affected, as these buildings attract people like magnets.

Big shopping complexes or hotels and offices are the real culprits in that they attract traffic congestion and especially if there is an event happening that attracts hundreds and possibly thousands of people or guests.

Smaller shopping complexes do not have the prestige which bigger ones have, but they do not result in congestion of people and traffic.

In Bombay, Madras and Calcutta or Old Delhi, people have not much use for public transportation because they live and work right in the city. Few have to travel into the city to go to work like what is happening in Kuala Lumpur. As such, traffic congestion in these much larger cities is noticeably less.

There is even less need to own personal vehicles.

Many people in big cities like those in Tokyo, New York or London do not even own cars because they have no need to do so although they can afford to.

Here in Kuala Lumpur, not owning a car means that someone is poor. So everybody will try to own at least one. Also, because of the atrocious public transportation and the fact that they have been relocated to living outside the city centre, owning a car is a must so they may be able to commute to their offices and for shopping.

Because everything seems to have been stacked into Kuala Lumpur, it appears to be a city where it is always trying to please everybody. And as a result it suffers as nobody gets pleased.

There must be a total freeze on the development of available land in Kuala Lumpur for commercial buildings. No more new hotels or shopping and office complexes. New ones must be located outside the city in new lands so that the traffic flow will be more varied.

New areas can be developed in the area from the city to KLIA which is now wide open space.

If I can advise the authorities who are now keen to solve the traffic woes in Kuala Lumpur, it would be this: Forget about minor solutions; try to find the major ones as have been described above.

The bus lanes are illogical to say the least as these buses will be clogged again at places where there are no special lanes for them. In the mean time, the roads affected with the introduction of these lanes will be narrowed and thus clog other vehicles who are making way for these buses to run. And the LRT dumps commuters onto streets with no sidewalks for them to walk on and if there is it will be taken up by illegal traders parking their stalls or motorists parking their cars indiscriminately.

Kuala Lumpur has been destroyed, save for some old buildings. And with its destruction and unplanned or misplanned reconstruction, comes traffic congestion. Traffic and pedestrian flow in the city have been left in total disarray, as a result.

Where can one walk at ease or sit on benches on the sidewalks in Kuala Lumpur like one can do in Oxford Street in London, or Park Avenue in New York City, or the Ginza in Tokyo?

By Mansor Puteh
(stolen from MalaysiaToday)

The Usual Suspect

June 19th, 2008, 06:06 AM

Parts of that article is a joke. I think if the govt tried harder to eradicate illegal activities in KL, they would be even more popular. The problem now is that people seem to think that govt officers are profiting from these illegal activities.

And I believe there are lots of people still living within the city – look at Kpg Baru, KLCC, U-Thant, Sentul, Bkt Bintang and so on. So the writers comments on city dwellers shifting away holds no basis. In fact, there are numerous condos being built within the city now. The biggest mistake I believe in our urban planning instead is that we didn’t think of developing the city in grids and we are not even headed in that direction.

IMO concentrating commercial buildings, shopping malls and hotels in single areas are better for business as a whole as these will turn into vibrant centers of attraction for locals and tourists. Of course at some point there needs to be some form of decentralization but the fact remains is that high density urban centers are necessary for large businesses to operate with a lot of ease (better logistics, convenient services, large pool of skilled workers etc) . My 2 cents.

nazrey

June 22nd, 2008, 07:22 AM

Fewer motorists entering KL
Sunday June 22, 2008
By YIP YOKE TENG
TheStar

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/22/nation/n_01traffic.jpg

Jam-free: Usually Jalan Imbi, in the Bukit Bintang area of Kuala Lumpur, is
jammed, especially during rush hour. This picture, taken at 5.30pm after a
spell of rain on Thursday, shows nearly empty roads in front of Times Square,
perhaps indicating that motorists are driving out less following the increase in
fuel prices.

KUALA LUMPUR: Fewer motorists have been driving into the city since fuel prices shot up early this month.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) recorded a 2% drop, according to statistics recorded by its Integrated Transport Information System.

Its Urban Transportation Department director Dr Leong Siew Mun noted an average 561,000 cars entering the city on a normal day in May, whereas its latest figures showed a 2% decrease.

“However, it is still too early to evaluate the impact of the fuel price hike on this aspect as the people are still adjusting to the new price,” he said.

On the other hand, RapidKL’s communications general manager Ebi Azly Abdullah said the company had observed an increase in the number of passengers on its bus and train networks following the fuel price increase.

He added that the company was conducting a proper study to find out the exact percentage of increase.

“The company would like to advise members of the public to take public transport to save cost. They can park their cars at the LRT stations, take a taxi or even cycle there,” he said.

Retiree K. H. Tham from Subang said that he and four of his friends had turned to the bus whenever they made trips into the city.

“We choose off-peak hours so there is not much inconvenience. The trip costs us RM4 each and we are applying for the senior citizen cards that give us a 50% discount.

“We usually need to wait 15 to 20 minutes for the bus to come. Whether or not this is acceptable is secondary, as I don’t think there’s a better option,” he said.

Bank executive Lim Mei Leng, who drives from Subang to Dang Wangi to work, said she and her colleagues were considering switching to public transport.

PLUS Expressways Bhd expects traffic volume to drop following the 41% hike in petrol prices but believes this is only temporary.

Traffic volume on the expressways recorded a strong growth of 7.7% last year and, according to PLUS chairman Tan Sri Mohd Sheriff Mohd Kassim, growth for the first four months of this year was still high.

The Usual Suspect

June 23rd, 2008, 02:28 AM

strange. i don't see less cars driving around PJ.

TWK90

June 23rd, 2008, 02:55 AM

^^

Yesterday, there were less cars roaming around Mid Valley, normally at Sunday afternoon, there should be more traffic, but the road in front of Sunway Pyramid, congested...

nazrey

June 27th, 2008, 03:26 PM

KL wants to be well-versed in humanitarian laws
Friday June 27, 2008
By MAZWIN NIK ANIS
TheStar

PUTRAJAYA: An international humanitarian law committee has been set up to ensure the country is well prepared to exercise humanitarian laws on its people during and in post-war period, should Malaysia ever get involved in such conflicts.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said the committee was set up last year following the Cabinet’s directive to ensure the country prepared to deal with humanitarian issues.

“I want to stress that even though Malaysia has no intention of going to war, we need to be prepared in the event we are forced into it.

“We need to be prepared and know how to deal with people when such crisis arises as they will face difficulties and need assistance,” he told reporters after chairing the committee’s first meeting on Wednesday.

The committee, chaired by Dr Rais, also comprised representatives from the Defence, Information, Home, Women, Family and Community Development Ministries, as well as the Attorney-General’s Chambers and police.

At Wednesday's session, Dr Rais said the committee was tasked with determining the Government’s scope and function during and post war and how “to treat the society according to what is stated in the Geneva Convention Act 1962”.

“We want to determine ways of harmonising international laws pertaining to the convention with our own laws when it comes to safeguarding and protecting the interest and well-being of our people if war occurs,” he said.

He added that the committee would meet three times a year, with the next meeting to be held in October.

nazrey

June 27th, 2008, 03:27 PM

nazrey

July 30th, 2008, 03:37 AM

Ex-British PM Tony Blair to speak at lecture series in KL
Wednesday July 30, 2008
TheStar

PETALING JAYA: Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair will speak on the rule of law and good governance at the 22nd Sultan Azlan Shah Law Lecture in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

Blair will be following in the footsteps of his wife, Cherie, who spoke on The Role of the Judge in a Human Rights World at the same lecture series in 2005. Blair was Prime Minister from May 1997 until June last year, when he stepped down to make way for Gordon Brown.

After graduating from Oxford in 1976 with a Second Class Honours BA in Jurisprudence, Blair became a member of Lincoln’s Inn, where he enrolled as a pupil barrister and met his future wife, Cherie Booth.

Blair was elected Leader of the Labour Party in July 1994 following the sudden death of his predecessor John Smith. Under his leadership, Labour won a landslide victory in the 1997 general election, ending 18 years of rule by the Conservative Party.

Blair was Labour’s longest-serving Prime Minister and the only leader to have taken the party to three consecutive general election victories. The lecture series is named after the Sultan of Perak and one-time Lord President of the Federal Court.

Attendance is by invitation only. For enquiries, contact the organisers at 03-7967 6501/6502/6500.

nazrey

September 3rd, 2008, 01:55 PM

KL bidding to host paralympics world assembly
Wednesday September 3, 2008 MYT 7:40:27 PM
By CELESTE FONG
TheStar

BEIJING: Kuala Lumpur is bidding to host the 2009 International Paralympics Council (IPC) world general assembly and the decision will be made Thursday.

Malaysian Paralymic Council (MPC) president Datuk Zainal Abu Zarin said they hoped to bring in over 200 member nations sports bodies and regional bodies to Malaysia next year if the country won the bid.

"That's what we aspire to be (the host for the world general assembly). That's good for Malaysian tourism,'' he said when met at the Paralympics Family Hotel here.

Zainal is also Asian Paralympic Committee president and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) governing board member.

"Originally, there were five countries bidding. Now only the two of us - Malaysia and Denmark - are bidding,'' he added.

The last world general assembly was held in South Korea and the year before that, it was held in Beijing.

Zainal said MPC had the ability and experience to deliver as it had been organisers for numerous international competitions, championships and sports seminars in the past 10 years.

"In sports, we have organised more than 10 international sports championships,'' he said, citing the KL 2006 Fespic Games (Far East and South Pacific Games) for the disabled as an example.

He said Malaysia also had the facilities - for instance KLCC Convention Centre and others - to accommodate the event.

"Besides, we can offer our warmth and Malaysian hospitality too,'' he said.

nazrey

September 3rd, 2008, 08:57 PM

Leo Burnett takes 73rd celebration to KL streets
Published: 2008/08/21 BusinessTimes

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Industries/Branding/leob.xml/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph10/burnett.gif

For the first time, the advertising agency marks its anniversary by giving away apples on the streets

WHILE an apple a day may keep the doctor away, Leo Burnett is hoping the fruit will help it win clients instead.

The advertising agency celebrates its 73rd anniversary this year and, for the first time, is taking the celebration to the streets.

This involves giving away apples on the streets of Kuala Lumpur.

"Most took the apples, but some were quite curious and maybe suspicious," said Adli Abdul Karim, a senior executive of Arc Worldwide, Leo Burnett's marketing services partner.

The apple has become a symbol for the US company, which started during an economic depression in 1935, and how it has grown into a presence in 84 countries worldwide.

The story was that Leo Burnett's office had a bowl of apples to welcome visitors. However, some sceptics were of the opinion that he would probably end up selling apples rather than give them away because times were bad then.

Apples are still being given away at Leo Burnett offices around the world, 73 years after the first office opened.

This year, Leo Burnett is going back to the apple as theme for its anniversary. The focus will be on HumanKind Acts to celebrate the founder's gesture.

Leo Burnett employees were served with a surprise lavish breakfast at their offices and each employee gets US$73 (RM243) to commemorate the agency's birthday.

Leo Burnett's clients include Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), McDonald's, Walt Disney and Nintendo.

nazrey

September 5th, 2008, 12:46 AM

AIG Software opens Asian hub in KL
By Zaidi Isham Ismail Published: 2008/09/05
BusinessTimes

AIG Software International JV Sdn Bhd, part of insurance giant American International Group Inc (AIG), has opened its Asian hub in Kuala Lumpur to offer travel help to policyholders.

AIG Software general manager for Southeast Asia Mark Pavlides said policyholders who face emergencies while travelling in the region can turn to AIG Travel Assist.

These include loss of passports or sickness.

Existing or new AIG customers who plan to go on holiday can also buy the travel assist product for as low as RM6 for domestic holidays or an annual package of up to RM300 per policy depending on holiday destination and length of stay.

"The group spent US$2 million (RM6.86 million) for this centre and we plan to expand to 100 employees by year-end," said Pavlides in Selangor yesterday.

The AIG Travel Assist was launched by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

The newly-established Kuala Lumpur centre will work with AIG Travel Assist's other four existing international assistance centres, of which two are in North America and one each in South America and Europe.

Meanwhile, Azalina said the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) travel fair should promote local destinations apart from those abroad.

"Matta should go on roadshows nationwide and promote local tourists destinations," said Azalina.

She added that there has been a 12.5 per cent jump in tourist arrivals in August from the previous month, of which 70 per cent are from European countries such as the UK, Germany and France compared with Middle Eastern tourists.

"The government is working hard by extending the opening hours at some shopping complexes such as the Pavillion to 12 midnight to attract tourists from emerging markets such as India and China," said Azalina.

nazrey

September 5th, 2008, 12:47 AM

KL to host global branding forum
By Rupa Damodaran Published: 2008/09/05
BusinessTimes

KUALA Lumpur will play host to this year's Global Brand Forum, often described as the "Davos of Branding" event, in December - to inspire companies to streng-then the Malaysian brand as a global entity.

Dynamic personalities such as former US president Bill Clinton, Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya, leading youth marketing and techno branding guru Martin Lindstrom as well as Kuwaiti retail icon and entrepreneur Sheikh Majed Al Sabah are expected to take centrestage with six others during the two-day event starting December 4.

Themed "Creating Leader Brands", Global Brand Forum Malaysia 2008 is jointly organised by integrated media investment group Media Prima Bhd and Global Brand Forum and is expected to attract about 700 participants.

Media Prima Bhd group chief executive officer of television networks, Datuk Seri Farid Ridzuan, said the branding gurus will help Malaysian companies understand what it takes to go global.

"Media Prima's initiative to bring the forum to Malaysia will provide the inspiration and knowledge for companies that have committed themselves to growing beyond the border," he said at a media briefing yesterday.

Global Brand Forum founder and chairman Karthik Siva said the future of Malaysian businesses lies in building brands instead of being stuck in the current mindset of replicating Western creations.

"Global Brand Forum Malaysia will help convince many Malaysian corporations that brand building is a worthwhile investment in an asset, rather than as a discretionary expense."

Karthik, who is also a well-known brand strategy expert in Asia, said the event will provide an opportunity to interact with, listen and get practical brand ideas from some of the world's influential brand gurus and practitioners.

There will also be industry break-out sessions in which small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can learn about branding for specific industries.

Apart from being the venue for firms to showcase their latest products, there will also be an award in recognition of the outstanding brand icon of the year.

Into its fifth successful year, the recent event that was held in August in Singapore had luminaries like Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, Spike Lee, the American film maker, Al Ries, the well-known branding guru and author and Al Golin, the chairman of US's most iconic firm GolinHarris.

The forum has also brought in former New York City mayor Rudi Guiliani, the late Body Shop founder Anita Roddick, former premier Lee Kuan Yew, leadership expert Warren Bennis, best-selling author Dr Deepak Chopra and film director Francis Ford Coppola.

nazrey

September 9th, 2008, 09:50 AM

KL Library To Offer Two-year Free Wireless Internet Access
September 09, 2008 15:43 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- Visitors to the Kuala Lumpur Library in Jalan Raja here will get to enjoy free wireless Internet access for two years from Wednesday.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall corporate communications manager Anwar Mohd Zain said the service would be available between 2pm and 6.45pm every Monday, between 9.30am and 6.45pm from Tuesday to Friday and between 11am and 5pm on weekends.

The service, which was provided under the wireless library access project, however, will not be available on the first and third Saturdays of the month and during public holiday, he said.

"To enjoy the service, the visitors just need to bring along their laptop computers," he said.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

September 15th, 2008, 04:15 AM

Mamma Mia! is coming here
Monday September 15, 2008

Mamma Mia! — the world’s No.1 musical — is coming to Kuala Lumpur from London during the Christmas and New Year holiday season, making its appearance in this region for the first time.

Final arrangements for the hugely successful musical, based on ABBA’s hit songs from the 70s and 80s, are being made by The Star.

According to a statement from Star Publications (M) Bhd, the show will let Malaysians experience this top act from London’s West End and relive their favourite songs from the Swedish pop group.

The ABBA hit songs include Honey, Honey; Money, Money, Money; Thank You for the Music; I Have a Dream; Super Trouper; Dancing Queen; Voulez-Vous; Winner Takes It All and, of course, Mamma Mia.

“This is also an opportunity to provide good, clean and quality entertainment to Malaysians and our Asian neighbours during the holiday season,’’ the statement adds.

Mamma Mia! will be performed at Istana Budaya Kuala Lumpur from Dec 17, 2008, to Jan 1, 2009.

The musical has been seen by over 30 million people worldwide and an estimated 17,000 people see the show daily around the world in major cities.

From its popularity and rave reviews worldwide, it is anticipated that Mamma Mia! will be one of the most successful and memorable musicals to arrive on Malaysian shores.

This musical is one of the most successful in musical history and will be good for corporate branding and for a good cause, says the statement.

Over the years, The Star has brought to Malaysia a myriad of shows, concerts and musicals that are wholesome, educational and entertaining. The musicals include My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music and Oliver!.

The shows include Mystical Steppes: Along the Silk Road, Wild Zebra, Shaolin Kung Fu Masters – The Legend, Shaolin Kung Fu Masters Return! and Dances of the Dynasties.

Join us in making Mamma Mia! the most exciting event in Malaysia this holiday season.

Watch out for more details in The Star.

nazrey

September 18th, 2008, 02:24 AM

Market complex used as commercial centre
Thursday September 18, 2008
Story and photos by STUART MICHAEL
TheStar

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/9/18/central/m_p2pasarFront.jpg

Come on in: The entrance to the market complex at Jalan Gombak.

THE pyramid-shaped Pasar Besar Gombak at Jalan Gombak in Kuala Lumpur was supposed to be a wet market when it was built in 1985 but it is being used as a general commercial complex today.

Instead of stalls selling fish, meat, poultry, vegetables and other food products, the huge three-storey market complex with parking facilities has been turned into a commercial bazaar with stalls selling flowers, pillows, clothing and household goods. There are offices, travel agencies, a salon and even a bank housed there.

StarMetro visited the complex and found that only a few stalls are selling fish, meat, poultry and vegetables on the ground floor. The second floor is occupied fully by offices.

People are seen going to the complex to use the ATM machine at the bank there. Other than that, the place is quiet, even on weekends.

Besides the Pasar Besar Gombak, there are two other similar markets — Pasar Besar Taman Tun Dr Ismail and Pasar Besar Cheras — all managed by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

Unlike the Pasar Besar Gombak, the other two markets are serving their purpose as wet markets and do not house offices and travel agencies.

According to an officer in the DBKL management office, the monthly rental of an office lot at the Pasar Besar Gombak complex was RM153 while a market stall rental is RM75 a month.

He said it was cheaper for the business people to rent the lots at the Pasar Besar Gombak instead of renting space at an office block which would cost at least RM2,000 in rental a month.

“The market traders at Pasar Besar Gombak are facing a hard time, with supermarkets along the same road drawing away customers. People seem to prefer buying the wet produce from the supermarkets,” the officer said.

“The DBKL has received complaints from market traders saying that the rental is too expensive and that they would not be able to survive because of poor business,” he said.

“We feel sorry for the market traders but to ensure that the market is fully used and well-maintained, we have no choice but to rent the empty lots to the small commercial companies to use as offices,” he said.

A market trader, who identified herself only as Hamizah, said that the DBKL should turn the Pasar Besar Gombak complex into a hypermarket, with stalls owned and operated by individual traders.

“With such a concept, both the DBKL and traders at the Pasar Besar Gombak would be happy,’’ she said.

A shopper who only gave her name as Cynthia said that she would go to the Pasar Besar Gombak only two or three times a year.

“Although the wet market items at the Pasar Besar Gombak are fresh, there are few choices, compared to the supermarkets down the road. There is only one stall each for meat, fish and chicken at the wet market,” Cynthia said.

“I would prefer to go the wet market in Air Panas that has more varieties,’’ she said.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/9/18/central/m_p1pasar.jpg

nazrey

September 20th, 2008, 08:14 PM

Mural explores Malaysia rich heritage
Saturday September 20, 2008
By JADE CHAN
TheStar

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GALERI Petronas director Tengku Nasariah Tengku Syed Ibrahim believes that it is important for the people to come with their families to have a chat and discuss the Merdeka Mural.

“It’s not only aesthetically beautiful, but also tells the story of our nation through art.

“Never before have we had such a huge mural like this, depicting more than 200 important leaders and people who made huge contributions to Malaysia,” she said.

She was speaking at the launch of Wallscapes: The Merdeka Painting by Wang Lan, Wang Xu and Shen Jiawei, which was launched by Barisan Nasional senator Datuk Zaid Ibrahim.

The exhibition comprises two commissioned murals: the Merdeka Mural and Third World.

Both signify a masterwork of mural conception and design that feature important historical and contemporary personalities in the shaping of modern Malaysia and the post-colonial world.

The Merdeka Mural features the work of acclaimed Chinese history painter Shen Jiawei, whose paintings once shaped the imagery of the Cultural Revolution, together with two other artists Wang Lan and Wang Xu.

“The Merdeka painting represents an imaginative and novel way for us to explore the meaning of Independence, the various roles played by various groups and individuals, and speaks of a deeper integration between the communities,” Zaid said.

“It will urge us to explore the meaning of Independence beyond the mere rhetoric and pageantry that we are accustomed to.

“Its expansive theme and motifs assert that Malaysia possesses a history that reaches beyond mere dates and events,” he added.

“The Merdeka Mural presents a version of our nation’s history in 12 packed panels starting from our early colonial past to the interesting times we now live in,” Tengku Nasariah said.

“The work was commissioned by Datuk Yap Lim Sen who put these prominent artists in touch with Malaysian historians, social thinkers and other prominent figures.

“In attempting to paint this epic depicting Malaysian history from every conceivable aspect €” political, social, economic, sports, entertainment, the arts €” there are inexhaustible conversations that came along with it.”

She feels that having the mural drawn by someone outside the country offered a fresh perspective based on what they were told by historians.

“This painting is tremendously important because we always think Malaysian history began in 1957, but it dates back far longer.

“But there are also interesting historical aspects to this painting, especially those who are not represented, people who have been conveniently or erroneously forgotten, like Tun Sambanthan, for example,” exibition curator Eddin Khoo said.

“This painting is also about how much we’re trying to remember that we tend to forget what is right in front of our face.” he said.

The exhibition will be held until Oct 12 at Galeri Petronas, Level 3, Suria KLCC. For details, call 03-2051 7770.

nazrey

September 22nd, 2008, 12:10 PM

Cleaner backlane, thanks to DBKL
Monday September 22, 2008
By FAZLEENA AZIZ
TheStar

THE Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) branch office in Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, carried out a clearing operation at the backlane of Jalan Sarjana in Taman Connaught.

The operation involved its health, licensing, planning, public works and mechanical engineering departments.

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Two-in-one action: An excavator being used to break up the backlane’s
cement floor and illegal extensions during the operation.

On Sept 1, StarMetro featured the wet slimy and stinking backlane with rubbish from the restaurants strewn all over the place.

Dirty dishes were seen being washed in big basins of water before they were sent back to the restaurants.

The condition worsens whenever it rains as the rubbish and leftovers flow further down the backlane.

The filthy situation has been cleared now with the DBKL taking immediate action to break up the cemented backlane to clean and clear the area.

Some water pipe and gas extensions were also made by certain operators.

A DBKL health officer said the shop owners had already been given notices by the planning department for the illegal extensions.

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Clean and clear: The backlane of Jalan Sarjana after the DBKL ops.

The officer said the operation was carried out two weeks ago but some operators managed to clear out before they could get to them.

She said the backlane would be resurfaced with tarmac to allow garbage trucks to enter the area.

“Removing the cement flooring, will also limit the activity at the backlane.

“It will also make cleaning of clogged drains easier,” she said.

During the operation, DBKL official removed pails, basins, water tanks and steel shelves outside the premises.

DBKL hopes that the operators would cooperate and realise the importance of cleanliness.

nazrey

September 24th, 2008, 09:49 AM

Hakim: DBKL plans to eradicate poverty by 2010
Wednesday September 24, 2008
By PRIYA MENON
TheStar

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Welcome aid: Hakim presenting RM300 to Norfadihah

THE Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL) plans to eradicate hardcore poverty by 2010.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan said there was a significant decrease in the number of hard core poor in recent years.

“For now, we only have 0.03% of hardcore poor families in Kuala Lumpur and we plan to give enough help in order to ensure that these families will not be under that category in 2010,” Hakim added.

He said this at a Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2008 Contribution event at the Community and Social Development Centre in Bandar Tun Razak recently.

Hakim also said that DBKL has long-term measures like counselling and skills training for the underprivileged to earn income on their own.

“But we also have short-term measures carried out to help these people and one of these is to provide assistance through aid given to us by the Housing and Local Government Ministry,” he said.

With help from the ministry, 381 families have received aid for rent, 63 families have received aid in the form of school apparatus while 29 families have received transportation aid for mothers to commute to work and children to school.

A total of 450 people who are single parents, senior citizens, the poor and those from the disabled community received the donation handed out by the mayor and DBKL director-general Datuk Salleh Yusup.

The yearly event is conducted to reduce the burden of the low- income families during the Hari Raya season.

The recipients, 237 single mothers, 102 senior citizens, 13 disabled people and 58 hardcore poor families were given RM300 and a sarong each.

A wheelchair-bound girl was extremely happy to receive the money. “I saw an outfit in a shop that I really want to buy for Raya, I’ll use a little bit of the money for that and the rest I’ll keep for something else,” said Norfadihah Zolkafli, nine.

Another recipient, Mohd Ali Abdul Rahman, 37, said the donation was a sign that the mayor was aware of the problems in the community.

“He is concerned with our well-being and the problems we are facing,” Mohd Ali said.

The father of six said that although the money was not enough for his entire family for Raya, it would help to buy provisions.

“We cannot afford to celebrate Raya. If we buy cookies for the celebrations, we will not have rice for the month,” he said.

The recipients are registered with the Pusat Rahmat. The information collected will be forwarded to organisations that deal with the eradication of the hardcore poverty.

Up till 2008, there are 1,902 members registered with Pusat Rahmat.

nazrey

October 3rd, 2008, 09:17 AM

No hustle and bustle in the city
Friday October 3, 2008
By PRIYA MENON
TheStar

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Deserted: The Ampang Kuala Lumpur Elevated
Highway was surprisingly empty on Tuesday.

THE usually buzzing Kuala Lumpur city centre was all quiet during the last few days.

With a large portion of the city population having returned to their kampungs for the Hari Raya celebration or going elsewhere for the long holiday season, those remaining are enjoying some easy driving and parking of vehicles.

Star Metro checked around the city centre and found that only Chow Kit area along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman was crowded.

The usually busy and jam-packed Jalan Raja Laut, Lebuh Ampang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Ampang and the Ampang Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway were quiet yesterday.

According to Lingkaran Trans Kota Sdn Bhd (Litrak), the concessionaire of the Damansara-Puchong Highway, the traffic situation in the city has been a bliss during the last few days.

Litrak communications manager Bhavani Krishna Iyer said since Monday the number of vehicles was down by 15% at the Sprint Highway while at the LDP was down by 12%.

“In the next couple of days we expect the number of vehicles at the LDP to be down by 40% while the Sprint will be down by 55%,” she said.

The LRTs were also less crowded even during the peak hours, allowing passengers to enjoy a comfortable ride.

RapidKL said in a media statement it had reduced the frequency for buses from last Sunday to next Tuesday due to the lower demand during the Hari Raya festive holidays.

“Although the bus service will be available for all routes, the frequency will be adjusted to suit the reduced demand,” the statement said.

However, the bus service which caters to government offices and institutions of higher learning will not be in service.

The routes are B115, T229, T423, T526, T527, T528, T530,T603,T604,T605,T629,T618 and U83.

According to the statement, the frequency for both the Ampang and Kelana Jaya LRT Line was also reduced from Wednesday to Friday.

nazrey

October 8th, 2008, 04:24 AM

DBKL to solve woes of relocated squatters
Wednesday October 8, 2008
By PRIYA MENON
TheStar

RESIDENTS of Kampung Batu 2 1/2 Jalan Cheras are unhappy about their upcoming relocation.

The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has allocated units at the Kampung Muhibbah Flats in Puchong for the 107 squatters,

One of the residents, Ng Long Hee, 48, said the flats were located too far from Cheras.

“Most of our children study here, so it would be a big problem for us to move to Puchong.

We hope that they can give us a location in Cheras to make it easier for everyone,” he said.

The area in which they are now living has been sanctioned for privatisation and has already been sold to the investors.

However, Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk M. Saravanan, who visited the residents yesterday, said there were no available flats in the area.

“The nearest flats we can offer the villagers are in Kampung Muhibbah.

“If they do not grab the opportunity now, they will be taken up by others,” Saravanan said.

He said vacant plots of land had to be made available for development in order to build new flats.

The residents also complained of the lack of streetlights as well as transportation woes in Kampung Muhibbah.

“Their requests are reasonable ones which I think we can accommodate, and we will try to solve their problems as soon as possible,” Saravanan said.

He also said elderly residents who found it difficult to climb the stairs would be given units only until the fifth floor.

They would also be given RM1,000 per family as compensation, in addition to the three-bedroom flat. The relocation exercise will start on Oct 15.

The residents were also fearful of the possible demolition of a Chinese temple in the squatter area.

“I think the temple will remain in its original place until we can find another site to rebuild it,” Saravanan said.

He added that temples were a sensitive issue for Indians and Chinese as most came back to pray in their temples even after they had shifted.

nazrey

October 20th, 2008, 01:32 AM

Clean up, eateries warned
Monday October 20, 2008
By CHRISTINA LOW
TheStar

RESTAURANTS and hawkers in Kuala Lumpur better buck up in regard to cleanliness, especially in ensuring their premises are rodent-free.

Deputy Federal Territory Minister Datuk M. Saravanan wants more effective action soon to curb the increase in the rat population.

“Anyone who takes a stroll along back lanes of restaurants will definitely have seen them,

“They can be spotted easily at any time of the day, and sometimes their size scares people,” said Saravanan, who encountered such a situation on his walkabouts around the city.

He said summonses and precautions were not enough to eliminate the problem as the rising numbers of the rodents was serious and traders needed to educated on the matter soon.

“The ministry has spoken to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall about the problem and the mayor will decide on the action to be taken soon,” Saravanan said at the launch of The People’s Arts Festival 2008 at Taman Budaya in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

The three-day festival featured dance performances by ethnic groups like the Malays, Chinese, Indians, natives of Sabah and Sarawak, orang asli and the Portuguese.

The annual event was aimed at promoting local arts and culture to the younger generation as well as spreading knowledge on the traditional arts of the various races, which seem to have been forgotten by many.

Saravanan said he hoped such cultural programmes would continue in the future for the benefit of the people in Kuala Lumpur.

Besides the performances, members of the public were treated to popular Malaysian delicacies.

They were also given an opportunity to learn to play traditional games and watch how food is prepared and traditional clothes sewn at live demonstration booths at the festival that ended yesterday.

Greg

October 22nd, 2008, 08:57 AM

http://www.straitstimes.com/print/Breaking%2BNews/SE%2BAsia/Story/STIStory_293094.html

KUALA LUMPUR - MALAYSIAN best-known destination for street food has been renamed, in a surprise re-branding that has created an uproar among the dozens of traders who sell local delicacies there.

Jalan Alor, which comes alive at night with more than 100 stalls selling everything from chicken satay to frog porridge, has been renamed Jalan Kejora by city authorities.
Critics say the change is pointless and will only confuse tourists, who nightly flock to the crowded street in the capital's Bukit Bintang district.

In the Malay language, jalan means 'street' and alor means 'stream'.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Abdul Hakim Borhan said the plan to change the name to Kejora - Malay for the planet Venus - was made three years ago as part of a re-branding exercise for Bukit Bintang, which translates as 'Star Hill'.

'Other roads in the area will soon have new names, and they will all be named after the stars to create a new image,' he was quoted as saying by the Star daily.

But Bukit Bintang parliamentarian Fong Kui Lun, from the opposition Democratic Action Party, said the move has created an outcry among Jalan Alor's traders.

'No notice, no explanations. They just replaced the street signboard and the only explanation we got from the mayor was in the newspapers,' he said Tuesday.

'For 50 years this street has established itself as a very famous hawker centre, it is almost a heritage to city folk and to just remove the name is a very uncalled for and irresponsible act by city hall.'

Many of the traders have named their stalls after the street, which has existed for more than half a century, and yields more than a million results on the Yahoo! Internet search engine.

Mr Fong said he would organise a protest petition to pressure Kuala Lumpur authorities to reconsider the decision.

'It is not easy to build up a name, a brand for tourists to remember. We hope City Hall will revert to its original name,' he said. -- AFP

nazrey

October 23rd, 2008, 04:07 AM

Jalan Alor’s renaming becomes hot news in cyberspace
Thursday October 23, 2008
By LOONG MENG YEE
TheStar

KUALA LUMPUR: The international media has picked up on the controversy over the renaming of Jalan Alor to Jalan Kejora.

In Singapore’s The Straits Times online, the news made it into the Top Ten most popular read stories yesterday.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s decision to rename the road also appeared in online versions of foreign agencies such as AFP and France24.

Popular search engines such as MSN, Yahoo and Google posted the story on their news sites as well, so did information portals such as AsiaOne.

The decision has drawn flak from almost everybody, including traders, tourists and residents.

The issue is still being actively discussed at various online forums and the general consensus is €“ why fix something that is not broken?

In his blog, Wangsa Maju MP Wee Choo Keong said that certain things, such as changing the name of a well-known street, just did not need doing.

“Many people are not happy with the change and they are speaking up against it,” he said.

On the Malaysian Bar website, reader Tan Peek Guat asked what benefit would City Hall gain by antagonising the people?

The complaints had reached Federal Territories Minister Datuk Zulhasnan Rafique.

He said that he understood the sentiments of the people as Jalan Alor was an international landmark and promised to listen to all sides.

He said he had asked Datuk Bandar Ab Hakim Borhan for a report and a decision on the name would be made soon.

nazrey

October 24th, 2008, 04:44 AM

DBKL cleanliness campaign to start next month
Friday October 24, 2008
By CHRISTINA LOW

THE Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will be launching its month-long Cleanliness Campaign next month.

“DBKL has lined up a series of programmes and activities such as gotong-royong, educational activities, enforcement checks as well as tree planting campaign to educate the public on keeping the city clean,” Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan said.

The campaign will kick off on Nov 1 at Jalan Masjid India withseveral programmes lined up around four parliamentary constituencies - Bukit Bintang, Setia-wangsa, Kepong and Titiwangsa. These programmes will take place on Nov 1, 8, 15 and 22 with the assistance of Alam Flora and the local community in the area.

An Anti-Litter Campaign will also be held around the city centre. The campaign will focus on educating the public and DBKL staff on how to maintain cleanliness of the city and how compounds and fines are issued.

Ab Hakim added that a Tree Planting campaign would be held on Nov 8 together with NGOs at Lembah Kiara.

Besides that, DBKL is also planning to give old buildings a new coat of paint and for a start the Taman Miharja flats in Cheras has been chosen as it is situated at the entrance of the city.

“This programme was initiated in 1986 when Kuala Lumpur hosted the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) meet.

“The programme was continued in 2007 when we celebrated Visit Malaysia Year and also for our country’s 50th anniversary when RM2mil was allocated for cleaning and painting works,” said Ab Hakim.DBKL will also be looking at more areas to be included in the programme soon.

nazrey

November 3rd, 2008, 12:39 AM

DBKL: No new stalls in Chinatown
Monday November 3, 2008
By YIP YOKE TENG and CHRISTINA LOW

THE Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has shelved a plan to add 94 new stalls at Petaling Street following strong objections from traders who find it increasingly difficult to do business in the area.

“We need to study the matter further,” mayor Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan told StarMetro, adding that the decision was made after a meeting between City Hall and the Federal Territories Ministry.

This latest development should ease criticisms from all corners, but the issue has re-ignited a pertinent question that many have been asking in recent years: “Has Petaling Street lost its lustre?”

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Still standing: The Hon Kee porridge stall spans three generations, starting
with Vivian’s late grandfather Wong Yu Wah who started the business some 60 years ago.

A bright yellow banner with the Pengasih logo hung under the blue canopy, and yellow lines indicating new lot placements now seem to be reminders of Petaling Street’s precarious Chinatown identity.

While the aroma of roast chestnut and the grease of roast duck still linger in the air, those who call out to tourists to come closer to their stalls selling only imitations are no longer Chinese.

This is an unhealthy situation to many Malaysians who feel that Petaling Street is our tourist destination as well as a Chinese hub where cultures, customs and cuisine are kept authentic.

“I witnessed the deterioration of Chinatown,” said businessman Khong Kim Lyew, 60, whose family has been living in the area for almost 100 years.

“There are too many stalls, whenever there’s a slight commotion it threatens to end up in a stampede, I cannot imagine what happens if another 94 stalls are to squeeze in,” he groused.

“The influx of foreign workers is causing this area to lose its identity,” he added.

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Wide choice: Tourists looking at watches and belts sold by a foreign trader.

Traffic congestion, chaotic order, unappealing appearance mainly caused by the dysfunctional and badly maintained canopies are other problems plaguing Chinatown according to Khong, who thinks all these stem from corruption.

However, to the traders, they have no choice but to employ foreign workers to man their stalls as the locals shun such tiring jobs or they ask for a high salary.

The traders are becoming fine with that, too. “This is happening in many parts of the world, even five-star hotels employ foreign workers, it is inevitable,” said Chan Kwok Chin, 56, who runs a famous bakery here.

Then, illegal traders who are foreign immigrants will invade the pockets of unoccupied sites when night falls. City Hall’s enforcement officers are deployed to tackle that. War zone is the word used by witnesses to describe the scene when the illegal traders run helter skelter as the enforcement officers shouted and chased after them. This has obviously turned tourists away and made Petaling Street infamous for a new reason.

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Crunch time: (right) Fung Wong Biscuits owner Chan Kwok Chin has been
running the family’s traditional biscuit business since taking over from his
father. With him is chef Chan Wah Chai, who is one of his longestserving chefs.

Adding to that, the newer generations supposedly tasked with upholding the Chinatown identity have chosen to leave.

Melvin Chan, 27, is one of the handful of the pioneers’ descendants who are willing to take over the business from their great grandfathers.

“Most of my childhood friends have opted to venture out and earn money in a much easier way - fixed salary, annual leave, 9am to 5pm working hours,” he said.

Vivian Wong manages her porridge stall after it was passed down by her father who died suddenly in 1993.

However, Wong, who is in her 30s now said she had no regrets taking over her father’s spot after her Form Six education.

“It is a really tough job manning a stall like mine, but it makes me happy listening to customers relating their first visit to my stall when my father was still around and how they are now bringing their own children to taste the porridge,” said Wong who wakes up 2am daily to prepare ingredients for her stall which opens at 4am.

So, do the traders fear losing Chinatown’s very own tradition thus losing its appeal that draws tourists from around the world? No.

“It is already famous internationally,” said Melvin, who planned to franchise his great grandfather’s noodle shop. “I am sure this place will continue to flourish so long as we manage it properly while preserving the Chinese elements here.”

Kwok Chin is optimistic, too. “The younger generations will move out, this is normal, but there will still be people doing the job as long as this is a place where businesses thrive,” he said.

Former Bukit Bintang MP Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said Petaling Street was still a crowd puller.

“Chinatown may have changed over the years but it is most often for the better,” said Lee, who admitted that he had not been there for some time.

Nevertheless, Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun acknowledged Chinatown’s fading legacy and was determined to preserve this heritage by bringing up the issues at the Parliament and Budget 2009 debates.

Stopping the inclusion of 94 stalls was one move to prevent it from becoming just another pasar malam, and City Hall should also reduce assessment and quit rent to lessen the traders’ burden to reduce their dependence on foreign workers, he said.

“If they can make money here, the locals will come back and they will stay,” he remarked.

He added that City Hall should improve on the area’s maintenance since they had been collecting a rental of RM100 to RM300 per stall every month.

nazrey

November 4th, 2008, 02:26 AM

DBKL promoting integrity to achieve quality
Tuesday November 4, 2008
By BAVANI M

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Let’s go: Ab Hakim launching the Quality Day as DBKL director-general Datuk
Salleh Yusup (second from right), deputy directorgeneral (development)
Zulkifli Ibrahim and deputy director-general (administration) Norma Malik look on.

QUALITY is built on the foundation of integrity, according to Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan.

And that is his rationale for launching the DBKL Integrity and Quality Day 2008 as a means to promote integrity as a work culture at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

Hakim, who launched the inaugural event at the DBKL Complex yesterday, said that integrity and quality were connected and that both principles must be practised by the DBKL staff.

“If you practise integrity, then your quality of work would improve. One would also become more accountable and responsible to the public,’’ Hakim said.

“If such a work culture is practised by everyone in the DBKL, then the public will have more faith and confidence in us and the services we provide, and they will support us as well,’’ he said.

“We have to ask ourselves if we are doing enough and what are the efforts that need to be done to do better,’’ Hakim said.

To ensure that the programme worked, a total of 78 DBKL staff members from various departments were appointed integrity officers to carry out programmes and activities to promote the integrity spirit among its staff.

The selected officers will be trained to ensure that programmes are conducted with, what else, integrity and quality.

nazrey

November 5th, 2008, 08:51 AM

DBKL (Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur) Tower (Kuala Lumpur City Hall)
This tower looks so outdated at strategic area!!!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/141/317319039_8afc3876c0_o.jpg

nazrey

November 7th, 2008, 05:29 PM

Government to develop land
05-11-2008: THEEDGEDAILY

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will develop land it owns in several strategic locations in the city, including a plot thought to have been privatised to, among others, the late Tun Ghafar Baba and Asnida Daim.

Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said yesterday the development of prime land would be a new income generator to boost federal coffers.

In his winding-up speech, he said competitive bids would be called to develop the strategic plots including the Rubber Research Institute (RRI) in Sungai Buloh and government land in Jalan Cochrane and Jalan Ampang Hilir.

He said that the development of the government land was expected to be a major revenue earner for the federal government coffers and the development would be done on a competitive tender basis, open to all in the private sector and government-linked companies (GLCs). The government will set the criteria and scope of development.

"If this concept of developing government assets such as its land in strategic areas can be implemented, it will be a major source of revenue," Najib said.

The development of government land is a measure to increase revenue without impacting the disposable income of the people.

Speaking to reporters later, Najib said the development of government land was estimated to be worth about "several billions". However, he stressed that the government did not plan to turn the land into a concrete jungle.

"It could be a green development," he added.

"The important thing is we will tender the development out based on concepts and conditions set by the government such as plot ratio. GLCs and private companies are encouraged to forward their requests for proposals," he said.

When asked if the land near Jalan Cochcrane had already been given out as announced in 1998, he said: "No, it's not given out to anyone".

In 1998, when the list of privatisation projects was unveiled, the development of the government quarters' site along Jalan Peel-Jalan Cochrane was approved in principle to Cochrane Indah Sdn Bhd. The individuals mentioned as its beneficiaries were Jen (Rtd) Tan Sri Yaacob Mohd Zain, Ghafar and Asnida.

The development of the RRI land was first highlighted by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in his 2003 Budget and attracted several bidders. It was reported that 10 developers were eyeing the privatisation of the 3,000-acre (1,214-hectare) land, which is located adjacent to the Tropicana development.

As for the government land in Jalan Ampang Hilir, developers said that the parcels were located in prime areas along Jalan Freeman and Jalan U Thant.

Developers also said that the concept of developing government land would open for development other prime plots in the city.

nazrey

November 7th, 2008, 05:39 PM

Economists, developers laud RM7b package
05-11-2008: by Ellina Badri THEEDGEDAILY

KUALA LUMPUR: The government's RM7 billion economic stimulus package is expected to effectively act as a buffer against the global slowdown next year, market watchers said.

CIMB Investment Bank Bhd chief economist Lee Heng Guie said the immediate impact of the stimulus package would be to cushion slowing growth and also provided medium- and long-term measures aimed at fostering stronger growth going forward.

He said the package reprioritised government spending, shifting focus to initiatives with a high multiplier effect.

Speaking to The Edge Financial Daily, Lee said: "The timing of the execution of the new measures is crucial. It needs to be implemented in a way that the effects can be felt when it is needed most."

He also said the government should ensure the effective and responsible allocation of the funds. CIMB Investment was also maintaining its 3% projection of Malaysia's growth rate next year, although the stimulus package could boost consumption by 0.3 percentage points, he said.

RAM Holdings Bhd head economist Dr Yeah Kim Leng said the package was timely, given that the global economy had already shown signs of a contraction. He said notably, the measures would work to boost business confidence and consumer sentiment.

Yeah said the RM7 billion injected into the economy could increase consumption by between 0.5 and 0.7 percentage points, while the proposal to further reduce corporate tax (to 25% under Budget 2009) would enhance the attractiveness of the country to investors, and raise the disposable income of businesses.

On the reduction of employees' EPF contributions by 3% on a voluntary basis for up to two years, he said while it would reduce the retirement savings of the average Malaysian, it would aid those who were in need of additional income.

"Any measure to increase purchasing power will help sustain the economy in the event of a slowdown," he said.

Yeah also said the government needed to ensure speedy and effective implementation of the package in order to fortify the economy.

Meanwhile, Real Estate and Housing Developers Association (Rehda) president Datuk Ng Seing Liong, commenting on the RM1.2 billion allocation for the development of low- and medium-cost houses, said this was the right step.

Rehda also lauded the government's move to allow foreign individuals or entities to buy commercial property worth RM500,000 or more without the approval of the Foreign Investment Committee (FIC).

He added, however, that the state governments should support the federal government in implementing the new measures for the property sector.

Meanwhile, Eastern & Oriental Bhd executive director Eric Chan said the company was open to participating in the open tender to develop selected government land.

"If the landbank is within locations which is suited to the E&O brand of property projects, we would be interested to consider. However, we are still taking a cautious approach to property developments, due to the current market environment," he said.

Government land included in the open tender initiative included land owned by the Malaysian Rubber Board in Sungai Buloh, and land in Jalan Cochrane and Jalan Ampang Hilir in Kuala Lumpur.

Mah Sing Group Bhd group managing director Datuk Seri Leong Hoy Kum said the pre-emptive measures strongly focused on increasing domestic spending. "Having more money in the people's hands will encourage investment in properties which is seen as a good hedge against inflation."

nazrey

November 11th, 2008, 06:38 PM

Guan Eng: Roadsigns in Kuala Lumpur prove my point
ST Online » NewsBreak
2008/11/10

KUALA LUMPUR:

The Penang government has taken its fight to have multilingual road signs to the streets in Kuala Lumpur.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today visited Bukit Bintang where there are road signs in Jawi to press home his point that Penang’s proposal had precedents.

“If (Kuala Lumpur) City Hall can put up road signs in Arabic in a Chinese populated area like Bukit Bintang, there is nothing wrong with putting up additional languages on the road signs in Penang, a world heritage site.

“It’s not as though we are taking away the national language. We are only adding more languages.”

He urged Umno to stop politicising the issue.
Also present was Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen, who said most of the road signs in Sarawak were in Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese.

Various quarters, including Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, have expressed opposition to Penang’s plan to have multilingual road signs.

The Penang executive council approved the installation of multilingual road signs in selected streets in the heritage enclave last month.

nazrey

November 12th, 2008, 12:57 AM

Adobe launches Creative Suite 4 in Malaysia
11-11-2008: by Ahmad Azrai

http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/storage/images/com.tms.cms.image.Image_8b4ce9f7-cb73c03a-1c8b24d0-b07c192e/1/Adobe_inside.jpg

Wearne: We wanted to provide new tools for the
creative industry to take ideas to their customers.

KUALA LUMPUR: Software giant Adobe Systems Incorporated officially launched its Creative Suite 4 (CS4) package of graphic design, video editing, and web development applications here today, 28 days after it launched the suite worldwide.

The applications - which include Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver and Flash - are available in six different packages aimed at different segments of the creative industry. The whole suite consists of 14 programmes and seven services, with support in 19 languages.

"We wanted to provide new tools for the creative industry to take ideas to their customers," said Adobe Systems Pte Ltd's Southeast Asia managing director Ashley Wearne at the launch here at the Shangri-La Hotel KL. "We took all the feedback and comments of our users, and basically redesigned our whole suite of applications accordingly.

"Our customers had no complaints about our programmes - covering interactive web design, design / cross media and video production - which are all excellent programmes in their own right. However, they wanted us to start integrating the various applications in a way that allowed those who were familiar with one type of software to intuitively use the others, even if they had no exposure to them.

"What they wanted was a simpler workflow, and CS4 will not only enhance productivity, but also supports new features that give the users more tools to be more creative with," he said.

The suites cost from between RM6,969 (Creative Suite Web Premium or Production Premium) and RM10,239 (Creative Suite Master Collection). Users who upgrade from Creative Suite 3 will be able to obtain the suite at reduced prices. Users of earlier versions than that will also get to enjoy a reduced upgrade price.

"We are aiming at those customers who have not upgraded from CS2 to CS3," added Wearne. "They will have even more reason to upgrade, as CS4 gives them so much more. We have now about 60,000 users - mostly in education - and we hope to get about 15%-20% of all business users using CS4."

nazrey

November 12th, 2008, 09:21 PM

Bill Clinton to give lecture in KL on Dec 6
Published: Wednesday November 12, 2008 MYT 8:39:00 PM
By ROYCE CHEAH

KUALA LUMPUR: Former US president Bill Clinton will make his first trip to Malaysia to deliver the inaugural BC Sekhar memorial lecture on Dec 6.

And the good news is the lecture is open to the public, not just politicians and business leaders.

Petra Group founder Datuk Vinod Sekhar, who had invited Clinton to Malaysia, said any interested member of the public who wants to hear the lecture would be able to do so.

“We want to give everyone the opportunity. Clinton is a visionary leader and an inspiration to millions,” Vinod told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday.

He asked those interested to send an e-mail to clintonlecture@petragroup.net with their name, address, contact number and identity card number.

“The venue for the luncheon lecture will be decided depending on the response. Everyone has an equal chance of attending and tickets are free.”

The lecture is being organised by the Sekhar Foundation with the support of the Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute.

Clinton, who will be in Kuala Lumpur immediately after the Clinton Global Initiative meeting in Hong Kong, will also be awarded the BC Sekhar Medal for Transformational Leadership.

Vinod said the new award would be given annually to individuals who have demonstrated a lifetime of commitment to bringing about positive and practical change to the world.

He added that Clinton would be in town for about two days but was unable to say if his wife Senator Hilary Clinton would be coming along.

“She indicated that she was keen but now with the situation in the US after the Democratic win, I think she would be busy taking care of what is happening there.”

Clinton said in a statement that he was honoured to visit Malaysia for the first time and that he looked forward to meeting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

nazrey

November 22nd, 2008, 02:02 AM

KL proposes team on transport study
Friday November 21, 2008
By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ

THE Federal Territories Ministry has proposed that a joint team be set up to study the evolution and enhancement of an integrated public transportation system in the developing cities at the 7th Plenary Meeting of the Asian Network of Major Cities (ANMC21) in Kuala Lumpur this week.

According to Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique, the ANMC21 meeting was a good platform to discuss and compare notes as they were some exemplary cities, like Tokyo, which had a successful integration of public transportation.

“The difference between the major cities in the world and Kuala Lumpur is that they have an integrated public transportation system, headed by the city authorities,” he said.

“We have to see some examples and learn from it and see how we can work it out here,” Zulhasnan said at the launch of ANMC21 at the Legend Hotel in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Zulhasnan said the ministry had submitted a proposal for an integrated public transportation system to be used in Kuala Lumpur to the public transportation Cabinet committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

In addition to host Kuala Lumpur, the other cities taking part in the meeting are Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei and Tokyo. The three-day meeting ends tomorrow.

The meeting deliberates on and decides important administrative issues, hears reports on the progress of joint projects, conducts discussions on the theme of member cities’ policies and presents reports on issues of special consideration.

The focus for the policy dialogue at this meeting is on flood-control measures. The member cities will discuss flood prevention measures from structural to non-structural measures and prevention to disaster management.

As part of the programme, the delegates are visiting the SMART tunnel as they want to see it first hand and understand how it works.

Taking part in the meeting are Tokyo governor Shintaro Ishihara, Taipei City deputy secretary-general Yeong-ren Chen, Singapore South West District mayor and Environment and Water Resources Ministry senior parliament secretary Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan, Seoul chief political affairs officer Jang Eun Seo, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani F. Fernando, Jakarta government affairs and apparatus assistant secretary Fajar Panjaitan and Thailand Drainage and Sewerage Department director-general Chanchai Vitoonpanyakij. Representing Kuala Lumpur is mayor Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan.

nazrey

December 8th, 2008, 04:50 AM

DBKL action comes after readers’ complaints
Monday December 8, 2008
By SAM CHEONG

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/12/8/central/m_08bulldozer.jpg

Coming down: A file picture of a bulldozer
tearing down stalls in Jalan Palong, Cheras.

FINALLY, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had done the right thing by demolishing a row of illegal stalls in Jalan Palong and the credit goes to our readers who voiced their concerns.

Following our highlight on Nov 24, DBKL had sent a team to investigate claims on low hygiene standards and indiscriminate littering by the stall owners.

They acted by serving notices to the traders to vacate the premises within seven days.

A resident, who contacted us, said he was relieved with the news and hoped that City Hall would continue to monitor the situation and prevent any illegal stalls from sprouting in the area.

“I am glad that the DBKL has taken a drastic move to get rid of the culprits who have been causing so much problems here for the past few years.”

What was shocking was that there were some 70 stalls operating in the area.

They mushroomed over the years and the irony of it all was that the locals who are doing business here were spared from having their stalls demolished.

By right, no one — whether local or foreign — should be spared if they are doing business illegally and, at the same time, becoming a nuisance to the people whose livelihood is affected as a result of their carelessness.

City Hall should look into the matter seriously and provide an amicable solution to resettle the local hawkers in a proper area where they do not obstruct traffic.

In a response to a letter by a reader called Yeo on Dec 1 regarding food handling, City Hall stated that they are constantly monitoring the matter.

Health inspection on food outlets and enforcement activities under the 1979 Food Act are carried out from time to time.

This includes a mandatory typhoid jab for food handlers and compulsory food handling and hygiene courses for business owners.

nazrey

December 24th, 2008, 03:47 AM

Plans for food bar kiosks in KL
Wednesday December 24, 2008

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/12/24/central/m_pg12adam.jpg

Adam: We will highlight this idea to Zulhasnan

MD ADAM Resources Sdn Bhd plans to build more “Food Bar” concept food kiosks in Kuala Lumpur and in other states to help petty traders expand their business, its executive chairman, Datuk Muhammad Adam Abdullah, said.

The food bar featuring modern designs akin to those in cities like London, Paris and Tokyo would not only attract tourists but would also promote local delicacies at strategic locations in and around the federal capital, he said.

Building food bar concept kiosks would also provide petty traders with the opportunity to conduct business in a more comfortable and attractive ambience.

“We will highlight this idea to Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique and Kuala Lumpur City Hall soon for their consideration. We are prepared to cooperate with Zulhasnan in his initiatives to boost the image of petty traders in Kuala Lumpur.

“This idea will not only give petty traders a new image but also have a positive impact in transforming Kuala Lumpur into the country’s main gateway.

“We want to recommend a Sandwich Bar, Nasi Lemak Bar, Roti Canai Bar, Dim Sum Bar, Vadai and Chips besides ala cafe local cuisine,” he said

At the Federal Territory Hawkers and Petty Traders Congress recently, Zulhasnan said the ministry had agreed to set up a council for petty traders and hawkers which would take into consideration the needs of all races.

Muhammad Adam said his company also wanted to propose the setting up of “Family Concept” modern cafes at recreational spots in Kuala Lumpur.

fritz_kaktus

December 27th, 2008, 12:00 AM

Malaysia: Property Mart Will Be Resilient To Survive Soft Global Economy

2008-12-27 00:01

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: The Malaysian property market, which is expected to enter the down cycle next year, will still be resilient enough to survive the onslaught of a softening global economy.

The government's RM7 billion stimulus package, including the reduction of Employees' Provident Fund contributions from 11% to 8.0% coupled with lower interest rate and inflation, would provide the bright spark to the market.

The market still has ample liquidity as banks continue to give out financing despite worries about an increasing credit crunch in the US.

Association of Valuers and Property Consultants in Private Practice Malaysia (PEPS) president, James Wong Kwong Onn, said although the property market was expected to see a slowdown in the take-up rate there would not be a major correction as there was still room to grow.

He said Malaysia was in a better position compared to Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand which were more exposed to the US sub-prime crisis.

"Prices in these three countries have shot up tremendously by 50-100 percent but in Malaysia, the increase was gradual," he said.

Wong, however, said the association did not expect the market to burst as there would be a moderate reduction in property prices.

He said the property market, especially for residential and commercial, has been 'red hot' for three years up to the third quarter of this year but the softening economy has put a pressure on it.

According to Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association president, Datuk Ng Seing Liong, the property market would see a slowdown of between 5.0% and 15% in 2009.

He attributed the economic slowdown as a dampener to the enthusiasm of buyers.

Ng said sales generally would be ongoing but in small volume as most purchasers adopted a wait-and-see attitude while most developers downsized their new property launches for next year.

"Prices are likely to moderate by 5.0%-10% from the first quarter 2009," he said.

An analyst from Aseambankers Malaysia Bhd said buyers were holding back their investments until the economic environment was stable.

He, however, anticipated home buyers to return to the market in the second half of 2009.

"The 'hot' property items, especially luxury condominiums in the prime locations, such as in the Kuala Lumpur city centre and Month Kiara, would continue to be a focus as demand remains positive.

"Iskandar Malaysia is in the limelight. The most prominent developments are in Nusajaya and Danga Bay, which have attracted buyers from all over the world," he said.

An analyst from OSK Research, who also shared his view, said given a huge supply expected to hit the market, especially in the high-end condominiums segment commencing late this year, 2009 would prove to be a year of reckoning for the Klang Valley's luxury condos.

"As the market having to digest the massive supply of high-end condos that will flood the market to at least 2010, this supports the belief that the next property boom cycle will potentially be led by high-end landed properties," he said.

He said the next phase of the property upcycle could only commence in early 2010 or 2011. (By FARAZIRA AMIRA YUSOF/ MySinchew)

nazrey

December 30th, 2008, 03:36 PM

KL sets to welcome 2009
2008/12/30 Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, TUES: Despite the scaled down celebration to usher 2009, the federal capital will be lit up at the stroke of midnight with a multitude of colours welcoming the new year.

A fireworks display has been organised by the private sector at KLCC and the Curve in Damansara to treat revellers who are expected to pack roads leading in and out of the city, to usher the new year.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah will join thousands of Malaysians and tourists to usher 2009 at Dataran Merdeka.

The Ambang 2009 Kuala Lumpur, organised by the Ambank Group, at the historic site is expected to begin at around 8pm until the countdown of 2009.

Although the government does not have an official celebration, the private sectors such as Petronas would sponsor a show and fireworks display at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) Park to herald 2009.
The Curve, meanwhile, will put up a festive atmosphere with live entertainment and exciting activities for an exhilarating countdown to 2009 via its “New Year Eve Street Party”.

New year revellers in the city centre will not need to worry about transportation home as transport operators — Rangkaian Pengangkutan Integrasi Deras Sdn Bhd (RapidKL) and KTMB Bhd — will extend their bus, light rail transit (LRT), and train services on new year’s eve.

RapidKL general manager of communications Ebi Azly Abdullah in a statement said that the LRT services for Kelana Jaya Line which include Kelana Jaya, KL Sentral, Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek and KLCC would be extended to 2.30 am, while at Bangsar, Dang Wangi, Kg Baru and Ampang Park, LRT services will be available until 2 am.

“LRT services for other stations will also be on until 12.45am,” he said. In addition, there will also be bus services available at various stations around the Klang Valley until 2.00 am.

“Passengers are advised to buy return tickets when using the LRT service to minimise inconvenience as stations such as KLCC, Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek and Hang Tuah will be very busy,” he said.

KTM Bhd in a statement today said that the additional trains, which involve Sentul-Port Klang-Sentul and Seremban-Rawang-Seremban routes, would be operating after normal hours.

“There will be five additional trains each for the Seremban-Rawang and Sentul-Port Klang routes, six for Rawang-Seremban and four for the Port Klang-Sentul route,” according to the statement. Seven additional trains will also be provided from KL Sentral and Kuala Lumpur Railway Station to Rawang, Seremban, Port Klang and Sentul after the normal hours.

“Please note that the last train leaving Seremban for Rawang is 12.15 am, Rawang to Seremban, 12.45 am, Sentul to Port Klang, 12.25 am, and Port Klang to Sentul 11.55 pm,” according to the statement.

While the last train from KL Sentral to Rawang will be at 2.02 am, Kuala Lumpur Railway Station to Seremban, 1.54 am, Kuala Lumpur Railway Station to Port Klang, 2.06 am, and KL Sentral to Sentul, 2.02 am.

For further information and clarification, members of the public can contact RapidKL Helpline at 03-76256999 or visit its website at www.rapidkl.com.my. and KTMB call centre at 03-2267 1200 or the nearest KTM Komuter Station.

nazrey

January 9th, 2009, 12:06 PM

DBKL aims to be business-friendly
Friday January 9, 2009
TheStar

THE Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is starting the New Year with a resolution to be business-friendly.

KL mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail told reporters on Wednesday that as a start, several initial business-friendly measures had been taken by the DBKL.

First of all, effective next month, the DBKL will allow a business operator to open shop once an acknowledgement slip of his application for a licence is given by the DBKL, even before the licence is issued.

“We understand that when a business operator puts in his application for a licence, a lot of money is spent on deposit, so we will allow him to start operation pending the approval of the licence. But, it is subjected to rules and regulations set by the DBKL,” Fuad said.

“Also, come next month, we will make the composite licensing easier, where other elements can be incorporated as well,” he said.

Fuad also said business operators compounded for failure to renew their licences had been give a grace period to settle the problem.

He said the errant business operators had until the end of this month to resolve the matter.

Fuad said the move was another goodwill gesture by the DBKL.

“The business operators have appealed for a reduction or retraction of their compound, claiming that they were not aware of the licence renewal period as no notice was received from the DBKL,” he said.

“For those who have paid the compounds, we will renew their licences. On the RM2,000 compound, the provision is a deterrent if the rules are not followed,” Fuad said.

“We will give some leniency based on their request, like a 30% discount and also study a reduction rate of 30% to 50%, depending on the amount,” he said.

“The business operators can also opt to have their licences renewed for a one-year or three-year period,” Fuad said.

“On the assessment tax, RM330mil is still overdue. So, we want to let the public know that those who have properties not rented out are entitled to a 20% discount on their taxes,” Fuad said.

“Some property owners can also use (contra) their property to waive their taxes. But this is based on the discretion of the DBKL as we do not want to be saddled with a liability,” he said.

“It is also not fair that 80% have paid their taxes while the remaining have not. We will take the necessary action but we are still considerate as they can opt to pay using post-dated cheques,” Fuad said.

“For those who pay their taxes early, we are giving them pens as souvenirs,” he said.

Fuad said despite giving importance to enforcement this year, the DBKL would be fair to all.

nazrey

January 14th, 2009, 01:18 PM

Build Green Cities, Urges Jeanne
January 14, 2009 18:43 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- City planners should take more initiative to incorporate the green concept in landscaping, wife of the prime minister Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah said.

Jeanne, who is also the chairman of the National Landcape Advisory Panel, said this was crucial to strike a balance between substainable development and protecting the environment in rapidly growing cities.

"Malaysia is blessed with such beautiful greenery, so efforts should be made to protect them.

"Instead of felling all the trees for development, I believe we should change the concept and build around the trees and nature," she said when officiating at the Stroer Malaysia's Beautifying Malaysia plan, here, today.

She commended Stroer Malaysia's plan to invest RM100 million to beautify Kuala Lumpur, adding that it could encourage similar initatives from the private sector.

Stroer Malaysia which began operating here in January 2008, is a subsidiary of Stroer Group, a leading outdoor advertising company in the world.

The investment will be spent within five years to, among others, put up directional signages, electronic information boards and media units using state-of-art technology.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

January 16th, 2009, 04:22 PM

KLCC Park An Oasis Within The City
January 16, 2009 12:16 PM
By Nurul Halawati Azhari

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- The KLCC Park with the majestic Petronas Twin Towers as its backdrop not only captivates any visitor but also serves as a perfect avenue to relieve stress associated with life in the city.

The 20-hectare green lung right at the heart of Kuala Lumpur's concrete jungle provides a different prism of Malaysia, a country endowed with rich flora and fauna.

The park being part of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and designed by a world renowned landscape designer and naturalist from Brazil, the late Roberto Burle Marx, is a brilliant testimony how planners have struck a balance between development and preserving the nature.

In making the park more alluring, water themes were added and the Symphony Lake is one of them. The lake has two fountains that sprays water in more than 30 animated formations with a new one every 15 minutes. The animated formations comes to life at night when added with lights.

To enjoy the relaxing atmosphere in the evenings, one only needs to take a walk or a jog along the 1.3km track. The track brings visitors around the park cutting through gentle gradients and slopes with different landscapes along the way.

Murals have been added to enrich the view, and other attractions like a wading pool and a children's playground covering two hectares provide space for activities.

Therefore it's not surprising that between 2,000 and 3,000 people come here daily. The number increases many folds especially during the eve of the New Year and Merdeka, and the number of visitors to the park annually exceeds one million.

CONSERVES THE EXISTING BIODIVERSITY

According to Petronas' General Manager for Legal and Corporate Affairs Mohd Azhar Osman, KLCC Park is different compared with the Central Park in New York or Hyde Park in London.

"It not only provides a recreational avenue for visitors to unwind but also serves to protect the flora and fauna in its natural habitat within the city," explained Mohd Azhar.

The KLCC Park in fact is still the home for the 63 matured trees that thrived there when the area was still under the Kuala Lumpur Turf Club, the previous owner of the land.

"At that time, the trees were already quite old but were shifted to the park along with the grass and the top layer of the soil.

"It is quite nostalgic because apart from the old trees, the grass that you step on is also the original one," added Mohd Azhar.

Now, after 10 years of existence, this urban park is the home of 1,900 indigenous palm trees from 66 species.

Many might not be aware that, the park also has fruit trees like longan, duku, jambu bol, rambutan and mangoesten. Some of them have started to bear fruits but it is definitely not meant for visitors to pick.

The whole idea is not only to preserve the flora and fauna but also educate the public.

KLCC PARK NEEDS TIME TO MATURE

Nonetheless, KLCC Park is not in the same league like the magnificent Garden of Versailles in France or the Eden Garden in Cornwall, England. But one has to remember it took hundreds of years for both of these parks to achieve their current stature while KLCC Park has only been around for 10 years now.

The Malaysian Nature Society President Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor opined that the KLCC Park is in its own league - an urban park made to cater for the rapid pace of development.

"The characteristics of parks evolve according to the present needs and thus currently the urban parks are the answer for rapid pace of economic development, preservation, research and education," added Dr Salleh.

Dr Salleh feels that the KLCC Park fulfills the characteristics of an urban park like stated.

"Though it will take a long time and enormous efforts to evolve into a world renowned park. Malaysians, especially those dwelling in Kuala Lumpur can be proud of the KLCC Park's beauty and uniqueness," he added.

KLCC Park could be the prelude to a magnificent park in posteriori.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

January 21st, 2009, 02:19 PM

‘KL needs improved system to develop’
Wednesday January 21, 2009

PUTRAJAYA: Kuala Lumpur’s administration and management system and structure need to be improved and strengthened before it can become a developed city by 2020, said Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique.

The Federal Territories Minister said the legal framework for DBKL had come about as the local authority could no longer handle all the problems as some of the functions were under the jurisdiction of other ministries and agencies.

“This gave rise to problems of non-coordination. As such, several issues that involve the people cannot be resolved,” he told reporters after opening a workshop on Towards a More Effective Management and Organisation of Modern and Sustainable Cities here yesterday.

The two-day workshop will identify several issues on the duplication of functions, roles, and implementation by local authorities and government agencies. All the proposals are to be presented to the Cabinet.

Zulhasnan said it was time for better co-ordination and closer co-operation so that Kuala Lumpur could be more effectively managed.

Non-coordination in terms of authority and allocation meant that efforts to combat social ills, crime and to alleviate flood and improve public transport could not be resolved effectively as DBKL had no legal power, only supervisory.

He said the FT Ministry had to deal with more than 16 ministries, 30 departments or agencies and five local authorities in the planning and development of Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama

nazrey

January 28th, 2009, 02:52 AM

Ministry Sets Up Committee To Enhance Delivery System In KL
January 27, 2009 22:42 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 27 (Bernama) -- The Federal Territories Ministry has set up the Modern City Management Committee to enhance the service delivery system in Kuala Lumpur.

Minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique said the move would hopefully turn Kuala Lumpur into a first class city by 2020.

He said the committee would study and compare the management mechanisms, laws and administrative and local government structures adopted by developed countries.

The committee chaired by Putrajaya Corporation president Tan Sri Samsuddin Osman would also scrutinise the administrative, planning and development implementation systems as well as the efficiency of municipal service delivery.

The aim was to create a sustainable and safe municipal administrative area, he said in a statement.

"The committee will also identify the basic criteria to meet the modern city management concept and study the power and liaison coordination mechanisms involving various agencies or institutions," he said.

He said Kuala Lumpur as well as Putrajaya and Labuan would be administered based on a modern management concept.

Zulhasnan said the committee had held a workshop involving agencies under the ministry as well as other relevant agencies and it had come out with recommendations which would soon be finetuned before their tabling in the Cabinet.

He said that presently the public assumed that Kuala Lumpur City Hall had full control over the management and administrative affairs of Kuala Lumpur but actually, over 16 ministries, 30 departments or agencies under those ministries and five local authorities had some jurisdiction in matters pertaining to the city's planning and development.

"The time has come for a high-level art of management if Kuala Lumpur were to be administered efficiently and turned into a sustainable and lively city," he said

-- BERNAMA

daniel24

January 28th, 2009, 08:31 PM

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn161/NELSONJAVIER28/untitled-1.jpg

LeeighIam

January 29th, 2009, 03:18 AM

huh? what does the metrosexual dude (or gay) has anything to do with the thread?

nazrey

January 31st, 2009, 04:40 PM

Great things ahead for KL
Saturday January 31, 2009

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/1/31/central/m_p4Zulhasnan.jpg

Let’s celebrate: Zulhasnan showing this year’s Federal Territories Day logo.

Kuala Lumpur celebrates its 35th anniversary as a Federal Territory tomorrow. Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique speaks to Bernama about his ministry’s plan for the federal capital.

Bernama: There are 13 parliamentary constituencies in the federal territories, with KL having 11. But you are the only Barisan Nasional candidate in KL to have won during the 12th general election in March last year. KL is now represented by 10 Pakatan Rakyat MPs. What is the challenge like?

Zulhasnan: The Federal Territories are under direct control of the federal government. As the Federal Territories Minister, my approach has always been to listen to the voice of the opposition. Before the 12th general election, KL only had four representatives from the opposition, but I still adopt the similar approach.

I also listen to the problems of representatives from BN components.

What’s important is that we work for the people. I always welcome ideas and criticism. I stand true to the principle “listen to complaints and opinions before taking action”. The point is to carry out our duties efficiently.

Q: KL is now dominated by the Pakatan Rakyat, but you are seen to handle the situation calmly and bravely. What is your comment on this?

A: We need to give first priority to our responsibilities and duty. I answer all questions raised by the opposition in Parliament rationally as I have nothing to hide. We must practise an open policy.

When we discuss certain issues in Parliament, it can be resolved with two-way communication. I take the responsibilities entrusted in me seriously.

Q: When an attempt to change Jalan Alor’s name sparked an uproar last year, what were the messages you received regarding the issue?

A: I had instructed the KL City Hall (DBKL) to refer to me or the Federal Territories Ministry should there be any plan to rename any road in the future.

In the Jalan Alor case, I had to listen to the local community, tourists and the DBKL before making a decision to retain the street name.

When an area is popular and has its own identity, we must keep the name for the good of all quarters.

Q: It is said that you sometimes have a penchant for going down to the ground without the media. Why?

A: When I have the time I will cruise around KL to survey the area. I believe we can find out a lot using this approach.

Sometimes I do my fact-finding mission without the media accompanying me. We need to understand and study all issues. I believe in this approach.

Q: Recently you stated that there are more than 16 ministries, 30 agencies or departments under five local authorities that had had some jurisdiction in matters pertaining to the planning and development of KL. Can you explain?

A: At present the public assumes that the DBKL has full control over the management and administrative affairs of the city. But the reality is that some of the functions are under the jurisdiction of several related ministry agencies and government agencies.

For example, while the DBKL is in charge of building taxi and bus stations, the bus routes are decided by the Transport Ministry and the bus licences are issued by the Road Transport Department.

The roads are maintained by the Public Works Department and rivers taken care of by the Natural Resource Ministry.

Another issue is how to overcome social ills and crime such as immigrants, vagrants, prostitution and drug abuse.

As a local authority, the DBKL can only monitor the situation and control the issuing of licences and business activities. It does not have the power to arrest and detain because it only has the mandate to coordinate.

This is the dilemma we face in KL. The city folk may not know or understand about such a situation.

If there is a power conflict in carrying out a task, it is difficult for each party to do what they need to.

As the biggest local authority in the country, the DBKL has a huge responsibility while running the city.

Q: How can such a dilemma be overcomed?

A: For KL to become a first-class city by 2020 we need to use the modern city management approach.

As a first step, my ministry has appointed a management committee to enhance the service delivery system.

We cannot achieve this by just beautifying the city and planting trees. We need to learn so much from other developed cities in the world. We need to take this seriously.

This is why the ministry has sent its officers to Singapore, Shanghai, Tokyo, Seoul, London, Berlin and Vancouver to study how the laws and regulations, administration and management are implemented in these places.

These are not leisure trips. If we want to develop KL, we need to learn from the best. Such exposure is useful.

We have found that the local authorities in those cities have more exclusive power and job scope.

But in Malaysia, the local authorities have to share power and job scope with other ministries and government agencies.

Q: Do you think this problem can be resolved?

A: We have formed a special modern city management committee. Recently, we also organised a workshop on “Towards managing and coordinating a modern and stable city”.

All the suggestions and inputs from the workshop will be studied carefully and then submitted to a group of ministers. Attention must be given to this for the future of KL.

Q: What about the development in Putrajaya and Labuan?

A: Although Putrajaya is seen as the federal administration centre, the Putrajaya Corporation (PjC) is taking various steps to make it a commercial centre as well as centre for extreme and water sports.

Putrajaya also has its own arena for international equestrian sports. Apart from that, it is also famous as a “flower city”, especially with the organising of the Floria Festival last year, which has made Putrajaya even more popular at the international level.

Labuan, on the other hand, is moving forward with the development of the halal hub, which costs RM50mil, funded by the federal government.

Apart from its oil and gas, Labuan is also well-known for its excellent education facilities and duty-free centres.

Q: What is the main challenge at the local authority level? Are you satisfied with their performance?

A: I am very satisfied with the performance and responsibility shown by them in the three FTs, especially in KL.

The main problems in KL are traffic congestion, flash floods and cleanliness.

So, what matters most for the local authorities is to respond immediately upon public complaint. They need to strengthen their delivery system. This is the most important scope.

I have also mooted the OneStop Centre concept at the three FTs to facilitate the city dwellers in their transactions. This is one way to enhance the delivery system.

Q: There were angry reactions when the draft Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020 (KLCP2020) was unveiled. What do you have to say on that?

A: The city dwellers must have misunderstood and perceived the draft as something that is final. It’s only a draft. That’s why we called it a draft plan.

Currently, it is at the public hearing stage, for the residents associations and non-governmental organisations to voice their views.

We hope to conclude the hearing process by June, but I can extend the hearing process if the response from the people is good.

What is important is that this is an opportunity for the public to be heard.

I welcome, with an open mind, any objection, criticism, suggestion, and comments. Only then we will be able to work as a team to formulate a local plan for KL.

I am giving the assurance that the voice of the people will be given the priority. This is the time for them to voice their suggestion and objections.

Meanwhile, we will focus on the green area in the city, such as part of the Bukit Kiara, which has been gazzetted as a recreational park like the Hyde Park in London.

Q: What about the Kampung Baru development plan?

A: It has been included as a separate entity in the draft KLCP2020.

This is a joint effort by my ministry and the DBKL. Much efforts have been made by the ministry to develop Kampung Baru, including assisting the local residents on matters pertaining to land titles and inheritance.

Several briefing sessions have also been held. If the Kampung Baru development plan is well accepted, it will not only create history but will also fulfill the vision to empower the Malays in the city.

It all depends on the residents whether to accept or reject the plan.

If it is accepted, then it will be developed by the government, beginning with the establishment of the Kampung Baru Corporation.

Q: Most residents of KL, Putrajaya and Labuan want their city to be a world-class city. What role should they play?

A: If they want their city to be a world-class city, they have to play the main role. They have to understand what is expected of a first-class city. It will not mean much if the city is a first-class one but the people are stuck with a third-class mentality. Education is the key to success.

Q: The problem of traffic congestion still persists. When can we expect it to be resolved?

A: After a retreat on “Empowering the road transportation system” last year, all its suggestions have been submitted to the cabinet committee on public transportation chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

We are also taking all the necessary measures based on the allocation to reduce the traffic congestion in the 10 areas categorised as hot area during the morning and evening rush hours.

There are many ministries and agencies involved in the transportation service in KL.

So the first thing we have to do is to upgrade the city public transportation system.

Q: How about the development of areas on hillslopes? The people in Damansara 21 welcomed the ministry’s recent decision to ban hillslope development. What is next?

A: The cabinet has instructed the Housing and Local Government Ministry to draft a guideline on hillslope development projects.

My ministry will also issue a guideline pertaining to the development on hilly areas upon receiving feedback from the Housing and Local Government Ministry.

In the case of Damansara 21, we have heard the residents’ complaints and have frozen the project. We have also in instructed the company to continue rehabilitating the slopes for the sake of the residents. We will also monitor the situation in the area indefinitely.

Q: What is your wish for this year’s FT Day?

A: My wish is that the three FTs will continue to enjoy excellent progress and for their people to have a good life on par with their counterparts in other developed cities in the world.

nazrey

January 31st, 2009, 04:42 PM

A greener and cleaner KL will make it more livable
Saturday January 31, 2009

HOW livable is Kuala Lumpur? The main factors that make a city livable are a good transportation system, affordable housing, healthy environment, low crime rate, plenty of job opportunities and leisure activities. StarMetro speaks to city denizens to get their views on what makes KL a livable city.

Bandar Tun Razak MP Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim

“I want to see KL become one of the top 20 most livable cities in the world. There are criteria that need to be followed but I would like to work with the KL mayor to see that happen. Two of the things that need to be done to improve the quality of life in the city is to redo some of the low-cost housing schemes and to clean up the rivers like Sungai Selangor.

Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai

“KL has got a long way to go before it reaches the standard of becoming a world-class city,’’ said Tan.“ A livable city Tan said means that there are no flash floods, the drains are not clogged, there are plenty of parks and green space to go to and the congestion problem should at least be tolerable.

“Something else that is lacking here is that there not a single recreation centre for senior citizens. I visited Taiwan recently and was surprised to discover that there were over 300 recreation centres for seniors. We haven’t got a single one here. That should be something that the government should consider,’’ added Tan.

Bangsar Baru Residents Association president Datuk George Joseph

“The DBKL should seriously think about keeping KL green as much as possible if it ever wants to be a livable city. We need more recreational areas and more trees. At the moment there is too much development happening around us. Take Bangsar for instance, the main roads are congested with traffic and the air and noise pollution is intolerable. There must a balance. If Singapore can do it, why not us,’’ he said.

Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye

“The quality of life is an important aspect in the development of any city to make it more liveable. To me the most important aspect is having a clean environment with plenty of open space and parks. But having said that public safety is also an important aspect to consider.

“If people are fearful all the time of going out due to frequent crimes then it erodes their quality of life,’’ Lee said.

He, however, added that keeping a city safe is not just the role of the police and the local authority. “Everyone has to do their part and we need more active NGos like MCPF to play a part in educating the public,’’ he said.

OshHisham

January 31st, 2009, 06:48 PM

yup, greener KL. let say, launch a campaign of '1 million trees 1 year'. and set a target to lower the temperature of KL to 1-2 degree celsius.

nazrey

February 1st, 2009, 04:09 AM

Mayor confident city woes can be resolved
Saturday January 31, 2009
By BAVANI M

THE roads are choked with traffic, rivers are polluted, drains are clogged and infested with rats, no thanks to the roadside hawkers, and the dwindling number of green space.

Yet, despite all these shortcomings, people are inexorably drawn to the federal capital, the hub of power, money, fashion, entertainment and food. Indeed, for many people, it is a land flowing with milk and honey, a place for a comfortable and enjoyable living.

Most of its residents are from other states who see the place as a gold mine, to work at well-paying jobs or make money doing business.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/1/31/central/m_p2fuad.jpg

Ahmad Fuad: His goal is to reform the way the DBKL operates so that its
actions are more transparent and its delivery system more efficient and effective.

But they will pack their bags and make a beeline out of the city to balik kampung during the various annual traditional festive celebrations.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail said while the Garden City of Lights might not be perfect, given time most of the city’s woes could be resolved.

Fuad, who has just taken over as mayor about two months ago, is determined to make the city a place that KL residents can be truly proud of.

He knows that the main challenge he has to tackle, apart from the city’s three perennial problems of flash floods, traffic congestion and cleanliness, is changing the apparent negative perception people have of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/1/31/central/m_p02trafficjam.jpg

Bumper to bumper: Is it possible for the city to rid itself of traffic jams one day?

Fuad’s goal is to reform the way the DBKL operates so that its actions are more transparent and its service delivery system more efficient and effective.

He has pledged to get the DBKL work force cracking to ensure that the complaints are dealt with and the service improved and upgraded.

“We have good policies, a legal framework that is fair and just, and we have a good vision. In fact, the DBKL is not as bad it has been portrayed by some quarters,’’ he said.

Fuad acknowledged that the DBKL needed to work on improving its public image.

“Because of one or two isolated cases, the whole administration is blamed and gets a bad name and that is not a very positive thing for us,’’ he said.

Fuad lamented that usually the only the negative things about the DBKL were made known to the public, while its good work and achievements hardly ever get press coverage.

The mayor is not blaming the media or making excuses, but simply wants the press and public to be fair and reasonable, and to help make the city a place they are proud to call home.

Fuad acknowledged that ratepayers were entitled to expect the DBKL to provide a clean, conducive, comfortable and safe environment to live, work amd play.

However, he pointed out that the residents themselves also must play a significant role in the maintenance and development of the city.

“People want to live in a clean and healthy environment with parks and playgrounds, then they must stop throwing rubbish everywhere and also stop vandalising public properties,’’ Fuad said.

According to Fuad, the DBKL spends RM15mil a year to maintain and upgrade the city’s 14 public parks.

The staggering amount includes the cost of repairing vandalised park equipment like swings, slides, benches and jogging tracks.

According to a DBKL source, the Metropolitan Park in Kepong alone requires RM1.5mil a year to maintain.

Fuad urged the people to stop treating the rivers and drains as a dumping ground for garbage.

Also, if the people want to paint graffiti on the walls or race on public roads then he is willing to provide the space for them to do so.

“If you want to show your creativity or like to race, just do them properly at the right place,’’ Fuad said.

Fuad, an advocate of sustainable living, said the residents must do their bit by preserving the environment and recycling was among the most viable options for the city.

According to Fuad, the residents generate some 550,000 tonnes of garbage per year and the bulk of it is household waste.

It has been reported that garbage generated by Kuala Lumpur residents is the highest by weight in the country, with 1.8kg per person per day, compared with 1.5kg per person in other parts of the country.

Fuad said the DBKL spent RM160mil to engage contractors to handle solid waste.

“That does not include money spent on illegal dumping cases. Imagine what we can do with such a huge amount of money -- build more parks, playgrounds, flyovers and bus stops,” he said.

“Of course, people expect good services, but they should be more understanding and co-operative in working with us at the DBKL to make Kuala Lumpur a first-class city,” Fuad said.

nazrey

February 2nd, 2009, 05:09 AM

Thousands attend FT Day celebration at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa
Monday February 2, 2009

THE Federal Territories Day celebration was a colourful affair filled with dancers, brass band, drums and balloons at the Taman Tasik Titiwangsa in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The theme for the year is Wilayah Maju Warga Sejahtera, celebrating 35 years of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, 25 years of the Labuan Federal Territory and eight years of the Putrajaya Federal Territory.

The celebration was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who was present with his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/2/2/central/p2drums.jpg

A crowd-puller: The beating of various types of drums at the celebration.

Also present were Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique and his wife Datin Seri Anna Razak, deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk M. Saravanan, Federal Territories Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib, Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail, Putrajaya Corporation president Tan Sri Samsudin Osman and Labuan Corporation president Datuk Suhaili Abd Rahman.

Thousands of people arrived as early as 8am to take part in the many activities organised for the public.

Among the activities were art and colouring competitions for the children, flower arranging competition, cooking competition, Walk Hunt Explorace, X-Treme Games, Basketball 3 on 3, Open and Inter-Agency Futsal competition, Braille Chess competition, remote-controlled boat competition as well as remote-controlled helicopter show and a congkak competition.

The opening act involved about 3,000 participants from various government departments and agencies, non-govermental agencies, volunteers, residents associations and security forces.

Some of the activities at the launch included flag marching — bearing flags of the three Federal Territories — Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.

More fascinating was marching by 35 members of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) mounted horse unit.

There were also some cultural shows from various organisations, followed by a gymnastic performance by students from SK Convent Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur.

After the launch by the prime minister, about 30,000 colourful balloons were released to mark the celebration.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/2/2/central/p1FTday.jpg

nazrey

February 19th, 2009, 09:12 PM

New rules for billboards in KL
Thursday February 19, 2009
By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ

BILLBOARDS located less than 500m away from traffic junctions will be the first to go with the implementation of a new set of billboard guidelines in the city.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail said the new set of guidelines by the Housing and Local Government Ministry were more detailed and dealt with the location, structure and visuals on the billboards.

“If a billboard is located on a piece of land that is not approved, especially non-commercial land and its structure does not follow the guidelines, and its visuals and messages do not comply with the local image, then a billboard is completely illegal,” he said.

He added that some of the guidelines such as the prominent use of Bahasa Malaysia as compared to other languages would remain as before.

There are 134 illegal and 1,400 legal billboards in Kuala Lumpur. The area with the highest number of billboards is Lembah Pantai.

Fuad urged the ownders of illegal billboards to take them down before the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) took action.

“We are not going to be lenient but we will consider giving a chance to those who declare that their billboards are illegal.

“For instance, if they are illegal but located at a permitted spot, we will give them a licence. In this economic slowdown, we would like to give a chance to those who bend the law but those who break the law will still have to go.

“Billboards which are illegal will definitely be brought down. We will get contractors to do it and they can keep the scrap metal as payment,” he said, adding that notices to bring down the billboards were given out to the offenders.

nazrey

February 21st, 2009, 09:31 AM

Iowa Trade Mission To Visit Kuala Lumpur
February 21, 2009 15:24 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- An Iowa Trade Mission will be in Kuala Lumpur from March 2-3.

The trade mission will hold a meeting at the Imperial Hotel,in Jalan Sultan Ismail.

Members of the trade mission include those from the Iowa Agribusiness Export Partnership & Greater Des Moines Partnership, Jacobs Corporation, M.A Ford, The Seed Company and Proliant Meat Ingredients.

To register for an appointment, contact Ms Boni Chuah at 03-2168 5112 or fax 03-2142 1866.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

March 3rd, 2009, 02:47 PM

New image for Federal Territories
Tuesday March 3, 2009

THE Federal Territories Ministry will create “Pillars of Federal Territories”, focusing mainly on aspects of cleanliness, courtesy and love, as another identity for Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan residents.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique, said the pillars would bring about a new image for FT residents, in line with the ministry’s effort to make Kuala Lumpur a first-class city by 2020.

“Cleanliness, courtesy and love are vital aspects which should be given priority and nurtured among FT residents, in a bid to create the pillars.

“This is because these aspects are the basic values toward the development of fully developed cities in countries like Japan, England and France. So, we need to have the three values to reflect the people in the FT,” he said in Labuan on Sunday.

Zulhasnan was here in conjunction with the closing of FT Day Festival 2009 at the Dataran Labuan.

The idea for the pillars came following the prime minister’s speech while launching the FT Day Festival in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 1, which reminded all residents in FT to provide quality and friendly services at all times. — Bernama

OshHisham

March 3rd, 2009, 06:29 PM

pedestrian bridge kat area Puduraya connecting Maybank and Petaling street, bila nak buat? kata start 2008..?

Metrobus bila nak di'ajar' kan diaorg tu...? tak reti bahasa punya bus operator!

nazrey

March 11th, 2009, 12:30 PM

DBKL To Improve Alert System, Build Two More Ponds
March 11, 2009 17:41 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 (Bernama) -- The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will build two more holding ponds and raise existing river embankments as part of flood mitigation measures in the national capital.

Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail said DBKL would also review the Sungai Kroh-Sungai Jinjang river diversion project, implement fast deliveries of information to affected residents in the event of floodings and install more flood warning sirens.

There was no plan, however, to build a second stormwater management and road tunnel either for flood mitigation purpose or to ease traffic congestion, he said.

"The existing tunnel is sufficient. What we need to do is to upgrade the facility in line with current needs," he told a news conference.

He said that a second tunnel was not practical at the moment because it would cost billions of ringgit to construct.

"It is also difficult, not to mention dangerous, to dig tunnels in the Klang Valley because the valley sits on granite rocks," he said.

Several areas in the capital city were inundated by floodwaters following a two-and-a-half-hour downpour last Saturday.

On the holding ponds, costing RM2 billion, Ahmad Fuad said, they would be built in Kampung Buah and Kampung Benteng in collaboration with the Irrigation and Drainage Department.

It would be completed between four to six months, he said.

"With the two new holding ponds, the Klang Valley will have six such facilities," he added.

On the Sungai Keroh diversion project which had run into delays, Ahmad Fuad said, DBKL was considering various options including having a new contractor to complete the project.

nazrey

March 12th, 2009, 05:56 PM

nazrey

March 12th, 2009, 05:57 PM

KL folk happy with pedestrian boost
Thursday March 12, 2009

MOST city residents see the pedestrian move as a moral boost and welcomed it with open arms.

“It’s definitely a great step forward as it will not only be convenient for the public to hop from one building to another but is’s also a great way to boost tourism,’’ Sungei Wang Plaza promotions and public relations manager K.K Lim said.

Lim added that Kuala Lumpur was still far behind Bangkok in terms of connectivity.

“The allocation will greatly help elevate the appeal of Bukit Bintang as a tourist hub,’’ said Joyce Yap, president of the Malaysian Association for Shopping and Highrise Complex Management.

Yap, who is also the acting Pavilion Kuala Lumpur CEO, said the project would improve accessibility and connectivity to the golden triangle and will indirectly encourage people to walk.

Bukit Bintang MP Fung Kui Lun said he welcomed the news as it would not only boost tourism but would connect the missing link between Bukit Bintang and the KLCC area.

“It’s great news and definitely good for business,’’ Ancasa Hotel & Spa, Kuala Lumpur public relations manager Melinda Ambrose said.

“We have been hearing about this project for years.

“In fact, there was talk recently that the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) planned to build a RM20mil elevated walkway to connect the Menara Maybank, Ancasa Hotel, and the Cahaya Suria Shopping Centre with the Pudu Raya Bus Terminal and Chinatown,’’ Ambrose said.

Istana Hotel director of marketing and communications Hasma Ahmad also agreed that it was a good move.

Peter Tan, who has been using a wheelchair for more than two decades, however, hoped that the walkways and skybridges would be accessible for all.

“There has not been much improvement in facilities for the disabled and we hope that this would change,’’ Tan said.

City resident Shahjehan Safian also added that he was confident the move would help alleviate traffic congestion and also reduce the number of accidents.

nazrey

March 16th, 2009, 09:36 PM

RM10bil makeover for three areas in Selangor
Monday March 16, 2009

KLANG: Petaling Jaya, Kajang and Klang will get a RM10bil makeover spanning five to 10 years.

The facelift would begin this year, said Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.

There will a conference next month to brainstorm for ways to pull off the mammoth task.

Several experienced town planners, including a Malaysian based in the United States, would participate in the conference.

Khalid criticised Klang as having no character and the main work would be done to clean up Sungai Klang as it is the focal point, meandering through the heart of town.

“Klang’s character should be the river, like how they have the Thames (river) in England. We want to clean-up the river and if we can do that, Klang,” said Khalid after launching an economic empowerment seminar organised by the Sri Andalas state constituency yesterday.

He added that the makeover in Klang would take about seven years, including the refurbishments of some old structures and maybe even extending the light rail transit network to this royal town.

“Or, we can even have boat rides right up to Masjid Jamek in Kuala Lumpur to ease the traffic congestion,” he said.

Klang resident Zunaidah Hashim, a Customs Department worker, was happy with the ambitious makeover plan, hoping that it would come true.

nazrey

March 25th, 2009, 02:24 PM

City Hall and PAM to introduce Malaysia’s Green Building Index
Wednesday March 25, 2009
By BAVANI M

IF Kuala Lumpur residents can resolve problems related to the environment now, then there will be changes soon to their quality of life.

This was the message outlined by the speakers at the International Conference on World Class Sustainable Cities 2009 (WCSC 2009) taking place in the city.

In a move to address at least one aspect of the problem in the city, the Kuala Lumpur City Halll (DBKL) and the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) are working together to ensure that buildings in the city are environment- friendly.

PAM president Lee Chor Wah said: “One way of doing that is by introducing Malaysia’s Green Building Index (GBI). This is our first certification tool that will provide guidelines for environment-friendly construction.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/3/25/central/m_pg04zeo.jpg

Green building: The Zeo Building in Cyberjaya.

“We will be launching GBI with the co-operation of the DBKL next month in a move to lead the Malaysian property industry towards becoming more environment-friendly,’’ said Lee.

GBI is intended to promote sustainability in the built environment and raise awareness among developers, architects, engineers, planners, designers, contractors and the public about environmental issues.

Lee said Kuala Lumpur needed to catch up with the world or else it would lose out to countries like Singapore which had its own GBI rating.

“We realised that many properties in Asia cannot be re-sold or leased out to foreign and multi-national companies because these are not green. It’s part of their social responsibility to preserve the environment,’’ Lee said.

He said even international brands wanted the shopping malls to be green before they decided to take up lots there.

Lee said the number of buildings in Kuala Lumpur with green rating were scarce while some buildings had their own rating system. He said each country had its own GBI rating standard and that it was time that Malaysia had its own.

He said the response had been encouraging as developers wanted to be socially responsible as well as economically sound.

A building with GBI ratings is built using eco-friendly elements and strictly no plastic and paint with toxic elements.

“The air is fresher here, energy- saving lights are used, buildings materials are eco-friendly,” Lee said.

The DBKL, the Petaling Jaya City Council, PWD Building, the Federal Terri*tories Ministries and the Housing and Local Government Ministry are now interested in going green.

A good example of green buildings in the Federal Territory are the Zeo Building in Cyberjaya and the Securities Commission in KL.

nazrey

April 9th, 2009, 05:21 AM

MP calls for total ICT coverage for city folk
Thursday April 9, 2009
By BAVANI M

KUALA LUMPUR should be at the forefront in information and communications technology (ICT), hence services like broadband and Internet must be easily available to all,’’ said Kepong MP Dr Tan Seng Giaw.

Tan said Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding conurbations must have Wi-Fi access but many areas in the city such as Kepong lack such services.

Tan was presenting his views at the Draft Kuala Lumpur City Plan’s (DKLCP2020) public hearing committee at DBKL on Wednesday.

“In order for Kuala Lumpur to attain world class city status, it must move with the times or it would be left behind,” said Tan.

He mentioned that DBKL with a local technology firm launched the KL Wireless Metropo-litan project last year to create 1,500 hotspots in the city was a move in the right direction.

The project provides KL-ites with free Wi-Fi access for two years but he added that more must be done.

“The city is an important engine for economic activities and growth, so it must embrace the latest technologies to be at the forefront,’’ he said.

“We are living at an age where people work at home or at the park or wherever they are and it is time that modern ICT services are made available everywhere as it is essential to make Kuala Lumpur the centre of brain power,’’ he said.

Tan also mentioned that there was a need for the Federal Territory and Selangor to work together to improve infrastructure like roads that borders both states. Emphasis must also be given to improve public transportation system.

He cited the Sentul-Menjalara zone where there are two commuter stations in the township, yet they are not inter-connected.

“Kepong also needs a monorail station as the Rapid KL bus services are poor and it needs to be supplemented by other services,” he said.

nazrey

April 14th, 2009, 06:06 AM

Fourteen families ordered to move out by DBKL
Tuesday April 14, 2009
By PRIYA MENON

FOURTEEN families of Jinjang Selatan Tambahan have been asked to evacuate from their homes of more than 40 years to make way for a road project.

The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) ordered them to surrender their housing units with just a letter of guarantee that compensation would be given to them.

The letter, however, does not state what the compensation is and its quantum, just that the developer would compensate the residents later.

It is almost like asking the families to sign a blank cheque and then accept whatever is eventually given to them.

The families were issued the letter on March 25 asking them to move out by yesterday from their current housing units into the DBKL flats at Batu Muda in Jalan Ipoh.

The residents have refused to budge as they have been living there for more than 40 years, after being shifted there from their previous houses at Kampung Malaysia in Batu Caves.

Now, the DBKL wants them to move to make way for road project along Jalan Segambut.

“We have no idea who is the developer involved in the road project as no one has come to meet us yet,” resident Chris Ng said.

Ng,45, said that according to the DBKL records, only 14 families exist in the row of houses, but the actual fact was that there were 17 families.

“How can we move when we do not know what the compensation is? Don’t we need to agree to what we are being offered,” resident M. Selvamani, 37, said.

Selvamani said that orginally, the road project was supposed to be built about 20 metres from their houses but they had brought it closer due to the high tension electricity wires.

According to resident S. Subra-maniam, 39, they are categorised under the temporary occupation licence (TOL) and have been paying their assessment and taxes.

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng said that the DBKL had acknowledged that they were TOL residents and yet was treating them like illegal squatters.

“The letter does not make any sense at all. How can they guarantee something without even coming to an agreement of a compensation. Then it is not a guarantee letter,” said Lim, who is a lawyer.

Lim said that when he contacted the DBKL to extend the eviction date due to the lack of compensation, a letter was sent to him saying that both the DBKL and developer were studying the details of the compensation.

“They also said that they will not extend the date of the eviction and will take action against those who have not moved out,” he said.

Lim said his next move was to meet with the newly appointed Federal Territories Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin to discuss the problem.

nazrey

April 25th, 2009, 05:42 AM

Lebuh Ampang area in urgent need of a clean-up
Saturday April 25, 2009
By FAZLEENA AZIZ

FOLLOWING public complaints about the dust and lack of cleanliness in the Lebuh Ampang area in Kuala Lumpur, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk T. Murugiah went on a site inspection of the area.

After inspecting the site and talking to the traders, Murugiah agreed that the place needed to be spruced up.

He said if the city wanted to achieve world-class status and attract tourists, the city authorities should buck up on enforcement and book those who threw rubbish indiscriminately.

“We have a good system but the delivery is lacking. The people should change their attitude because if Malaysians go to Singapore, they do not throw rubbish indiscriminately, so why do it here?” he asked.

Murugiah said he was just doing his job of dealing with the problems people raised at the Public Comp-laints Bureau, which was under his jurisdiction.

He said he would write to the Kuala Lumpur mayor about the matter.

According to the Lebuh Ampang Traders Association chairman Abdul Rasul Abdul Razak, it has been a week since they had complained to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) but no action has been taken thus far.

“The dust has been collecting and the situation has become really bad,” he said.

Rasul also said the area was prone to floods with four incidents in the recent years.

Businessman Shamsul Haq Abdul Karim, 67, who has been doing business in the area for 30 years, said the area certainly needed some cleaning up as it was dreadful.

“I think it is important for the ministers to come and look at the situation for themselves, then they will know and understand the problems we face every day,” he said.

Goldsmith Lam Yock Lin, 50, said the dust problem was so bad that they had to clean the tables very often as they turn almost black with dust very fast.

“The authorities should regularly spray water to clear the dust and mud,” he said.

OshHisham

April 27th, 2009, 04:23 AM

Lebuh Ampang area in urgent need of a clean-up

FOLLOWING public complaints about the dust and lack of cleanliness in the Lebuh Ampang area in Kuala Lumpur, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk T. Murugiah went on a site inspection of the area.

He said if the city wanted to achieve world-class status and attract tourists, the city authorities should buck up on enforcement and book those who threw rubbish indiscriminately.

“We have a good system but the delivery is lacking. The people should change their attitude because if Malaysians go to Singapore, they do not throw rubbish indiscriminately, so why do it here?” he asked.

Murugiah said he was just doing his job of dealing with the problems people raised at the Public Comp-laints Bureau, which was under his jurisdiction.

According to the Lebuh Ampang Traders Association chairman Abdul Rasul Abdul Razak, it has been a week since they had complained to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) but no action has been taken thus far.

“The dust has been collecting and the situation has become really bad,” he said.

Businessman Shamsul Haq Abdul Karim, 67, who has been doing business in the area for 30 years, said the area certainly needed some cleaning up as it was dreadful.

“I think it is important for the ministers to come and look at the situation for themselves, then they will know and understand the problems we face every day,” he said.

Goldsmith Lam Yock Lin, 50, said the dust problem was so bad that they had to clean the tables very often as they turn almost black with dust very fast.

“The authorities should regularly spray water to clear the dust and mud,” he said.

one thing that i see on the different attitude between japanese traders and malaysian traders is;

the japanese choose to clean up their area by their own effort. i see they clean their sidewalk and even their neighboring area before they start opening their shop and before they close their store.

in here, traders seems don't care rubbish around their area. too lazy to clean it up. for them, rubbish outside their premise is Alam Flora/DBKL responsibility.

sigh....:ohno: banyak sangat komplen. kerja kurang! even bangunan sendirik yang dah nak runtuh pun, taknak repair/cat. apa punya attitude lah!!

hafidz jon

April 27th, 2009, 05:44 AM

one thing that i see on the different attitude between japanese traders and malaysian traders is;

the japanese choose to clean up their area by their own effort. i see they clean their sidewalk and even their neighboring area before they start opening their shop and before they close their store.

in here, traders seems don't care rubbish around their area. too lazy to clean it up. for them, rubbish outside their premise is Alam Flora/DBKL responsibility.

sigh....:ohno: banyak sangat komplen. kerja kurang! even bangunan sendirik yang dah nak runtuh pun, taknak repair/cat. apa punya attitude lah!!

agree....:banana::banana:

nazrey

April 27th, 2009, 07:07 AM

KL to host young leaders' summit
NST Online » Local News
2009/04/27

KUALA LUMPUR: An international summit for young leaders to exchange ideas and share experiences will be held for the first time in Malaysia at the end of this year.

Organised by US-based non-profit organisation Asia Society, the Asia 21 Young Leaders summit will take place from Nov 20 to 22.

The summit creates a network for emerging leaders under 40 from Asia and the US to build relationships and engage in dialogues and cultural exchanges. Topics for discussion will include environment sustainability and the global financial meltdown.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi are expected to attend the opening of the summit.

Participation is by invitation-only.

Previous Malaysian participants included members of parliament Khairy Jamaluddin and Tony Pua, YTL Corp director of investments Ruth Yeo, National Human Rights Society president Malik Imtiaz Sarwar and Malaysiakini chief executive officer Premesh Chandran.

Asia Society president Vishakha N. Desai said Malaysia was chosen as the venue for this year's summit due to its vibrant young people and an active local chapter.

"It is not about nationalities but about individuals. They (the participants) must have the commitment to make a difference in their community and in the Asia-Pacific region."

Participants will brainstorm, share experiences and come up with solutions which can be carried out in their lives and countries.

nazrey

May 6th, 2009, 02:10 PM

Using ATM cards to pay for KLCC parking
Published: 2009/05/06

SYSTEM payment operator IPS Sdn Bhd said that all the 19 million automatic teller machine (ATM) cards in the country can be used now to pay for parking in areas operated by KLCC Parking.

Through the Mepscash application, which is also available in MyKad, users will only have to insert the ATM card during entry and exit.

Payment will be deducted through the card.

No pre-registration or activation is required, IPS said.

nazrey

May 6th, 2009, 02:11 PM

DBKL Looking For Temporary Accommodations For Squatters
May 06, 2009 19:26 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will look into requests from Indian senior citizens and single mothers in Kampung Pandan for temporary accommodations in the capital until a flat built for them is completed.

Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk M.Saravanan said they might be put up in Cochrane or Sentul but it would depend on the availability of vacant houses.

He said DBKL had earlier ordered the squatters to be relocated to Bukit Jalil as a temporary measure.

"DBKL had assured the squatters that the flat will be built at the squatters settlement in Kampung Pandan.

"A working paper on the project had been submitted to the Economic Planning Unit," he told reporters after attending the presentation of the Titiwangsa Education Foundation excellent awards here Wednesday.

Titiwangsa Education Foundation chairman Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz said Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia and Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia outstanding students received RM500 each while Penilaian Menengah Rendah students (RM100) and Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah students (RM50).

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

May 6th, 2009, 02:12 PM

Transforming Kuala Lumpur Into A World Class City
May 06, 2009 12:26 PM
By Farizalina Ishak

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is all out to transform Kuala Lumpur's image into a world-class city with its dwellers enjoying good infrastructure and living standards at par with the other great cities of the world.

The Datuk Bandar of Kuala Lumpur Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail noted that the transformed Kuala Lumpur would be seen as the dynamic commercial and financial hub of the nation with the whole city exuding the 'Malaysia Truly Asia' identity.

At the same time the city will offer a comprehensive living concept making it the perfect place to work, play and unwind.

It is estimated that there are at least 2.7 million people in Kuala Lumpur; the number includes those who commute daily from outside to work in the city or make a stopover.

Nonetheless, KLites will ponder whether this new image of Kuala Lumpur is just another hogwash ideals of the town planners detached from the present realities, especially when looking at the many woes faced by the city today.

But for Ahmad Fuad, he is optimistic that transforming Kuala Lumpur is not a tall order. He believes the vision for the city can be achieved by keeping up with the goals that have already been set.

GETTING TO WORK

During a special interview with Bernama here recently, Ahmad Fuad stated that the transformation would also include more effective enforcement of the by-laws and policies beginning from within DBKL.

A world class Kuala Lumpur has no room for either squatter colonies or illegal car parks and this is where strict enforcement comes into play, he pointed out.

Ahmad Fuad who was appointed as the Datuk Bandar on Dec 14, 2008, is going all out to improve the city's administration by taking into account all public views and problems in line with the government's stand that the people come first.

He noted that efforts to green the city deepen Sungai Gombak and enhance the surrounding landscape, and the proposed two retention ponds to alleviate flash floods are among the priorities.

On traffic jams, he noted that DBKL is looking into the possibility of introducing the "Park & Ride" concept for vehicle owners to reduce traffic snarls at the Klang Valley.

THE PARK & RIDE CONCEPT

He said the system has been proven effective in several other nations and is currently being studied by DBKL.

"Park & Ride basically calls for people to park their cars at any nearby Light Rail Transit (LRT) station and use the LRT to proceed to their respective destination.

"Each day, almost one million vehicles enter the nation's capital and therefore traffic jams are unavoidable regardless of peak or non peak periods. Therefore it is timely we introduce such new steps," he added.

However, Ahmad Fuad is aware of the many setbacks suffered by the members of public in using public transportation modes like the LRT to get to work due to the limited passenger capacity and rail networks.

CCTV TO MONITOR TRAFFIC CONGESTION

He added that DBKL is also utilising closed circuit cameras (CCTVs) to monitor traffic congestion, through the Integrated Transport Information System (Itis) in Bukit Jalil that provides information to road users so that they can plan their routes during peak and off peak periods.

He noted that, until now DBKL has installed 1,100 CCTVs under the Itis System with 66 of it being used to monitor traffic flow in the city.

"DBKL is also planning to increase from 85 to 96 the number of CCTVs monitored by police in busy areas, shopping complexes and places where tourists congregate," he said.

He pointed out there are 49 locations within the city under police CCTV surveillance including in Brickfields and Cheras.

"DBKL finds that the CCTV helps in bringing down crime especially snatch thefts in high risk areas.

BRINGING DOWN CRIME RATES

Ahmad Fuad explained that DBKL is always in communication with the police in seeking alternatives to reduce crime.

"We always consider other options in reducing crime, crime blemishes the nation's image," he said.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Fuad and all members of DBKL welcome the appointment of Senator Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin as the new Federal Territories Minister.

"We welcome the appointment and hope he (Raja Nong) can continue with the outlined agenda apart from embarking on the transformation sought by the city dwellers."

He hoped that under the new leadership some of the long standing problems like the one relating to solid waste disposal could be overcome.

A WORLD CLASS CITY

"DBKL spends RM140 million annually to enable Alam Flora Sdn Bhd (Alam Flora) collect and dispose rubbish and solid wastes at the 252 licensed disposal sites," he said.

Most of the hawkers discard waste into drains, which in turn causes blockages and there are even some who cover the drains to widen their work area, said Ahmad Fuad.

He also pointed out that the drainage system in Kuala Lumpur covers 5,300 kilometers and Alam Flora has began efforts to clean up the drains since more than a month ago and the whole campaign is expected to be completed within two months.

"The public too should cooperate to overcome this problem by settling their monthly dues for rubbish and solid waste collection.

"There are some who choose to default on their payments and litter everywhere, this is the mentality that we have to do away if we are to see Kuala Lumpur emerge as a world class city," he added.

Apart from that, DBKL too has spent a considerable sum in improving the road system around the capital city, introduce walking pavements and make the facilities more disabled friendly.

-- BERNAMA

http://bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsfeatures.php?id=409104

nazrey

May 7th, 2009, 08:25 AM

A squatter-free Lembah Pantai soon
Thursday May 7, 2009
By STUART MICHAEL

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/5/7/central/m_03kerinchi.jpg

Orderly: A file picture of the PPR Kerinchi in Lembah Pantai.

FEDERAL Territories Minister Senator Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin announced that Lembah Pantai will be squatter free by next month.

Raja Nong Chik said this when announcing that 355 squatter families in Bukit B, Kampung Kerinchi, which is on a private land, will be relocated to PPR Seri Cempaka, by June.

Bukit B, which has been in existence for more than 40 years, is the last of the squatter areas in Lembah Pantai.

When Raja Nong Chik was elected as the Lembah Pantai Umno chairman in November last year, he promised the people of Bukit B that something would be done and they would not be left behind in the growing city with squatters in the midst.

He had said the squatters would be moved while ensuring they still remain in the Lembah Pantai area.

Raja Nong Chik personally went to Bukit B on Tuesday to announce to the people that they would finally be moved as conditions in their village were not condusive for city folk.

“I had meetings with over 20 land owners with plots of land where Bukit B is situated and convinced them that the squatter relocation is the best solution.

“We came to an agreement and the land owners agreed to compensate RM5,000 to each house owner in Bukit B, where the 355 houses are located.

“We will also provide free transportation for squatter folk moving to the PPR Seri Cempaka apartments,” said Raja Nong Chik adding that PPR Seri Cempaka has two blocks of apartments which are 22-storey high and facing a river.

He said the apartments have facilities like a surau, kindergarden and a community hall.

“Eventually, we hope the squatters will buy these apartment units at an affordable price. For now, the squatters have to pay RM124 monthly in maintenance fees,” he said.

In Kuala Lumpur, there are still about 5,000 squatters and there are plans to relocate all squatters by December.

Among the areas that still has squatters are Kepong, Cheras, Segambut, Jalan Ipoh and Jinjang.

nazrey

May 14th, 2009, 06:30 AM

RM100mil allocation for walkways and skybridges with mini budget
Thursday March 12, 2009
By BAVANI M

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/3/12/central/m_02pavilion.jpg

Already in place: The Pavilion skybridge provides pedestrians
with a way to get to the KL Convention Centre.

THE federal government’s RM100mil allocation under the mini-budget for the construction of sky bridges and covered walkways between buildings around the Golden Triangle area is ‘’a gesture of goodwill’’ to the residents of Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique said.

“The main objective of the mini budget is to stimulate the economy and what better way to achieve that than by spending money on projects that will benefit the people and, at the same time, enhance the image of Kuala Lumpur as a world class city,” Zulhasnan said.

He added that the money would be used to execute existing plans that have been in the pipeline instead of drawing up new ones.

The minister added that the mini budget was crucial as the country approached a difficult period.

“However, it is not a silver bullet and we must all play our part by focusing on the economy and cutting down on politicking,’’ he said.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail also said he was happy that the walkway project was finally coming through.

The mayor said that a meeting would be held next week to discuss the details of the project, but, for the time being, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had identified five locations stretching some 800 metres to build the walkways and bridges.

“We have already done the designs and are currently studying how to make it pedestrian and disabled friendly,’’ Fuad said.

The mayor said the project would be a joint collaboration between the DBKL and the private sector and once completed it would offer connectivity to offices blocks, malls, hotels, and train, rail and bus terminals.

The pedestrian bridge and sheltered walkway project was mooted back in the late 1970s. The government had then hired a Hong Kong-based British firm to carry out a feasibility study.

The project, under the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), involved the expertise of traffic and town planners from different parts of the world and would have come to fruition if not for the Asian Economic crisis.

The study involved 55km of connectivity – a system of pedestrian walkways and bridges that links up places like Bukit Bintang, Jalan Pudu, Sultan Ismail and Raja Chulan to the outer edges of the Golden Triangle.

It involved connecting pedestrian bridges and walkways along Jalan Bukit Bintang to Jalan Pudu, the Puduraya area, Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Chinatown, Pasar Seni, Masjid India, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Sultan Ismail, P.Ramle and other parts of the city where there is a high volume of commercial activities.

KL folk happy with pedestrian boost
Thursday March 12, 2009

MOST city residents see the pedestrian move as a moral boost and welcomed it with open arms.

“It’s definitely a great step forward as it will not only be convenient for the public to hop from one building to another but is’s also a great way to boost tourism,’’ Sungei Wang Plaza promotions and public relations manager K.K Lim said.

Lim added that Kuala Lumpur was still far behind Bangkok in terms of connectivity.

“The allocation will greatly help elevate the appeal of Bukit Bintang as a tourist hub,’’ said Joyce Yap, president of the Malaysian Association for Shopping and Highrise Complex Management.

Yap, who is also the acting Pavilion Kuala Lumpur CEO, said the project would improve accessibility and connectivity to the golden triangle and will indirectly encourage people to walk.

Bukit Bintang MP Fung Kui Lun said he welcomed the news as it would not only boost tourism but would connect the missing link between Bukit Bintang and the KLCC area.

“It’s great news and definitely good for business,’’ Ancasa Hotel & Spa, Kuala Lumpur public relations manager Melinda Ambrose said.

“We have been hearing about this project for years.

“In fact, there was talk recently that the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) planned to build a RM20mil elevated walkway to connect the Menara Maybank, Ancasa Hotel, and the Cahaya Suria Shopping Centre with the Pudu Raya Bus Terminal and Chinatown,’’ Ambrose said.

Istana Hotel director of marketing and communications Hasma Ahmad also agreed that it was a good move.

Peter Tan, who has been using a wheelchair for more than two decades, however, hoped that the walkways and skybridges would be accessible for all.

“There has not been much improvement in facilities for the disabled and we hope that this would change,’’ Tan said.

City resident Shahjehan Safian also added that he was confident the move would help alleviate traffic congestion and also reduce the number of accidents.

City Hall Propose To Build Pedestrian Bridges To Prevent Snatch Theft
May 14, 2009 00:26 AM

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- The Kuala Lumpur City Hall has proposed to build pedestrian bridges and trees along pavements to curb an increase in snatch thefts cases.

Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail said the building of pedestrian bridges would be focused on areas frequented by tourists, like the Bukit Bintang area.

"I have asked my officers to conduct a study together with an institution but we must first look at the implications before building. The proposal is still at the initial stage," he told Bernama at his office here, Wednesday.

"Trees to be planted along walking paths can prevent snatch thieves from riding their motorcycles in such areas."

Asked about a proposal to bar motorcycles from entering the city centre, Ahmad Fuad said City Hall had never made such a proposal.

He added that the proposal came from the police but the pros and cons of such a proposal must be studied in depth because it would incur a lot of hardship for those working as dispatch boys or those working on shifts.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

May 18th, 2009, 05:52 AM

DBKL picks standardised look for Jalan Alor
Monday May 18, 2009
By FAZLEENAA AZIZ

IN a bid to resolve issues with illegal extensions and hawker stalls along Jalan Alor, the famous food street will be given a standardised face-lift soon.

According to the Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun, the news comes after a productive meeting with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) recently chaired by the deputy director-general Datuk Mohd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz,

Fong said the move will see an end to issues surrounding Jalan Alor including traffic congestion in the area.

Those operating illegally will be given licences to operate.

He said that the DBKL has proposed several designs for the hawkers to choose from.

The hawkers are also allowed to put in their own suggestions and comments for the new look.

The proposal will be submitted within a month and the new look could start taking shape within the year.

“We do not want to portray a bad image of the place because it is a popular tourist destination.

“The cost would be borne by the restaurant owners, who will have to comply with the design terms for the extension of awnings and islands,” he said.

Fong said most of the operators were agreeable to the move by the DBKL.

Restaurant operator Lim Siow Ngan, 31, was happy to hear the proposal from the DBKL.

Lim said that the DBKL had issued more than 50 summonses because of the illegal extensions in front of his restaurant.

He said that even though the restaurants were air-conditioned, people preferred to eat out in the open.

“We are just glad that they have come up with this proposal to legalise the awning.

“We believe that with the new look, more tourists will flock to this place,” he said.

Although the news about standardising the look of Jalan Alor was welcomed, operator Hanim Awang’Yah 37, was still worried about the licence issue.

Hanim said that the DBKL would only issue licences to food operators.

“My fear is that they will not allow people like me, who sell bags and accessories to operate.

“We hope that our worries are taken into consideration by the authorities,” she said.

nazrey

May 20th, 2009, 10:36 AM

Kota Buku mercu tanda baru KL
20 Mei 200
Oleh ZABRY MOHAMAD

PUTRAJAYA 19 Mei – Kota Buku bakal diwujudkan di ibu negara menjelang akhir tahun ini untuk membuka ruang kepada penerbit dan penulis memasarkan hasil karya mereka, kata Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Beliau yang juga Menteri Pelajaran berkata, projek itu yang diselenggarakan oleh Kementerian Pelajaran akan mengumpulkan para penerbit, penulis dan pengedar buku beroperasi di bawah satu bumbung.

Menurutnya, bangunan untuk tujuan itu sudah dikenal pasti dan kerja-kerja pengubahsuaian dengan kos kira-kira RM20 juta akan dimulakan tidak lama lagi dengan sebahagiannya dijadikan Muzium Guru manakala sebahagian lain sebagai Kota Buku.

“Kota Buku akan memberi peluang kepada Kuala Lumpur menjadi pusat penerbitan, penulisan dan pengedaran buku.

“Ia merupakan satu projek untuk memberi galakan dan dorongan bagi memajukan bidang penerbitan dan kesusasteraan tempatan,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada pemberita pada majlis pertemuan dengan para sasterawan negara di sini hari ini.

Dalam perkembangan lain, beliau memberitahu, sukatan pelajaran sastera di sekolah akan digubal dari semasa ke semasa dalam usaha meningkatkan bidang sastera tempatan menerusi sistem pendidikan.

Jelasnya, antara langkah yang akan diambil adalah mengenal pasti jenis-jenis buku yang boleh digunakan di sekolah sebagai bahan sastera baru.

Muhyiddin sebelum itu melancarkan koleksi 28 judul buku terjemahan siri sastera Malaysia.

Ia merupakan sebahagian daripada 100 karya yang diterjemah ke pelbagai bahasa oleh Institut Terjemahan Negara Malaysia (ITNM) yang dijangka selesai pada penghujung 2010.

Sebanyak 23 daripadanya diterjemah ke bahasa Inggeris, empat bahasa Perancis dan satu bahasa Sepanyol.

Turut hadir Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian Pelajaran, Tan Sri Dr. Zulkurnain Awang; Ketua Pengarah Pelajaran, Datuk Alimuddin Md. Dom; Pengerusi ITNM, Datuk Dr. Wan Hashim Wan Teh dan Pengarah Urusan ITNM, Mohd. Khair Ngadiron.

nazrey

May 30th, 2009, 11:28 AM

The new Asian capital of cool?
May 28, 2009

Warwick Stanley discovers why Australians are flocking to Malaysia's capital.

The Novotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre could well be dubbed Malaysia's Little Australia.

Our tour party's recent arrival at the hotel on a shopping expedition coincided with that of the Australian men's and women's hockey teams, along with a large contingent of Australian retired commercial pilots who were attending a convention in the building.

After these groups had departed, the Aussie connection remained strong.

Strine resonated through the hotel's lifts, lobby and restaurant for the four days my wife and I were there, leaving us to assume that word was out about KL's attraction as a shopping destination to match its neighbouring rival, Singapore.

It's little wonder that Australians are making the trek to the Malaysian capital, with economy airline Air Asia X offering $150 flights from Perth and $200 from the Gold Coast and Melbourne.

By doubling their fare, passengers can enjoy wider seats and ample leg room up front in premium economy.

The 28-storey Novotel is a great choice for visitors to KL, with its friendly, efficient staff and well appointed rooms.

Ideally located in the middle of the area known as the Golden Triangle, it's just a short stroll away from the multi-storey shopping complexes at KL City Centre in the spectacular Petronas Twin Towers and the newly opened Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

There are also endless options for dining, from the ubiquitous restaurants to the buffet food malls that offer every imaginable Asian cuisine and the well-known Bintang Walk with its outdoor cafes.

For those who want to venture further afield, getting around this clean and tidy city is easy by way of its cheap and plentiful taxis.

The Chinatown markets are a paradise for bargain hunters but the tip is to know what you are going to pay before you start bargaining.

After being ripped off at the first stall my wife and I visited, we soon learnt the drill. Start at half the advertised price and work your way down.

The same doesn't apply at the city's boutiques, where the accepted approach is simply to ask if there's any special discounts on offer.

Shopping is a civilised day and night affair, with 10am openings allowing a good sleep-in and 10pm closing providing the visitor with plenty of time to give the plastic a good workout.

Other tips: Avoid travelling by road between 4pm and 6pm - the city becomes a car park - and don't step onto anything resembling a pedestrian walkway with presumed immunity. Nothing's going to stop.

When you have the chance to do some sightseeing, visit the KL Tower, a 421-metre telecommunications tower affording 360 degree views of the city and surrounds, superior to those from the Skyway at the slightly taller Petronas Towers.

It's only a short trip from there to the beautiful Butterfly Park and nearby orchid gardens.

On your way between attractions you'll see the pre-war heritage buildings and lush greenery for which KL is famous, and which are now quaintly juxtaposed with the city's stunning skyscrapers.

Back at the hotel, the Square Restaurant offers Malaysian cuisine - something, surprisingly, not as common in downtown KL as you'd expect.

There's also exotic dining at the Qing Zhen Chinese Muslim Restaurant, or the opportunity for a beer and cocktail in the relaxed atmosphere of the Spiral Lobby Lounge or Pool Bar.

The hotel has five function rooms and can accommodate conventions of up to 250 people.

All 291 rooms have WiFi access, an electronic safe box, hairdryer, sofa, working desk and flat-screen TV.

IF YOU GO:
From June 15 to August 15, Novotel is offering the same room rates at its KL City Centre as it does for all its hotels apart from those in the Middle East, ranging from 220 ringgits per room per night with breakfast included.

The writer was a guest of Accor Asia Pacific, flying to Kuala Lumpur with Air Asia X.

nazrey

June 9th, 2009, 05:41 AM

RM2mil to help ease Klang’s traffic woes
Tuesday June 9, 2009
By EDWARD RAJENDRA

THE Works Ministry has approved RM2.2mil to reroute traffic to ease the current daily massive congestion in Klang.

The traffic chaos is caused by the on-going construction work of a flyover to connect Jambatan Kota with the existing flyover above Persiaraan Sultan Ibrahim,

Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor, who visited the construction site, said the allocation would be given to the state Public Works Department (PWD) to carry out the rerouting exercise, widen and resurface roads leading to the town area.

“Over the last few months, I had received numerous complaints that the on-going construction of the 600m flyover had worsened the traffic situation, with the daily traffic flow reduced to a bumper-to-bumper crawl during peak hours. I agree that an immediate solution is to reroute the traffic and ease the difficulties faced by Klang residents,” he said.

Shaziman said the approved grant would be used to widen the temporary road bends to facilitate a two-lane route and to reroute traffic on the federal road at Jalan Sireh, Jalan Meru and Jalan Kapar and the state road at Jalan Batu 3, and Jalan Raja Boat to ease the congestion to a bearable situation.

“With these temporary measures to be implemented with immediate effect, we hope that Klang residents would be patient as the contractor SPAZ Sdn Bhd has assured the ministry that it would try its best to complete the project by December this year,” he said.

On the proposed third bridge for Klang, Shaziman said the federal government was making efforts to come up with a cost effective and practical design.

“We want to review the design and I believe the proposed site from Tepi Sungai to Tanjung Syawal would remain. Once the design is finalised, the third bridge would be built under the 10th Malaysian Plan,” he said.

Last month, Selangor Local Government, Studies and Research Committee chairman Ronnie Liu threatened to hold a picket if the federal government failed to act on Klang’s third bridge.

The then Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu and former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo launched the third bridge project in March last year, just before the 12th general election.

nazrey

June 9th, 2009, 05:41 AM

Squatters finally decide to move out
Tuesday June 9, 2009

ALTHOUGH unhappy, the 17 squatter families at Jinjang Selatan Tambahan (JST), Kepong, decided on June 8 to move into the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) flats in Batu Muda, Sentul.

However, the DBKL ordered the residents to shift by June 10 instead of June 14, as promised by the Federal Territories Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin last month and said it would provide transport for the move.

During a meeting with DBKL deputy director-general Datuk Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz, the residents requested for an extension from June 10 to a later date in the same week, but DBKL was firm with June 10 as the evacuation date.

JST Persatuan Pembangunan Sosial chairman SP Karuppiah said the date extension was important as the squatters needed to sort out their things before moving into the flats.

“Our current homes are big and we have plenty of things collected over the years and the flats cannot accommodate everything.

“We need some time to sort things out – for packing and distributing unimportant things to relatives or friends,” he said during the meeting, which was held at the DBKL office, off Jalan Sultan Ismail.

After the meeting, the residents received guarantee letters, which offered them a unit each at the flats. They will be able to buy their respective units at RM35,000 by the year end.

The letter also states that the 17 squatters, who are being moved to make way for a road project, will be given the same compensation as the other 500 homes in JST during future development. The DBKL is also looking into getting flats to the 17 squatters’ eligible extended families.

The residents were also keen on having a joint meeting with JST’s developer and the DBKL.

Amin said the 17 squatters had to go because of a road project, and they had nothing to do with development that may happen in the area in future.

“Even then, there is no reason to see the developer because nothing concrete has been planned for the area as of now, but of course when it happens they will be compensated the same as the other remaining 500 homes,” Amin said.

When contacted Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Saravanan said he would ask the DBKL for an extension to move out.

nazrey

June 12th, 2009, 10:37 AM

KL, JB among cheapest of Asia's 50 costliest
2009/06/11

SINGAPORE: Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru and George Town are among the cities earning the reputation as most expensive in Asia, according to a latest cost of living survey.

KL is ranked 38th, Johor Baru 40th and George Town 42nd, said the survey on the 50 most expensive cities in Asia carried out by ECA International for 2009.

Globally, KL is ranked 210th, Johor Baru 216th and George Town 218th.

ECA, a leading knowledge and solutions provider for international human resources professionals, said strong currencies were pushing up the living cost in Asian locations.

It said Tokyo remained the most expensive city in Asia, due largely to the appreciation of the yen against other major currencies.

Joining the Japanese capital in the region's top 10 are Beijing (ranked 5th), Shanghai (6th), Hong Kong (7th) and Singapore (10th).

ECA regional director for Asia, Lee Quane, said the strengthening of Asian currencies was the main factor for the region being more expensive than it was 12 months ago.

He said during the period, the yuan continued to strengthen while the yen had appreciated by almost eight per cent against the US dollar, and many western currencies, including sterling, the euro and the Swiss franc, had weakened.

ECA carries out a Cost of Living Survey twice a year comparing a basket of commonly purchased consumer goods and services in over 370 locations worldwide.

ECA said Singapore had moved into the top 10 most expensive locations within the region in spite of its weakened currency.

"Price rises have not slowed down as much in Singapore as in other parts of Asia," Quane said, adding that its data showed that while the prices of goods and services in China and Malaysia had increased at half last year's pace, in Singapore the rate was down by just 25 per cent.

Furthermore, currencies of locations previously more expensive than Singapore, notably London, Stockholm and Istanbul, had depreciated at an even faster rate than the Singapore dollar, he said.

These factors contributed to Singapore becoming more expensive for visitors than many of the other locations in the survey, Quane added.

ECA also said the depreciation of the ringgit had made the cost of living cheaper for assignees heading to Malaysia.

The Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar (ranked 51st), is the cheapest in Asia.

Overall, the city of Luanda in Angola kept its rank as the most expensive city in the world followed by Tokyo, and Maseru, Lesotho is the cheapest. -- Bernama

nazrey

June 13th, 2009, 06:36 AM

RM30m needed to rebuild Brickfields
Written by Bernama
Friday, 12 June 2009 18:10

KUALA LUMPUR: A RM30 million allocation is needed to turn Brickfields into a tourist attraction known as 'Little India', Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk M Saravanan said today.

He said the plan would include diversion of roads into one-way streets, road widening, construction of a multi-storey car park and setting up stalls in streets.

However, Saravanan noted that the problem of traffic congestion needed to be addressed first, before Brickfields could become a tourist attraction and a hub for the Indian culture in the city.

"The ministry is in the final stage of preparing a proposal on the project and would submit it to the Cabinet before end of August," he said after launching a fund-raising campign for displaced people in northern Sri Lanka at Buddhist Maha Vihara temple in Brickfields here. — Bernama

nazrey

July 4th, 2009, 05:04 PM

First volunteer anti-crime unit in KL
NST Online » NewsBreak 2009/07/04
KUALA LUMPUR, Sat:

Kuala Lumpur police have set up a Volunteer Anti-Crime Unit in the Sentul police district in their efforts to have a safe environment for residents, said city police chief Datuk Muhammad Sabtu Osman.

He said the unit was the police’s effort to tackle and eradicate crime in a pro-active manner.

"The unit is not only the first in Kuala Lumpur but first in the country and we plan to set up similar units in other police districts in stages," said Muhammad Sabtu when launching a community policing programme at Desa Rejang, Wangsa Maju, today.

He said besides bringing about a safe environment the unit was also to enhance cooperation between the police and the community.

"Since its set up early this year the voluntary unit has 211 members to educate the community to help to prevent crime," he said. -- BERNAMA

nazrey

July 7th, 2009, 05:01 AM

Upgrading for Pudu market
Tuesday July 7, 2009
BY PRIYA MENON

THE Pudu market in Kuala Lumpur is all set for upgrading work that will begin on July 15.

Traders at the market were informed of the upgrading work during the Pudu Traders and Hawkers Association 24th annual general meeting on July 3.

The chairman of the association, Jeff Tan, said the work was important to the traders and shoppers.

“Pudu market is no doubt very messy and the upgrading will ensure they have a comfortable environment to conduct business,” he said.

The work will include a proper drainage system, allocation for pork stalls in a designated area as well as poultry slaughtering stalls.

Apart from that, the AGM was also held to determine the new committee for the term next year.

Tan, who has been holding the chairman’s position for the last three terms, was contested by past chairman Yong Wah.

“Unfortunately, Yong Wah has been declared a bankrupt and according to the Registrar of Societies not permitted to contest,” Tan said.

nazrey

July 16th, 2009, 10:18 AM

Joint operations to clear KL congestion
Thursday July 16, 2009
By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/16/central/m_pg03haul.jpg

Hauled away: The DBKL is taking stern measures to curb congestion in the
city and the owner of this vehicle learnt it the hard way when it was towed
away during the fifth Ops Halangan. – By P. NATHAN/The Star

SOME 94 compounds were issued and a vehicle towed away during the fifth Ops Halangan by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) on July 15.

Of the 94 compounds, 37 were issued for traffic obstruction offences under Section 48 of the Road Transport Act 1987, while 17 compounds were issued to vehicles parked on yellow lines.

During the operation, the police also issued 38 summonses while the Road Transport Department (JPJ) issued two compounds.

The operation, headed by DBKL’s safety and enforcement department deputy director Ashari Ahmad, was held in collaboration with the JPJ, the Immigration Department and the Police.

The Department of Environment (DOE) could not join in the operation this time.

Ops Halangan 5 targeted Jalan Tun Tan Siew Sin, Lebuh Pudu, the area near the Klang bus station, and areas near Central Market in the Kuala Lumpur city centre. Twenty-three officers, including 15 DBKL enforcement officers, were deployed for the operation.

Ashari said the operation was successful as it managed to compound many offenders and the enforcers had arrived at the right time.

“For instance, when we arrived at Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, the buses were parked along the road while waiting for passengers.

“We do monitor the situation daily but when we have big operations like this, it is more effective,” he said.

Ashari added that bus company operators should take time off to conduct spot checks on the their bus drivers in the city.

“At least this could give them an idea how reckless some bus drivers are when it comes to following the rules,” Ashari said.

He added that reports on the operation and offenders would be sent to Commercial Vehicle and Licensing board (CVLB) for further action.

Ops Halangan will be held on a bi-weekly basis in an effort to clear traffic laden roads in the city.

nazrey

July 16th, 2009, 10:16 PM

173 Bukit Botak squatters register for resettlement
2009/07/16
Source: http://streets.nst.com.my/Current_News/Streets/Thursday/Stories/2609127/Article/

http://streets.nst.com.my/Thursday/Stories/2609127/insidepix1

Mohamad Abdul Rahman says at least 100
individuals have yet to register

KUALA LUMPUR: The Gombak Land Office is interviewing 173 individuals whose names were omitted from the Bukit Botak, Selayang, squatters resettlement list.

Bukit Botak task force management committee chairman Mohamad Abdul Rahman said the individuals had come forward during a two-day registration exercise which began on Monday.

Mohamad said the working committee was made up of six representatives from the council, Selayang member of parliament William Leong's office, the Gombak Land Office, Selangor Development Corporation, State Housing, Building Management and Squatters Committee chairman Iskandar Abdul Samad's office and a legal adviser.

"The interview is necessary to determine if the residents are bona fide and are pioneers in the area. The individuals will have to show proof such as electricity and water bills and also if their children are schooling in the area."

The resettlement of the 55ha Bukit Botak squatters involves a total of 1,634 land owners.

Believing that there are at least another 100 individuals who have yet to come forward, Mohamad urged them to register with the land office.

"We have decided to extend the registration exercise as we understand there are those coming from Perak and Perlis who did not make it in the last two days. They should take this opportunity to do so as soon as possible," he said.

Mohamad said the task force management committee would finalise the names by Aug 6. -- By Dawn Chan

nazri

July 27th, 2009, 08:10 PM

Penghuni kuarters DBKL di San Peng mula berpindah
27 Julai 2009
Oleh SUHANA VERU

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0727/Kosmo/Negara/ne_05.1.jpg

KETUA Penduduk Kuarters JKR, Abdul Wahab Ismail menunjukkan jalan yang
mendap ke Flat Sri Selangor di Jalan San Peng, Kuala Lumpur semalam.

KUALA LUMPUR - Kebanyakan penduduk kuarters Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) dan Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) di Jalan San Peng di sini mula berpindah ke sebuah hotel di Jalan Sungai Besi.

Timbalan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Senator Datuk T. Murugiah berkata, DBKL akan menyediakan perumahan untuk kesemua penduduk terbabit.

"Untuk tujuan itu, mereka perlu berpindah ke Projek Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) Puchong namun sebahagian sahaja daripada penduduk terbabit yang mahu berpindah ke situ.

"Oleh itu, saya akan berbincang dengan Datuk Bandar Kuala Lumpur agar mereka dapat dipindahkan ke PPR di sekitar kawasan ini," katanya kepada pemberita selepas mengadakan lawatan di kuarters itu di sini semalam.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0727/Kosmo/Negara/ne_05.2.jpg

AZIZAH dan anaknya, Athirah Nurdiana mengangkat televisyen selepas diarah
berpindah kerana kuarters mereka tidak lagi selamat untuk didiami.

Menurut beliau, kejadian tanah mendap yang berlaku kira-kira pukul 6 petang kelmarin dipercayai berpunca daripada kebocoran sebatang paip air bawah tanah.

Semalam Kosmo! melaporkan seramai 100 penduduk kuarters Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) dan Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) di Jalan San Peng terpaksa berpindah selepas sebatang jalan di hadapan kediaman mereka mendap.

nazrey

August 1st, 2009, 07:28 AM

Cool destination for Mid-Eastern tourists
Saturday August 1, 2009
By LIM CHIA YING

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/8/1/central/p2arabs.jpg

Mid-Eastern presence: Some of the women are fully clothed
in black abayas as they cross the streets of Bukit Bintang.

AS the heat of the summer hits the Middle East, tourist hotspots in the Klang Valley like Jalan Bukit Bintang and KLCC are seeing more visitors from that region.

Most can be identified almost instantly through their features, with the men looking rugged and the women looking modern and trendy with their headscarfs modestly draped over their shoulders, while others are fully covered in an abaya.

Mohammed Almansoori, 16, was spotted at Jalan Bukit Bintang with his mother and siblings while his dad was elsewhere hailing a cab.

They had come from Dubai and said this was their second visit to Kuala Lumpur and their first trip was five years ago.

“We like the shopping malls and the weather is good here. In Dubai, it is way too hot for us now,” Mohammed said.

The family are were staying for five days in Kuala Lumpur and had already visited Langkawi and Penang.

Cousins Wafa Al Ghazali, 24, and Balqis Al Roaini, 27, think of Kuala Lumpur as their “slice of heaven” during the summer months in Dubai.

“We are in Malaysia for 10 days. I think KL is very much like Dubai in terms of the city landscape and the malls, but you have attractions like Sunway Lagoon, Genting Highlands and A’Famosa in Malacca, so Malaysia offers so much more places to have fun.

“Primarily, we want to escape the heat back home. Here, there is also a lot of greenery that helps cut down on the heat,” Wafa said. However, they said they had not plucked up the courage to sample Malaysian food and had been eating mostly international or Western-type cuisine.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/8/1/central/p3Shisha.jpg

Relaxed: Salim Abdullah from Kuwait taking time off
to smoke a Shisha at an outlet in Bukit Bintang.

Just outside the Bukit Bintang entrance to the Pavilion shopping mall, Mohammad Bukhari was seen taking photos and videos of his wife and daughter who were posing near the fountain.

When approached, Mohammad Bukhari, who is from Saudi Arabia, said the last time he came to Malaysia was 10 years ago.

“Other than just shopping, you have the zoo, which I could bring my daughter to,” the 33-year-old said.

He is spending 20 days in Malaysia but only five of those days will be spent in KL. He also named Penang as his favourite destination for the fine beaches and food.

“There is only one downside to Malaysia though; the prices here are rather high. Things are cheaper back in my country,” he said.

Looking at the similar places that these visitors have gone to, it seemed that they are on identical travel packages or that the travel tours offered banked mostly on popular tourist spots.

With so many leaving the region to escape the summer, it is no surprise to find that hotels and restaurants are taking advantage of this influx of Middle Eastern guests.

At the Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur, area director of sales and marketing Albert Stienissen said a number of services and measures had been implemented for the guests’ comfort during their stay at the hotel.

“We have installed Arabic radio and television channels in all the rooms and suites while a selection of Arabic newspapers and magazines are also available.

“Brochures and compendiums have been printed in Arabic. The hotel’s 78 Orchid Club executive rooms located on floors three to five are a favourite among the young couples from the Middle East where service features include pre-registration, personalised check-in/ check-out at the 6th floor Orchid Club Lounge, key card access for guest lifts, extensive all-day refreshments, and complimentary daily pressing/laundry for two suits (four pieces).

“Also, our strategic location right at the doorstep of the Bukit Bintang shopping belt makes a stay here wonderful! We also offer complimentary daily shuttle services to KLCC and Aquaria KLCC,” Stienissen said.

At the Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur in KLCC, the hotel calls the Middle East period a busy stretch for them, and to cope with the number of these guests arriving, it employs Arabic speaking staff to man its hospitality desk on 24-hour shifts.

“We also print special information cards in Arabic and obtain Arabic KL guides and maps to be kept at our concierge desk,” hotel communications manager Theresa Goh said.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/8/1/central/p3kebab.jpg

Carving it up: Mohamad Abdul Mohamad from Egypt slicing
out kebab meat at an Egytian restaurant in Bukit Bintang.

“A Middle Eastern food promotion is also being held at our Gobo Chit Chat outlet, while honeymooners, whom we are popular with, will have their suites set up with simple honeymoon amenities,” she added.

At the Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur, marketing and communications manager Kalaivani Pakiri was glad that the hotel was fully booked and running at 100% occupancy almost every day, with an average of 150 rooms taken by Middle Easterners each night.

“We also have Shisha promotions and Middle Eastern dishes specially included in our room service menu,” she said.

Walking down the street, we saw Shisha smoking pipes laid out by eating outlets as an added attraction for the Middle Easterners.

Other than the Shisha, dining options are aplenty with a number of Middle East and Western-chain restaurants around, while sandwiched in between the foot reflexology parlours along Jalan Bukit Bintang are shops selling wood oil and Arabic perfumes to cater to these travellers.

According to statistics obtained from the Tourism Malaysia website, there has been a drop of 46.4% and 36.6%, respectively, for visitors coming from Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. However, visitors from Iran increased by 94.2% in June compared with the same period last year.

A check at the website of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) revealed that the network of Middle Eastern nations are well-served via the various airlines that operate, including Egyptair Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Iran Air, Kuwait Airways, Qatar Airways, and Saudi Arabian Airlines.

It is said that Middle Eastern tourists would return to their home countries just before the start of the Ramadan season, which will be in the middle of next month.

nazrey

August 11th, 2009, 08:59 PM

Promosi KL lokasi pasaran modal
12 Ogos 2009

KUALA LUMPUR 11 Ogos - Para pelabur tempatan dan asing digesa mempromosikan Kuala Lumpur sebagai lokasi pasaran modal dan pelaburan yang strategik di peringkat antarabangsa.

Menteri Kewangan Kedua, Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah berkata, dengan reputasi serta dikenali sebagai pusat kewangan serantau, Malaysia perlu menjadi lokasi baru bagi menarik lebih ramai pelabur dengan menjadikan pasaran modal negara sebagai pilihan pertama.

Katanya, dengan kedudukan sebagai pusat perkembangan sistem kewangan Islam di rantau ini dan disertakan dengan trend pasaran yang meningkat, adalah tidak mustahil Malaysia menjadi lokasi kepada perkembangan sistem kewangan Islam pada masa depan.

"Sistem kewangan Islam merupakan satu produk yang boleh dieksport sekali gus mencerminkan keupayaan negara untuk menjadi pusat pembangunan sistem kewangan di seluruh dunia," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika menyampaikan ucapan pada jamuan makan tengah hari sempena Simposium Pasaran-pasaran Modal Dunia di sini hari ini.

Menurut Ahmad Husni, produk kewangan beretika telah meningkat secara drastik sejak beberapa tahun lalu dan sehingga Jun lalu, unit amanah berasaskan Syariah berjumlah RM52.3 bilion sementara pelaburan tanggungjawab sosial (SRI) di Amerika Syarikat sahaja dijangka mencecah AS$3 trilion (RM10.5 trilion) menjelang tahun 2011.

Selain itu katanya, kerajaan mensasarkan sektor perkhidmatan menyumbang 60 peratus Keluaran Dalam Negara Kasar (KDNK) menjelang tempoh akhir Pelan Induk Industri Ketiga (2006 hingga 2020).

Cita-cita itu katanya, memerlukan gabungan peserta industri sedia ada bagi membantu meningkatkan modal pasaran serta pertumbuhan yang positif.

Ahmad Husni menambah, dari segi geografi, Malaysia yang berada di antara kuasa ekonomi terbesar dunia China dan India, perlu menjadikan ASEAN sebagai pusat perkembangan untuk mengukuhkan kedudukannya dalam pasaran modal pelbagai rantau.

nazrey

August 19th, 2009, 03:52 PM

TIONG NAM REDEVELOPMENT: Facelift for 'slum area'
But City Hall wants to discuss idea with Tiong Nam residents first
Pearl Lee
Friday, June 26th, 2009 05:58:00

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TIONG Nam settlement, one of the oldest Chinese residential and commercial areas in Kuala Lumpur, is slated for redevelopment.

The redevelopment plan mooted by Kuala Lumpur City Hall will see the entire area given a facelift.

Mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail told Malay Mail that City Hall was currently studying whether the area could be redeveloped and the task is being undertaken by the Master Plan department.

"The area can be perceived to be a slum area and we plan to change its image. This will be a pilot project for us," Ahmad Fuad said.

Should the pilot project be successful, it would act as a catalyst for future redevelopment for other areas like Petaling Street, Pudu as well as areas in the Batu constituency.

Said Ahmad Fuad: "We are putting the people in the area as our priority and this is why we are looking for a good developer to anchor the project."

He added that it would be good if big industry players like Permodalan Nasional Berhad , Sime Darby, Petronas or the Employee Provident Fund act as trustees for the project.

Development based on the trust concept, he said, would be where landowners (beneficiaries) in the area would get returns in cash, kind or both depending on the value of their land.

"Alternatively, we might also consider land acquisition to revive the area, but we want to go to the people with this idea first," he added.

The Tiong Nam area is smack in the middle of the Sime Darby building, The Mall and Jalan Raja Laut. It would be the first Chinese area in the city to be redeveloped after Kampung Baru which is predominantly a Malay area.

He added that City Hall was currently doing the paper work to be presented to the Federal Territories Ministry as well as other relevant ministries.

Some agree and some don't

LONGTIME residents and business operators in the Tiong Nam settlement have differing views on City Hall’s plans to redevelop the area.

The majority of them agree that more and more foreigners are coming into the area and it was slowly losing its identity. Noodle trader Law Kean Chai, 53, who has been living in Tiong Nam for the past 40 years said the simple minded residents may welcome the redevelopment plan.

But those doing business may not be so open to the idea.

“Most of the residents here run their own businesses and there would also be some elderly folks who may not welcome the idea of having condominiums and would prefer terrace homes instead,” he said.

Law added that some people would be open to the idea if the Chinese identity is preserved. He said about 40 per cent of the residents comprise of foreigners who mostly live in flats.

“But we are willing to listen and we are open to any form of dialogue with City Hall,” he said.

Mechanic Soo Poh Lim, 54, said it would be good if there was a small zone for industrial activities such as his in any redevelopment plan.

Another mechanic, who only wanted to be identified as Keong, 47, said his customers were not only those who lived there but many from the surrounding areas as well.

However, for Lim Soo Chin, 50, redevelopment was not a viable idea. “Redevelopment would mean that we will have to be relocated to another area during that period, and for people like me who earn a living here it’s not only my house being taken away but also my rice bowl.

“I’ve also just renovated my home six months ago costing RM100,000. Are the authorities willing to compensate me for what I’ve spent?” she asked.

Another resident who only wanted to be known as Chew said, the redevelopment plan would be something new as there has not been much development in the area except for the installation of a water pump at the Gombak river that has stopped flooding in the area.

Association: An idea worth discussing

A GOOD idea that will boost the image of Tiong Nam Ku. This was the view of the KL and Selangor Huiann Quangang Association regarding City Hall's redevelopment plan for the Tiong Nam settlement.

The association that started in 1964 is regarded as the representative of residents in the area. Its general-secretary Chiu Sang Han said at present the area seemed to have a negative image because of activities like prostitution and drug addicts in the surrounding areas.

"It may be a bit difficult to redevelop the area as there are some parts of the area still deemed as agricultural land. Also, some of the owners have just obtained approval from City Hall to build a multi-level building," he said.

However, he added that it is an idea worth discussing.

History of Tiong Nam Ku

KNOWN as Tiong Nam Ku (Middle South Area) among the Chinese community, the 20-acre Tiong Nam settlement comprises mostly of terrace houses, flats and shophouses.

Original settlers were mainly Hokkien from a village in China called Huiann. Over the years there have also been Hokkiens from Quangang village as well.

According to old timers, two famous dishes such as Hokkien mee and loh mee that is sold in most Chinese shops these days originated from the Tiong Nam settlement. The area is also famous among KLites for its Bak Kut Teh and noodles. It draws lunchtime crowds from nearby offices. The majority of residents are hawkers and businessmen.

There is also a market that is open every morning for the convenience of residents. Most of the buildings such as the Tiong Nam flats and terrace homes have been there since the late 1950s and early 1960s.

The area has three hotels - Nitrus Hotel, Wilayah Hotel and Wira Hotel. There are also some high-rise residential development in the area known as Selayang Flats and the Menara Putra apartments.

The area has four Chinese temples. Land in the area is freehold and in the early days, homes in the area cost as low as RM15,000. But the area was prone to floods, as often as three times a month. And even when homes were offered at RM10,000 there were not many takers.
Over the years, some of the residents have renovated their homes which were originally single-storey houses.

Source: http://www.mmail.com.my/content/6447-tiong-nam-redevelopment-facelift-slum-area

nazrey

August 20th, 2009, 06:35 AM

New Orleans in KL
Thursday August 20, 2009
By SHARMILLA GANESAN

A living, breathing entity that is intertwined with every aspect of life ... that’s what New Orleans jazz is all about.

IT was like the Pied Piper was in town: seven men, armed with musical intruments, filled the night with the exuberant sounds of New Orleans jazz as they led concert-goers out of the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) onto the upper foyer. Curious passersby joined the clapping, swaying crowd, and for a few minutes, the outside of the philharmonic hall almost resembled a street carnival. Finally, with one throbbing note of the trombone, the performance ended, a fabulous finale to the showcase of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band (PHJB) held in Kuala Lumpur last weekend.

This, in essence, is what New Orleans jazz is all about. It isn’t confined to a particular place or group of people; rather, it is a living, breathing entity that is intertwined with every aspect of life in New Orleans. After all, it’s not for nothing that the city is known as the birthplace of jazz; it is from here that jazz travelled to places like Chicago and New York City.

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Rhythm and blues: The Perservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans,
which performed at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, Kuala Lumpur.

“Not a day goes by that you don’t hear live music in New Orleans,” says Ben Jaffe, PHJB’s creative director. “I wake up every morning to the church bells from St James, then the calliope music from boats on the Mississippi (River) starts, and then the bands on the streets play all day long.”

“Music is everywhere in New Orleans!” says 76-year-old PHJB member Charlie Gabriel, a fourth-generation New Orleans musician. “It’s in our people, our food, our environment. When you walk around our city, you’d see people standing in corners playing intruments, or people walking along and just singing. It’s a feeling like no other.”

PHJB takes its name from the Preservation Hall in New Orleans, a historic music venue that began in 1961. Founded by Allan and Sandra Jaffe, the hall’s aim was to protect and nurture the distinctive sounds of New Orleans jazz, which were slowly being displaced by modern jazz and rock ’n’ roll.

Located in the French Quarter, just three blocks from the Mississippi River, the hall provided a place for the city’s own musicians to perform, and still presents shows every night of the week. PHJB boasts an illustrious history, with many of its charter members having performed with jazz greats like Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong and Bunk Johnson.

Ben, who is Allan and Sandra’s son, says New Orleans jazz, which has roots reaching as far back as the 1800s, exhibits the diverse cultural and historical influences upon the city.

Originally a French colony, New Orleans was passed on to the Spanish empire, and then purchased by the French again. The city was also a large port of entry for the slave trade from West Africa.

“Our style is combination of many things. It came from the marching band tradition, and also from church songs and hymns. (The music) also came from the blues traditon, and a lot of it also originates from folk songs in the countryside,” explains Ben, who also plays the tuba with the band.

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Ben Jaffe (right) is the creative director of the Perservation
Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans; next to him is Charlie Gabriel.

Gabriel, who plays the clarinet and saxophone, says he first started playing at the age of 11. Coming from a musical family dating back to 1842, Gabriel definitely has “music in his spirit”, as he puts it.

“I was fortunate enough to (get) jazz at the source; this is where we helped nurse it, and then brought it to the rest of the world. Jazz is a part of New Orleans’ history,” he says.

Gabriel gives an example of how jazz plays a role in New Orleans’ funeral traditions. He says a band would play a funeral dirge to accompany the body to the cemetery, and then later, they would play uptempo numbers for everyone in the neighbourhood to get together and dance.

The band would go on playing as it visited the deceased’s usual haunts, collecting “second liners” who would sing and dance along behind the band.

“It’s meant as a way to uplift the family, and to take their minds off their loss,” he explains.

“Preservation Hall’s mission is to preserve and perpetuate these cultural traditions,” Ben says. “The music has such a long, unbroken history, and it is important for the next generation to know it.”

According to Ben, New Orleans jazz’s strength is its accessibility.

“Jazz can be a very intimidating term, and many people think they need to have certain knowledge or expertise to enjoy jazz. But New Orl