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Kuala Lumpur 27 January 2010 : Soccer fans posing with the FIFA World Cup trophy on display in KLIA today. The FIFA World Cup trophy weighing 6,175 gm, 18 carat gold, measuring 36.8 cm in height, is on display in Malaysia from January 27 to 29 as part of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour 2010. The tour takes the trophy around the world to 83 countries to provide soccer fans an opportunity to see the World Cup Trophy ahead of the 2010 World Cup to be held in South Africa, which begins 11 June to 11 July 2010.

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PENGURUS Besar The Coca Cola Company untuk Malaysia, Singapura dan Brunei, Antonio Del Rosario (tiga dari kanan) dan wakil media FIFA, Liu Lingling (tiga dari kiri) bergambar bersama trofi Piala Dunia di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa KL (KLIA), Sepang, Selangor, 27 Januari. - Utusan/ZULKARNAIN MOHD SAIDIN

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Open-air theatre gets major makeover
2010/01/22

http://streets.nst.com.my/Friday/Stories/20100122002205/insidepix1
Stand-up comedy has been a perennial favourite with audiences at Panggung Anniversary since it opened.

KUALA LUMPUR: Panggung Anniversary, at the Lake Gardens, will be filled with music and dance once again when upgrading works are completed in June.

The 43-year-old amphitheatre is undergoing a RM10.6 million facelift.

City Hall corporate communications director Anwar Mohd Zain said the local authority had decided totaken the initiative to upgrade the facilities at the open-air theatre to ensure the comfort of the public and performers.

Among other things, a roof has been built over the theatre to shield spectators from the sun and rain.

“Before this, visitors had to watch the shows in the sun and rain but that’s all in the past,” Anwar added.

A more comfortable dressing room, pantry, rest area and office are included in the upgrading exercise to provide greater comfort to artistes.

There will be a bigger stage with rubberised flooring, which is more appropriate for dancing.

The latest audiovisual and lighting systems have been installed and an arrival hall, surau, an area for the sale of refreshments and public toilets have been added to the structure.

“We hope that once the upgrading works are completed, shows can be held at the venue throughout the year and Panggung Anniversary will become a major attraction to both locals and tourists,” said Anwar.

Panggung Anniversary was once the epicentre of live entertainment and the most happening spot in the city.

It was a hit with KLites and tourists alike and was usually packed on the weekends when there were cultural and contemporary shows, comedy sketches and live performances by local and international artistes.

“Back in its heyday, Panggung Anniversary was the place where locals and tourists could enjoy a variety of live entertainment.

“However, over the years, the popularity of the place dipped because its facilities were outdated.

“That is why City Hall had taken the initiative to upgrade the amphitheatre,” said Anwar.

FT Day to offer big fun despite smaller
2010/01/22
By Nuradzimmah Daim
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PUTRAJAYA: A month-long festival will be held to commemorate Federal Territories Day, which falls on Feb 1.

It will kick off with the conferment of the Federal Territories’ conferment of awards ceremony at Istana Negara, followed by and various fun activities at Dataran Merdeka.

The closing ceremony is on Feb 28 at Dataran Labuan.

Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said in a press conference that this year’s celebration had been scaled down in terms of cost, but it would still have many programmes and activities for the public.

“The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘1Wilayah Persekutuan Maju dan Sejahtera’ .

“We are spending about RM3 million, compared to some RM7 million last year,” he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will launch the festival at Dataran Merdeka.

Among the activities arranged on the first day are traditional games, an autoshow and paintball matches between the media and agencies under the ministry.

At night, Dataran Merdeka will be enlivened by the 1Wilayah Persekutuan concert, 1Malaysia cultural show, and fireworks.

“The highlight of this year’s celebration is the launch of the Maintenance Fund for the Private Low-cost Houses in Kuala Lumpur (Tabung Penyelenggaraan Rumah Kos Rendah Milik Swasta di Kuala Lumpur),” said Raja Nong Chik.

However, he declined to elaborate on the fund as the details would be announced at the launch of the FT Day festival.

“We have also received an encouraging response to our Blog4FT competition, which was launched last October.

“The prize-giving ceremony for the winners will be held during the celebration,” he said.

More than 4,000 entries were received for the competition which focused on the spirit of 1Malaysia and highlighted, among others, nature, arts and heritage.

The competition, he said, was a powerful marketing tool to promote the Federal Territories.

Raja Nong Chik also announced that the high-tea ceremony had been postponed to March 6 because of Chinese New Year, which falls on Feb 14.

Residents breathe easy with preservation of green lung
2010/01/15
Noel Achariam

http://streets.nst.com.my/Friday/Stories/20100115001641/insidepix1

KUALA LUMPUR: After years of uncertainty, those who have been opposing commercial development on Lot 55 at Bukit Travers can heave a sigh of relief as the authorities have decided that it would remain institutional land.

The residents were informed of the decision during a meeting with mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail late last year.

Lot 55 is the vacant narrow strip of land beside the Jalan Travers police station and directly opposite KL Sentral.

There was initially a proposal to change the land usage of Lot 55 from institution use to commercial use, causing alarm bells to ring among the nearby Federal Hill residents and other groups concerned with the over-development and traffic congestion in the area.

Primamuda Holdings had applied to build two 30-storey towers and one 16-storey tower on top of a common five-storey podium block in return for building the new three-storey Jalan Travers police station and a nine-storey police quarters.

A subsequent petition by the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) to save Federal Hill had, among others, stated that the area was a unique green lung and the only one approaching a natural forest in the city centre.

Its conservation and preservation is in line with the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2020 Vision for KL to be a World Class City with the identity of a Tropical Garden City.

The MNS petition had also said that currently, Jalan Travers was already suffering from traffic congestion. The proposed high density development of Lot 55 would have exacerbated the traffic congestion.

"Given the magnitude of the proposed development and its location near a busy and narrow intersection, the number of cars entering and leaving Lot 55 is likely to increase the potential for traffic accidents and undermine the safety of all users of Jalan Travers.

"The proposed high-density development will also put severe pressure on existing drainage and could raise the risk of flooding," the petition states.

The petition also pointed out that since Lot 55 was still owned by the Pengarah Harta Tanah Persekutuan (Federal Real Estate Department director), it belonged to all taxpayers.

For this reason, Lot 55 should be developed in a way that will ensure maximum benefit for all Malaysians, it said.

An institutional land means that the site could only be used for public parks or as the location for public amenities such as schools, universities, police stations and fire stations.

Federal Hill resident Lam Choon Kit said that the residents were grateful that City Hall had decided to preserve the green area.

"We are glad that finally a decision has been reached. This area is rich in flora and fauna and there should be no development here," he said.

Lam also said that Fuad had assured the residents that any building in the area would not be more than three-storey high.

"We are grateful that the mayor understood our problem and he had assured us that there will be no high-rise development here," he said.

RM37.6m to spruce up low-cost flats

KUALA LUMPUR: A newly established 1Malaysia Maintenance Fund (TP 1Malaysia) with RM37.6mil allocation will be used for maintenance of low-cost housing units and flats, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced at the Federal Territories Day celebration here last night.

Najib said the Government contributed RM20mil, while City Hall, the Federal Territo*ries and Urban Wellbeing Ministry and private firms contributed RM10mil, RM5mil and RM2.6mil respectively. The fund is set up to “revive” the exterior and facilities of low cost houses such as fixing elevators, paint jobs for fading and chipping paint as well as leakage for low-cost houses in Kuala Lumpur.

“The Government received many reports on the poor condition of the low-cost houses in the city to a point that the residents are depressed.

“Although the houses are developed by private companies, we need to tackle this situation because those who occupy the units are from the low-income group,” he said.

Snap the best shot of Petaling Street
Story by LIM CHIA YING
chiaying@thestar.com.my

Calling all photography enthusiasts! A Chinese New Year photography competition focusing on Petaling Street is being organised for all to capture the best of what this famous tourist hotspot has to offer.

The competition, themed Petaling Street CNY Photo Contest 2010, starts today and continues for two months until April 1.

It is organised by the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Photography Association with Outdoor Media Specialist (OMS) Sdn Bhd as the main sponsor.

The association’s assistant secretary-general, Chee Moon Piow, said the contest was opened to locals and tourists with cash prizes to be won.

There are four themes which participants can choose and focus on in submitting their entries.

“The first is CNY’s popular dragon or lion dance, the second being the cultural and historical aspects of Petaling Street, the third being the bustling night scene at this street, and the fourth being CNY cultural activities held at the numerous temples here,” said Chee to reporters in a briefing for the Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association at the latter’s office in Jalan Sultan.

“The first, second and third-prized winners will be receive RM2,000, RM1,000, and RM500 respectively, and there are also 10 consolation prizes,” he said.

Given that Chinese New Year in the city is often synonymous with Petaling Street, it is thus surprising that the main street was still devoid of the festive atmosphere.

There was no bustling CNY music nor decor put up by the authorities, save for a few shops in Jalan Sultan that have done individually on their own.

In view of this, the Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association is putting its own effort to stage Chinese cultural shows on certain days starting this week to bring out the festive excitement.

The first is a lion and dragon dance performance at 11am today - one of the four contest themes where participants could take snapshots of.

The association’s vice-chairman, Datuk Ang Say Tee, said CNY goods would be brought in starting this week onwards and urged visitors to continue patronising Petaling Street.

“I also wish to reiterate that Petaling Street is a safe shopping place and free from crime.

“The only incidences are probably petty thefts which everyone should be careful of.

“But so far, no major crime has taken place.

“If visitors encounter any ugly incidences, please report the matter to us or to the police and we’ll take the action.

“We’ll not hesitate to ask the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to terminate the licence of the trader found to be committing any violence so as not to tarnish the image of Petaling Street,” said Ang.

OMS managing director Chun Fatt Teck said the company would be helping to light up the entire Petaling Street throughout Chinese New Year.

OMS is the concession holder of airspace advertising in Petaling Street, and Chun said the aim was to brighten up the area while enabling traders and visitors to experience and enjoy the festive celebration.

“We’ll be installing 28 vertical light boxes in Jalan Petaling, to be switched on from 6pm to 6am daily starting today.

“The illumination will serve Petaling Street well with added vibrancy,” said Chun.

He said the OMS Petaling Street archway was voted as the world’s fifth most popular Chinatown archway in December last year based on online polls conducted at www.chinatownology.com

Meanwhile, Fong is unhappy that the red hanging lanterns on the rooftop are not being replaced this year given that as many as 300 lanterns on one stretch are gradually turning white.

“The DBKL should be changing the lanterns which have gone through wear and tear the past year and are fading in colour.

“I’ve asked the mayor about this but he told me there’s no budget. How can there be no budget especially if this area is promoted and touted as a tourist hotspot?”

“Rather than to have faded lanterns hanging, DBKL is better off taking them down,” said Fong.

It is learnt from a shop owner that DBKL collects RM200 a month as rental fees from each licensed hawker (excluding the licence fee), and with more than 700 licensed traders there, the owner said there was no reason why the budget could not be allocated.

Fong and Ang also lamented that the authorities had been weak in its efforts to spruce and decorate Petaling Street for the Chinese New Year, with only some shops seen doing themselves.

For details on the photography contest, call 03-2141 1517.

Elevated road project suspended for now
2010/02/01

KUALA LUMPUR: Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin has confirmed that the project to build a one-way ramp from Jalan Bangsar to Jalan Maarof has been put on hold.

"This is because the Bangsar Baru Residents' Association and Bangsar Park Residents' Association have said they do not want the ramp. We have to listen to the people," said Raja Nong Chik.

"The ramp is supposed to relieve traffic congestion. Without it the problem will persist and residents will have to accept and endure it.

"The ramp is on hold until an amicable solution is reached between the residents and City Hall," he said.

The one-way ramp -- an elevated road from Jalan Bangsar to Jalan Maarof -- is part of Package 6, one of the six packages under the RM110 million traffic dispersal scheme for Brickfields and Bangsar.

The Plaza Rakyat contractor, Global Upline Sdn Bhd, will be served with a notice in a week or two to carry out a final attempt at reviving the RM70 million project that has been abandoned for 15 years, said Raja Nong Chik.

"The notice will inform them that they are given two months to execute remedial works.

"We will issue the letter of termination after the period is over (should the developer fail to comply). We will then open the tender to developers and contractors to continue with the project," he said. -- By Dawn Chan

Traffic in Brickfields worse with opening of new ramp
2010/01/25
Nuradzimmah Daim

http://streets.nst.com.my/Monday/Stories/20100125100526/insidepix1
There are long queues at the Jalan Tun Sambanthan traffic light as motorists make U-turns there to get to Taman Seputeh..

KUALA LUMPUR: Residents in Brickfields and Taman Seputeh are seeing red over the opening of a new ramp from Jalan Syed Putra to Jalan Tun Sambanthan which they say is causing a traffic crawl at the junction near Sekolah Kebangsaan La Salle Brickfields 1.

A motorist who stays in Brickfields told Streets that traffic builds up as those heading to Taman Seputeh from Jalan Syed Putra now have to enter Brickfields and make a U-turn at the traffic light junction in front of the KFC outlet following the closure of the old ramp that connects directly to Taman Seputeh.

Previously, motorists from Petaling Jaya using Jalan Syed Putra were able to use the old ramp, located just next to the new one, and turn right at the intersection to get to Taman Seputeh without having to enter Brickfields.

"The crawl is caused by those who want to enter Brickfields, as well as those making a U-turn to get to Taman Seputeh," the motorist said.

"As it is, the traffic is bad during peak hours and lunch time.

"It's just a short stretch (from Jalan Syed Putra to the traffic light junction where people make the U-turn), but I was stuck for about half-an-hour before I could turn right at the junction to get to Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad.

"I'm not sure when the new ramp was opened but I noticed it on Saturday," he said.

Taman Seputeh residents are also unhappy that they now have to take a longer route to get home.

When Streets visited the area yesterday, we found that traffic had built up from the new ramp until the traffic light junction in front of KFC, which is about 100m away.

Although we managed to make the U-turn in less than half-an-hour, it was a slow drive to Taman Seputeh as other vehicles from Brickfields changed lanes to get to Jalan Syed Putra.

City Hall recently announced that the old ramp would be closed until March 18 to make way for a new road.

Motorists were also advised to go through Jalan Tun Sambanthan 2, Jalan Thambi Abdullah 1 and then Jalan Tun Sambanthan 1 before turning right to get to Taman Seputeh.

The new ramp is part of the RM26 million traffic flow project by City Hall awarded to Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB).

The project is expected to be completed in July.

Under the project, those heading to Taman Seputeh from Jalan Syed Putra (from Petaling Jaya) would have a longer route as they would have to use a proposed ramp that leads into Jalan Tun Sambanthan 4, next to the Brickfields Monorail station, and go through Jalan Tun Sambanthan before reaching Taman Seputeh.

The project, among others, also includes a one-way ramp from Taman Seputeh to Jalan Syed Putra that will be heading towards the city and another one-way ramp from Taman Seputeh heading towards Petaling Jaya.

Other roadworks will include a one-way ramp from Jalan Tun Sambanthan 4 to Jalan Syed Putra heading towards the city.

Extensive walkway network planned for downtown Kuala Lumpur
2010/02/01

PUTRAJAYA: Kuala Lumpur will be adding a network of covered walkways to its landscape starting with the walkway connecting Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and the Bukit Bintang commercial district.

The Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said the extensive network of new walkways would help to integrate walkways built by private developers so that all buildings in the city centre would be connected in the future.

Raja Nong Chik, who spoke at the Federal Territories Day celebrations, said City Hall was working on the plan for the walkways.

He said Petronas would allocate about RM100 million to build covered walkways around KLCC.

While admitting that Kuala Lumpur was not as pedestrian friendly as some big cities, he expressed the hope that the proposed walkways would help to reduce the number of cars on the road.

He pointed out that cities like Hong Kong had covered walkways and they had proven to be effective in encouraging its residents to do more walking.

"Citizens in other big cities prefer to walk. But here things are different partly because of the sun and the rain.

"But, attitudes will change when there are comfortable covered walkways with fans, for example."

In future, he said, the ministry would require developers to include covered walkways in their development plans.

Raja Nong Chik said steps were being taken to overcome the shortage of parking spaces in Putrajaya. He said there would be a campaign to encourage the public to take buses along with Putrajaya Corporation's move to add 70 more buses in stages.

Raja Nong Chik said, according to the government's original plan for Putrajaya's, 70 per cent of the residents were supposed to use public transport.

"I was informed that the parking spaces were meant for visitors only. But because the civil servants started using their own vehicles, now there is not only a shortage of parking space but also traffic jams."

He said the bus services were under-utilised and many of the passengers were foreigners.

"Not many are using them except for the foreigners. It is sad that the public has failed to appreciate the facility provided by the government," he said.

Raja Nong Chik also said Putrajaya residents preferred to use their own vehicles because there was no school bus service. He said Putrajaya Corporation was looking into the possibility of converting several buses into school buses.

Another facility that is not fully utilised is the Park-and-Ride. Only a small number of people is using the service. It was introduced in 2007 to overcome traffic congestion and the lack of parking spaces.

Raja Nong Chik said the eradication of poverty in the city would be at the top of the ministry's list of priorities as the government shifts its focus to helping the needy in urban areas as well.

The urban poor were left out because government policies were focused on assisting the poor in rural areas. But, rural-urban migration had brought poverty to towns and cities.

Raja Nong Chik said the rural-urban migration over the last 30 years had resulted in 63 per cent of Malaysians living in urban areas, with the majority in Kuala Lumpur.

"This means the population demography has changed but the government's focus is still on rural areas through various programmes like the Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority and the Rubber Industry Smallholder's Development Authority.

"There are instances where the rural roads are far better than the ones in towns. People only think of the infrastructure but what about the fate of those who have migrated to towns but have no means to survive?"

The minister said the government would outline the ministry's role in addressing urban poverty in Kuala Lumpur by June.

"The focus will be on areas where there are low-income earners such as public housing projects and squatter areas. Places like Chow Kit, Kampung Baru and Kampung Pandan will also be looked into." -- Bernama

4WDs the solution to KL’s potholes?

FEB 5 — A friend of mine working in the prestigous Petronas Twin Towers lamented recently that he would soon need to buy a four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle in order to drive to work due to the numerous potholes and uneven road surfaces that blight Malaysia’s capital city.

Having been badly rattled in my car on the drive to KLCC to meet him for lunch, I could only nod my head in full agreement. First there was the terrible stretch of, I hesitate to call it road because it better resembles a war zone, outside The Malaysian Insider office in the Phileo Damansara complex in Petaling Jaya. That road is like a museum of roadmines — cracks, craters, gashes in the earth, mounds of warped tar, it’s all there gathered in one convenient location.

Then I turned into the upper class neighbourhood of Section 16 where after going over unmarked speed bumps that felt like small mountains, I was not surprised to be greeted with yet another familiar sight — the road was being dug up, somewhat crudely it appeared, sending clouds of yellow dust into the beautiful multi-million ringgit homes in the area.

This unpleasant state of affairs did not improve till I hit the Federal Highway and the Smart Tunnel was fine, perhaps due to the RM2 toll charge. But the roads rapidly deteriorated as I approached KLCC and I had to dodge more cracks, potholes and large rough patches in order to reach my destination.

Potholes have been known to damage vehicle suspensions, crack wheel rims and induce high levels of stress and cursing in the occupants of the vehicle, all of which are something residents of Kuala Lumpur do not need.

A friend of mine was driving her new Kancil, also in Section 16 Petaling Jaya a few years ago and plunged into a pothole so big and nasty that the rim cover of her front tyre went flying.

And that’s just one example. How many more have fallen victim to Kuala Lumpur’s infamous potholes?

“These potholes are hard to avoid,” she complained. “You need to be an F1 driver to zigzag in order to avoid the potholes.”

She also pondered one of the enduring mysteries of Malaysia — why do roads need to be dug up, badly patched up, then dug up and badly patched up again a few months later? Is it too much to ask for the different utilities to synchronise amongst themselves or implement a common ducting system?

Another widely travelled friend of mine could only think of two cities where he felt the potholes were worse — Manila and Karachi, the latter where apparently potholes can swallow a car whole.

Having been to quite a few cities myself, I think the condition of the roads are a mark of the level of development of the city.
The Big Four Auditors are here at jobstreet.com. Register and let them select you.

Tokyo, Melbourne, Singapore, Geneva, Barcelona all have great roads and are considered first world cities.

Manila, Karachi, Kuala Lumpur have not so great roads and are considered... well you get the drift.

But why can’t our roads be great? Is it because of low quality tar? Is it because of the number of heavy vehicles? Is it because authorities can’t be bothered? I just hope it’s not because as is the case in some countries where roads are deliberately paved badly so that contractors can be assured of a steady stream of re-paving income.

The bad roads are also egalitarian in that it affects all Malaysians regardless of class. Even the upper class areas of Section 16, Damansara Heights, Bangsar, Sri Hartamas, Mt Kiara and KLCC are not spared.

The exception according to my friend who lost her front wheel rim cover, seems to be Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI).Perhaps it has something to do with the number of VIPs who live there. While I wouldn’t call the roads in TTDI great, they do seem to be in generally speaking, a bit better condition than other areas.

I once saw this decal on the rear of a car some years ago - “KL Pothole Survivor”. I hope they still make it because I think it will go great with the 4WD my friend might have to get. — Lee Wei Lian

New look for Lake Gardens soon
By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ

jaya@thestar.com.my

THE 81ha Taman Tasik Perdana (Lake Gardens) will undergo a major transformation and be upgraded into a botanical garden soon.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail said the first phase, which would take six months to complete, would involve planting more trees, including some rare species at the park.

He said the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had appointed consultants to look into the garden planning, including maintaining other facilities at the park.

“We are looking at enriching the garden with rare trees which some of us have not seen before such as the Majapahit and the cannonball trees.

“We will also plant pokok Johor, Melaka, Ipoh and so on. In six months, there will be some difference to the garden.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/2/19/central/m_pg04nong.jpg
Doing my bit: Nong Chik watering a plant at the Datuk Keramat Lake Garden.

“The idea to upgrade the garden is the Cabinet’s latest decision and it is to create a garden that is on par with some of the best botanical gardens in the world. The entire project will take two to three years,” he said at the launch of the Datuk Keramat Lake Garden in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin launched the park. Also present were deputy minister Datuk M. Saravanan, its secretary-general, Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib, and DBKL director-general Datuk Salleh Yusof.

The upgraded park is in Jalan Jelatek and is 3.46ha big.

It also has a man-made lake and waterfall. The upgrading work for the park started in January 2008 and was completed in September 2009 with the cost of RM6.3mil.

It also has other facilities like a multipurpose field and plaza, exercise equipment, futsal field, kiosks, public toilets, jogging track, children’s playground and a reflexology track.

The launching ceremony also doubled as the prize-giving ceremony for the Beautiful Compound Competition 2009 which was held recently.

Nong Chik said maintenance of a park was a collaboration between the government and public.

“Both parties have to work to keep the environment clean, otherwise we cannot maintain a clean environment.

The public should also be civic-minded to help keep the place clean,” he said.

First batch enjoys 'Showcase KL' for free
2010/02/23
By Noel Achariam

KUALA LUMPUR: Travellers in transit at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) will now be able to experience the nation's capital via a transit tour programme.

"Showcase KL", the brainchild of the Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry and City Hall, will give travellers a sneak preview of the city's attractions.

Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin, who launched the programme at the KL Sentral concourse recently, said: "The main idea of this programme is to get travellers who haven't been to Kuala Lumpur to experience the beauty of our city. This is the first stage. Once they get to experience our city, they will come back for more," he said.

He said the idea for the transit tour programme was mooted four months ago.

"The mayor, Datuk Seri Ahmad Fuad Ismail, and his team came up with the idea in December. I presented the idea to the Prime Minister and the cabinet two weeks ago and they gave it their full support," he said.

Raja Nong Chik said "Showcase KL" was aimed at international passengers on transit for more than five hours to ensure ample time for them to enjoy the city.

"Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur have hundreds of tourist attractions that would take days to explore. 'Showcase KL' will give transit passengers a good introduction of what the city has to offer.

"Although it is a short tour, transit passengers will get a chance to meet the local people, taste the food and check out the sights in Kuala Lumpur," he said.

Raja Nong Chik urged airline companies and those in the tourism sector to include "Showcase KL" in their marketing plan.

"We will be working closely with City Hall to come up with more innovative ways to enhance this exceptionally unique product," he said.

Before the launch, Ahmad Fuad met and welcomed the first batch of transit passengers from France, India, Holland, Australia and South Africa at KLIA and travelled with them to KL Sentral on the Express Rail Link.

The first group of Malaysia Airlines transit passengers got to experience the programme for free.

Belgian Viviane Dielis, 40, who lives in Australia, said she would be coming back to Malaysia again for a holiday.

"This is my first visit to Malaysia and I'm in transit here for 15 hours. It was very nice of Malaysia to offer me this tour.

"There are a lot of things to see and do here but I don't have much time. I will definitely be coming back to visit Kuala Lumpur soon," she said.

Among those present at the launch were Deputy Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk M. Saravanan and Malaysia Airports Bhd senior general manager of operations Datuk Azmi Murad.

"Showcase KL" costs RM95. The package includes a return trip on the KLIA Express Rail Link and a tour on board the KL Hop On Hop Off double decker bus.

The bus takes visitors to 43 attractions with 22 stops around the city. Travellers can choose the tour routes according to how much time they have.

KL cops seek to have more police stations in city
March 9, 2010, Tuesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=15496

KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur police propose to increase the number of police stations in the city from 18 to 47 in an effort to step up police presence and reduce crime, Kuala Lumpur deputy police chief Datuk Abu Samah Mat said yesterday.He said the proposal, pending approval by the Bukit Aman police headquarters and the Home Ministry, involved upgrading 20 community police stations to full-scale police stations and setting up nine new police stations.

The upgrading would also involve augmenting the number of police personnel and providing more facilities, he told reporters after Deputy Home Minister Jelaing Mersat visited Alam Damai, a crime hot spot, in Cheras, here.

Jelaing also met with the people there and toured the Alam Damai Rukun Tetangga (Neighbourhood Watch) sector and housing estates in the vicinity.

The existing 18 police stations in Kuala Lumpur are classified as Grade A (having 140 personnel), Grade B (130) and Grade C (100).

Community police stations are helmed by a sergeant who is assisted by seven personnel.

Abu Samah said that in meeting the request of the people who wanted police stations in their housing estates, Kuala Lumpur Police would locate police stations in selected places, especially in the 11 crime hot spots.

“We have 11 mobile police stations in Kuala Lumpur, and we are asking for 11 more to be stationed in the hot spots,” he said.

He said Alam Damai, which was one of the hot spots, had seen a reduction in the crime rate by 45 per cent since September last year. Besides Alam Damai, Taman Midah, Taman Connaught and Bandar Permaisuri are also hot spots, which come under the jurisdiction of the Cheras police.

The other hot spots are Bukit Bintang and Jalan Pudu, which come under the jurisdiction of the Dang Wangi police, Brickfields and Kuchai Park under the Brickfields police and Jinjang Utara, Metro Prima Kepong and Danau Kota under the Sentul police. — Bernama

International agency to setup KL office to address human trafficking :cheers:
March 9, 2010 By Adib Zalkapli
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/55741-international-agency-to-setup-kl-office-to-address-human-trafficking

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/images/2010/logos/iom.jpg

PUTRAJAYA, March 9 — The Geneva-based International Organisation for Migration (IOM) will open an office in Malaysia to address the issue of human trafficking in the country.

Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the Home Ministry has agreed to the step and the proposal will be discussed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cabinet.

IOM is currently housed within the United Nation’s High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) building in Jalan Bellamy, Kuala Lumpur.

“I hope the setting up of the IOM office in Kuala Lumpur will assist KDN in our quest to address the issue of human trafficking, human smuggling and problems related to the issue of migration,” said Hishammuddin after a meeting with IOM director-general William Lacy Swing.

“In fact IOM has in principle agreed and willing to assist KDN in resolving the issue,” said Hishammuddin.

He added that IOM’s presence will also help in training agencies under the ministry.

“IOM has also proposed to train our investigation officers and prosecutors in cases involving human trafficking,” he said.

“I hope we will succeed in our attempt to eradicate human trafficking through our cooperation and the expertise of IOM,” said Hishammuddin.

IOM has offices in 127 countries with an annual budget of US$1.1 billion.

In June last year the United States put Malaysia on the list of countries suspected of not doing enough to combat human trafficking, together with six African countries — Chad, Eritrea, Niger, Mauritania, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.

Malaysia currently has about 1.8 million foreign workers.

Asian Metrocity Summit in KL on April 5
By Bernama
Friday, 12 March 2010 16:59

KUALA LUMPUR: Hundreds of delegates from various countries will participate at the Asian Metrocity Summit - Kuala Lumpur 2010 to be held at the Royale Chulan Hotel, Kuala Lumpur in April.

Governors, heads of municipalities, government officials, developers,mayors and corporate leaders from Southeast Asia, Mid Asia, Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East will attend the three-day summit, beginning April 5.

The summit, jointly organised by Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) and Asian World Summit, is scheduled to be opened by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Fuad Ismail said the summit aimed to share, educate, inform and advise the relevant parties to induce and implement the knowledge gained towards building a successful, eco-friendly and developed city.

It would feature international speakers disclosing the latest developments and practices of sustainable developments worldwide, the mayor said at a media conference on Friday March 12.

In line with the theme, 'Sustainable Development Solutions for Planning and Urbanisation of Cities', the topics will include information and communications technology, sustainable development, transportation system, funding mechanics, green technologies and buildings, tourism development and disaster mitigation. - Bernama

del

Chennai to be Kuala Lumpur's twin city?
By Bernama
Sunday, 14 March 2010 01:41

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry is working to twin Kuala Lumpur city with Tamil Nadu's capital, Chennai.

Its minister, Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin, said representatives from the ministry would visit Chennai in May for the purpose.

Several discussions had been held and the Malaysian government was awaiting response from Chennai for the next course of action, he told reporters after officiating a food and entertainment carnival at the Temple Of Fine Arts here March 13.

Raja Nong Chik said the Kuala Lumpur mand Chennai twin city programmes was aimed at further enhancing bilateral relations between Malaysia and India in art, culture, tourism and economy.

He said Chennai and Kuala Lumpur had many similarities; most of the Indians in Malaysia were from Tamil Nadu.

"In line with efforts to realise the twin city programme, the ministry is also planning to develop Brickfields into 'Little India'," he added.

The carnival, which also had cultural activities, was organised by the Temple of Fine Arts to raise funds for the Derma Sivasanta Clinic in
Brickfields. The clinic, set up by non-governmental organisations in 1982, provides free medical service to both locals and foreigners. -- Bernama

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Real estate conference in KL
Published: 2010/03/18

PROPERTY developers will be able to share ideas and discuss industry issues at the third National Real Estate Property conference to be held next month.

The Malaysian Islamic Chamber Of Commerce will hold the event at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur on April 7 and 8.

"It will be an ideal platform for those in the industry, large- and small-sized business enterprises to discuss the current challenges with the heightened competition.

"It can also bridge the gap between industry players and academicians ," deputy president Tan Sri Muhammad Ali Hashim said at a media briefing in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, yesterday.
Muhammad Ali, who is also the chief executive of Johor Corp, will present a paper on the need to put unused wakaf land to good "commercial use".

"In many parts of the country, these unused plots of land also look unsightly when sited next to major properties."

At least 300 participants are expected to attend the event which is co-organised by Johor Corp, Universiti Sains Malaysia and supported by the Selangor Bumiputera Developers Association. - By Rupa Damodaran

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Malaysia to host ASIAWATER 2010 Expo and Forum
KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 (PNA/Xinhua) - ASIAWATER 2010 Expo and Forum will be held from April 6 to 8 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Center in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital.

The event's official website says this water and waste water trade show is strictly a business-to-business event which operators, regulators, technology suppliers and service providers are expected to attend.

Topics for this year's integrated water and wastewater industry show include water resource management, municipality water management, sewerage, irrigation, wastewater treatment and management and industrial water management.

Ultra pure water and bottled water production will also be showcased during the event.

In the last ASIAWATER, some 9,224 trade buyers and industry professionals as well as 500 exhibitors from 32 countries joined the expo and forum.

The Sixth ASIAWATER Conference will also be held concurrently with the expo and forum..

Organized by the Malaysian Water Association, the conference expects to bring together over 500 delegates to address issues in sustainable water supply for domestic and industrial needs. (PNA/Xinhua)http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=4&sid=&nid=4&rid=267661

The Standard Chartered KL Marathon is back. This is the 2nd year Standard Chartered is sponsoring this event and I do hope they do a much better job!! All the Best!

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iERxlHyV5AA/S-xNeNOR50I/AAAAAAAAChs/VjKpDOxvrBc/s1600/KLmarathon.jpg

Date : 27 June 2010

Venue : Dataran Merdeka Kuala Lumpur

Check out the different categories

Categories
1. Individuals
For individual runners we have 4 different distances with Open, Veterans and Malaysians only categories. 5KM, 10KM, 21.1KM, 42.2KM

2. Family Fun Run
The Family Fun Run is designed for families. Sign up 3-6 runners, give your group a name and enjoy running with your family and friends. As this is a non-competitive event, no official timing will be recorded or provided.

3. Kids Dash
3KM and 950M for Kids Dash. However, due to overwhelming response registrations are now closed.

4. Run For A Cause
Sign up for free. Raise at least RM500 from your friends, family or even the public and Run for a Cause. Start now by setting up a profile on this website and tell everybody why you are running for a cause.

5. Corporate Challenge
The Corporate Challenge is a competitive yet fun platform for companies to register and compete as a corporate team, while running for charity. This run is for Malaysian companies only.

6. Sponsored Entries
Do you want to put a team together? Maybe you and your Teh Tarik friends, your classmates, or your customers? The Team Sponsor will pay for the runners

To sign up, please sign up here : http://www.kl-marathon.com/Users/register

PayPal to open 2nd operations hub in KL
Published: 2010/05/19
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100519143307/Article/index_html#ixzz0oMukqImn

ONLINE payment specialist, PayPal, plans to open its second Asian service operations hub in Kuala Lumpur within the next six months.

This is to cater for an increasing demand for e-commerce, particularly in the Asean region.

PayPal Asia Pacific Vice President Farhad Irani said the company is at present scouting for an appropriate location and approval from the relevant authorities.

"We will be able to make a definitive announcement within the next three months. We also hope this hub will be operational by year-end," he added, when asked about the investment by the company for the hub.

Irani said the hube will employ between 250 to 400 people with the ability to speak different languages in serving the various countries in Asean.

"The company has at present, service operations in Shanghai, China, with 450 employees," he highlighted.

He said the opening of the hub in Kuala Lumpur is part of the company's long term plan to strengthen its presence in Malaysia.

Irani had earlier signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) and eBay.

The MoU will see PayPal and eBay organise a series of seminars, workshops and provide consultation support services to Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, witnessed the signing of the MoU.

The implementation of the eBay for Business Programme, will see the SMEs gain knowledge on how to effectively conduct market research, undertake sourcing and marketing of products as well as provide customer service for the merchant sector.

Irani said PayPal and eBay remain very optimistic about the prospects of e-commerce.

"With 15.8 million internet users and e-commerce expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 28 per cent from 2006 to 2010, the potential for Malaysia remains tremendous," he explained.

On eBay, for example, Malaysia is one of the most active markets in cross border trade within Southeast Asia.

"The total value of goods, sold to overseas markets like the United States or Europe by Malaysian eBay sellers alone, grew by 69 per cent year-on-year in January 2010," he said.

It was reported that PayPal processed more than US$6 billion in total payments volume in the Asia Pacific in 2009.

Irani said with the special tie-up with Matrade, its members who sign up for PayPal accounts will benefit from a 25 per cent discount on all transactions fees for the first 100 transactions, made within their first three months of registration.

Besides that, eBay will also be waiving insertion fees for the first 100 listings created by Matrade members.

PayPal, which is an eBay company, manages more than 84 million active accounts in 190 markets and 24 currencies around the world. - Bernama

New look for old township
By BAVANI M Wednesday July 14, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/7/14/central/6647177&sec=central

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/7/14/central/p1apartments.jpg

THE redevelopment plan for the former Kampung Congo in Bandar Tun Razak was finally revealed to the residents on Sunday.

The township, which is now Jalan Jujur, Jalan Mewah and Jalan Ikhlas, will be transformed into a well-planned, modern and safe neighbourhood provided the residents agree to the proposal.

Bandar Tun Razak MP Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said he wanted the residents to view the artist’s impressions and designs so that they would know how the place would look like once their houses had been redeveloped.

“If the people want this (project) then we will hold a meeting to explain the details but it can only be carried out if everyone agrees,’’ he said.

Khalid said once the people agreed to the idea then it would be brought to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for their perusal.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/7/14/central/p3congo.jpg

As it is: The village which was
formerly known as Kampung Congo.

Khalid, who is also Selangor Mentri Besar, said if the Kampung Congo redevelopment was successful then other ageing areas in Kuala Lumpur could also be redeveloped.

“The land value and gross development value will pay for the project. He explained that each unit owner would get not one but three units and they can either sell the extra units or choose to use one to get a loan to buy all three.

About 200 people turned out to view the designs of the units and many were impressed with the concept. A group of experts led by Datuk Kamal Zaharin, a town planner, has been hired to develop the area.

Old timer Abdullah Mahayuddin, 74, said he was looking forward to the project and said he could not wait to see how the place would eventually look like after it was refurbished.

Abdullah’s neighbour Abdul Ghani Mohd Ramli was quick to agree.

“We need a bigger space as this place is way too small for my family,’’ he said.

About 1,500 houses were built in the early 1970s by DBKL to house the low-income earners.

The box-like houses had a tiny hall, two rooms, a toilet and a kitchen in an area measuring 600 sq metres. It was sold for RM10,000 per unit.

The village was named after a contingent of soldiers who were sent to the Congo in Africa in the 1960s as part of a peacekeeping force under the United Nations.

Some of these soldiers decided to settle down at the village, got married and raised their children.

The small settlement was renamed Bandar Tun Razak in 1981 by the then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

In the late 1990s, after the Election Commission’s re-delineation exercise, Bandar Tun Razak was separated from the Cheras parliamentary constituency and became a single constituency by itself.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/7/14/central/p3khalid.jpg

Taking in details: Khalid (left) and Cheras MP Tan Ko Wai (right) looking
at the artist’s impression of the redevelopment plan of the area.

City Hall projects sport 1Malaysia designs
2010/07/20
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/04nam/Article/

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/1034/74253267.jpg

Passersby are reminded of the 1Malaysia concept every time they
pass this flyover in Jalan Bangsar which is still under construction.
— Picture by Taufik Roslan

KUALA LUMPUR: City Hall is incorporating the 1Malaysia concept in its development projects.
The local authority began doing this last December when it included 1Malaysia designs on the Jalan Dewan Bahasa flyover.

City Hall is now adding 1Malaysia designs on another flyover in Jalan Bangsar and Jalan Travers.


City Hall public works director Siti Saffur Mansor said the designs were intended to reinforce the 1Malaysia concept.


"The design of children of different races chasing a butterfly on the flyover symbolises racial integration.

"It shows people that we live in peaceful society.


"We also want the future generations to understand the concept of 1Malaysia."

Siti also said City Hall would continue to include the 1Malaysia design in future developments. -- By Noel Achariam

Outlook for KL office market remains soft
By ANGIE NG Thursday July 29, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/29/business/6753375&sec=business

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2010/7/29/business/p5-propcht.JPG

Average rental rates facing downward pressure going forward

PETALING JAYA: The Kuala Lumpur office market is expected to remain soft for at least the next six months, with average rental rates facing downward pressure, including for some prime office buildings, property consultants said.

DTZ Nawawi Tie Leung executive director Brian Koh said with the large incoming supply of new office space, especially in the next two years, office occupancy and rental would come under pressure until at least 2012.

“It will take sometime for the market to recover. We expect monthly average rentals in the prime office areas to ease from RM6 per sq ft now to around RM5.80 in the coming months,” he told StarBiz.

DTZ Nawawi Tie Leung, in its latest DTZ Property Times Kuala Lumpur report, said the local office market had increasingly become a tenants’ market as supply would continue to surpass demand.

“This is due to a significant increase in incoming supply later this year and over the next few years. That will allow tenants to negotiate for cheaper rates upon renewal and when signing for new leases,” it added.

By the second half of the year, another 2.06 million sq ft of new office space is scheduled to come onstream.

Between 2010 and 2014, about 14.9 million sq ft of space is in the pipeline, with about seven million sq ft scheduled for completion in 2012.

“With the significant supply of new office space coming on-stream, competition is expected to intensify further among new office buildings to secure tenants, and office rents are expected to see further downward pressure,” the report said.

It added that the outlook for the sector remained cautious, “until a more convincing and firmer economic performance is achieved”.

Although the overall occupancy rate of office buildings in Kuala Lumpur rose from 87.2% in the first quarter of this year (Q1’10) to 87.9% in Q2’10 due to a lack of new supply, the average monthly rental of office space fell from RM6.02 per sq ft (psf) in Q1’10 to RM6.00 in Q2’10.

YY Property Solutions, in association with Cushman & Wakefield, in its latest Kuala Lumpur Office Marketbeat report, said although there were more active enquiries in Q2’10 compared with the previous quarters, “the pace of demand for office space has yet to match the improved economic environment.”

“It is still largely a tenants’ market with landlords offering better terms to tenants under growing competition from existing and newly completed office buildings,” it added.

Lauding Bank Negara’s issuance of five new commercial banking licenses as “giving a boost to the office market”, it said demand for office space was essentially driven by employment generation in the services sector.

The report pointed out that the capital value of real estate in the investment market was expected to remain stable this year.

CB Richard Ellis Sdn Bhd executive director Paul Khong concurs that the market is very much a tenants’ market and rental rates are very competitive.

“Landlords need to fight harder to attract tenants and various financial incentives are now thrown in to package a deal,” he said.

However, Khong is more optimistic in his outlook of the office market and believes rentals will be stable “with some nominal increases for the rest of 2010 while occupancy rates will continue to improve slightly further.”

“Over the next six months, we expect to see further activities in the office market and more relocation of tenants to newer buildings,” he added. Khong noted that the market held on rather well in the first half of the year with areas like KL Sentral, Jalan Bangsar, Mid Valley, Damansara Heights, Petaling Jaya and Mutiara Damansara, recording a higher occupancy rate.

Monthly rentals for Grade A office space in KL’s city centre are within the range of RM6.50 to RM7 psf inclusive of service charges, at RM7.50 to RM8 psf in KLSentral, and RM5 to RM5.50 psf in Bangsar and Damansara Heights. Average office rental in Petaling Jaya is around RM4.50 psf.

KL ranked 22nd in world for holding conventions
Wednesday August 4, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/8/4/business/6791493&sec=business

PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur jumped five notches to 22nd position in the latest International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) city rankings, placing it among the five leading meeting destinations in Asia-Pacific.

Malaysia Exhibition and Convention Bureau (MyCEB) said in a statement that in the country rankings, Malaysia moved up one spot from 32nd in 2008 to 31st last year. Malaysia hosted 96 international conventions in 2009, of which 72 were in Kuala Lumpur.

City Hall projects sport 1Malaysia designs
2010/07/20
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/04nam/Article/

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/1034/74253267.jpg

Passersby are reminded of the 1Malaysia concept every time they
pass this flyover in Jalan Bangsar which is still under construction.
— Picture by Taufik Roslan

KUALA LUMPUR: City Hall is incorporating the 1Malaysia concept in its development projects.
The local authority began doing this last December when it included 1Malaysia designs on the Jalan Dewan Bahasa flyover.

City Hall is now adding 1Malaysia designs on another flyover in Jalan Bangsar and Jalan Travers.


City Hall public works director Siti Saffur Mansor said the designs were intended to reinforce the 1Malaysia concept.


"The design of children of different races chasing a butterfly on the flyover symbolises racial integration.

"It shows people that we live in peaceful society.


"We also want the future generations to understand the concept of 1Malaysia."

Siti also said City Hall would continue to include the 1Malaysia design in future developments. -- By Noel Achariam

Opening of new flyover results in smoother traffic flow
By PRIYA MENON Monday August 9, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/8/9/central/6815264&sec=central

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/8/9/central/m_pg08travers.jpg

Smooth journey: The traffic flow from Jalan Travers heading towards Jalan
Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, has improved from a grade F to a grade A due to the
newly constructed Jalan Travers flyover.

THE traffic flow from Jalan Travers heading towards Jalan Bangsar in Kuala Lumpur has improved due to the newly constructed Jalan Travers flyover.

Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said the flyover, under package one of the Government Stimulus Package for Traffic Dispersal System in Brickfields, had reduced the congestion at the Jalan Travers junction.

“According to the research done by traffic consultants, the traffic flow is smooth, therefore cutting travel time for many, including me,” he said during the official launch of the flyover at One Sentral yesterday.

The flyover was completed seven months ahead of schedule on July 29.

He added that the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had been instructed to monitor the congestion in the area and to tow away cars that were parked haphazardly.

Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) chief executive officer Mohamed Razeek Hussain said the flyover was completed faster due to the precast and segmental box grider technology they implemented.

The stimulus package is part of five packages worth RM110mil that involves a flyover from Kuala Lumpur Sentral to Jalan Damansara/Mahameru (package 2), upgrading of Jalan Tun Sambanthan (package 3), construction of pedestrian bridges and linkages (package 4) and upgrading and repair work in Kuala Lumpur Sentral.

All packages are scheduled to be completed within 14 months.

The launch was also attended by Deputy Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk M. Saravanan, Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Fuad Ismail and DBKL director-general Datuk Salleh Yusup.

Work on Pudu Market upgrade up in the air
By LIM CHIA YING Monday August 23, 2010

UPGRADING works for the 54-year-old Pudu Market in Jalan Pasar Baru, Kuala Lumpur, that were supposed to start in April have yet to begin.

This despite the announcement by Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Zainal Abidin late last year that RM900,000 was being allocated for the upgrading works set to start after this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations.

Currently, market traders are still operating daily at the usual place although they were supposed to have been relocated to a temporary site to make way for the upgrading works.

The upgrading plan was not proceeding as smoothly as the authorities had hoped for, stemming from various unresolved issues like traders fearing that they would lose their original lots once they relocate, the centralising of stalls, and some shopowners disagreeing to the traders’ temporary move to the front of their shops.

The traders were initially supposed to relocate to a private site next to the Wentworth Hotel but that too did not materialise.

Pudu Hawkers and Petty Traders Association chairman Jeff Tan Ker Chiang said the carpark rental plan had been ‘sabotaged’.

“Here, each trader will be charged RM5 per day as a rental fee, which covers rubbish collection and security services,” Tan was quoted as saying on the carpark rental.

He said now that the carpark plan had been shelved, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had plans to close off Jalan Pasar Baru to temporarily relocate the first half of the 1,000-odd licensed traders.

However, he said DBKL had not spoken to the owners of shoplots along Jalan Pasar Baru to consult them on how the relocation would be carried out.

“We cannot blame the shoplot owners because they have the right to fear that their businesses will be affected.

“DBKL should take more responsibility to address their fears and inform them of what is going on,” he said during a visit to the market recently.

What does it cost to make KL one of the world’s top cities? RM172bil
Wednesday September 22, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/22/business/7077937&sec=business

KUALA LUMPUR: To make Greater Kuala Lumpur one of the top 20 cities in the world, an estimated RM172bil will be required over the next 10 years, with 34% of that funding money to come from the public sector.

Much of that money would go towards building a mass rapid transit system but funding would also go towards a proposed high speed rail between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, which would be a new track.

To improve pedestrian walkways and boost tourism, 7km of covered walkways would be built by DBKL and the private sector.

“The Greater Kuala Lumpur national key economic area’s vision can be summarised as 20-20 by 2020 – that is to be a city that simultaneously achieves a top-20 ranking in city economic growth while being among the global top-20 most liveable cities by 2020,” said Pemandu (the Performance Management and Delivery Unit) in a fact sheet on its Greater Kuala Lumpur proposal.

In its Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) presentation, Pemandu’s vision for Greater Kuala Lumpur contained proposals that would make Kuala Lumpur more liveable. Cleaning of the rivers would lead to the building of 10 riverfront spots for recreational purposes.

The ETP for Greater Kuala Lumpur also calls for more parks to improve the overalll quality of life and huge re-development projects include the development of the Sungai Besi airport and the land around the Matrade centre.

“Our economic aspiration is to grow GNI (gross national income) contribution from approximately RM258bil to RM650bil per year. This should move GNI share from about 30% of the nation’s GNI to approximately 40%,” it said in its factsheet.

Pemandu feels that the growth in income of the Greater Kuala Lumpur area would increase employment from 2.5 million in 2010 to 4.2 million by 2020, and additional targets include raising per capita GNI from RM40,000 to RM70,000 per year, achieving a top-20 ranking in the Economist Intelligence Unit Liveability Index survey and growing the population from six million to 10 million with a focus on growing the foreign talent base from 9% to 20% of the population.

Brickfields toddy shop to be torn down
2010/10/09
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/4tyt/Article/

KUALA LUMPUR: A 50-year-old toddy shop in Brickfields will soon be demolished to make way for upgrading works in the area.

Deputy Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk M. Saravanan said it will be demolished after the launch of Little India at the end of the month.

"We are upgrading the area and it will have to make way for new development. Furthermore, we have also received numerous complaints from some 20 non-governmental organisations and residents in the area to close down the shop," he said.

The toddy shop which is located next to a Hindu temple beside a block of old flats, sells fermented coconut water, which causes intoxication when consumed in large quantities.

Toddy was first introduced to plantation workers during the British rule.

There are also two other toddy outlets in the city, which are located in Sentul and at the back of Berjaya Times Square.

Saravanan also visited three outlets in Brickfields that were said to be selling illegal beer and liquor.

"We have checked their documents and all these outlets have a licence to sell liquor.

"Nevertheless, City Hall enforcement will monitor this area regularly," he said.

Saravanan also said that stern action will be taken against outlets that sell beer and liquor after 9pm.

"Their licence only allows for the sale of beer and liquor up to 9pm. Anything after that is deemed illegal," he said.

Saravanan also said that he will be writing to Deputy Finance Minister, Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussein, to review the tax on the price of beer and liquor.

"Every time the Budget is presented, the government increases the price of beer and liquor.

"For example, we have some international beers brewed locally with only five per cent alcohol content but they have become expensive with increased taxes, whereas the cheap beer and liquor come with high alcohol content and are detrimental to health.

"We would like to give consumers an option to choose beer and liquor which has less alcohol content for health reasons," he said. -- By Noel Achariam

Jln Cochrane govt quarters to be demolished
By LIM CHIA YING Monday October 25, 2010
Photos by P. NATHAN

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/10/25/central/m_02quarters.jpg

In the heart of the city: A aerial view of the Jalan Cochrane
government quarters where 400 units will be demolished.

CARTING his belongings one by one out into the porch, Abd Rahman Abdullah is already halfway through the shifting process.

He has been issued a notice in May by the property management division in the Prime Minister’s Department to vacate from the government quarters in Jalan Cochrane. About 400 civil servants and their families are involved in the exercise.

The families are to vacate by Dec 15 to make way for development.

“If I don’t start packing and move things out now, I may not have time to finish,” said Abd Rahman, 56, who works in the Defence Ministry.

He said his service had been extended by two years while his wife was also a civil servant at the Kepong police station.

Abd Rahman is of the opinion that not all the quarters should be demolished even if the area has been earmarked for development.

“We are not against development, but at least some of these quarters should be retained as heritage buildings,” said Abd Rahman.

“If the houses are demolished, our next generation will never know about the existence of the government quarters here.”

It is learnt that these residents were offered alternative accommodation in Putrajaya but Abd Rahman is not considering that option.

“Of course I’ve travelled long distances before, like when I was working in Sarawak, I was driving up to 70 miles a day.

“But I was young then! There’s no way I can travel like that now!” he said.

Abd Rahman said there were residents who had moved out so as not to disrupt their children’s studies.

Another resident, who wished to be known as just Thana, said it was a pity that the quarters would be demolished.

Thana who is working in a nearby secondary school, has lived in the quarters for more than 20 years and described the Cochrane area as a quiet and nice residential sprawl that is also convenient to many.

Big shady trees line the main road of Jalan Cochrane that connects Taman Maluri on one end and Jalan Tun Razak on the other.

The road is also abuzz with cars as it is a short-cut to get to Tun Razak, Pudu and Cheras.

With the beige walls and bright orange pillars with red roofing, the government quarters give an identity to Jalan Cochrane.

It is learnt that this road was named after Charles Walter Hamilton Cochrane, who was chief secretary of the Federated Malay States from 1930 to 1932.

Thana, 54, said her husband, now a pensioner, had been living in Cochrane since the age of five.

Thana’s unit may not be demolished for now as she has not received any letter yet ordering her to vacate.

She said the quarters were renovated about two years ago and were given a fresh coat of paint, new roof and flooring.

“To think that the upgrading was done recently and now these houses will go, is such a waste.”

Tucked somewhere behind the houses is the small sundry shack of Kedai Runcit M. Abdul Hameed, which has been around for many years. A worker said it would never be the same operating elsewhere since the shack had also been identified for development.

“We have been here for so long and familiar with almost everyone,” he said.

Cuepacs president Omar Osman said he had sent a letter to the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan, appealing for an extension until Dec 30, 2011.

“Many residents do not agree to being given just seven months to move out. We are not against development but want it to be resolved in the best way possible,” said Omar.

He added that considerations should be given to these civil servants who had served for so long and they were not being paid any compensation.

He has proposed RM5,000 in compensation for each family.

“If refurbishment was done two years ago, isn’t it a waste of money? There seems to be no proper planning,” he said.

He added that the quarters had been built more than 40 years ago.

The Residents of Cochrane Government Quarters Relocation Appeal Committee chairman Bustaman Hassan had rejected the move, saying that most residents would not abide by the deadline and were appealing to the government for more time.

He said the quarters in Putrajaya might be more comfortable with better amenities but was pointless when people needed to fork out a few hundred ringgit each month just for travelling.

“If new living quarters can be built nearby, we will relocate there willingly,” he was reported to have said.

However, the property management division had released a statement that the seven months’ notice from May 5 was sufficient, in spite of the General Rules of Order Chapter E 5(b) that states the government may require government officers to vacate the quarters in a month.

It is learnt that 16 residents with chronic illnesses and disabilities have already been relocated to government quarters in Jalan Duta and Jalan U-Thant.

Another 47 residents have applied for PPR homes and the names have been forwarded to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). Some 82 residents have taken up the offer to move to the quarters in Putrajaya.

The division’s assistant information officer, Mohd Fadzil Azma Mat Saad, said there were 538 government quarters there, but not all were earmarked for development.

“Only 400 quarters will be vacated to make way for development. The remaining 138 will be retained for now so these residents need not vacate,” he said.

This means that from the total 39.5ha of land, 23.1ha will be developed while the rest will be retained as Federal reserve land.

The statement added that the proposed RM5,000 compensation would not be paid because the government had the right to take back the quarters.

Mohd Fadzil said, however, the residents could request for an allowance from their respective departments.

He added that residents could still appeal for an extension until Dec 31 and consideration would be given.

“The Government is offering the Putrajaya quarters because there are limited units in Kuala Lumpur.”

He said all residents had been offered alternative housing.

“Only 20 residents are deemed not eligible, as they will either be retired by the end of the year or terminated.

“Our division is also of the opinion that many residents would have found homes financed through government loan that is provided for civil servants,” he said.

No details are provided about the development except that it will be carried out by a government-linked company.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2010/9/25/business/b_22greaterKL.jpg

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Johns Hopkins University to set up hospital in Malaysia
Updated: Saturday September 25, 2010 MYT 9:07:09 PM
By WONG CHUN WAI
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/25/nation/20100925123748&sec=nation

NEW YORK: The world-renowned teaching and research medical institution Johns Hopkins University will be setting up a school and hospital in Malaysia.

It will be Malaysia's first private teaching hospital with research facilities.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said a site in Serdang, Selangor, had been picked to set up the facilities, which would become a medical research hub for the region.

Foreigners and locals would comprise the first intake of about 100 students. The teaching staff would be made up of lecturers from Johns Hopkins as well as both local and Asian lecturers.

The medical school, he said, would offer a four-year programme, adding that it would be a private initiative between Malaysian and American investors.

Speaking to Malaysian newsmen here on Friday evening, he said an agreement would be signed early next month.

The Prime Minister did not give details of the project but it is understood that a Malaysian public listed company would be involved in the medical city plan, estimated to cost RM1.8bil.

There are Johns Hopkins University campuses in China, Singapore, Italy and the United States. The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, is a private, non-profit institution.

Earlier, Najib met Dr Mohan Chellappa, the president of Global Ventures, Johns Hopkins Medicine International, where the Prime Minister was believed to be given an update on the 600-bed private hospital.

On Monday, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the New York Stock Exchange at Wall Street in lower Manhattan, where he has been given the honour of pressing the closing bell to mark the end of the day’s trading on the world’s largest stock exchange.

The symbolic ceremony will be telecast live by CNBC. The next day, Najib will give an interview to CNN’s Fareed Zakaria.

'Invest KL' to lure investors to Kuala Lumpur
Published: 2010/11/18
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20101118184430/Article/index_html

A new agency, Invest KL, will be established next year to attract 100 multinational companies to invest in the federal capital and the Klang Valley over the next 10 years.

Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said the agency would collaborate with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority on the matter.

Although Invest KL is yet to be established, he said the government, via the Performance Management and Delivery Unit or Pemandu, had already brought in two multinational companies, Schlumberger and Vale, to set up base in Selangor.

"Invest KL will focus on bringing in at least 98 multinational companies to Kuala Lumpur by 2011," said Raja Nong Chik at a press conference on Greater KL here today.

Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala.

He said Cabinet would decide if Invest KL should be placed under his ministry or the International Trade and Industry Ministry.

"Politics will not be an issue in luring foreign investors and the government welcomes multinaional companies to invest in Kuala Lumpur or Selangor," he said. -- Bernama



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'More skilled workers needed to hit high-income target'
New Strait Time 20/2/2010
http://www.mohr.gov.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1834%3Amore-skilled-workers-needed-to-hit-high-income-target-&catid=150%3Anews&Itemid=161&lang=en

PUTRAJAYA:The government is intensifying efforts to increase the number of skilled workers to achieve its target as a high-income economy.

As it moved into high-income labour mode, Deputy Prime Minster Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said measures would be identified to meet the increasing needs, particularly in skills based manufacturing and services sectors.

"The question of human capital has become more critical than before in the context of preparing manpower to fit in the new economic model.

"Speaking after chairing the human capital cabinet comittee meeting here yesterday, Muhyiddin said several issues relating to human capital development were discussed at the meeting.

Referring to a Would Bank report entitled "Developing Human Capital for a Hig-Income Malaysia", he said the shortage of skilled workers would stunt progress and efforts to turn Malaysia into a high-income economy.

"As such, having skilled workers is an important asset in the bid to increase productivity and the nation's competitiveness in the global market."

Muhyiddin also said there was a need for concerted efforts to address the shortage of skilled workforce.

He said the World Bank report suggested the need for Malaysia to reform its human capital through education at both the tertiary and secondary levels.

"We take cognizance of this and the process is under way. To acknowledge some of the WOrld's Bank recommmendations, we have asked the Economic Planning Unit to prepare a framework."

On industrial training for undergraduates, he said it was agreed that the move would help increase the number of skilled workers.

Muhyiddin said the aim of such training was to prepare undergraduates for the job market.

"This helps the students adjust to the market conditions and gain the necessary skills."

He also said the Higher Education Ministry would select students from various disciplines from various disciplines ti undergo the training and its durations.

On average, he said it took three months with a minimum of two credit hours and a maximum of 12 hours credit for an undergraduate to complete the industrial training.

Touching on the need of manpower for the aerospace industry, Muhyiddin said the potential of the industry to propel the country's economy was discussed at the meeting.

"The investment in this sector has increased by 300 percent. In 2006, the total investments stood at RM113.3 million and it increased to RM991.6 million in 2008."

He said the industry also saw an average of 11 per cent increase in job opportunities. In 2008, the number of job vacancies stood at 50,000.

Muhyiddin added that the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology and EPU had suggested that the number of license engineers, aircraft captain and other skilled workers in aerospace sub-sector involving maintenance of aircraft parts be increased.

He said an allocation had been set aside under the 10th MAlaysia Plan towards that purpose.

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On the fast track
By Sharen Kaur Published: 2010/10/28
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/TRAIN27f/Article/index_html

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/TRAIN27f/pix_topright

Several companies made presentations to the National Key Economic Area (NKEA) lab about three months ago on the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed train project, industry sources say.

Among them were YTL Corp Bhd and Hartasuma Sdn Bhd (4677), which was said to be partnering a Chinese state-owned firm.

Hartasuma, a Class "A" Bumiputera contractor, is a member of Ara Group, founded by Datuk Aisamar Kadil Mydin Syed Marikiah and Tan Sri Ravindran Menon, director and executive director of Subang SkyPark Sdn Bhd respectively.

Its track record includes repair and overhaul of passenger coaches for KTM Bhd and civil works (Kuala Kubu Baru-Tanjung Malim Halt) for the Rawang-Ipoh electrified double tracks.

Business Times understands that some of the companies have proposed to undertake the high-speed rail project for between RM8 billion and RM14 billion.
A government source said the project could be worth RM10 billion to RM12 billion and that it would take five to eight years to complete as it will cover 300km.

The source said that cost would depend on the type of technology deployed, whether it is magnetic levitation (maglev) or conventional, and how the tracks are aligned.

Maglev will cost more than conventional, but requires less maintenance, is safer and faster. The system also uses more electronics and essentially involves "non-contact electromagnetic levitation".

"If the alignment is built along the coastal road, then it would involve a lot of land acquisition and this would add to the cost," he said.

The source added that the project would depend on a study by the Treasury, the Performance and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) and other government agencies.

It is believed that Pemandu, which is leading the NKEA lab, has invited officials from the Ministry of Transport, the Land Public Transport Commission (Spad) and City Hall to attend briefings held separately by the companies.

The high-speed train project was mooted by YTL in 2006. It had proposed to undertake the project for RM9 billion, partnering Germany's Siemens, a global expert in high-speed rail technology.

The YTL proposal, however, was shot down because of the high cost involved.

Malaysia is mulling over a high-speed rail linking Kuala Lumpur and Singapore that will cut travel time between the two cities to 90 minutes.

Plans would require the approval of Singapore, which has expressed its interest in the project. However, the government has not given a firm approval, the source said.


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PM wants Greater KL MRT project to start by July: Idris Jala
Updated: Thursday November 18, 2010 MYT 7:30:03 PM
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/11/18/nation/20101118181849&sec=nation

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak wants the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project under the Greater KL initiative to be implemented by July next year, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala said.

He said the technical report on the project, including the route, had been completed and would be tabled to the National Economic Council and the cabinet for scrutiny this month.

"The public will be able to give their feedback after the council decides on the technical report," he told a news conference here Thursday.

Present was Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin.

Idris said another project, the high-speed railway, would enter the first phase of studies for two months from early next year, to be followed by six months of detailed studies.

Meanwhile, Raja Nong Chik said the MRT route would be on federal land to avoid problems related to land acquisition while the distribution of MRT stations would be determined later.

He said among the locations to be served by the MRT lines was Kampung Baru, which would be among the focus areas of the Greater KL initiative.

The MRT system would be integrated with existing transport systems, he said, adding that Greater KL would also cover the rehabilitation of polluted rivers in the Klang Valley and greening of the national capital with the planting of 30,000 trees next year. - Bernama


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City&Country: Cover Story-- Transforming the Klang river
By Au Foong Yee and Wong King Wai Sunday, 18 April 2010 00:00
http://www.theedgeproperty.com/news-a-views/2411-cityacountry-cover-story-transforming-the-klang-river.html

The Klang River, meandering 120km through Selangor and Kuala Lumpur towards the Straits of Malacca, has had its glorious days. Once an all-important highway of commerce, years of rapid development have sadly turned the waterway into nothing more than a large ghastly looking, garbage-filled drain devoid of any hint of heritage asset or economic potential.

This is set to change, if all goes well, with a plan of Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim. He is spearheading a move to rehabilitate and develop the Klang River with the objective of raising the state’s economic and tourism profile.

The plan, which was a significant feature of Selangor’s stimulus package unveiled last year, got off to a rousing start on March 13 with the official launch by Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor.

One may be forgiven for being cynical about the project’s success because after much fanfare and hype, the high-profile multi-billion ringgit Kuala Lumpur Linear City never took off.

Featured in that ambitious project, unveiled back in the 1990s, was a mixed development of hotel, retail, office and apartment units, complete with a landscaped park. All these were to have come up atop sections of the Klang River in KL. The project, which necessitated the relocation of squatters, also had a river cleaning and flood mitigation component.

Two-thirds of the Klang River is in Selangor and Khalid knows only too well that it is unrealistic to rehabilitate and develop the entire 80km of the river at one go. So it will be done in sections, beginning with a 21km stretch towards Port Klang which comes under the ambit of the Klang Municipal Council.

Key to the project is that funding will be via private funding initiatives, points out Iliyas Jamil, economic development officer for the Selangor Menteri Besar’s office, who is coordinating the project. In short, although the state is driving the project, the rehabilitation and development cost will be borne by the private sector.

Initial studies, Iliyas tells City & Country, have shown that the development potential of the banks of the 80km of the river in Selangor could ring up a gross development value of RM50 billion over 15 to 20 years and create 150,000 jobs.

Premium product
Properties fronting water generally go down well with the market. Property consultants contacted by City & Country concur that properties on clean bodies of water generally command a premium, as seen in developments with lake, river and beach frontage.

KGV-Lambert Smith Hampton (Malaysia) director Anthony Chua says: “In general, all developments with lake and beach frontage do well, and if river frontage has clean water, it should be able to fetch a premium.”

Henry Butcher Marketing COO Tang Chee Meng points to numerous highly prestigious waterfront projects overseas. Waterfront residential properties, he adds, command a premium while certain retail properties such as food and beverage outlets will also do well.

Khong & Jaafar managing director Elvin Fernandez says it is almost a universal axiom that properties fronting clean bodies of water do well. He says that depending on the water quality and the view, the values of high-end waterfront residential properties can go up as much as 20% to 50%.

http://www.theedgeproperty.com/images/stories/Weekly_CityCountry/798/cc_6b_798.gif

The Klang River flows 120 km through
six local jurisdictions - five are in Selangor

Proposed master plan
The Klang River rehabilitation and development project master plan is being fine tuned. Kamal Ariffin Zaharin tells City & Country an inventory of a 50m border on both sides of the 21km stretch of river shows that some 20 tracts are suitable for beautification, development or redevelopment. Kamal is director of DPZ Asia, an architectural and planning firm headquartered in the US.

The multiple-award winning architect is the master planner, while three other companies — TSS-Mako Engineering, GJA Engineering & Construction and Wessex Water I-Bhd Consortium — have been chosen for the rehabilitation and development of the river.

The three were among 37 firms that responded to an advertisement placed by the state government seeking proposals. Of the 37, only 12 firms submitted proposals (see Page 8).

Currently, the water in the Klang River measures Level 4, and the state government aspires to raise the quality to Level 2, clean enough to swim in.

Genesis of the project
DPZ Asia’s Kamal, 44, studied architecture in the University of Miami, Florida. He spent many years abroad, working on projects in the US, the Philippines, Australia, Vietnam and China. He has won nine international planning competitions, including designs for China’s waterfront cities in Haikou and Dalian, Taiyuan — the capital city of Shanxi province — and an airport city in Chongxing.

Kamal is excited at the thought of a vibrant riverscape. His vast experience has taught him that a series of discoveries and storytelling are important in planning a project such as this. He believes one must bring variety to an area so it is not uniform and sterile.

He proposes the river in the Klang city area be divided into precincts that will set the tone and ambience along the 21km stretch of the river. These precincts could be loosely classified as ecological and cultural, city centre and heritage areas.

A river has to have many characteristics that will allow people to experience the city in a new way, Kamal says, adding that more details will emerge with the finalisation and approval of the plan.

At this point, what is clear is that the Klang River will indeed have a fair chance to recapture its past glory.


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http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2006/2/13/central/parks_map.jpg
7


RM5bil Warisan Merdeka will be country’s new landmark
Saturday October 16, 2010

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/VEST19-2/pix_bottom

THE Warisan Merdeka landmark, a RM5bil project located within the enclave of Merdeka Stadium and Stadium Negara, will change the city skyline.

Construction of the 100-storey skyscraper, which is part of the mega project, will start next year and is expected to be completed in 2015.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the two stadiums would be retained as national heritage buildings.

Real Estate and Housing Developers Association Malaysia said the plan to create the iconic feature must take into consideration demand for space.

“We recommend that the Government conduct feasibility and market studies in consultation with the private sector before embarking on this ambitious project,” its deputy president Datuk F.D. Iskandar Tan Sri Mohamed Mansor said in a press statement,

Architect Dr Tan Loke Mun said the building must be constructed with sustainability in mind.

“If we are going to give Malaysia the tallest building, we may as well make it the greenest building in the world. Additionally, local talents should be considered for job opportunities that will arise,” Dr Tan said.

Human resources manager Julian Sanjivan, 28, asked whether the project was aimed at competing with the Burj Khalifa in Dubai or to boost tourism and the construction industry.

“If they want to create more jobs, then we should welcome it. However, if it is just for the name, perhaps the money will be best used elsewhere,” he said.

Businessman Lo Yew Wai felt there wasn’t a need for such a development here.

He said there were many buildings left vacant after construction, adding that the status of having the tallest building in the country was not a good enough reason because it would be a waste of space and money.

Development of former Pudu Jail site to cost RM5bil
BY THEAN LEE CHENG

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/10/26/central/m_02pudujail.jpg

A landmark: Pudu Jail where its iconic gate will be preserved, is the site for
mixed development comprising residential, office and retail components.

UDA in talks with Pudu JV partners. It will remain the sole master developer

KUALA LUMPUR: UDA Holdings Bhd is talking to a few joint-venture partners to develop the former Pudu jail site and the 22-acre land next to it, but UDA will remain the sole master developer. The project is estimated to cost about RM5bil.

UDA chairman Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said: “We will try to keep it at RM5bil.

“This is a project for the country. If we target the product well, we will be able to have a good price for the residential portion of it, even if a large portion of it will be bumiputra-owned. The Pudu Prison site will be our social responsibility.

“We must have a mix in terms of bumiputra and non-bumiputra ownership to do justice to the land value. There must be a mix. (I) don’t put a figure to it but there must be a mix.

The proposed project is part of the Kuala Lumpur development master plan. UDA took over the site in November 1996 when the prison was officially closed. The development was first unveiled by Second Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah in May.

“I want to stress that at UDA, we are clear; we take care of the bumi interest and we balance our commercial interest against our social responsibility. That applies to all our projects. We have to make money first before we can distribute.”

He said there had been a lot of speculation on who the JV partners were. There was also a lot of speculation that there would be a joint master developer, he added.

“There will be no joint master developer. We will be the sole master developer but we are talking to a few developers to be our joint-venture partners.

“So far, many developers have shown their interest but there is no decision yet,” Nur Jazlan said.

»Do we want to rely on spillover traffic, that is, take the easy way out and just develop the place, or do we want to create a new destination?

He said the joint ventures could be at the plot level, where JV partners take up one of the six plots, or it could be a joint venture to construct the buildings on the different plots.

He said it really depended on the final layout of the master plan and that he was tweaking that at the moment.

Nur Jazlan said he was making adjustment to the latest round of plans because he was taking into consideration Permodalan Nasional Bhd’s proposed plan to build a 100-storey project at the Stadium Merdeka site, which is not far from UDA’s site, as well as the 34.4ha development at Dataran Perdana, to be known as Kuala Lumpur International Financial District in Jalan Sultan Ismail near Berjaya Times Square.

New plans will be submitted by the end of the year by UDA, a government developer. “The property that is being developed around us will define our final plan,” he said.

While Nur Jazlan agrees that it should be a mixed development comprising serviced offices, residential, retail and a hotel or two, he has his own views about the form, positioning and configuration of the various components.

“We will submit new plans by the end of the year. The final project depends on market conditions as well as other properties that are being developed around us,” he said.

“Depending on the buildings and their density, the price premium that UDA has to pay the Government will vary. I want to stress the fact that the land is not given to us. Because it has a commercial title, the price of the premium will be higher.

“The first and most important question we are asking ourselves is: Do we want to rely on spillover traffic, that is, take the easy way out and just develop the place, or do we want to create a new destination? KLCC, for example, is a new destination,” he said.

The proposed project is part of the Kuala Lumpur development master plan. UDA (then known as the Urban Development Authority) took over the site in November 1996 when the prison was officially closed.

The development of the former Pudu Prison was first unveiled by Second Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah in May.

Husni said then that the mixed development project, to be known as Bukit Bintang Commercial Centre, will comprise a 33-storey office tower, a shopping complex, 43-storey hotel and a 44-storey serviced apartment.

The proposed development drew various comments from developers and property consultants. They ranged from the challenges of marketing a site where executions have taken place to the number of projects being spearheaded by the Government.

Questions have also been asked about who will occupy these various premises, which so far number about five, that the Government and government-linked companies are going to be involved in. These include the development of Sg Buloh, the Matrade development by the Naza group, the redevelopment of Kampung Baru, the Stadium Negara project, 1MDB’s works in Sg Besi and Dataran Perdana.

Some of UDA’s projects include condominiums Sinaran TTDI in Taman Tun Dr Ismail and Gaya Bangsar in Bangsar, both in Kuala Lumpur. UDA is also tasked with the RM52mil upgrading works of Puduraya bus terminal in Kuala Lumpur. The Puduraya terminal would resume operations in January next year.

Nur Jazlan said while Puduraya would remain the main terminal, as the city grew it was better to have mini transport hubs in various places like Gombak, Bandar Utama, Titiwangsa Selatan and other places.

Making Greater KL the nation’s heartbeat
By THEAN LEE CHENG Saturday September 25, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/25/business/7098906&sec=business

DATUK Seri Idris Jala is not an urban planner – he is the master urban planner. As he presented his ideas on moving the country into high-income territory, he has fixed his focus on the city.

His rationale: Greater Kuala Lumpur (KL) will be the largest contributor at the gross national income level, both today and in 2020. A decade from today, Greater KL will contribute more than seven times over the next target urban centre of Johor Baru and 2.5 times over the largest industry sector, namely oil, gas and energy.

His aspiration – to improve the city’s livability. His tool – urbanisation. His rationale – the city will provide the engine of growth for the entire country. That means, the next 10 years will be crucial. A decade is a short time, actually, to do all that he has laid down.

Jala’s emphasis on livability is based on improving the public transport system, stability, healthcare, edcuation, infrastructure, culture and environment. The Economist had earlier ranked KL 79 out of 130 cities in terms of livability.

Property analyst and map maker Ho Chin Soon says: “Cities generally generate a huge portion of a country’s wealth. Paris produces 30% of France’s wealth, Tokyo 20% to 25% of Japan’s, and the Klang Valley 30%. How it is to be done is another question.”

Jala’s plan is for Greater KL to have a population of 10 million, compared with the current 6.4 million.

He has written about the growth of Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya and others parts of KL.

Ho says there are two sensitive areas at stake here. There will be more as the journey for transformation goes along. The first involves public transport.

“Although we have some form of public transport before and the money to make it a reality, we did not proceed to ensure the survival of our car industry. That is why our public transport ridership is a mere 10% compared with Hong Kong’s 90%, and Singapore’s 80% to 85%.”

Ho says the Mass Rail Transit (MRT) system is more than just connectivity. Studies done have shown that if there is an MRT under an apartment block or mall, their rental improves by a quarter or a fifth, at least.

An integrated transport system with the MRT as its main spine will help to raise property prices and connects the pockets of new development that the Government has announced in the last few months with the existing established areas, Ho adds. These includes the redevelopment of the 380-acre Kampung Baru, the 80-acre Islamic financial hub at the Dataran Perdana in the Imbi area, the mixed development on 460 acres at the Sg Besi old airport, the Matrade piece of land in Jalan Duta, and the redevelopment of the 22-acre former Pudu Prison site among others.

The objective is to more than double the commercial content of KL.

“This will take some time for the market to absorb,” he cautions.

The other sensitive area is the redevelopment of Kampung Baru and other Malay reserve land. In order to do that, Ho says there must be changes to the laws governing Malay land rights.

“There must be a repeal of all Malay Reservation Land Enactments. All federal and state land must be sold via public auction so that the various states and the Federal Government can realise the true value of its land,” he said. Currently, the land belongs to the state.

Livability and aesthetics

The cleaning up of the river, the greening and beautification of KL and the call for new developments to have 30% of open space are part of the attempts to improve the city’s livability.

The revitalisation of the Klang River through its beautification and redevelopment of its banks also involves the cleaning up of the river to reduce polution. A joint development council will be fundamental in driving the development of the river. Other elements include the renewal of old areas within Greater KL.

Already, an UDA Holdings Bhd source says the government agency has put in a few proposals for the redevelopment of some old shop houses in some areas and to work with local authorities in their renewal programmes.

“From now onwards, developments will not viewed from an agency perspective, but from the country’s perspective and how it adds to the Greater KL plan and the city’s livability,” it says. The private sector has also proposed to work with UDA on some projects, all of which will help to enlarge UDA’s land bank, it added.

“Our projects will be market driven,” the source says, adding that UDA will be playing a big role in this transformation, both in terms of property development and public transport.

“We will be returning to our original objective of building cities.”

The agency has put in a request to be considered as one of the operators for Bandar Tasik Selatan transport hub. It currently manages and operates Puduraya Terminal, which is currently undergoing a RM52mil renovation.

In the area of property development, its most immediate project is the redevelopment of the 22-acre former Pudu Prison site. Located between Permodalan Nasional Bhd’s 100-storey project near Merdeka Stadium and Dataran Perdana’s Islamic financial centre in Jalan Sultan Ismail behind Berjaya Times Square, the former Pudu Prison site will form the axis, or centre of development, in that vicinity.

Another UDA project is the office and service apartment project on four acres next to Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Jalan Sultan Ismail. This area, where most of the hotels are located, and Jalan Bukit Bintang, where the malls are situated, will be given emphasis because they will generate tourist dollars.

There will be a need for more interaction between UDA and the local authorities, says the source.

To give cohesion to KL’s transformation, Greater KL will comprise 10 local authorities consisting of City Hall and the town councils of Kajang, Selayang, Ampang Jaya, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang, Petaling Jaya, Putrajaya and Sepang. Today, these operate within their designated zones.


8

Extensive walkway network planned for downtown Kuala Lumpur
2010/02/01

PUTRAJAYA: Kuala Lumpur will be adding a network of covered walkways to its landscape starting with the walkway connecting Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and the Bukit Bintang commercial district.

The Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said the extensive network of new walkways would help to integrate walkways built by private developers so that all buildings in the city centre would be connected in the future.

Raja Nong Chik, who spoke at the Federal Territories Day celebrations, said City Hall was working on the plan for the walkways.

He said Petronas would allocate about RM100 million to build covered walkways around KLCC.

While admitting that Kuala Lumpur was not as pedestrian friendly as some big cities, he expressed the hope that the proposed walkways would help to reduce the number of cars on the road.

He pointed out that cities like Hong Kong had covered walkways and they had proven to be effective in encouraging its residents to do more walking.

"Citizens in other big cities prefer to walk. But here things are different partly because of the sun and the rain.

"But, attitudes will change when there are comfortable covered walkways with fans, for example."

In future, he said, the ministry would require developers to include covered walkways in their development plans.

Raja Nong Chik said steps were being taken to overcome the shortage of parking spaces in Putrajaya. He said there would be a campaign to encourage the public to take buses along with Putrajaya Corporation's move to add 70 more buses in stages.

Raja Nong Chik said, according to the government's original plan for Putrajaya's, 70 per cent of the residents were supposed to use public transport.

"I was informed that the parking spaces were meant for visitors only. But because the civil servants started using their own vehicles, now there is not only a shortage of parking space but also traffic jams."

He said the bus services were under-utilised and many of the passengers were foreigners.

"Not many are using them except for the foreigners. It is sad that the public has failed to appreciate the facility provided by the government," he said.

Raja Nong Chik also said Putrajaya residents preferred to use their own vehicles because there was no school bus service. He said Putrajaya Corporation was looking into the possibility of converting several buses into school buses.

Another facility that is not fully utilised is the Park-and-Ride. Only a small number of people is using the service. It was introduced in 2007 to overcome traffic congestion and the lack of parking spaces.

Raja Nong Chik said the eradication of poverty in the city would be at the top of the ministry's list of priorities as the government shifts its focus to helping the needy in urban areas as well.

The urban poor were left out because government policies were focused on assisting the poor in rural areas. But, rural-urban migration had brought poverty to towns and cities.

Raja Nong Chik said the rural-urban migration over the last 30 years had resulted in 63 per cent of Malaysians living in urban areas, with the majority in Kuala Lumpur.

"This means the population demography has changed but the government's focus is still on rural areas through various programmes like the Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority and the Rubber Industry Smallholder's Development Authority.

"There are instances where the rural roads are far better than the ones in towns. People only think of the infrastructure but what about the fate of those who have migrated to towns but have no means to survive?"

The minister said the government would outline the ministry's role in addressing urban poverty in Kuala Lumpur by June.

"The focus will be on areas where there are low-income earners such as public housing projects and squatter areas. Places like Chow Kit, Kampung Baru and Kampung Pandan will also be looked into." -- Bernama

9
Infrastructure and Utilities
11.2.6 Solid waste collection and disposal
http://www.dbkl.gov.my/pskl2020/english/infrastructure_and_utilities/index.htm

Upgrading of Bangsar roads set to ease congestion
2010/11/19
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/UpgradingofBangsarroadssettoeasecongestion/Article/

KUALA LUMPUR: Road upgrading will be carried out in Bangsar to ease the traffic congestion in the area, Federal Territories and Urban Well-being Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said.

He said the upgrading programme would include providing additional lanes from Jalan Maarof to Jalan Bangsar, improving public transport services and providing strategically located parking areas.

"The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will conduct a study on the development plans so that it won't inconvenience the 20,000 people living around Bangsar who have faced this problem for 15 years," he told reporters after meeting Bangsar residents' representative, here today.

The study, to be completed in two to three weeks, would take into account each approved development, he said.

Meanwhile, the ministry would meet Petronas to discuss the possibility of providing a special schedule for taxi drivers to fill their natural gas vehicles to prevent traffic congestion during certain period of the day in the area, he said.

As for the redevelopment plan for Kampung Baru, Raja Nong Chik said the Kampung Baru Development Corporation Bill would be tabled to Parliament next month.

"While the bill is being tabled, the ministry will meet the Kampung Baru residents to get their feedback," he added. - BERNAMA

Counters to register homeless in KL
Published: Monday December 6, 2010 MYT 5:18:00 PM
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/12/6/nation/20101206172553&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government has set up counters to register the homeless, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.

She said the Kuala Lumpur Manpower Department's registration counter in Jalan Masjid India was open Tuesdays, from 9pm to midnight, and near Puduraya on Thursdays, from 9pm to 1am.

"We are also setting up a one-stop intervention centre in Jalan Hang Lekiu for 76 people, slated for completion by the month's end," she said in reply to a question from Datuk Lilah Yasin (BN-Jempol) in Parliament Monday.

Lilah had asked about plans to overcome problems posed by the homeless, who could be seen sleeping on five-foot ways and bus stations in the city.

Shahrizat said the Welfare Services Department had done a profiling exercise to know the exact number of homeless in Kuala Lumpur.

The deparment conducted the exercise in stages from March 6 to May 12 this year with the cooperation of non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

"Profiling can help the department and government agencies plan intervention action and provide the homeless with necessary aid," she added.

It was one of efforts undertaken by the ministry's special committee formed in March and headed by secretary-general Datuk Dr Noorul Ainur Mohd Nur.

To a supplementary question from Lilah on homeless foreigners, Shahrizat said that the profiling showed that they were victims of syndicates and forced to beg for a living.

"The department and police conduct regular operations to check this problem. The syndicates are smart and move from place to place. But we never give up," she added. - Bernama

Making KL a greater place
At Your Service Saturday December 25, 2010
By TAN SRI SULAIMAN MAHBOB
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/12/25/nation/7654815&sec=nation

With the NKEA in mind, it is time to make GKL a livable place which is clean and peaceful, and filled with environment-friendly economic activities producing high-quality, high-value goods and services.

MANY analysts compare, rather simplistically, the economy of Singapore with that of Malaysia. This is like comparing apples with oranges.

The two economies cannot be compared in that simplistic manner because of the markedly different economic structure of two, with Malaysia having a large rural sector and abundant land, and Singapore, a service-oriented trading economy.

It would be more meaningful to compare Singapore with Greater Kuala Lumpur (GKL), or what was often referred to as the Klang Valley.

After all, the latter is already very urbanised and is endowed with modern infrastructure.

The inclusion of GKL as one National Key Economic Area (NKEA) is befitting given that it is the epitome of our economic space and national urban system.

In fact, we can take up issue with the physical and development planners of GKL if the region fails to perform socially, economically and culturally, on the scale achieved by city economies like Singapore and Hong Kong.

The GKL region should be the leader in productivity and intellectual capital creation in various fields especially in services such as finance, education, communication and the arts, and high-value manufacturing where intellectual capital and K-economy-related activities are the natural choice.

To date, the GKL has expanded much on the basis of organic growth.

The processes of population concentration and agglomeration have led to what GKL is today.

Its status as the national capital attracts many business houses to establish their headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, thus putting pressure on space and impacting property value.

Thanks to earlier efforts, we have been able to avoid GKL from becoming a primate city, such as Manila, Mexico City, Bombay, and Cairo, with the attributes of over-population.

Indeed, the earlier years of development concern for regional disparity restrained GKL from overexpansion and as such, growth was dispersed to other parts of the country, as expected by the spirit of federalism.

In fact, on realising this, the seat of Federal Government administration was moved to Putrajaya, leaving Kuala Lumpur to become the financial and commercial centre of the country.

In line with the NKEA objective, let us make GKL a livable place, clean and peaceful, and filled with economic activities which are environment-friendly yet producing high-quality, high-value goods and services.

These activities will have a high content of intellectual capital.

GKL does have the potential to attract high-return activities such as banking and finance, tourism, advertisement and professional services such as legal, accounting, engineering, healthcare and arts and design.

The presence of premier tertiary educational institutions in and around GKL can help spur the growth of these activities in the area.

The lower costs such as rentals of premises in the GKL compared with the rates in Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok can attract these services.

In the same breath, GKL should not be the location of manufacturing activities which demand high-labour content and low technology.

Other places where labour is still plentiful can be the location of such industries.

This is one reason why regional corridors are established.

The GKL, which covers various urban conurbations and the surrounding townships of Klang, Kajang, Bangi, Putrajaya, and Shah Alam, has to be targeted as a planned modern urban space and that its untoward features of squatters, traffic jams and unhygienic stalls have to be phased out or upgraded speedily to befit the region as the foremost urban centre of the nation.

The transition has taken place, with Shah Alam, Bangi and Putrajaya leading the pack, but its momentum has to be expedited.

The mindset of urbanites in GKL have to change fast to accommodate the emerging status of GKL.

It is heartening to see that public transport has been given due emphasis in the National Key Result Area and the NKEA of the current administration.

Indeed, the issue of traffic jams in the city of Kuala Lumpur, especially on Friday evenings and particularly when it rains, demands a strong political will to address as it is the consequence, in part, by our car ownership policy.

On this matter, an independent transport and road planning body can be given the task to plan and carry out road and transport planning in the region, having regard for the current multiplicity of agencies with power to influence transport system in GKL.

A final point that is worth reflecting is the position of Kampung Baru and Chow Kit in the context of future urban renewal expected to take place under the impetus of the NKEA of developing the GKL.

The cultural and historical elements of urban planning have to be equally considered and there is no better window than capitalising on the opportunities arising from new developments of GKL, which has to grow with an identity of its own.

Changing face of KL
By PRIYA MENON Thursday December 30, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/12/30/central/7672794&sec=central

Major projects poised to boost image of the bustling city

NUMEROUS projects over the past year have given Kuala Lumpur a facelift, drawing attention to Malaysia’s fast-paced transformation.

One such redevelopment began with the partial demolition of the most iconic building in Jalan Pudu, the Pudu Jail.

The 119-year-old former prison served as an interesting tourism site with stories of things that go bump in the night. To the dismay of many, the Government decided to tear down its walls on June 21 to begin the construction of an underpass which is part of a road-widening project to ease congestion in the area.

The 7.9ha site will be transformed with mixed development of residential, office and retail properties in the near future. It has also been said that a modern art museum, concert halls or an open-air amphitheatre will be built at the site. However, portions of the Pudu Jail building, such as the gate, will be preserved.

The developers UDA Holdings Bhd has estimated the cost of the project to be about RM5bil over the next 10 years. There were mixed reactions to this project as many deemed it to be a heritage site since historical events could be traced back to this place.

Moving to the other end of Jalan Pudu, Malaysia’s infamous bus hub Puduraya will be ready as an intercity bus terminal by early next year.

Closed on April 12 for upgrading works, the hub will be transformed with a budget of RM52mil.

The building will have a new coat of paint, upgraded toilets and waiting areas on the mezzanine floor. An air-cooling system will be installed in the basement area and the food court.

All north- and south-bound buses will be transferred to the new Bandar Tasik Selatan Integrated Transport Terminal, making the usually congested Puduraya free of traffic.

Travellers were skeptical of the change of venue for the transportation hub but they received news of the Puduraya transformation with joy.

The building was in a terrible condition due to the fumes and lack of ventilation. Those working around the area attributed the congestion to errant bus drivers who operated outside the station. Members of the public are fervently hoping such problems will not recur once Puduraya opens its doors to intercity buses.

Another development that saw both positive and negative feedback was the Little India project in Brickfields.

Spearheaded by the Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry, the RM32mil project’s first phase was completed in record time to welcome India’s prime minister Manmohan Singh on Oct 27.

The first phase costing RM17mil comprised arches, the repainting of buildings and expansion of the five-foot way fronting restaurants along Jalan Travers. A giant fountain costing RM3mil was also built.

Phase 2, which involves the building of a multi-storey carpark and the Pines Restaurant, the second Little India gateway near the Brickfields police station and the construction of the Lorong Chan Ah Tong hawker centre near Kortumalai Restaurant, has already begun.

Residents and stakeholders are still concerned about the one-way street system in Jalan Tun Sambanthan and Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad. They want the latter to revert to two-way as promised.

The Lake Gardens, a pet project of Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Fuad Ismail, is probably one of the most celebrated developments in the city.

When he was tasked with upgrading the 100-year-old Lake Garden by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak earlier this year, Ahmad Fuad saw it as an opportunity to give something back to KL-ites.

Since April, the 250ha park has been undergoing massive upgrading work estimated to cost a total of RM35mil. The first of three phases is completed, involving the planting of more than 1,500 trees and plants, cleaning up the lake and building waterfalls, additional car parks, buggy service and installing a new lighting system.

The second phase will see the building of a café, souvenir shop and a playground featuring the famous Kampung Boy series by Malaysian cartoonist Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid, while Phase 3 involves the upgrading of the carpark, walkways and landscaping. While all these projects have taken off, there are a few that are still in a limbo due to a number of reasons.

One is the Keramat Mall, a project that has stalled for a number of years now. The four-storey market complex with food court, bank and a post office was completed last year at RM49mil.

However, traders are unhappy with the design of the building as well as the trading lots and have asked for an adjacent building to house just the wet market. The project faced more trouble as owners of the land for the proposed extra building refused to move, citing insufficient compensation from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). The court case is pending.

The FT Ministry and DBKL are working hard to revive another project — the Plaza Rakyat mixed commercial development.

Located next to the Puduraya bus station, it was to have cost RM70mil. It was left half-completed 15 years ago when the developer ran into financial difficulties.

Left in a lurch, the lot of purchasers have been pressuring DBKL to solve the problem.

According to a report in a local daily in November, the developer of the abandoned Plaza Rakyat is asking for RM1bil in compensation from the Government.

A new developer will be appointed by the Economic Planning Unit through an open tender and talk is rife that many have approached the EPU to get the project.

All these failed projects have left the citizens wary. They strongly feel the Government should complete the abandoned projects before moving on to new ones.

Adequate compensation should also be given to affected parties. Having said that, the people should also realise that development is a necessity to move forward.

ETP set to take KL to greater heights
By LIM CHIA YING Thursday December 30, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/12/30/central/7679706&sec=central

THE National Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), revealed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak several months back, is perhaps one of the more exciting developments announced this year.

On the Klang Valley front, nine entry point projects have been identified for implementation to achieve the Greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley National Key Economic Area so as to increase its gross national income by 2020.

The projects are: building an integrated urban mass rapid transit system, revitalising the Klang River into a heritage and commercial centre, greening Greater KL/Klang Valley to ensure every resident enjoys sufficient green space, creating iconic places and attractions, creating a comprehensive pedestrian network attracting 100 of the world’s most dynamic firms within priority sectors, attracting the right mix of internal and external talent, connecting to Singapore via high speed rail system and developing an efficient solid waste management eco-system.

What Greater KL/Klang Valley covers essentially is 10 areas namely Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya, Klang, Kajang, Subang Jaya, Selayang, Ampang Jaya and Sepang, where with a combined population of six million, is expected to contribute RM263bil or 30% to the nation’s gross national income.

The first project that will take off is the construction of the RM36bil mass rapid transit system (MRT), where the first line will start from Sungai Buloh to Kajang through the centre of Kuala Lumpur.

This project will start in July covering a distance of 60km with 35 stations.

The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) said the line will serve densely-populated areas like Kota Damansara, Mutiara Damansara, Bandar Utama, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Bukit Damansara, Cheras, Bandar Tun Hussein Onn and Balakong.

As Kuala Lumpur braces for an increasing population growth and more developments, it is struggling to push for more green spaces to improve its liveability in the wake of how it is falling short behind other cities worldwide.

The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) standard for green space is 16 sq m per person while Kuala Lumpur has only 12 sq m of green space per person at present.

For a start, three main initiatives have been outlined — adopting a green-focused development policy for both government and private redevelopments where the open space requirement of 30% of total area will be given priority, employing creative landscaping methods to increase greenery from dense foliage tree-planting and rooftop greening to vertical landscaping and lastly, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) hoping to plant up to 100,000 trees and capitalising on unused rooftops for green space.

River rehabilitation is listed as another priority to look into, especially the Klang and Gombak rivers which are notably the dirtiest in Klang Valley.

So much has been said in the past about plans for cleaning up rivers but no concrete action has been taken and the public are hopeful that exercises outlined under the entry point project would be strictly implemented.

From upgrading the existing sewerage system, reducing pollutants from entering rivers, upgrading drainage systems to prevent flooding and water guidelines for residents, river care expert Dr K. Kalithasan from the Global Environment Centre advised that any clean-up must start from the catchment area and beautification of rivers should not only be about tree planting.

One of the most controversial projects announced during the Budget 2011 must be the Warisan Merdeka 100-storey tower, which was debated on strongly by opposing factions.

Some opposition MPs against the tower asked whether in-depth study, including a traffic impact assessment report, had been carried out to weigh the pros and cons of building the tower. They said the money could be channelled to better use and asked whether the tower is a national priority.

Social networking website Facebook had also registered about 160,000 Facebook members objecting to the tower.

Najib defended the Warisan Merdeka project, saying that PNB which will be building it, must ensure that the project is commercially viable.

“First of all, the project should be commercially viable and secondly, must contribute to the larger economic development within that particular area, that is, creating business opportunities and the development of a new commercial centre that will provide the impetus and catalyst for the development of Greater Kuala Lumpur.

“What’s important to bear in mind is that this is a long-term project, a 10-year one at least.

“The area around Dataran Merdeka is also strategic and if you look at the skyline of Kuala Lumpur come 2020, it cannot be the same skyline as today,” he said. (5 tahun lagi pun dah lain dah :) )

The Warisan Merdeka project is scheduled to be built next to Stadium Negara and Stadium Merdeka.

If this project goes on as proposed, this tower is almost certain to alter the future skyline of Kuala Lumpur dramatically.

DBKL demolishes prostitution dens
2010/12/30
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/DBKLdemolishesprostitutiondens/Article/

KUALA LUMPUR: Eleven prostitution dens in Jalan Petaling and Jalan Silang, here were demolished by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in an operations against brothels today.

Deputy Superintendent of the DBKL Security and Enforcement Department, Tanda Usoh said 156 personnel including representatives from several relevant agencies were involved in the operation from 12 noon until 3pm.

"The operation today was to break or demolish the rooms that had already been broken down nine times previously. At the Jalan Silang alone, we broke down a double-storey premises with 37 rooms," he told reporters, here.

No arrest was made during the operation.

"Beginning tomorrow, we (DBKL) will assign five personnel and an officer to monitor the premises concerned. We will monitor and watch after the demolition of these premises ...If any individual is seen to reopen the premises, action will be taken," he said.
-- BERNAMA

Cable car service in Batu Caves next year
2011/01/16 By K. Harinderan
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/4thipu/Article/

SELAYANG: Devotees and tourists visiting Batu Caves can look forward to using a new cable car service next year instead of climbing up the 272 steps leading to the temple.

The RM10 million cable car project is expected to be completed in time for next year's celebrations.

Temple chairman Datuk R. Nadarajah said: "The service is to cater for the elderly and disabled."

A memorandum of understanding will be signed between the temple management and developer of the cable car project, Damodar Ropeways, a Calcutta-based company on Thursday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will witness the signing of the MoU along with Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia Vijay Gokhale.

The annual festival is expected to attract about 1.3 million visitors to the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves.

"In keeping with the public's feedback, arcahanai bags (prayer bags) would be sold for RM3 this year which include one coconut and prayer utensils. Kavadi bearers only need to pay RM5 and devotees are urged not to pay extra as the fees have been standardised this year."

Nadarajah added that the number of stalls within the temple grounds have been reduced to cater for the larger crowd.

There will be about 400 stalls selling a variety of things. He urged visitors to use the rubbish bins to ensure cleanliness on the temple grounds.

The prime minister is expected to address the crowd at 10am on Thaipusam day. He will be joined by other federal and state leaders.

This would be Najib's third visit to Batu Caves since he came into office.

There would also be over 1,000 police personnel and Selayang Municipal Council officers during the festival.

Nadarajah advised visitors to use the KTM Bhd Komuter services to reduce traffic congestion in the area.

KTMB is providing 182 shuttle trains between the old Kuala Lumpur Railway station to Batu Caves from 6.25am onwards from Wednesday to Friday.

The last train from Batu Caves will be at 11.55pm. There will be a train every 30 minutes and passengers will be given a RM1 discount.

An additional 36 trains will also be provided for return trips on the Rawang-KL, Seremban-KL and the Klang-Batu Caves lines.

For details, call KTMB customer service at 1-300 8858 62.

FT folk hope to see KL develop further with more business opportunities
By FAZLEENA AZIZ and CHARLES FERNANDEZ Tuesday February 1, 2011

AS Kuala Lumpur enters another decade towards Vision 2020, rapid changes are about to take place with big projects slated in the 2011 Budget and city residents are looking forward to a better future.

Diana Hashim, 27, who runs a small boutique is hoping for more business opportunities for everyone.

She said there should be a modern approach as the city moved towards achieving Vision 2020.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/2/1/central/m_02kualaLumpur.jpg

For the future: To become a world-class city, Kuala Lumpur must also be sustainable. One way of doing that is by building and designing buildings with minimal environmental degradation.

READ MORE: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/2/1/central/7868030&sec=central

KL to host Women in Leadership forum
Published: 2011/02/12
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/naseba/Article/

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/naseba/pix_topright

THE young but fast expanding Women in Leadership forum (WIL) which will be held in Kuala Lumpur on February 22 is expected to see a gathering of some of the region's most influential women.

The WIL forum was initiated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in 2009 and immediately attracted huge response from businesswomen. The inaugural forum also played host to Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of Malaysia's Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Chief executive of Abu Dhabi-based Naseba, Sophie Le Ray, said that when participants at the forum asked to organise an Asian chapter, the company instantly thought of Malaysia after witnessing the support from the government and the business community within the country. Le Ray is the initiator of the WIL forum series.

"Today, the brand Women in Leadership series does not represent a single standing chapter but a global movement, a gathering which through its chapters addresses regional needs of advancing the businesswomen community," she told Business Times.

Le Ray said the challenges faced by women in the workplace are the same anywhere in the world. They range from between balancing work and family; the ever-present glass ceiling and gender inequality and access to education.

"In Asia, there is a long tradition of entrepreneurship and a strong family structure, which has given historically, opportunities for women to exercise their business acumen as well as a possibility to be mothers and businesswomen at the same time. The best part is that there is no need to sacrifice either sides," she said.

The upcoming forum in Kuala Lumpur has invited women who are at the top of their respective fields.

Le Ray said with the glass ceiling being shattered progressively and with political support and legislation framework already in place in major parts of the world, it is now time for women to break the glass ceiling by supporting each other, perpetuating that idea of mentorship.

"WIL Asia therefore aims at creating a 'gentlewoman's club' to support and inspire one another," she said.

The forum is a platform to network, to learn, to inspire and be inspired but moreover to do business. Although the forum is essentially for women, Le Ray said, it also encourages men to attend and discuss the changes in society.

KL to host corporate governance summit
Published: 2011/02/18
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/icgno/Article/

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/icgno/pix_topright

KUALA Lumpur will host this year's International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN) summit from February 28 to March 2.

The conference is expected to attract leading investors to the city to discuss the next steps in Asian corporate governance.

The ICGN Kuala Lumpur Conference will be hosted by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) with Malaysia's Minority Shareholder Watchdog Group (MSWG).

It is expected that institutional investors representing over US$12 trillion (RM36.5 trillion) in assets under management will be attending the high-level conference.

More than 35 speakers will speak on a wide range of subjects, including Asian growth, governance and initial public offerings, and how these benchmark against international standards of corporate governance.

Among the speakers are MSWG chairman Tan Sri Abdul Halim Ali (picture) and EPF chief executive officer Tan Sri Azlan Zainol.

Others include Asian Corporate Governance Association secretary-general Jamie Allen and Securities Commission chairman Tan Sri Zarinah Anwar.

Building Asian cities in a sustainable way
By THEAN LEE CHENG Saturday February 26, 2011
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/2/26/business/8077820&sec=business#12988879822871&if_height=460

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2011/2/26/business/b_23citiesFuture.jpg

THE future of Asia is in its cities. It is the cities and the activities generated therein that will help the continent march forward. But in order for cities to thrive, it needs people. Although still one of the less urbanised continents, Asia's urban population has grown from 32% in 1990 to 42% in 2010, according to the United Nations Population Division.

By 2026, half of Asia's 3.7 billion population from India to China (excluding the Middle East) will be city dwellers.

Are the cities prepared to receive the exodus? But let's not go too far. Is Kuala Lumpur ready to welcome the expected 7.2 million that will be calling Greater KL their home? And what is needed to make KL ready?

By 2020, seven out of 10 Malaysians will be living in what will be known as Greater KL. If this is to materiaise, there is much work to be done. After all, that is just nine years away.

Depending on who one speaks to, there are various issues that contribute to a city's livability.

In a recent study commissioned by Siemens and performed by independent Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the Asian Green City Index examined eight categories, namely energy and carbon dioxide emission, land use and buildings, transport, waste, water, sanitation, air quality and environmental governance.

The study, carried over the past few months, covered 22 cities. The cities were chosen independently, without invitations by the respective governments in order to enhance the Index's credibility and comparability.

The study concluded that Singapore is Asia's greenest metropolis, ranked well above average. The study effectively equates being green with livability.

Kuala Lumpur was ranked average, together with Bangkok, Beijing, Delhi, Guangzhou, Jakarta, Nanjing, Shanghai and Wuhan.

Karachi in Pakistan, was ranked well below average while Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam was excluded for lack of available information.

Barbara Kux, a member of the managing board of Siemens AG and the company's chief sustainability officer, says the index is not about choosing winners, but sharing information to enable cities to cope and to plan for their future.

“The Asian Green City Index supports cities in their efforts to expand their infrastructures on a sustainable basis. We want to enable Asia's up-and-coming urban centres to achieve healthy growth rates coupled with a high quality of life. It is not about choosing winners,” said Kux.

Siemens Malaysia Sdn Bhd president and CEO Prakash Chandran says, overall, the index is a good reflection of where KL stands in terms of its sustainability.

“Ranking average overall is a great start for KL and this index is a stepping stone for us to move forward to improve our city's livability factor,” he says.

“With the current government plans and greater awareness, the index could not have come in a timelier manner. Siemens is eager to be part of national initiatives to boost KL's performance for the future. Ultimately, we want to be involved in the transformation of KL into one of the greenest, most liveable cities in Asia,” says Prakash.

Above average

Kuala Lumpur ranks above average for air quality and transport. It also scored well for better-than-average levels of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and suspended particulate matter.

It lagged behind in waste and water management.

Head of research of Asian Green City Index and senior consultant for EIU, Jan Friederich, says Kuala Lumpur was given the thumbs up for transport because of its light rail system which measures 0.27km per sq km, making it the fourth longest superior network in the index, and second longest among cities in the mid-income range (GDP per capita of US$10,000-US$25,000). He based it on the length of the track, not usage.

While KL ranked positively in transport, there were negatives in the area of waste and water management. Friederich says there is a high usage of convenience packaging and low waste collection rate. It also does not seem to have strong policies on reusing and recycling, he says. Waste generation is 816kg per capita last year, more than double the index average of 375kg.

Water management was another negative. Water consumption is also high and Kuala Lumpur has one of the highest leakage rates with burst pipes, with leakages estimated at 37% compared with the index average of 22%, says Friederich.

So how prepared is KL to count among the cities of tomorrow?

As Kux puts it: “That's the nice thing about cities. Unlike corporates, cities share information and learn from one another.”

NOTE: The European Green City Index was launched in 2009. Last year, Siemens unveiled the Latin American Green Index.

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Nong Chik hopes to put KL in top 50
Thursday March 24, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/3/24/central/8275230&sec=central

KUALA LUMPUR is ranked 79 out of the 130 listed livable cities. The ranking has given Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Datuk Raja Zainal Abidin a new vision — to see it in the top 20 by the year 2020.

He said to achieve that status, there are several measures that need to be fulfilled and one of the main criteria is an effective infrastructure.

“The Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan are pride of the country. For a start, we hope to achieve Kuala Lumpur’s status as the preferred top 20 livable cities through the Greater KL/Klang Valley project under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP),’’ he said during a tea reception held in conjunction with the closing ceremony of the month-long FT celebrations in Precinct 3.

He said under the ETP, the Greater KL/Klang Valley will be transformed into a vibrant city and economic hub with quality infrastructure, green spaces and a comprehensive transportation linkage and WiFi availability.

He said as for Putrajaya, the focus was to transform it into a Green City.

“The distinguishing feature of Putrajaya is that 40% of the city area is designated for green open spaces with artificial wetland and 38km-long waterfront spanning 12% the total area of Putrajaya,’’ added Nong Chik.

He said the population of Putrajaya is 70,000 and with more vibrancy added, it would attract more people to the green city.

“Putrajaya is more than a government enclave. We are confident that with more green features, we will be able to attract not only more people to live here but also attract the business communities,’’ said Nong Chik.

Over 6,000 FT citizens attended the tea reception which was also graced by KL mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Fuad Ismail and Putrajaya Corporation president Tan Sri Samsuddin Osman.

Nong Chik also presented a total of RM177,000 to 590 students from Kuala Lumpur who are pursuing courses in Egypt. Others who received monetary contribution include senior citizens, single mothers, disabled communities and Parent-Teacher Associations.

‘Fast and Furious’ star coming to KL
Friday March 25, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/3/25/nation/8345192&sec=nation

http://images.askmen.com/galleries/actress/michelle-rodriguez/pictures/michelle-rodriguez-picture-5.jpg

KUALA LUMPUR: It's official Fast and Furious star Michelle Rodriguez (pic) is heading our way.

The actress will be here on April 28 and 29 to witness the launch of Lust Restaurant and Bar here.

“We're bringing Michelle Rodriguez here as our guest,” a Lust spokesman said.

“She will make a special appearance at our official launch on April 28.”

He added that the Hollywood star would also play celebrity DJ by taking the deck on April 29.

The Daily Chilli first got wind of this last week.

“We're finalising details of her visit here. More information will be released to the public in April,” said the spokesperson.

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Jalan Cochrane folk must move out by Dec 31
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/10/7/central/7167956&sec=central

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/10/7/central/m_05quarters2.jpg
Prime land: The 20.2ha of land in Jalan Cochrane is said to be worth some RM2bil.

Jln Cochrane govt quarters to be demolished
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/10/25/central/7256771&sec=central

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/10/25/central/m_02quarters.jpg
In the heart of the city: A aerial view of the Jalan Cochrane government quarters where 400 units will be demolished.

Civil servants agree to move from Cochrane
Saturday March 26, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/3/26/nation/8346591&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: Occupants of the Jalan Cochrane government quarters have agreed to move to public housing projects in Seri Alam and Jalan Klang Lama.

Deputy secretary-general in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Othman Mahmood said 183 would be relocated to the public housing projects in Seri Alam in Sungai Besi while 58 to the PPR Muhibbah in Jalan Klang Lama.

He said families with disabled members would be relocated to the Jalan Duta government quarters.

Speaking to reporters after drawing lots for the houses, Othman said 32 residents would be relocated to the Jalan Duta quarters.

The Jalan Cochrane area will be used for the development of 1,000 units of new government quarters with the project undertaken by the Armed Forces Fund Board.

It is expected to be completed in 30 months. - Bernama

Kuala Lumpur 26 MAC 2011 - Permandangan KLCC dan Menara Kuala Lumpur semasa kempen Earth hour 2011.
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Low-cost flats get a facelift
Monday April 4, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/4/4/central/8405534&sec=central

THE Government is spending RM4.5mil to repaint and repair 45 blocks of low-cost flats in Lembah Pantai.

Work includes repainting, repairing gutters and roofs as well and eradicating termites at the low-cost flats in Taman Sri Sentosa, Taman Sri Pinang and Taman Sri Sentosa Ria.

Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib presented the tender offer letters to 45 contractors in Taman Sri Sentosa, Jalan Kelang Lama on Saturday.

“The flats are about 20 years old and the Government felt that it needed upgrading to improve the quality of living as well as provide an opportunity for the contractors to make a decent living,’’ Ahmad Phesal said.

He added that contractors would be allocated one block each so that it would be easy to manage and that quality would be ensured.

“We also want to make sure that work is carried out properly and only high grade paint is used,’’ he said.

He also urged the residents to help DBKL monitor the contractors and ensure everything went smoothly.

He added that work would start on April 12 and was expected completed by June 21.

Phesal said other areas with old flats had also been identified and the next project would be carried out in Setapak.

The allocation was approved following the visit of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to Lembah Pantai last October.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall Architect Department will monitor the project.

DBKL reshuffle
By BAVANI M Monday April 11, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/4/11/central/8453879&sec=central

THE government has approved the restructuring of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) which will see the more than 1,000 contract employees made permanent and several departments merged to reduce overlapping duties.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Fuad Ismail said the restructuring exercise would begin this year and contract staff made permanent would get better perks, revised salaries and allowances as well as an opportunity to move up.

The move will also see several departments being merged to cut redundancy.

The Housing Management Department will be merged with the Social and Community Development Department; the Petty Traders Development and Management Department merged with the Licensing Department; and the Health Department will be merged with the Landscaping and Urban Cleaning Control Department.

Ahmad Fuad said there would also be changes in the hierachy of the DBKL with the mayor at the top and a director-general directly below him as well as four deputy director-generals, including the current Service, Development and Management sectors.

“Everyone will have a bigger role to play in the management of City Hall.

“As we progress, we must upgrade ourselves, only then can we move up,’’ Fuad said.

The exercise may also involve some top management staff being promoted and demoted.

“There are many top management staff who are getting less than their peers outside and this exercise will provide a chance for them to move up faster,’’ he said.

Fuad said the restructuring was crucial because City Hall’s workload had increased and become more complex.

The mayor added that the government’s Transformation Programme (GTP), the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), the Greater KL projects and the rising expectation of the people made it necessary for change.

“Our job scope is no longer confined to just enforecement, cleanliness and licensing because we have to work with consultants and co-ordinate with the Federal Territories and Urban WellBeing Ministry and government agencies,’’ Fuad said.

The Amalgamated National Union Kuala Lumpur City Hall (Anulae DBKL) chairman Samsuddin Abdul Rahman said the move to absorb about 1,500 contract staff was a morale boost because many of the workers had been working for many years.

“The union has been in negotiations with the management for the past one year and we are grateful to the mayor and the Public Services Department (PSD),’’ he said.

A contract employee who only wished to be identified as Rose, said she had worked in DBKL for the past 10 years and had little opportunity to move forward.

“No matter how many years of service I have put in, it would mean nothing as a contract employee.

But now, as a permanent worker, I have a chance to move up faster and will receive added perks like medical benefits, loans and leave. These are added bonuses for me,’’ she said.

The changes are expected to take effect at the end this month.

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COMPLETEING SOON
UNDERCONSTRUCTIONS

Some skyscraper projects to change KL skyline forever

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UNDERCONSTRUCTION ONLY ^

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SOME PROPOSAL/ON HOLD PROJECTS

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COMING SOON
The Sentral Residences (52 fl)
Le Nouvel (49, 43 fl)
The Ritz Carlton Residences & Corporate Suites (48, 46 fl)
Vertices Tower (42 fl)
The Elements (42 fl x 2)
Datum Jelatek
The Capers (36 fl x 2)
Raja Chulan Residence (33 fl)
SUMMER SUITES @ MENARA SOLARIS (2X 33F)

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UPDATE:
Top tallest towers in Kuala Lumpur
1 KUALA LUMPUR | Petronas Towers | 451.9m | 88 fl
2 KUALA LUMPUR | KL Tower | 421m
3 KUALA LUMPUR | Menara Telekom | 310m | 55 fl
4 KUALA LUMPUR | Ilham Baru Tower | 298m | 62 fl | U/C
5 KUALA LUMPUR | Petronas Carigali HQ | 267m | 59 fl | U/C
6 KUALA LUMPUR l Menara Maybank | 243.5m | 50 fl
7 KUALA LUMPUR | The Intermark: Vista Tower | 238.1m | 62 fl
8 KUALA LUMPUR | Menara Maxis | 212.1m | 49 fl
9 KUALA LUMPUR | Bangunan AM Finance | 210m | 50 fl
KUALA LUMPUR | Kompleks Kerja Raya Tower | 210m | 37 fl | U/C
10 KUALA LUMPUR | The Troika 1 | 204m | 50 fl
11 KUALA LUMPUR | Berjaya Times Square | 203m | 48 fl
12 KUALA LUMPUR | K Residence | 202m | 52 fl
13 KUALA LUMPUR | Pavilion Residences | 200m+ | 50 fl
KUALA LUMPUR l Conlay Tower | 200m+ | 55 fl | U/C
KUALA LUMPUR l Naza HQ Tower 1 | 200m+ | 50 fl | U/C
KUALA LUMPUR | Felda HQ Tower| 200m+ | 50 fl | U/C
KUALA LUMPUR | Lot G Office Tower 2 | 200 m | 37 fl | U/C
14 KUALA LUMPUR | Capital Square Towers | 198m | 40 fl
15 KUALA LUMPUR | Maju Tower | 196m | 50 fl
KUALA LUMPUR | Menara Standard Chartered | 196m | 46 fl
16 KUALA LUMPUR | Menara Citibank | 190.2 m | 50 fl
17 KUALA LUMPUR | Menara CIMB Bank | 42 fl

COMPLETED
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UNDER CONSTRUCTION
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Another/ASEAN/th_02-2.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Another/ASEAN/02-2.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Another/ASEAN/th_08-2.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Another/ASEAN/08-2.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_67-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/67-1.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Another/ASEAN/th_12-5.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Another/ASEAN/12-5.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Another/ASEAN/th_03-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Another/ASEAN/03-1.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Another/ASEAN/th_03-2.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Another/ASEAN/03-2.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_l2.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/l2.jpg)

PROPOSED/ON HOLD
KUALA LUMPUR | Four Seasons Place | 320m | 65 fl | App
KUALA LUMPUR | Menara Tradewinds 1 | 300m | 60 fl | Pro
KUALA LUMPUR | W Hotel & Residences | 50 fl | 232m | Pro
KUALA LUMPUR | Menara Tradewinds 2 | 230m | 55 fl | Pro
KUALA LUMPUR | TNB HQ | 210m | 34 fl | Pro

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Another/ASEAN/th_12-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Another/ASEAN/12-1.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_6ut.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/6ut.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_456.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/456.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Another/ASEAN/th_09-2.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Another/ASEAN/09-2.jpg)

KL bandar raya ke-20 terbaik dunia
Oleh NUZULSHAM SHAMSUDDIN 12 April 2011
http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/content.asp?y=2011&dt=0412&pub=Kosmo&sec=Negara&pg=ne_06.htm

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2011/0412/Kosmo/Negara/ne_06.1.jpg
RAJA NONG CHIK (kiri) bersalaman dengan peserta seminar
Persatuan Penduduk Kuala Lumpur 2011 di Melaka semalam.

MELAKA - Kementerian Wilayah Persekutuan dan Kesejahteraan Bandar menyasarkan Kuala Lumpur menjadi bandar raya ke-20 terbaik di dunia menjelang tahun 2020.

Menterinya, Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin berkata, kementerian itu akan memberi tumpuan kepada dua aspek utama iaitu kependudukan dan pekerjaan berpendapatan tinggi bagi merealisasikan pengiktirafan tersebut.

"Kementerian ini juga telah melantik Unit Kecemerlangan Penganalisis Ekonomi (EIU) untuk menjalankan kajian bagi menentukan Kuala Lumpur memenuhi kriteria yang ditetapkan.

"Setakat ini, Kuala Lumpur berada di tempat ke-79 dan kita menetapkan sasaran dalam tempoh 10 tahun akan datang untuk Kuala Lumpur berada di tempat yang ke-20 bandar raya terbaik dunia," katanya selepas menutup seminar Persatuan Penduduk Kuala Lumpur 2011 di sini semalam.

KL on track to be among top 20 livable cities
Published: 2011/04/11
http://www1.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110411234052/Article/index_html

Kuala Lumpur is on course to become among the top 20 most livable cities by 2020.

Federal Territories and Urban Well-Being Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said the Economist Intelligence Unit, a US research body, presently put Kuala Lumpur on the 79th spot from 139 cities on its list.

"To boost Kuala Lumpur's standing in the international arena, efforts to enhance transport infrastructure and green aspects will be given focus besides others," he told reporters after closing a seminar hosted by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall today.

Over 200 resident representatives took part in the three-day seminar that began Saturday. -- Bernama

RELATED LINK: http://www.eiu.com/public/

FREE RIDES
2011/04/26 By Nuradzimmah Daim
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/2shutt/Article/

http://www.nst.com.my/articles/2shutt/single
Sunrise buses make it easier for residents to move around and are
environmentally friendly with engines which emit less carbon monoxide.

Sunrise buses make it easier for residents to move around and are environmentally friendly with engines which emit less carbon monoxide.
Shuttle buses operated by malls and township developers are making it convenient for shoppers and residents to get around

KUALA LUMPUR: Need a ride to the nearest shopping mall?

Instead of hailing a cab, hop onto the community shuttle bus. Not only will you help reduce carbon footprints, you will also lessen parking and traffic woes.

These community shuttle buses, which offer free rides, are mostly operated by township developers as a community service initiative for the benefit of their residents.

In Klang Valley, Streets checked out four of such free shuttle services offered by developers.

They are the Causeway Link shuttle service offered by Mid Valley Megamall; Shuttle Service by Bangsar Shopping Centre; Sunrise Community Fun Ride by Sunrise Bhd; and IOI Shuttle Bus by IOI Properties.

We found the buses running to almost full capacity during peak hours.

Commuters whom we spoke to were satisfied with the free shuttle bus service but hoped that companies providing the services would work on doubling the number of rides, while some said punctuality could be improved.

We also met some passengers who have stopped driving and are now using these buses on route to nearby LRT stations or the closest shopping malls. They say this saves them transport fares and parking fees and time looking for parking lots or the wait for a taxi.

Housewife Rosmah Md Zain, 55, from Kelana Jaya said she takes the bus from Mid Valley Megamall to Bangsar LRT station.

"The bus goes directly to the LRT station where I take the train back to Kelana Jaya. It's convenient as the bus doesn't stop anywhere except at the drop-off points at the LRT station and shopping centre.

"However, I hope the management will check the frequency of the bus.

"On several occasions, I have had to wait for almost an hour for the bus. If it gets too late in the evening, I take the RapidKL bus to the LRT station," she said.

A customer service personnel of the free shuttle service stationed at the bus stop told Streets that she was there to monitor the arrival and departure of the buses.

"The buses arrive at shopping centre's South Court in 30-minute intervals.

Slight delay is expected especially the during rush hour, but if the bus arrives much later than expected, then we will ask the driver for the reason," she said, adding that there is a bus schedule near the entrance at South Court.

Those heading to Bangsar Shopping Centre can take the shuttle service from Bangsar LRT in 20-minute intervals; and from Tivoli and Palmyra, Park Rose and Araville at 40-minute intervals, starting at 8am.

They can board the return trip to the Bangsar LRT station in the evenings, starting at 5.20pm. The last trip to the station is at 9.50pm.

Mont Kiara residents have a free shuttle bus service offered by Sunrise Bhd, the township developer.

Sunrise executive deputy chairman Datuk Allan Lim said that apart from making it easier for residents to move around the neighbourhood, the buses also help the environment as they are fitted with engines that emit less carbon monoxide.

It runs a circular route from Kiara Designer Suites in Jalan Kiara 3 to Solaris Mont Kiara.

Commuters need to present their Sunrise resident card when boarding the bus.

The latest to join in the free shuttle service is IOI Properties in Puchong. The shuttle service is free for IOI privilege cardholders who have purchased IOI-developed homes.

They will be able to ride the shuttle from their homes in Bandar Puchong Jaya and Bandar Puteri Puchong to commercial areas developed by IOI. The bus stops at IOI Mall, Giant, and Tesco.

The pick-up and drop-off points are at guard houses around their neighbourhoods.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2733/4328878825_0f0d2aa19e_z.jpg?zz=1
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wohinauswandern/4328878825/

Wisma Sarawak: Sarawak’s new landmark in KL
Posted on May 23, 2011, Monday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=132140

KUCHING: Yayasan Sarawak would be entering an agreement to develop a new property to be known as Wisma Sarawak in Kuala Lumpur.

The seven-storey building, which would have ethnic designs and features depicting the state, was described as a piece of landmark owned by Sarawak in the nation’s capital.

This was mentioned in a special feature on Yayasan Sarawak in the latest publication of local magazine ‘Happenings in Sarawak’.

Yayasan Sarawak chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem was quoted as saying Wisma Sarawak is expected to be completed within the next two to three years.

To be located at the township of Sungai Besi, the building would house Yayasan Sarawak’s office and Rumah Sarawak, as well as offices of state agencies intending to spread their operations to Kuala Lumpur.

The signing of agreement with the developer is expected to be held this Friday (May 27) in conjunction with the foundation’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

Readers can also get a glimpse of how the landmark would look like as an artist’s impression of the building is featured in the ‘Happenings’.

The magazine also ran an interview with Adenan who shared his views on the history, achievements and future plans of Yayasan Sarawak.

‘Happenings’ can be downloaded for free at www.happeningsarawak.com or call 082-242439 for hard copies.

Quality of housing stock already makes KL a global city
REALITY CHECK Saturday May 28, 2011
By DATUK ABDUL RAHIM RAHMAN
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/5/28/business/8764804&sec=business

IN a recent report from the UK, it was stated that the quality of a city's housing stock plays an important role in boosting its attraction and making it more competitive in global terms. Malaysia has slipped in global competitiveness according to both The Institute of Management Development and World Economic Forum but does this mean the quality of housing stock is still not of global standards?

It is arguable that London is one of the top global cities and it has recently been reported that the housing stock in London continues to sell well and at prices equal to, or even above, pre-recession levels. This may be testament to the quality of homes in central London they are so desirable because of the quality of design, finishing and of course location in a vibrant city.

Kuala Lumpur is not a global city yet but there are examples of high quality housing stock that should be contributing to its global competitiveness. For example, The Troika is designed by British firm Foster & Partners in cooperation with local firm GDP and such a building in London, New York and Paris would be five or six times more expensive to buy or rent. Probably the most expensive apartment transaction in the country was at a price of RM2,657 per sq ft for a penthouse unit at Binjai On The Park and the next closest in value would be The Troika.

The buyer is a corporate figure who has been on Forbes magazine's list of wealthiest people. On June 22, 2010, he bought the triplex penthouse, measuring 14,300 sq ft, on the 42nd floor of Binjai's Tower B. The price tag of RM38mil meant the penthouse was sold for almost RM2,660 per sq ft. At the time, the marketing and sales manager was quoted in The Star as saying “The buyer bought the penthouse to stay. He fell in love with the 360-degree unobstructed view of the KLCC skyline right at his doorstep” similar to views offered by the likes of London's One Hyde Park. “Binjai On The Park was just like one of his other homes around the globe,” said Terri Har, marketing and sales manager of Layar Intan Sdn Bhd, the developer.

The “Global Cities Review” published by Savills in the UK compares prices of residential units bought by CEO level executives in London, New York, Moscow and Hong Kong, and KL pricing is still 50% more affordable than in New York which was the only city not to show any price gains over the last five years. Indeed, the value of a CEO's home in New York last year was still down 7% on 2005 prices.

London's wealthy residents, whether they own or rent, are likely to live in a house and it is “landed property” in Malaysia that is still the most sought after and valuable in the country. The so-called “bungalow in the sky” concept for some KLCC apartments has sold well and make wonderful accommodation for owner occupiers but investors have found it difficult to let at rents that would give acceptable returns.

Only 40% of 5mil plus purchases in London were made by British buyers in 2010 and this is exactly what Malaysia needs more foreign buyers of residential accommodation and more foreign tenants from multinational corporations. The quality of the housing stock is present and getting better all the time and we look forward to more liberalisation of the business sector and the attraction of more foreign investment to boost the luxury housing market and improve the country's competitiveness.

London is the world's largest financial centre alongside New York and there are more overseas banks in London than any other international city. Obviously the attempt to base an Islamic “mega bank” in Kuala Lumpur is welcome and may make Kuala Lumpur the global centre for Islamic finance. Life in London is very busy with Heathrow being the world's busiest airport and London having more than 300 languages spoken. Malaysia has embraced multiculturalism and so this is not likely to hinder progress towards being a global city.

Just like London, the hunting grounds for wealthy families to live in large houses in KL are well established residential areas characterised by wide roads and plenty of parks or trees Areas in London for houses like Belgravia, Holland Park, Regent's Park, Chelsea and Mayfair are the equivalent of our Bukit Tunku, Ampang Hilir, Bangsar and Damansara Heights. Well-planned new townships like Desa Park City may well become the equivalent of Chiswick in West London one day and will undoubtedly help Kuala Lumpur become a global city!

Senator Datuk Abdul Rahim Rahman is the executive chairman of Rahim & Co group of companies

Kg Railway development to start end of the year
2011/06/07 By Nuradzimmah Daim
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/4rwwl/Article/

http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/4rwwl/pixgal1
Residents of the railway quarters have been waiting
for 17 years for their low-cost flats.

KUALA LUMPUR: The developer of the Kampung Railway redevelopment project in Sentul here, is expected to start construction of the low- and medium-cost flats by end of the year.

Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Deputy Minister Datuk M. Saravanan said the developer, Sentul Raya Bhd (SRB), a subsidiary of YTL Land and Development Bhd, had submitted an amended plan which was approved by City Hall.

"Although, there's no specific time given, it's safe to say that the project will commence soon. City Hall had made a few amendments which the developer had incorporated," said Saravanan.

Residents of the railway quarters have been waiting for 17 years for their low-cost flats, which YTL has agreed to sell at RM45,000 each.

The low-cost flats would take up 5.62ha of the 60.29ha site.

Over 200 families, who have been living in Kampung Railway for over 50 years, were asked to move out to make way for the development.


Some of them had filed a suit against YTL but lost the case and were asked to temporarily relocate to the Taman Wahyu low-cost flats.

Najib launches premier RM35mil botanical garden in KL
By MARTIN CARVALHO Updated: Tuesday June 28, 2011 MYT 9:47:56 PM
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/6/28/nation/20110628191400&sec=nation#13093476022831&if_height=575

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Tuesday launched a RM35mil programme to establish a premier botanical garden in the heart of the city.

The first phase of programme will involve upgrading and rebranding the 122-year old Taman Tasik Perdana, formerly Lake Gardens, as Taman Botani Perdana, Najib said in his speech at the launch here.

Najib said some RM18mil had been spent over the last six months to improve facilities and plant species at the 101ha garden.

The programme is part of the greening for the Greater Kuala Lumpur development plan.

Besides promoting greater environmental awareness amongst the rakyat, the botanical garden will also be promoted as a tourist attraction.

Najib commended private sector participation in the programme, which he described as a "national project".

So far, he said Kuala Lumpur City Hall had contributed RM6mil, with RM12mil coming from the private sector.

Lake Garden's name was changed to Taman Tasik Perdana by Najib father, Malaysia's second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, in 1975.

Tarikan baru ibu negara
http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2011&dt=0629&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka_Hadapan&pg=mh_01.htm

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2011/0629/Utusan_Malaysia/Muka_Hadapan/mh_01.1.jpg

NAJIB Tun Razak bersama Rosmah Mansor memberi makanan ikan pada majlis perasmian Taman Botani Perdana di Kuala Lumpur, semalam. Turut hadir Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin, M. Saravanan dan Ahmad Fuad Ismail. – BERNAMA

Rosmah: Brand KL as developed yet cultured
By LIZ LEE Sunday June 26, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/6/26/nation/8978042&sec=nation#13093476033471&if_height=477

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/6/26/nation/n_10rosmah.jpg
Kicking off: Rosmah with Information, Communication and Culture minister
Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim and his wife Datin Seri Masnah Rais (second from
left) at the launch of the Kuala Lumpur Festival 2011 Saturday.

KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur should be branded as a developed yet cultured city, the Prime Minister's wife Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor said.

She said a progressive country must be balanced in both its development and art.

Speaking after launching the Kuala Lumpur Festival 2011 at KL Tower yesterday, Rosmah said the festival would contribute towards promoting Malaysia as a modern, progressive yet cultured and civilised nation.

The festival, featuring exhibitions, orchestras, films, broadway theatre and much more will be held around the city during the whole of July.

Earlier after closing the Women's Skills Development Programme and City Survival Workshop here, Rosmah suggested that the Government create places for youths to develop their creative talents to prevent them from getting involved in crime.

She said Malaysia could adopt some of the initiatives for youths she observed while accompanying Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on his working visit to Washington, United States, recently.

“I visited two places there where youths have the opportunity to learn and develop in a creative manner.

“If there are places for our youths to while their time, we can prevent them from getting involved in crime.”

CANT WAIT TO CATCH THESE 2 GREAT MOVIES IN KL!!

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss104/byong_sun/TheDarkKnightRises.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss104/byong_sun/Rise_of_the_Planet_of_the_Apes.jpg

KL City Plan to be gazetted in September
2011/07/12 By Nuradzimmah Daim
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/03nddraftkl/Article/

http://www.nst.com.my/articles/03nddraftkl/single
Shoppers viewing the draft plan that was
on display at Carrefour Wangsa Maju. — File picture

KUALA LUMPUR: The KL City Plan 2020 is expected to be gazetted by end of September.

Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin was briefed on the amended draft last week.

A ministry official told Streets that the draft had been examined by the ministry's planning advisory board who came out with recommendations before presenting it to the minister.

"Overall, the minister has agreed with the findings of the board involving policies in Volume 1 and also with the improvements made in Volume 2.

"The draft will be handed back to City Hall before the final process of applying for it to be gazetted," he said, adding that the board had four meetings prior to briefing the minister.

Most of the amendments involved the zoning of land in the city, the official said.

"An example was the rezoning of an area in Taman Selasih in Gombak which was proposed as a site for a petrol station.

"Residents had objected to the proposal and the board decided that the site was inappropriate. It was finally retained as a residential area and classified as R2 with a population density of 80 persons per 0.4 ha," he said.

"Jalan Setapak, which was previously a residential area, is now an industrial zone."

The amended draft was displayed for public viewing between May and August 2008 and in November last year by City Hall before it was submitted to the Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry earlier this year.

City Hall also held workshops to inform the public and stakeholders of the amendments to be made to the draft.

I do hope you guys can help us to save our last Asian building in the "Supertalls World Cup" final; our Petronas Twins are in the final competing with American's Chrysler.

Those arrogant Americans are rigging the poll.

Hope that you can vote for Petronas to make our Asian buildings to win the first ever world cup title. Please click the link below and vote for Petronas.

Thank you!!!!!

http://xl.skyscrapercity.com/?page=o...10714#whovoted

SCALING NEW HEIGHTS
2011/07/15 By Nuradzimmah Daim
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/2dinn/Article/

http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/2dinn/pixgal1
Mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail will serve for another term to
bring KL nearer to its clean, green and safe city dream

KUALA LUMPUR: It was work as usual for Kuala Lumpur Mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail. Fuad, who will be celebrating his 58th birthday today, has received an official letter to serve another term.

Speaking to Streets after chairing a meeting for next year's budget draft, he expressed his views and hopes for Kuala Lumpur.

If there is one thing he wants to achieve in a year, he said, it is to see change in attitude on cleanliness among the public.

He said he would like to engage the public in preparing next year's budget.

Known for his no-nonsense approach, he is not short on philosophies and metaphors when explaining his actions and decisions as the city's top man.

Fuad, who was born in Kedah, admitted that he had been looking forward to retirement before being asked to serve one more term.

Question: After working at City Hall for more than two years, how would you describe your experience?

Answer: I can't say that it was tough, neither was it easy. As I was the Subang Jaya Municipal Council president for seven years, and the Housing and Local Government Ministry secretary-general before coming here, I was prepared for the job.

The challenging part is the public's perception of us, particularly, in delivery of services and engagement with the public.

Before we can correct this perception, we have to correct our attitude and behaviour. We are not the boss, we are here to serve.

Once we understand this, it has to be manifested through our actions.

We held seminars for the draft of KL City Plan 2020 and attended meetings organised by residents. We listened to their requests and objections and took into account their concerns. The draft plan will be gazetted in September.

When the chief secretary to the government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan told me two and half years ago that I would be the next KL mayor, I asked if I had other options. He said it was the government's decision. When I received the letter informing me that my term had been extended, I accepted it although I was looking forward to my retirement.

READ MORE

Facelift for Chow Kit Market
Posted on July 18, 2011, Monday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/07/18/facelift-for-chow-kit-market/

KUALA LUMPUR: The Raja Bot Market here, or better known as the Chow Kit Market, will undergo a facelift soon, making it a modern facility in the heart of the city, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the market yesterday, he said, the government had agreed to upgrade the market to make it attractive and clean, and to provide comfort to hawkers and visitors.

He added that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had been asked to prepare the design for the market’s reconstruction in two weeks, after which it would be discussed with representatives of traders’ associations and residence in the area.

DBKL had agreed to prepare the design that would give the facility a new look, he said.

“I used to come here when I was young; it has not changed much…it’s congested, some areas are waterlogged maybe because the drains are clogged, and the items are not neatly arranged,” he said.

“In many countries around the world, the markets may still be within the cities but they are being developed in such a way that they are clean and neat and some of them are tourist attractions,” he said.

Existing traders would be allowed to return to conduct their business upon the completion of the market, he said.

“Those who are already here will remain. We know that this issue will later crop up but I want to inform that those who are already here and have a licence, will continue with their business here,” he said.

The Raja Bot Market currently houses about 1,400 traders selling various items such as vegetables, fruits and meat as well as clothing. Some of the traders operate food stalls.

Apart from the locals, the market also attracts foreign tourists.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin said the government would take additional steps to tackle the hike in the prices of essentials, including chickens, the main source of protein in the country.

The cabinet committee on supplies and prices, he said, had agreed at its meeting last week to find new ways to tackle external factors which had been pushing up the prices.

The committee identified the increase in the prices of chicken feed and hatchlings as the reason for the high price of chickens.

The deputy prime minister said he had asked the committee to look into how these could be sourced in lower prices. — Bernama

Chelsea stars join 45 kids in kickabout
Thursday July 21, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/7/21/nation/9142429&sec=nation#13112105862551&if_height=536

KUALA LUMPUR: Forty-five students had a rare chance to have a kickabout with Chelsea FC superstars during a special coaching clinic.

The students, from three schools in Selangor, Pahang and Perak, milled around Nicolas Anelka, Salomon Kalou, Ashley Cole, Daniel Sturridge and Patrick van Aanholt after they arrived at the clinic here yesterday.

The superstars then joined the students in their drills that was watched by dozens of fans who converged at an indoor pitch in Damansara Damai.

The Blues arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, three days ahead of their friendly match against Malaysia which will be held at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.

Former Chelsea player Graeme Le Saux was also spotted moving among the crowd.

The clinic, organised by Malaysia Airlines' (MAS) travel arm MASholidays, was part of MAS' Pintar programme targeting underpriviledged children.

MAS is also the official air charter for the Chelsea's Asia Tour 2011.

BPL Asian Tour
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Fans reach out to Chelsea players as they arrive at their hotel Monday. Chelsea will play a Malaysian selection on July 21 as part of their Asian Tour. - 18 July, 2011

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Didier Drogba shaking hands with fans at One World Hotel July 17, 2011 - 18 July, 2011

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Chelsea's John Terry signs autographs for fans upon arrival at a hotel in Petaling Jaya, near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, July 18, 2011. Chelsea FC will play with the Malaysia XI, a Malaysia League selection, at their friendly soccer match on Thursday, July 21. (AP Photo/Lai Seng Sin) - 18 July, 2011

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Harimau Muda coach Ong Kim Swee shakes hands with Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas after their press conference Monday. Chelsea will play a Malaysian selection at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on July 21 as part of their Asian Tour. - 18 July, 2011

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Chelsea player Salomon Kalou showing his skill during the coaching clinic in Kuala Lumpur Wednesday. - S.S.KANESAN/THE STAR - 20 July, 2011

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Chelsea player's Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou having a light moment during the coaching clinic in Kuala Lumpur Wednesday. - S.S.KANESAN/THE STAR - 20 July, 2011

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Chelsea player's Salomon Kalou shoing his skill to the young player's during the coaching clinic in Kuala Lumpur Wednesday. - S.S.KANESAN/THE STAR - 20 July, 2011

Germany's UIRE eyes more KL properties
By Roziana Hamsawi Published: 2011/07/28
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/kepsq/Article/#ixzz1TbNGOEAw

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/kepsq/pix_middle

KUALA LUMPUR: Germany's Union Investment Real Estate GmbH (UIRE) has plans to buy a few more office buildings valued between RM200 and RM400 million here in the next two to three years.

UIRE Asia Pacific Pte Ltd managing director Ulrich Dischler, however, said the investment firm has yet to begin talks with any local parties.

"We take our time looking for opportunities within the RM200 million to RM400 million range and our focus will be in Kuala Lumpur for now," he told reporters after the handover ceremony of the CapSquare Tower from Bandar Raya Developments Bhd (BDRB) to UIRE here yesterday.

The CapSquare Tower, an office block with 41 floors and 600,000 sq ft of net lettable space, was purchased by UIRE in 2008 for RM440 million.

UIRE is an investment management company specialising in open-ended real estate funds for private and institutional investors with assets under management amounting to ?13.8 billion (RM59.2 billion).

"We are in 26 countries with real estate funds of some 150 properties," said Dischler, adding that CapSquare is its first property in Malaysia.

In Asia, UIRE is also in Singapore, South Korea and Japan.

The handover ceremony yesterday was witnessed by Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail.

Also present was BDRB chief executive officer Datuk Jagan Sabapathy and the German ambassador to Malaysia Dr Guenther Gruber.

In his speech, Sabapathy noted that UIRE's investment in Kuala Lumpur's real estate market is a demonstration of its confidence in Malaysia's economy.

"Indeed, despite the Lehman Brothers-led banking crisis in the US and Europe in 2009 that had a significant knock-on effect on global real estate, UIRE stood by and completed this purchase," he said.

He added that BDRB is keen to further develop its relationship with UIRE in the future.

CapSquare Tower is part of the overall CapSquare development covering some 6ha of land and home to Menara Multi-Purpose, two residential towers, Unitar city campus and CapSquare retail which in September will add several new tenants like Apple, Dell, a supermarket and Tanjung's TGV.

RM12.4mil spent on repairing low-cost flats in KL
By FAZLEENA AZIZ Monday August 1, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/8/1/central/9211822&sec=central

ABOUT RM12.4mil has been spent under the 1Malaysia Maintenance Fund so far to repair low-cost flats, said Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik.

The fund was set up to repair and maintain private low-cost flats whose Joint Management Bodies (JMB) could not afford to pay the entire amount for the work done. Under the scheme, medium low-cost flats will have to pay 40% of the maintenance work instead of the 20% for low-cost flats while the rest will be funded by the government.

Raja Nong Chik said this after a gotong-royong in Taman Sri Sentosa.

“The prime minister had announced a RM6.5mil allocation for repainting the 45 blocks here and the replacement of lifts at the 14-storey block in Taman Ria AC4. We then decided to add on another RM3.5mil.

“This comes under the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) in the Prime Minister’s Department,”

“Repair work will also be carried out at the Taman Melati Flats, Jalan Tun Razak low-cost flats in Kampung Baru and Desa Pandan low-cost flats,” he said.

The gotong-royong was separated into nine zones, which was led by local community leaders and government agencies as part of the Kuala Lumpur Cleanliness Campaign 2011.

The zones included the low-cost flats, commercials areas, Pinang 1A apartments and AC4 low-cost flats in Taman Sri Sentosa.

Nong Chik also said the cleanliness of the Ramadan bazaars was the responsibility of traders.

“We have increased the deposit this year to ensure that only genuine and capable traders will be doing business. They would have to comply with the rules.

“The ministry has also allocated RM1mil for cleaning work in the city,” he said.

Smoother traffic flow in Brickfields soon
By PRIYA MENON Friday August 5, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/8/5/central/9179114&sec=central

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/8/5/central/m_01flowbuslane.jpg

A CONTRA-flow bus lane will be implemented in Brickfields on Aug 20 despite objections from various parties.

The bus flow will run through the main road of Jalan Tun Sambanthan (from Esso/Public Bank) and cut off to Jalan Travers at the Little India Fountain and head for Seputeh through Jalan Tun Sambanthan (in front of Sri Paandi restaurant).

However, news of the contra-flow lane has caught all Brickfields stakeholders by surprise.

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Smoother traffic flow in Brickfields soon

However, news of the contra-flow lane has caught all Brickfields stakeholders by surprise.

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I think the contra-flow is implemented to avoid other road users using the bus lane as happened to many bus lanes in the city mostly during rush hour.

READY FOR BUSINESS
2011/08/09 By Noel Achariam
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/2datt/Article/

http://www.nst.com.my/articles/2datt/single

The Exchange Trade Centre International at the basement of Dataran
Merdeka is expected to open next month. — Picture by Nubli Wan Ahmad
After a two-year delay, the RM35mil Exchange Trade Centre International
beneath Dataran Merdeka is expected to open next month

KUALA LUMPUR: The much awaited Exchange Trade Centre International, an international trade and convention centre located at the basement of Dataran Merdeka, will be opening its doors soon.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail said the Exchange Trade Centre International is expected to open next month.

"The basement is leased to the developer. They have completed their renovations and paid what is due to City Hall," he said after giving out Jalur Gemilang to business operators at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman on Monday.

A spokesperson for Stess Property Sdn Bhd said the boutique trade centre is undergoing minor touch-ups.

He said the air-conditioning, wiring and other minor details need to be addressed before the trade centre is launched.

The spokesperson said once the centre is operational, it will become a trade hub where organisations from around the world can showcase their products and culture at the centre.

"We hope to get the international community to participate in different attractions and activities which will be held here. We are also planning to set up an international cuisine centre here," he said.

The RM35 million project beneath the Dataran Merdeka started in 2007.

It was to have been completed two years ago. Stess Property Sdn Bhd was given the contract to upgrade the Dataran Merdeka basement.

The developer said the project could not be completed by December 2008 due to the flash floods in 2007.

They had asked for an extension to carry out flood mitigation works.

Stess Property spent RM8 million on an drainage system after the basement was inundated. The work on the pumps and the plumbing system is completed and RM675,000 was spent on the flood gates.

Before it was flooded in 2003, the basement of Dataran Merdeka was a thriving retail area known as Plaza Putra.

Billed as the country's first basement plaza, it had an information booth, cineplex, The Actors Studio theatre and restaurants. The plaza was badly damaged by the flood.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/145/370298309_8004314265_z.jpg?zz=1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kawundejade/370298309/)
Merdeka square- KL 1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kawundejade/370298309/) by Jadeyladybird (http://www.flickr.com/people/kawundejade/), on Flickr

China delegates plant 888 trees to green KL
Friday August 12, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/8/12/nation/9286297&sec=nation#13131179088061&if_height=339

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Green exercise: Some of the 3,200 delegates from China converging
at the Kepong Metropolitan Park yesterday to plant the trees.

KUALA LUMPUR: Some 3,200 conference delegates from China planted 888 trees at the Kepong Metropolitan Park here to mark their visit and to support City Hall's I Greened KL campaign.

The campaign, launched in May, is to have trees planted by foreign visitors and to have them return here in future to see how the trees they planted have grown and greened Kuala Lumpur.

The Chinese visitors, from Perfect (China) Co Ltd, a company specialising in health and wellness, are here for a three-day seminar for middle-tier achievers.

Company president Woo Swee Lian said the tree planting exercise was part of Perfect's corporate social responsibility programme.

He said the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) industry would boost the city's economy as each delegate would spend an average of RM3,000 here.

The I Greened KL programme was launched on May 27 with 50 tourists planting 50 trees.

The trees will be maintained by City Hall and documented on the www.igreenedkl.com website.

Participants can go to the website to monitor the development of their trees.

City Hall aims to have 30,000 trees planted under the project by the end of the year and has to date planted 24,904 trees.

kalau pokok kayu dari China ni agak hebat tak macam material product la kan!! :lol:

DBKL to install 1,200 CCTVs to monitor traffic offences
Published: Wednesday August 17, 2011 MYT 5:47:00 PM
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/8/17/nation/20110817175930&sec=nation#13135844213071&if_height=556

KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) plans to install 1,200 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras by the year-end to monitor traffic offences within the federal city.

Mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail said the CCTVs would facilitate bringing to book traffic offenders committing offences such as causing traffic obstruction in areas under the jurisdiction of DBKL.

"However, the installation of the CCTVs will depend on the financial allocation from the Treasury," he said after opening a workshop on the KUL-Submission online application system for development proposals at the DBKL Training Institute, here, Wednesday. - Bernama

Heritage trail to introduce historical sites in KL
By FAZLEENA AZIZ Tuesday August 23, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/8/23/central/9328791&sec=central

THE Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is now hiring contractors for its Heritage Trail project which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The aim of the project is to take local and foreign tourists on a historical journey of the various sites in Kuala Lumpur before independence to the present day.

The trail will begin at Museum Negara and the story of each site will be etched on ceramic tiles.

n front of the National Mosque, gazebos, stalls and a seating area will be built.

From there, visitors are able to visit the parks, Police Museum, Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, Perdana Botanical Gardens or Tun Razak Memorial.

Further down, the trail leads to Dataran Merdeka, which will be upgraded to include, waterfalls, pictures of past prime ministers and landscaping.

At Medan Pasar, a big arch will be built and Jalan Tun Perak will be upgraded as part of the River of Life project.

There will also be a photo spot to allow photographers to get a better angle of Masjid Jamek.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail said although there was a need for new development in the city it was important to retain some areas with historical past.

He said there were stories to be told and they needed to be linked from one point to another.

“We have the product but we do not have the proper storyline to show people.

“If you are on the heritage trail you will start from a certain point and move on from there. The trail is not all about historical sites as it will also include modern developments like the KLCC and Pavilion.

“We want to preserve the old buildings but make certain enhancements to give it more value,” he said.

He also spoke about developments in areas like Petaling Street, which is a favourite among tourists.

When asked if the Heritage Trail will be promoted online at the DBKL’s website, Ahmad Fuad said it was work in progress as the project has yet to be completed.

“We have to create more tourist spots in KL and put in the uniqueness to lure them in.

“When people come to Dataran Merdeka, they do not have much to do so now we are giving them more,” he said.

He added that once the MRT project was completed the new face of the city merging the old and the modern elements would be in place.

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More to come: Gazebos, stalls and a seating area will be built in front of the National Mosque.

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To be upgraded: Once the project is complete people will have more to do at the Dataran Merdeka.

DBKL to build community halls, hawker centres and sports facilities next year
Tuesday September 6, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/9/6/central/9392350&sec=central

KUALA Lumpur residents can expect to see more public amenities and infrastructure being built next year.

Under next year’s budget, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will build two community halls, three hawker centres, five sports centres and 19 recreation facilities.

The new projects, including the upgrading of roads, drains, and housing will amount to RM287mil.

DBKL’s 2012 Budget totalling RM2.17bil also focuses on cleanliness with RM196mil allocated for waste management, while RM96mil is for the maintenance of public parks, playgrounds and open space.

Some RM1.33bil of the budget will go for administration expenses and RM847mil for development.

Assessment tax was the main source of revenue for City Hall with a 4% increase to RM1.38bil compared with 2010.

About 60% of revenue came from assessment tax amounting to RM810mil, 17% from development charges (RM239mil), 4.5% from federal government grants (RM62.7mil), and 2.7% from rental of public housing schemes (RM37mil).

Infrastructure was also the main topic of discussion at the Selangor Budget Dialogue Council 2012 held by Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) recently.

Gombak Setia assemblyman Datuk Dr Hasan Ali, who is also the State Islamic affairs, Malay culture, infrastructure and public amenities committee chairman, said besides drains, other infrastructure like bridges, recreational areas and playground equipment were discussed.

“Many of the equipment at the playgrounds were more than 20 years old,” he said.

MPS president Datuk Zainal Abidin A’ala, staff from the Selangor Treasury Department, businessmen, professionals, MPS councillors, village heads and village representatives attended the event.

Dr Hasan said from the RM1.47bil for the 2012 budget, 66% would be for infrastructure projects.

Another 30,000 trees to be planted in Kuala Lumpur next year — Nong Chik
Posted on December 18, 2011, Sunday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/12/18/another-30000-trees-to-be-planted-in-kuala-lumpur-next-year-nong-chik/

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry is targeting to plant another 30,000 trees in Kuala Lumpur next year towards making it a green and clean city.

Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said it was also part of an effort to make Kuala Lumpur a liveable city.

“So far, we have planted 31,447 trees, which exceeded the target for this year.

“I’m confident that with the cooperation extended by all quarters, including government agencies, residents and the corporate companies, we will achieve the target,” he told reporters after opening the “Green FT, Blog FT Cares!” programme at the Seri Cempaka People’s Housing Project here.

The “Green FT” programme, involving the participation of Sunrise Berhad, is part of the efforts to green and beautify the city. He said the greening programme would make the city more liveable through the creation of comfortable surrounding and areas for recreational activities.

The greening programme would also increase the value of the property there, he said, adding that what was more important was that it helped to create a sustainable surrounding, reduce the temperature and the greenhouse gas emission. — Bernama

DBKL to make it a requirement for restaurants to provide Wi-Fi services
By CHOONG MEK ZHIN Monday January 9, 2012
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2012/1/9/central/10210201&sec=central

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Convenient:
Many like the idea of chilling at restaurants and enjoying the Wi-Fi services.

THE move by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to make it a requirement to provide Wi-Fi services under its food and beverage business licence is lauded by many.

It is expected to be enforced in April.

Piccolo Mondo Gastro Sdn Bhd director Suzianna Wong-Svrcula said the move was a good one as it positioned the city as an Internet savvy capital.

“At the end of the day I believe providing Wi-Fi for customers is good business sense. Many people own smart phones, iPads and tablets these days so the service is something useful to them,” she said, adding that all four of the establishments under the brand provided Wi-Fi as well as electrical plug points for free.

She said their facility was for the convenience of their customers.

“The only minor setback of providing such service is we get customers who order only one drink and use the service all day.

READ MORE

RM20mil park in Taman Bukit Kerinchi
By FAZLEENA AZIZ Tuesday January 10, 2012
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2012/1/10/central/10224193&sec=central

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Soothin g: Nong Chik (in orange) with Fuad (left) looking at the natural stream at the park.

CITY residents can look forward to another park in Taman Bukit Kerinchi, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur, covering 34.6ha.

The park will be developed in three phases at the cost of RM20mil with the first scheduled to be completed by April.

The first phase involves building a pedestrian walkway, drains, installing lights, concrete and wooden bridges, edible garden, pond, camping area, toilets and landscaping.

Under the second phase, trees will be planted and a nature trail built while the third phase will see the putting up of signages and an arch.

The park has a natural stream, lush forest with a valley as part of its features.

The hillside area is a catchment area owned by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) that is gazetted as a green zone.

Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik and Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail visited the site where 58% of work had been carried out as part of the first phase.

Raja Nong Chik said the park was bigger than the ones found in Selangor.

“We are providing a green space with natural features for the people of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

“The first phase will cost RM3.6mil while for the remaining phases, we would require allocation from the government. But we are hoping to get corporations to develop the other phases.

“We want to develop the park together with the surrounding developers,” he said, adding it will take another five years for the park to be completed.

Meanwhile, Fuad said DBKL was looking into the land usage in all the developments to ensure enough green space was included.

“Even for this park, we had to negotiate with the developer to give 6ha,” he said.

NICE ACTIVITY PROGRAME!
http://www.igreenedkl.com.my/igreenedkl/

http://www.igreenedkl.com.my/igreenedkl/images/logo-dbkl.jpg http://www.igreenedkl.com.my/igreenedkl/images/logo.jpg

Grab chance to see UEFA Euro trophy in KL
Friday April 6, 2012
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2012/4/6/central/11021153&sec=central

AS fans worldwide count down to one of the biggest football events, UEFA Euro 2012, Carlsberg is set to kick off an exciting and rewarding football campaign for Malaysian football buffs.

First up in the campaign is a two-day trophy viewing in Selangor.

Football fanatics-cum-Carlsberg lovers are encouraged to step up and grab the once-in-a-lifetime experience as this will be the first time ever for the coveted sterling silver trophy in Malaysia, which is being flown in from Europe.

Malaysia will be the trophy’s second and only other stop in Asia following its first leg in India in February.

Carlsberg is the official sponsor and it celebrates its seventh consecutive time of sponsoring the European football championships since 1988.

The tournament will be held for the first time entirely in eastern Europe, in the dynamic growth markets for Carlsberg in Poland and Ukraine.

“Carlsberg will excite our loyal supporters with a series of activities, parties and promotions as we count down to the start of UEFA Euro 2012,” said Carlsberg Malaysia managing director Soren Ravn.

“Having built a strong association with the European football championships over the decades, we are now looking forward to another great opportunity to connect with our customers and consumers, while making the whole experience one that will be treasured beyond the finals in July,” he said.

The trophy viewing will be held at the Orange Concourse, Sunway Pyramid Shopping Centre on April 6 and 7, from 10am to 10pm.

Viewers are required to bring along a simple proof of purchase in the form of a receipt to gain access.

For more info, visit www.facebook.com/Carlsberg.MY.

Programme to benefit the needy in Lembah Pantai
By BAVANI M Wednesday May 2, 2012
Photo by LOW LAY PHON
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2012/5/2/central/11198765&sec=central

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Nice to meet you: Nong Chik sharing a joke with residents from Lembah
Pantai at the launch of the RNC Cares programme.

IT WAS double joy for Jayamary Sebastian, 58, when she met Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin during the launch of the RNC Cares community programme held at BN House in Lorong Maarof, Bangsar recently.

The single mother from Kuala Lumpur who has been trying to get welfare aid from the Government, finally found her saviour in Nong Chik who promised to look into her plight via the RNC Cares project.

Jayamary said she was taken aback by Nong Chik’s kindness.

“He is such a nice man and I can tell he has a good heart, too,’’ said Jayamary.

“I am grateful for the help he has given,’’ she added.

>>> http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2012/5/2/central/11198765&sec=central

RM5 million to upgrade infrastructure in KL
Posted on May 8, 2012, Tuesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/05/08/rm5-million-to-upgrade-infrastructure-in-kl/

KUALA LUMPUR: A sum of RM5 million has been allocated this year to upgrade various infrastructure in Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said yesterday.

“These projects, such as upgrading the drainage system and walkways, are aimed at providing better convenience and comfort for city dwellers,” he told reporters at SJKC Choong Wen, Jalan Klang Lama, here, yesterday.

He said so far, the existing infrastructure in four areas, namely Wangsa Maju, Segambut, Lembah Pantai and Batu had been identified for upgrading.

Earlier, the minister visited the completed upgrading work around the school with began on Feb 8 this year and completed on April 9.

The RM750,000 project involved building a 200-metre covered walkway, upgrading 750 metres of roadside drain, resurfacing Jalan 3/114, off Jalan Kuchai Lama and the entry road from Jalan Klang Lama, and providing roadside parking bays. — Bernama

Forum set to boost KL trade with OIC nations
By Rupa damodaranPublished: 2012/05/10
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/rup9b/Article/#ixzz1uPorNCzm

Kuala Lumpur: MALAYSIA'S inaugural joint investment forum with the Islamic Development Bank today marks a small beginning in business partnerships between Malaysian companies and those under the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said Malaysia, as a founding member of the financial institution, wants to elevate the level of trade and investments between the 57 OIC states.

"We're having 500 participants, with many from 33 member countries - an indication of the interest from a broad spectrum of sectors from oil and gas, manufacturing, services, property and Islamic banking," he said at a media briefing yesterday.

The two-day conference, which focuses on forging strategic business partnerships, started yesterday afternoon.

It will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The IDB, a financial institution under the OIC, assists member countries to promote international trade, especially capital goods as well as providing related technical assistance.

Mustapa hopes to raise Malaysia's profile further with potential investors from OIC countries, particularly from the Gulf, a region which has shown keen investing interest since five years ago.

In 2011, total trade increased by 19.9 per cent although it has grown by more than four folds between 2000 and 2010.

Approved projects in the manufacturing sector with OIC countries include aluminium, food manufacturing, textiles, scientific and measuring equipment and chemical products.

Malaysian companies led by Petronas, Malakoff and Tanjong Energy have made inroads to power generation and water desalination at Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

"Other potential sectors that can be further explored by Malaysian companies including in oil and gas sector, retail, construction, Islamic banking and fiance, energy, halal food and renewable energy sector," he said.

Mustapa said Malaysia's position as an international Halal hub will help strengthen and expand its market reach to the Muslim countries and it can also leverage on its position as an active OIC member to export high-quality generic pharmaceuticals into the OIC market.

IDB president Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali said OIC member countries look up to Malaysia and its achievements and want to benefit from its experiences.

"We want to enhance cooperation in trade, tech and finance among the member countries.

"Malaysia is leading in many areas like banking and trade and is also ready to transfer the know how," he said.

The forum also provides an opportunity for the IDB group to introduce and promote its services such as the Islamic Research and Training Institute, International Islamic Trade Finance Corp and the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit Sector.

KL central cultural makeover
By YVONNE LIM Friday May 11, 2012
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/5/11/nation/11268811&sec=nation#13367608563215967&if_height=536

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2012/5/11/nation/n_18tokoh.jpg

Honoured: Recipients of the Living Iconic Figures sharing a light moment after
being awarded by Rais Thursday. The recipients are (from left) cartoonist
Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid (Datuk Lat), Intan Sulga KK Tiring, Kumaresan
Karthigesu, Eyo, Mek Jah, Ramli Ibrahim, Nyonya Tan and Jati Anak Ju.

KUALA LUMPUR: Parts of central Kuala Lumpur will soon be given a makeover to better reflect Malaysia's cultural heritage.

Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said his ministry was in discussion with the Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to put together a proposal to be presented to the Cabinet for approval.

“We already have a Little India in Brickfields and a Chinatown in Petaling Street which does well to represent the Indian and Chinese cultures respectively.

“We hope to transform some areas in KL, such as the stretch from the KTMB building to the Sultan Abdul Samad building, to better reflect other cultures which are also part of our national heritage,” he said, adding that the makeover would include Jalan Melayu to better portray Malay culture.

Dr Rais said he hoped the initiative would instill patriotism and greater appreciation for the nation's cultural heritage, especially among the younger generation.

The minister said this while officially declaring 154 National Heritage items, including nine living persons at the Sultan Abdul Samad building here yesterday.

Among the nine recognised for their contributions to the country as a part of our national heritage are Nyonya Tan Abdullah for her dondang sayang, Eyo Hock Seng for his work in wayang kulit and mak yong practitioner Mek Jah Deris.

The other items listed are iconic buildings, archaeological and natural sites, traditional games, martial arts, traditional cuisine, local arts and craft, dances, as well as traditional medical practices.

At the event, Rais also witnessed the official flag-off of the Jejak Warisan (Heritage Footsteps) Programme which was participated by 450 students from schools in KL and Selangor.

The minister said programmes such as these were important to ensure the country's heritage is not forgotten by the younger generation.

“Our heritage is our identity as a nation. We need to pass on the stories, the arts and culture which makes us who we are, to the generations after us,” he said.

Kampung Kerinchi perintis konsep pembangunan K-Baru
2012/05/12
http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/articles/KampungKerinchiperintiskonseppembangunanK-Baru/Article

KUALA LUMPUR: Projek pembangunan semula rumah pangsa empat tingkat Kampung Kerinchi dipilih menjadi perintis pelaksanaan konsep K-Baru untuk meningkatkan kualiti kehidupan masyarakat bandar.

Konsep K-Baru itu dilancarkan Menteri Wilayah Persekutuan dan Kesejahteraan Bandar, Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin, di sini hari ini.

Menerusi konsep itu, pembangunan semula penempatan berkenaan yang akan dikenali sebagai Kerinchi Residensi, akan ditransformasikan menjadi kawasan pangsapuri moden dengan persekitaran yang selesa, bersih dan selamat.

"Melalui K-Baru, pemilik akan mendapat banyak manfaat dari pelbagai sudut seperti peningkatan taraf sosial, ekonomi dan pemilikan kediaman yang mempunyai nilai hartanah berpotensi tinggi yang dapat memberi pendapatan lumayan di masa akan datang," kata Raja Nong Chik ketika berucap pada majlis pecah tanah Kerinchi Residensi dan pelancaran K-Baru transformasi itu.

Di bawah konsep K-Baru yang diaplikasikan dalam pembinaan Kerinchi Residensi itu, komunitinya akan mendapat manfaat dari segi keluasan unit daripada 418 kaki persegi kepada 882 kaki persegi yang mana tempoh pajakan tanah selama 99 tahun berbanding 65 tahun dengan nilai pasaran mencecah sehingga RM300,000 seunit.

...

Special training for DBKL officers to counter demonstrations
Monday, May 14, 2012 - 14:08 by Bernama
http://www.mmail.com.my/story/special-training-dbkl-officers-counter-demonstrations

KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) enforcement personnel will be provided special training to prepare for possible demonstrations or illegal rally in the future.

Federal Territories and Urban Well-being Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said such training was necessary for the nation's current scenario, whereby more illegal demonstrations are expected, especially in Kuala Lumpur.

"It's better if our enforcement personnel are trained to handle illegal rallies, big or small, because they will be provoked during such demonstrations," :cheers: he told reporters after a working visit and launch of the DBKL Enforcement Department-level 'Keep Smiling 2012' campaign, here today.

The campaign hopes to encourage a customer-friendly culture and courtesy among staff under the Federal Territories and Urban Well-being Ministry and its agencies.

Commenting further on the training, Raja Nong Chik said talks have been carried out with the Home Ministry.

"I've discussed with Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein (Home Minister), and we will work with his ministry to prepare a detailed information on the training," he said.

He said talks would also be held with the police since the force has already been trained for such situations.

"The police may lead the training, but this still depends on the outcome of the meeting. DBKL may not have specific equipment to face these demonstration, so an allocation for such equipment may be provided as well," he said.

New 1Malaysia Lembah Pantai service centre for residents
By Noel Achariam 16 May 2012 | Last updated at 01:02AM
http://www.nst.com.my/streets/central/new-1malaysia-lembah-pantai-service-centre-for-residents-1.84430

http://www.nst.com.my/polopoly_fs/1.84433.1337101229!/image/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/landscape_454/image.JPG

Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin and his wife, Datin Nafesah Raja
Nong Chik, at the opening of the service centre. Pic by Nashairi Mohd Nawi

KUALA LUMPUR: Taman Sri Sentosa residents can now channel their grouses to the newly launched 1Malaysia Lembah Pantai Service Centre.

The service centre in Jalan Klang Lama was launched by Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin and his wife Datin Nafesah Raja Nong Chik.

Nafesah who has been helping residents in the Sri Sentosa area for more than 10 years, said she was glad to see the opening of the service centre.

"Before, the people didn't have a service centre when they needed help. Now with this service centre, we can reach out to help more people," she said.

Raja Nong Chik said the centre would serve people of all races living in Taman Sri Sentosa.

"There is a good mix of people here. Some have been neglected in the past. With the launch of this service centre we hope to help all of them," he said.

In conjunction with the Mothers Day celebrations, the staff of the service centre gave Brands Essence of Chicken packs to 700 mothers.

Nafesah said the centre could continue to organise programmes for the people in the coming weeks.

The centre is at L2-06, Times 89 Business Plaza, Jln 8A/133, Taman Sentosa.