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To elevate as a regional powerhouse is not only a dream, it is a mission. With Selangor Maritime Gateway and the Smart Selangor initiatives, we are progressing ever closer to making the Smart Selangor 2025 vision of becoming the Premier Smart State in ASEAN a reality. Amirudin Shari Selangor Menteri Besar

MB Attends Dubai Investment Annual Meeting 2019 Page 4 Selangor delegates to AIM are optimistic about involving investors and build up the investment success achieved by the state last year.

Getting Familiar with Autism Page 7

Hulu Selangor: Where nature harmonizes with machines Page 8 Increasing Home Sports-Themed Residence Unveiled in Old Road Page 12 Ownership for Pak Belang: Our pride, identity and failure Page 13 Selangorians Has Privatization Benefitted the For most of the people living in major cities across the nation, such as Public? Page 15 and cities within Selangor, home ownership and afford- able housing are major issues. Purchasing a dream home is no doubt a priority for most, however this has proven to be quite a challenge—par- ticularly in today’s economic climate.

Story continues on Page 4 02 NEWS April 2019 | Selangor Journal NEWS April 2019 | Selangor Journal 03

build up the investment success achieved by the state last year. Previously, Selangor created history Selangor when it recorded the highest investment announces value for the last 30 years of RM 24.8 bil- lion for 2018 through the manufacturing RM 60 million to and services sectors. The total investment value ap- overcome traffic MB on Work Visit proved for the manufacturing sector was RM 18.947 billion, an increase of congestion in 238 per cent compared to RM 5.529 bil- Bandar Saujana to Kuala Langat lion in 2017. Meanwhile, the services sector saw Putra Selangor successful in recording the MB Attends Dubai highest total investment in Malay- KUALA LANGAT — On 12 April, Se- sia by RM 5.784 billion compared to langor Menteri Besar, Amirudin Shari, Investment Annual RM 4.5 billion in 2017. he state government has began a work visit tour through the Je- Amirudin, in a statement, said the announced that they will lajah Maju Bersama programme to the state government will work hard to be building a flyover in . Meeting 2019 achieve the RM 10 billion investment the The programme started off with the on Jalan Saujana Putra in Ban- target for 2019 and believes the current area in order to accommo- Selangor Menteri Besar performing the dar Saujana Putra. Speaking at “AIM is home to the largest global positive economic development will date the sudden surge of heavy traffic dawn prayer with the locals at Masjid Surau Al-Ikhlas, he announced – Selangor Menteri Besar, investors, among them are corporate help to realize that goal. in the area. Jamek As-Solihin, Kanchong Darat. that the state government will T be building a flyover in the Amirudin Shari attended the Annual In- leaders, policy makers, businessmen, The ninth edition of AIM carries the The project which will cost He then kicked off a morning rally vestment Meeting (AIM) 2019 in Dubai regional and international investors, theme ‘Mapping the Future of FDI: En- RM 60 million and is expected to with civil servants in the Sri Hall, Bandar Saujana Putra area in on 8 April. entrepreneurs, academics and leading riching World Economies through Digi- ease the burden of residents in the Telok Datok, before chairing the State In the past 10 years, order to accommodate the sud- Amirudin, via Facebook, said AIM is experts who are showcasing the latest tal Globalization’. area since the unexpected rise in traf- Executive Councillor (MMKN) meeting, den surge of heavy traffic in the the main platform for attracting Foreign information, strategies and knowledge The meeting discusses the impact of fic for the past few years. at the Kuala Langat District and Land we have never reduced area. Direct Investments (FDI). to attract FDIs.” digital globalization, how policies can Dato’ Menteri Besar, Amirudin Office. development in the Later, in the evening, Amiru- He said it is an initiative by the UAE’s “It aims to connect businesses and be set in place to encourage an innova- Shari, says, the project is to benefit The meeting was then followed by din held a townhall session Ministry of Economy under the auspic- countries that are willing to participate tive investment atmosphere, the need to around 65,000 residents in the area Amirudin performing Friday prayers state. Therefore, it is with resident representatives to es of the UAE Vice President who is also in sustainable partnerships with inves- create long-term investment opportu- as well as users of the South Klang at Masjid At-Taqwa in before hear the people’s problems in the area. gramme is Amirudin’s approach to be- Dubai’s Prime Minister and Superin- tors,” he wrote. nities, and how to attract and develop Valley Expressway (SKVE) and the commencing site visits in several areas important for us to During this session, he stated that the coming the eyes and ears to the issues tendent, Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Al Selangor delegates to AIM are op- skilled talent from across the world. North South Highway Express Link around Kuala Langat. look for development state government will focus on new in- faced by the people of Selangor, which Maktoum. timistic about involving investors and (ELITE), who are coming from the After the Friday prayers, Amirudin vestments that emphasize integrity and in turn can lead to a complete solution direction of Bandar Saujana Putra. visited the paragliding site in Bukit with the presence of social values. to these issues. “We have discussed with the rele- Jugra to try out the sport for himself. In “In the past 10 years, we have nev- The programme is part of the state vant parties” he added. the afternoon, he continued with a visit new investment values. er reduced development in the state. government’s endeavour to ensure that “Developer Seribu Baiduri Sdn. to the Boh Tea Plantation in Cheeding Therefore, it is important for us to look each district does not miss out any of the Performance of assessed officer,” Amirudin said. gor State Secretary Office (PSUK). Bhd. has given their commitment in Hill, Banting. for development that will bring in new six existing smart clusters which are ed- Civil Servants “This is because there are cases where Also present were Selangor State order to speed up the tender process On the final leg of his visit, Amiru- investment value,” he said. ucation, employment, housing, family, officers rated scores exceeding 96 per Secretary, Dato’ Mohd Amin bin Ahmad and begin working on the construc- din addressed the issue of congestion The Jelajah Maju Bersama pro- health and welfare. Measured Through cent or approaching maximum levels, Ahya; Selangor State Financial Officer, tion of the flyover,” he said during a and yet there is still plenty of room for Dato’ Nor Azmie Diron; Selangor State press conference after visiting Surau LNPT the officers to improve their weaknesses Legal Advisor; Dato’ Masri bin Mohd. Al-Ikhlas in Bandar Saujana Putra during his Program Jelajah Maju Ber- SHAH ALAM – The State Government and performance,” he added. Daud and State Executive Councillors ing the Institution of Higher Education Rail Link Sdn. Bhd. (MRL) and sama ke Daerah Kuala Langat on 12 is adopting the Annual Performance As- “Every performance appraisal is made (MMKN). (IPT) Institutions Debate 2019 at Uni- China Communications Construction April 2019. sessment Report (LNPT) as one of the more objective and realistic to illustrate At the same time, Amirudin reminded Selangor MB: versiti Selangor (UNISEL) on 15 April. Company Ltd. (CCCC) agreed to sign an Explaining further, Amirudin ex- mechanisms for measuring the perfor- the actual performance of the officers civil servants to practice and emphasize Amirudin said this when he was asked additional agreement. plained that pressure from council mance of Selangor civil servants. based on the achievement of the work, some of the basic principles of working to comment to the media on the issue It is understood that the Prime Min- knowledge, skills, personal qualities and such as timeliness, factual accuracy, me- members as well as members of the Re-aligned ECRL Selangor Menteri Besar, Amirudin regarding the federal government’s an- ister’s special representative, Tun Daim State Legislative Assembly had been Shari, said that through LNPT, the im- contribution of the officers during the ticulousness and being detailed in carry- nouncement of the resumption of the Zainuddin—who headed the talks on instrumental in speeding up the proj- plementation to determine the perfor- assessment year.” ing out their duties. ECRL project this issue—said the construction of the He said this at the 2018 Excellent “If the principle is practiced, I am con- ect. Route Saves mance of civil servants can be measured In July 2018, the Ministry of Finance ECRL will see a new line. The new line “Residents no longer have to wor- and evaluated more fairly and objective- Service Award (APC) Ceremony and the fident that the Selangor State Secretary had announced that the Selangor state will have stops at Kota Bharu, Mentak- ry about the tender process as it is l y. Jasamu Dikenang (AJD) Award 2019, Office is capable of producing human government strongly opposed the com- ab, Jelebu, Kuala Kelawang, Bangi/Ka- ongoing and the site work is expect- Valuable Assets “The scoring system is justified, rea- which was held at the Sultan Abdul Aziz capital and high-quality service deliv- pletion of a railway track between Gom- jang, and . ed to begin in July of next year and sonable, not too extreme and gives a Jubilee Banquet Hall on 15 April ery systems as well as world-class stan- bak and Port Klang. Plans to construct two other ECRL end in June 2021,” he added. true picture of the performance of the to recognize achievers from the Selan- dards,” said Amirudin. The objection was based on the prin- stations, in Gombak and Bentong, have ciple of the Selangor government’s ap- been shelved. plication to obtain UNESCO World Heri- Commenting further, Amirudin said tage Site status for the 16 km long Klang he believed the new ECRL line was ADVISOR Gates Quartz Ridge, which is the longest based on objections the state made pre- Editorial Advisory Board, CCSB quartz dyke in the world. viously. Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng also “It is because it splits the Titiwangsa MANAGING EDITOR The ultimate test of — said that the completion of the ECRL Range and will partially affect the Gom- Ameena Siddiqi The federal govern- been strongly protested by Selangor. man’s conscience may ment’s action to re-align the East Coast “The people of Selangor will still ben- connection from Gombak to Port Klang bak quartz ridge, which is a valuable WRITERS Rail Link (ECRL) project without in- efit from the construction of the ECRL, would certainly thwart the Selangor asset to the people of Selangor,” said Batrisyia Jay be his willingness to volving Gombak quartz ridge has been which begins in Port Klang, and it does Government’s efforts to list this area as Amirudin. Editorial Muhaimin Merican sacrifice something praised by the Selangor state govern- not matter if there will not be [a stop] in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “We are also gazetting the site as a Na- Team today for future ment. Gombak as long as we are able to save However, on 12 April, the Prime Min- tional Geopark Site, [and] although this DESIGNER Selangor Menteri Besar, Amirudin environmental assets precious to Selan- ister’s Office, in a statement, announced is slightly lower in prestige compared to Naqiuddin Muaz generations whose Shari, said he was relieved that the fed- gor and its people,” said Amirudin. that the suspended ECRL project will the UNESCO World Heritage Site Award, words of thanks will not eral government has taken the state gov- “Not only [does this spare] the Gom- be continued with a cost reduction of the process remains time-consuming for be heard. ernment’s protest into consideration to bak quartz ridge, the state government RM 21.5 billion for the first and second gazetting,” he added. Aras 2, Carlton Holiday Hotel & Suite, No 1, Persiaran Akuatik 13/43 save the state’s valuable assets. has also managed to save the homestay phases. “Eventually the protest by the state In addition, the statement also said was heard and the project has started Seksyen 13, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor Gaylord Nelson Amirudin said the state government at the 12thMile in Gombak, which will now lend its support to the construc- would also be affected if construction that the original cost was reduced from again at a lower cost.” Tel 03-5523 4856 Fax 03-5523 5856 tion of the ECRL, which had previously were done there,” he said after launch- RM 65.5 billion to RM 44 billion after Email [email protected] 04 FEATURE April 2019 | Selangor Journal FEATURE April 2019 | Selangor Journal 05

the opinion that a house is a very basic Eligibility necessity for everyone and a ‘nucleus’ A Dream Home for All for future economic development. “If the people get good housing, banking Below are the characteristics of Below are the eligibility requirements institutions will also run [well],” he said. the Rumah Idaman Units: for the Rumah Selangorku Scheme: “At the MBI level, we use the Selangor Housing and Real Estate Board (LPHS) more than 1000 policy that requires developers to pro- Increasing square feet vide home-based pricing units such as Rumah Selangorku. Hence, we use the concept to create the Rumah Idaman with no changes in terms of policy, and at the same time, boost affordable hous- Malaysian citizens aged Minimum income for Rumah Home ing in the state,” said Soffan during a 18 and above Selangorku Type B, C and D ap- press conference at the Real Estate and plications is set at RM 3,001 per Housing Developers’ Home (REHDA) on month. 4 April, two days before the launch of the Rumah Idaman units in Bandar Te- three Ownership for knologi . bedrooms 3,000 3,000 HOUSEHOLD TYPE A HOUSEHOLD TYPE A INCOME INCOME

Selangorians two Household income (husband If the household income is not and wife) that does not exceed more than RM 3,000 per month, bathrooms RM 3,000 per month is permit- it is also possible to choose Type ted for Type A application, while B, C or D. For household income household income of RM 3,000- exceeding RM 3,001per month, The Issue MEDIAN MULTIPLE AFFORDABILITY RM 10,000 per month is allowed Type A application is not allowed. On 22 November 2018, Minister of LOCATION (YEAR 2014) two car parks to apply for Type B, C and D ap- Housing and Local Government, Zu- plications. raida Kamaruddin, said that the govern- KUALA LUMPUR 5.4 ment was aware of the difficulties faced by low-income groups in buying homes, SELANGOR 4.0 although many initiatives were carried By out for the B40 group (households earn- MALAYSIA 4.4 Applicants or spouses must have ing a monthly income of RM 3,900 or ONE Batrisyia Jay no other home, whether through less). TYPE *Source: Khazanah Research Institute (2015) government or private projects “As such, we are taking proactive television set in Selangor. measures to resolve these issues and The applicant is only allowed have identified the four main problems, The Solution “The Selangor government, through to make a choice of one type of which are affordability, supply not meet- Due to the steadily-increasing demand the Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI), house: either type A, B, C, or D ing the demand, lack of innovation in for affordable housing at a price of Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad when applying. the housing industry, and no integration RM 250,000 and below, the Selangor (PNSB) and the Selangor Housing Estate to identify housing supply and demand,” state government launched the Rumah Board (LPHS) have developed a strategy she said. Selangorku scheme in 2014 as a solu- to provide the best residential property Selangor Menteri Besar, Amirudin refrigerator It was apparent that the ability to pro- tion to the affordable housing issue in solutions for the people of Selangor,” said Shari, together with PNSB’s Purchasing a house to live and vide affordable housing to the masses is (Pemodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad) the state. Selangor Menteri Besar, Amirudin Shari. not to rent out. SELANGOR JOURNAL at the forefront of the issue. A house is Following the Chief Financial Officer, Mohd Helmi considered affordable if an individual or launch, the state gov- Mohd Yusof in the midst of exploring a replica of the apartment units for the a family can afford to occupy it without ernment has been At the MBI level, we use the Rumah Idaman Selangor. spending more than 30 per cent of their proactively reviewing Transfer of application is only income. Nonetheless, housing prices in the existing policy to Selangor Housing and Real allowed after 5 years from the 2 Malaysia have gone on a hike and hous- ensure its continued YEARS Estate Board (LPHS) policy that A Dream Home TV cabinet Sale and Purchase Agreement ing has become unaffordable for most relevance, based on with the permission of the state middle to lower income groups. Ac- the current economic requires developers to provide Rumah Idaman Selangor is a smart part- authority. cording to the findings of the Khazanah situation of the state home-based pricing units such as nership between the state government The validity period for each reg- Research Institute in 2015, housing in and the country. and private sector using high-technol- istered application is for 2 years. Continued from cover page... Malaysia had become severely unafford- The main objec- Rumah Selangorku. Hence, we use ogy innovation and close collaboration After that period, the application able. tive of this scheme is the concept to create the Rumah with financial institutions. The scheme kitchen data which is still under ‘listing’ The institute found that houses were offers residential units of more than will be released from the system to ensure that every Idaman with no changes in terms of cabinets http://lphs.selangor.gov.my/ As such, both the public and private deemed unaffordable in Kuala Lumpur individual or family 1,000 square feet, with three bedrooms, and applicants will have to make sectors have stepped up their game while in Selangor they were moderately in Selangor is able policy, and at the same time, boost two bathrooms and two car parks. a fresh application if they are and are involved in various housing unaffordable. One of the reasons behind to own a good, safe affordable housing in the state. What is unique and interesting about For more information on the mat- still interested in applying for a this unaffordability issue was the imbal- these units is that each Rumah Idaman ter visit the LPHS website: programmes in Malaysia, with the aim and conducive home. - Soffan Affendi Aminudin, MBI’s Chief Operating Officer Rumah Selangorku unit. of safeguarding the welfare of the low- ance between the huge demand, and With this in mind, unit comes equipped with a television er-income group. The public sector aims supply of houses in the country. Rumah Selangorku set, refrigerator, TV cabinet, kitchen cab- to provide housing to the lower-income Research also suggested that af- aims to offer housing inets, air conditioning in every room, as air conditioning in group and public employees. On the fordable housing issues particularly at more value in terms of size, design “Today, the Selangor government well as a water heater in the bathroom, every room On 10 April, it was reported that more “In fact, we managed to mobilize the other hand, the private sector focuses affect middle-income earners, as they and community, making it the perfect has introduced a comprehensive solu- making it a dream home for those of the than 6,000 names have been registered ecosystem where buyers, developers more on the overall market demand. are neither qualified for social housing solution for lower- and middle-income tion to affordable home ownership that lower and even middle-income groups. for the purchase of Rumah Idaman since and funding agencies are keen to boost Therefore, ever since the Ninth Ma- nor can they afford private sector-sup- earners to own housing at reasonable will revolutionize the country’s hous- All the Rumah Idaman units will be its release last year. The encouraging the construction industry [to build] af- laysia Plan (2006-2010) was launched, plied houses. Therefore, seeing as they prices. ing industry,” added Amirudin. The sold at a nett price of RM 250,000 and response came as a surprise to Soffan, fordable homes for the people,” he said. the government has been highlighting are not eligible for low-cost and social On 6 April 2018, the state govern- Selangor Menteri Besar said this at the will be built at the following locations: who admitted that there has recently Meanwhile, Selangor Menteri Besar, the need to provide affordable and qual- housing, this group is not covered by the ment launched the Rumah Idaman ground-breaking and launch of the Ru- Kajang, Bangi, Ampang, Shah Alam, been a higher demand from the people Amirudin Shari, announced via Twitter ity housing for Malaysians. It is contin- housing assistance programme, while at Rakyat Selangor scheme. The scheme— mah Idaman Abadi units and at Bandar , , , Klang, water heater of Selangor to have similar homes built that the number of people signing up for uously promoting affordable housing the same time the private sector’s medi- implemented by the Selangor Menteri Teknologi Kajang on 6 April. Bandar Saujana Putra, Bandar Salak in the bathroom in other areas. the scheme showed that the project was schemes and improving these from time um-cost housing, or even any of the me- Besar Incorporated (MBI)—aims to fur- Meanwhile, MBI’s Chief Operating Tinggi and Kuala Langat North. According to Soffan, the housing loan warmly received by the people of Se- to time. dium-cost residential projects, remain ther boost the construction of affordable Officer, Soffan Affendi Aminudin is of formula announced by Selangor Menteri langor, proving that the Rumah Idaman out of reach for them. housing in the state. Besar, Amirudin Shari, had also boosted units are indeed the solution to the peo- the purchase of homes by youth groups. ple’s home-ownership issues today. 06 ECONOMY April 2019 | Selangor Journal WOMEN April 2019 | Selangor Journal 07

Nation’s Economy to Autism is Harder to PH Needs Experience Getting Familiar Detect Among Women Moderate One of the factors about ASD Adults with Autism that many are unaware of is 6 Months Growth with Autism that it is harder to be detect- are Able to Perform ed among women compared at Work to men. Girls and women who By No Two ASD Individuals There Are Many to Remedy KUALA LUMPUR— The Ma- Unknown to many, most indi- have ASD are oftentimes over- Batrisyia Jay laysian economy is expected to are the Same Factors Causing ASD viduals with autism are able to looked, as professionals tend experience moderate growth As explained above, ASD does Many are often curious as to develop much-needed work- to emphasize that the disorder Issues Faced in 2019 due to challenging ex- not have a specific set of symp- what causes autism. However, force skills once they reach affects boys and men more. As ternal factors, said Economic toms, as they are extremely as is with a complicated disor- adulthood. Be that as it may, a result, these women are often Affairs Deputy Minister Mohd diverse. For instance, a classic der such as this, there are many as awareness on autism is still left undiagnosed up until they by Country s April is Autism sign of autism in a child is flap- factors that cause ASD in an lacking in society, the risk of reach adulthood— where the Radzi Md Jidin. month, it is only fit- According to Mohd Radzi, ping, spinning, and a difficulty individual. For instance, sub- these individuals being dis- symptoms become more obvi- ting for us to get to focusing on a specific object or stances or medications that a missed from their job is high as ous. these factors include the Unit- know more about ed States (US) federal govern- person. Nonetheless, there are mother takes during pregnancy, they will still have difficulties in Moreover ASD among girls The former finance minister one of the disorders that is be- also many children with autism such as alcohol or even certain socializing and might have de- and women often includes cas- KUALA — “I think the government also described PH’s defeat in ment’s temporary shutdown ingA diagnosed more and more who are bright, extremely ver- veloped certain repetitive hab- es of high-functioning autism, The (PH) needs another six months to fix which lasted for 35 days, from seizure medications, can lead Rantau as a display of the peo- often the world over. With its bal and well-behaved—which its that are out of the norm in the signs of which are very dif- government requires another the situation, not only in terms 22 December 2018, to 25 Jan- to a child developing ASD as he ple’s anger over the rising price many forms, symptoms, and is why individuals with the dis- society. ferent from those in boys and six months to repair the dam- of economic development but uary this year—the longest or she continues to grow. Yes, we can reduce of goods, the reasons for which different treatment methods, order are never classified in one Thus, businesses, begin- men. For instance, girls with age left by the previous gov- also in other issues. The peo- government shutdown in US On the other hand, brain the price of are still unknown to them. Autism is without a doubt one specific manner. ning with the government ASD might have fewer restrict- ernment and fix the country ple need to understand this,” history. abnormalities—such as those According to Tun Daim, the of the most confusing disor- However, what every indi- sector, should increase aware- ed interests and repetitive be- for the better after taking over he said after attending the Bic- goods, we have He explained that the shut- impacting the structure of the people’s perception on the gov- ders to come across, especial- vidual with ASD has in common ness about autism among em- haviours compared to boys with the administration in May last ara Darul Iman Programme on down affected the economic brain or the function of the conducted a study ernment’s performance will ly for parents who are caring is a lack of social interest that ployees, and incorporate au- ASD. Oftentimes, girls with this year. 14 April. growth of the US, which in turn brain, like infantile spasms— as on how to do it… improve as soon as the gov- for a child with Autism. eventually disrupts and impacts tism-friendly rules into their disorder have more socially ac- Council of Eminent Persons “The government has a lot affects world economic growth well as many other genetic ab- ernment is able to solve their Autism, or autism spec- their day-to-day functions. The policies, such as providing ceptable types of skills and in- chairman, Tun Daim Zainud- of problems to think about... Insya-Allah, the during the first quarter of 2019. normalities and syndromes play problems, such as the rising trum disorder (ASD), refers lack of social skills and inter- flexible working hours and a terests, resulting in them being din, said during this period, including national security, “Additionally, the uncertain- a vital role in triggering ASD in price will be cost of living and fulfil all their to a range of conditions that est—added with inadequate so- defined job activity, in order to better at masking their autism PH had to face the people and foreign relations and defence... ties in the monetary policies of an individual. Vaccines are not reduced soon. manifesto promises. challenges the social skills, cial motivation—are what sets benefit from the unique talents compared to those of the oppo- give an accurate explanation if anything goes wrong some- the US, the slowdown in Chi- part of the causes of ASD. “It’s not hard to explain speech, non-verbal commu- them apart from other children. of these individuals. site gender. if needed, particularly on eco- day, the people will blame the I think a lot to the people. If it cannot be na’s economic growth and the nication and repetitive be- nomic-related matters, so that government,” said Tun Daim. of things will done, just say that it cannot ongoing trade tension between haviours of an individual.The the US and China also affected Malaysians would understand “Yes, we can reduce the be done. Tell the people why Centre for Disease Control homework. At the time, Luq’s fine trums and slow learners. Some more, kids with ASD need a lot be more stable the global economy and thus To commemorate Autism the current situation. price of goods, we have con- it cannot be done... there must (CDC) in the United States motor skills were still very low, may think that all persons on more therapy support in order the nation’s economy,” he told month, Selangor Journal He explained that PH’s de- ducted a study on how to do in another six be a reason for that,” he said. reports that the incidence so Hasbe and her family had to the spectrum are geniuses with for them to be able to achieve ac- the Dewan Rakyat on 8 April. would like to celebrate feat in the Rantau by-election it… Insya-Allah, the price will months. “It’s not like something can of autism reaches one in ev- massage his hands and do ther- high IQ, while others may think ademic skills,” Hasbe explained. The Economic Affairs Deputy mothers who are caring for on 13 April was part of the be reduced soon. I think a lot be done but the government ery 68 children in the United apy to help strengthen his mus- that they have a mental illness,” As a parent with an ASD teen, Minister was replying to a ques- children with ASD. On that challenges that needed to be of things will be more stable in decides not to. That is why it States. According to The Na- cles.“We had to create a more explained Hasbe. She added that Hasbe feels that the community tion from Datuk Shamsul Anuar tackled, as the people were another six months.” must be explained to the peo- tional Autism Society of Ma- account, we invited Hasbe accommodating desk work envi- there are many factors contrib- and the government can do much Nasarah (BN-Lenggong) who losing their patience. ple.” laysia (NASOM), this means Zuraini Abu Bakar, mother ronment for him so that he could uting to the low awareness level more to support these parents. asked about Malaysia’s eco- that around 9,000 children to 10-year-old Luqmanul focus on his homework. We sent in Malaysia and explained that “One of it is definitely [adding] fa- nomic projection for the year in Malaysia are born with au- Hakim, who was diagnosed him to a small private school one of the biggest contributors is cilities to help parents and their and the ministry’s economic tism every year. with ASD at the age of 10 so that he wouldn’t get over- social media, as there are many kids cope. Most kids with ASD buffering mechanism to avoid Unlike other disorders, whelmed with socialising, and inaccurate postings or reports can study and do well academi- an economic crisis. when he failed to show good Autism has many subtypes— we would often talk to his teach- about autism. cally. However, they need more Mohd Radzi said that ac- social skills at school and most of which are influenced ers for strategies to help him at Nevertheless, early interven- therapy time,” said Hasbe. cording to Bank Negara Ma- outside school, to share her by a combination of genetic school and with homework.” tion helps children with autism “It would help if there are cen- Strong Economic laysia’s 2018 Annual Report, experience with ASD. and environmental factors. Hasbe admits that she did not a great deal to grow up and tres such as these close to the Malaysia’s economic growth for The disorder is also referred regret quitting her job in order overcome their issues. “Most schools or better yet, an Occupa- 2019 will be supported by do- Hasbe Zuraini Abu Bakar was Growth for to as autism spectrum disor- to help Luq with his UPSR exam- ASD kids have other issues that tional Therapist (OT) in schools mestic growth—especially the born in Kuala Lumpur but was der with the term ‘spectrum’ ination as he passed with flying co-exist with autism conditions, to help them. OTs can help the demand from the private sector brought up in .She denoting the wide variety of colours. Luq was accepted to a and many may have sensory kids to get settled again after Malaysia Despite which continues to be the na- is now living in Kuala Terengga- symptoms within ASD be- local boarding school soon after processing disorders like my going through overwhelming sit- tion’s main driver for economic nu with her family and has been cause each individual with his exam. Although some parents son. Others may have ASD and uations at school. They can help growth. there for more than 16 years. The Low GDP Outlook autism has a distinct set of might be reluctant to part with a anxiety disorders, while some the kids get readjusted and learn He added that private con- 47-year-old mother to Luqmanul strengths and challenges. child who has autism, Hasbe said may have ADHD and other com- well in the classroom.” sumption is expected to grow Hakim, who is fondly known as No two individuals with au- that Luq’s experience at board- bination diagnoses as well,” said The community should play by 6.6 per cent while private in- Luq, quit work to focus on her KUALA LUMPUR— tism are the same; they learn, ing school was very educational Hasbe. a big role in helping out when Moody’s Investor “And that growth performance is Speaking to the press on 3 April, vestments are projected to rise son’s UPSR examination four think and solve problems dif- for them. Hasbe agrees with the notion it comes to parenting for chil- Service cut Malaysia’s Gross Domestic still actually relatively strong when Anushka said that the local currency by 4.9 per cent in 2019. years ago and is now a part-time ferently—which means that “It helped us to understand that Malaysia has tried to accom- dren with ASD. For instance, Product (GDP) outlook to 4.4 per cent you compare it with similarly-rated debt is also well controlled as a large Meanwhile, the nation’s main drama and English coach. they can range from highly more about ASD and puberty as modate kids on the spectrum. parents should talk to their chil- for this year, and 4.3 per cent for 2020. countries,” Anushka said, referring to portion of it is held by “very large and economic sectors are expected The now 16-year-old Luq was skilled individuals to severely his puberty hit him quite hard. He However, she is of the opinion dren about their autistic friends This a further reduction from its Jan- Moody’s A3 credit rating for Malaysia,” stable investors”—notably domestic in- to record positive growth, with diagnosed at the age of 10 with challenged ones. Thus, some was diagnosed with depression that the country is still lacking and explain to them how to help uary report, in which it had expected added Anushka. stitutional investors—adding that risks the service and manufacturing ASD when he failed to show individuals with ASD might the year he was taking PT3 and facilities and specialists to ca- these children adjust at school, the country’s GDP growth to slow down In its annual credit analysis in Jan- associated with the matter therefore sectors projected to grow by good social skills at school and require substantial support to this day, I thank God for the ter for all the children with ASD. and how to help them to social- to 4.7 per cent and 4.5 per cent for the uary, Moody’s had projected Malaysia’s are rather limited. 5.7 per cent and 4.8 per cent, outside school. “He didn’t have in their daily activities, while wonderful support he received “The Welfare Department for a ise. “Embrace autism as a good respective annum. real GDP growth to be at 4.7 per cent “So, we don’t see Malaysia as par- respectively. any developmental delays, so others may need less support from the Principal, the teach- long time placed ASD under the thing. Embrace neuro-diversity,” Be that as it may, Anushka Shah, the for 2019 and 4.5 per cent in 2020, after ticularly exposed if there are sudden According to Mohd Radzi, we dismissed his quirkiness and and are even able to live in- ers, the wardens and his class- Learning Disabilities category. said Hasbe. firm’s vice president and senior analyst, averaging around 5 per cent between changes in funding conditions, because the sectors remain the larg- some of his weird behaviours,” dependently. In order to get mates,” said Hasbe. Luq once Consequently, the National Ed- To parents of ASD children, said that Malaysia’s economic growth is 2015 and 2018. it [Malaysia] doesn’t rely on external est contributors to the nation’s said Hasbe. As a result, Luq did more familiar with ASD, the again passed his PT3 examina- ucation Department (JPN) plac- Hasbe advises them to take one fairly strong. According to the report, external funding,” she added. economy at around 79 per cent, not get the early intervention he following is a list of the top tion with good grades. es ASD kids along with [kids of step at a time. “Cherish and cel- “In Malaysia for example, growth headwinds from trade protectionism Anushka noted that the diversifica- adding that the Gross Domestic needed. Upon diagnosis, Hasbe four things that one should Hasbe is of the mind that the other] disabilities in the same ebrate each milestone your child had slowed last year and what we’re will weigh on trade activity, while a tion of the country’s economy is also Product is expected to remain and her family quickly planned know about the disorder: awareness level on ASD in Ma- classroom. They need to know has achieved. Don’t get discour- expecting is that the trend will slow review of planned infrastructure proj- a fundamental credit strength for Ma- on a steady growth path, ex- out his therapy and intervention laysia is still low.“Many are still that the needs of these children aged, as challenges are always this year as well,” she said. ects and slowing public spending will laysia, adding that this would make panding between 4.3 per cent programmes. confused at what autism is, as are different, and the method- there in our lives,” said Hasbe. “So, we’re expecting 4.4 per cent further dampen economic growth for the country more resilient to economic and 4.8per cent this year. Hasbe would often sit down growth in 2019, and a 4.3 per cent Malaysia. shocks. with her son to help him with his the majority still think individuals ology and pedagogy should be growth in 2020 for Malaysia.” with autism are those with tan- addressed differently. Further- 08 FEATURE April 2019 | Selangor Journal FEATURE April 2019 | Selangor Journal 09

The major attractions of Hulu Selangor are the resorts that nes- Resorts in Hulu Selangor tle in the greenery to give you an experience of a lifetime. Here are five resorts you can visit in Hulu Selangor to get in touch with nature again:

Sekeping Resort Located in Serendah, the Sekeping Serendah Resort is surrounded by miles of lush 01 greenery. This resort features chalets built on platforms and buildings incorporating modern and rustic industrial designs. A feature of this resort that is bound to shock most young people: there is no mobile phone coverage, Wi-Fi, air conditioning or tele- vision. This is in order to help maximise the outdoor experience for guests. This resort is only a 10-minute walk from the cool and quite of the Serendah waterfall.

Hulu Selangor: Huda’s Haven Resort Promising a relaxing, tranquil and soothing experience, this resort is located in Kampung Ulu 02 Rening in . Offering six different types Where nature of accommodation, this resort aims to provide their city guests with a kampung experience by the river but adding a hint of ‘Glamping’ with their well-equipped rooms. Some units are even harmonizes with equipped with personal jacuzzis. machines

By Muhaimin Merican Resort & Training Centre Founded in 2005 and one of the earlier resorts to be established in the Industrial district among nature Transportation 03 , this resort is located among 17 acres of fruit Over the years, Hulu Selangor has been If you decide to visit Hulu Selangor and More than just highway exits orchard and greenery. The Kalumpang Resort & Training Centre features standing tall as a testament that nature its towns, there is no need to worry If you pulled out a map of Selangor and 70 chalets that have been built to incorporate the surrounding forests and and industrialization are capable of about transportation as there are many focused on its northern part, you would the river that runs through it. The resort often allows visitors to con- co-existing. Although the district is sur- ways to get there. Located only about see a big area bordering and Per- duct training activities there and they also provide hostels and camping rounded by hills, forests and well-pre- one hour away from Kuala Lumpur, ak. This area is none other than the dis- grounds for peak periods when there is a high capacity of guests. served swamps, it also houses multiple the best way to get to Hulu Selangor is trict of Hulu Selangor. industrial areas in the district, and has by driving. The easiest road to take, if To many people, the towns of Hulu become synonymous with automotive you are driving down to Hulu Selangor, Selangor may be nothing more than development, since the quiet and serene is definitely the PLUS North-South Ex- names on the highway exit signs that Hulu Selangor is also where the auto- pressway using any of the following ex- they pass on the North-South Express- motive capital of Malaysia is located. its: , , Lem- way. However, if you stop to look long The industrial areas of Hulu Selangor bah Beringin and . enough at the district, which is made up Sarang by the Brook have since attracted foreign investors Moreover, because the district is land- of multiple towns, housing areas and vil- locked and located in the middle of the Resting in between and a million-year-old tropical wishing to spend their investment here. lages, Hulu Selangor may just astound peninsula, it is accessible from other dis- jungle, Sarang by the Brook is a collection of private holiday chalets that These industrial districts help to pow- you. tricts as well as states. Roads that you aims to soothe visitors while they enjoy their getaway away from the city. er the economy of Hulu Selangor by pro- Aptly named due to its geographical viding job opportunities for the people could take to get to the different parts location, Hulu Selangor is where the The buildings are uniquely styled using shipping containers surrounding a 04 of Hulu Selangor are the Federal Road special saltwater pool, all set in a beautiful garden. living in the area. Moreover, the pres- begins, high up in the ence of international brands in the dis- from Rawang (South); the Federal Road hills surrounding the quaint little town trict also adds a new dimension to the from Tanjung Malim (North); the Sungai of Kuala Kubu Bharu. Although Kuala economy of Selangor particularly in the Tua, -Hulu Yam Bharu roads; Kubu Bharu is the main town for Hulu aerospace, locomotive and automobile the (Gohtong Jaya)- Selangor district, the district also has industries. Batang Kali road; the Bukit Fraser-Kuala many smaller but prominent towns such In the Serendah sub-district, you will Kubu Bharu road; the -Hu- as Serendah, Ulu Bernam, Bukit Berun- The Sticks Eco Resort find a factory operating under UMW lu Bernam road; and the Batang Berjun- tung and Batang Kali. Introducing ‘Tendoks’—from the word ‘tent’ and the Aerospace that produces the fans for tai-Bukit Tagar road. Hulu Selangor is the largest of the Hulu Selangor Malay word pondok, meaning ‘hut’. With this unique Boeing 737 engines. And if you look Alternatively, you could also take Selangor nine districts that make up the state of 05 right next to it, there is a factory man- a KTM commuter train and hop off at accommodation concept, The Sticks aims to provide Selangor. It covers a total of 1,740.46 sq. guests with an unforgettable rustic living experience ufacturing Perodua cars for the nation. any of the following stations: Serendah, km in area and has a population of more amid nature. The resort offers activities such as Among other big names that can Batang Kali, Rasa and Kuala Kubu Bha- than 189,000. Hulu Selangor is the largest of paragliding, white water rafting and botanical walks be found in Hulu Selangor are SIRIM, ru. In addition to KTM commuter trains, Once known as Ulu Selangor, the dis- the nine districts that make up the for their guests to truly take in the surrounding at- which is located in the Rasa sub district, public transport in Hulu Selangor is eas- trict is made up of a total of 13 or state of Selangor. It covers a total mosphere of nature. Don’t forget to try their special APM Plastics, and Ingress Technologies ily made accessible in the form of bus- sub-districts which are Ampang Pecah, of 1,740.46 sq. km in area and has home-cooked meals! in Bukit Beruntung. The district also has es and taxis, which make frequent trips a population of more than 189,000. Batang Kali, Buloh Telur, Hulu Bernam, a factory operated by Tan Chong Motors around the district. Hulu Yam, Kalumpang, Kerling, Kua- which is located near by the town of Ser- la Kalumpang, Pertak, Rasa, Serendah, endah. Sungai Gamut and Sungai Tinggi. 10 NEWS April 2019 | Selangor Journal NEWS April 2019 | Selangor Journal 11

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Almost all bosses 12 dead after adhering to factory bus RM 1,100 minimum plunges into wage monsoon drain near KLIA

Almost all employers in the country have complied with the minimum wage policy of RM1,100, says Datuk Mahfuz Omar. The Deputy Human Shah Alam Resources Minister said the Labour Department conducted Photography statutory inspections to see if employers were adhering to the Contest 2019 *Source: www.mrl.com.my minimum wage order. “They begins conducted 7,695 inspections Malaysia to continue with ECRL between January and February No two-thirds and found that 98 per cent The Shah Alam Fotografi 2019 Malaysia has managed to bring down the construction cost of the East Coast adhered to the minimum wage Local strikers shine and secure crucial win contest titled “We Love Shah majority for bill Rail Link (ECRL) project by RM21.5bil, which is almost a third of the original order.” for Selangor FC Alam” offers winners a cash pool to make , cost. The agreement also saw slight changes to the route from Kota Baru in of RM 21,000 and certificates. The equal to Port Klang in Selangor, with the length cut by 40km to 648km. Two goals apiece from Selangor captain Amri Yahyah and super sub Sean competition will begin on 1 April Selvaraj proved that local strikers can still deliver. The pair were the toast of and run until 30 August, and is partners the Red Giants as their contributions sank Melaka 4-3 in the Super League at open to all Malaysians above 18 years of age. the Hang Jebat Stadium on 6 April. On 9 April, the Federal Government failed to get the nod from the Dewan Rakyat for 12 people were killed as the Constitution (Amendment) has a new the factory bus they were in Bill 2019, which sought to plunged into a monsoon drain RM 300,000 for Menteri Besar along Jalan S8 Pekeliling, near storm damage restore the status of Sabah MAS Kargo, KL International and Sarawak as equal partners Datuk Osman Sapian tendered Airport here on Sunday, 7 repairs with Peninsular Malaysia, as his resignation as Johor’s Menteri April. Eight foreign workers Besar, he has been replaced enshrined in the Malaysia by Johor’s executive councillor and the local bus driver were The Selangor government will Agreement 1963 (MA63). Out killed at the scene while (exco) and Bukit award a total of RM 300,000 for of 197 MPs who attended the assemblyman Dr Sahruddin another four succumbed to the victims of storms in the Paya their injuries while receiving Dewan Rakyat, 138 MPs voted Jamal who was sworn in as the Jaras area a few weeks ago. The state’s 17th Menteri Besar (MB). treatment. donation is expected to be made as for the bill, while none voted soon as possible to those affected against. However, 59 others by the storms. abstained from voting for the bill. 12 PROPERTY April 2019 | Selangor Journal FEATURE April 2019 | Selangor Journal 13

Central Business District of Pu- f you asked anyone to name an ex- chong but it does not reflect the ample of Malaysian wildlife, one of image of a CBD,” he said. their first choices would probably Pak Belang: Public to “We need to turn Bandar be our pride and national symbol, Puteri 1 and 2 into a financial the Malayan tiger. Affectionately and commercial hub that we dubbed ‘Pak Belang’ by the locals, which Cooperate in Bandar Puteri can be proud of.” Iroughly translates to ‘Mr. Stripes’, the Our pride, Ng added that cleanliness Malayan tiger is a ubiquitous icon for is a business and maintenance within the our great nation. Rejuvenation hub and we commercial area is to be a top Known as harimau belang in Malay, priority. tigers are often portrayed as symbols of can even call “We can keep playing the bravery and the epitome of regalness. identity Project it the Central blame game but it will not solve They are featured everywhere, from the problem. Everyone must co- the national coat of arms to the logo of The project, which involves Centre, Bandar Puteri , Business operate.” Proton, our national car. Our Malaysian 12 back lanes and 799 business drew more than 100 people District of He also reminded business Bank, or Maybank, also adopted the be- and PUCHONG - Puchong’s Ban- premises, is the third of its kind who were briefed on the coun- owners that back lanes are pub- loved face of Pak Belang for their logo. dar Puteri 1 and two other com- to be launched by MPSJ after cil’s plans before they broke Puchong but it lic spaces and not meant for In addition to that, our nation’s football By mercial areas are facing a few the sprucing up of the Kenari into discussion groups. does not reflect personal use. team is also affectionately referred to Muhaimin Merican issues that are proving to be commercial area in Puchong State Local Government, the image of a According to MPSJ President as ‘Harimau Malaya’, and their matches failure a hassle for residents. Among Jaya and Sunway Metro. Public Transport and New Vil- Noraini Roslan, the project on the field have proved them to have the issues are double- parking, To ensure that the project lage Development Committee aims to transform Bandar Put- spirit that is as tough and relentless as CBD. trade from an enforcement perspective. dirty back lanes and illegal runs smoothly, MPSJ firstly met Chairman Ng Sze Han called on eri 1 and 2 into a sustainable, that of our tigers. Moreover, in 2017, the black striping and white face and under- ese medicine relies heavily on tigers, Nepal’s success has given other tiger structures. with business owners in a town business owners to cooperate Ng Sze Han advanced, healthy and clean tiger was chosen to be the mascot when sides, gives the animal its unmistakable and it is now thought that organized range countries a clear direction. The Municipal hall meeting to identify their with MPSJ to ensure the suc- area. This is in line with MPSJ’s Malaysia played host to the 2017 SEA appearance. crime is behind local poaching, mak- In addition to a greater presence of Council (MPSJ) hopes to solve problems and priorities. cess of the project. target of achieving city status Games. Male Malayan tigers average approx- ing the problem even more difficult to authorities in our jungles, some NGOs these issues once it begins a re- The town hall meeting at the “Bandar Puteri is a business by January 2020. Our folklore and mystic beliefs are imately 2 to 2.5 meters in length, with eliminate. Villagers also eat tiger meat, have been working with prosecutors and juvenation project in the area. Puchong Financial Corporate hub and we can even call it the full of stories about Pak Belang. There the females generally being much small- perhaps in the mistaken notion that they is also a variation or form of the Malay investigative personnel in order to stop er. The weight of the Malayan tiger may will absorb some of the tiger’s power by art of self-defence, called Silat Harimau, poaching with harsher punishments. vary between 78 kilogrammes and 150 eating the animal’s flesh. which is inspired by the tiger’s natural Fines for wildlife crime were in- kilogrammes, depending on the sex of movements for its self-defence moves. creased under the previous govern- the animal. Call for Single It can be said without a doubt that ment—to a maximum of RM 100,000 The diet of Malayan tigers includes Malaysians love their Pak Belang. We and/or a three-year prison term. deer, wild boar, gaur, tapir, sun bear, and use every single opportunity to highlight Agency to even elephants. our tigers on the world stage. However, An uncertain future The Malayan tiger can only be found as a nation, are we doing enough to pro- At this point, we are faced with a daunt- in the jungles of Peninsular Malaysia Handle Projects tect them from extinction? Do we really ing task to see how far we will go to save and Southern Thailand. While other ti- feel the pride and joy for our tigers, or is our one and only national animal. We ger species prefer densely forested ar- our love only so superficial that we are could follow the footsteps of countries eas, Malayan tigers are usually more willing to allow poachers to drive our like India and Nepal, who, through po- content with open woodland. This could beloved national symbol to the point of litical will, have rehabilitated the num- be due to the abundance of prey in the extinction? bers of their tigers. If Nepal and India, open forest. However, due to the rapid the units ranges from 650 sf to nations struggling with social issues and deforestation of our jungles, Malayan 1,008 sf with an average price Malayan tigers: a subspecies strife, can manage to save their tigers tigers have been venturing into agricul- of RM 620 psf. Today, it is and have their numbers bounce back Up until 2004, there was no Malayan ti- tural areas, and this has caused conflict The sports-themed serviced estimated that tremendously through military interven- Sports- ger. Our breed of tigers were simply clas- between them and humans. apartment is accessible to ma- Our build- sified as the Indochinese Tiger,Panthera there are about tion, Malaysia should not have a reason jor interchanges such as Jalan to allow our Pak Belang to be driven to Themed before-sell tigris corbetti. Then, with DNA testing, it Malayan tigers today 250 Malayan Klang Lama, Jalan Puchong, was proven that our tigers were a sep- extinction. It is no longer merely a ques- Today, it is estimated that there are about Lebuhraya Shah Alam (KESAS) strategy sets arate subspecies. A scientific name was tigers left in the tion of our morality to save our Malayan Residence 250 Malayan tigers left in the wild, and and New Pantai Expressway. coined, Panthera tigris jacksoni, to clas- wild, and they tigers, it has become a question of our us apart in the they are estimated to go extinct within Nearby shopping malls include sify our tigers as a separate subspecies. national identity, and it is our responsi- Unveiled in 10 years if this pattern continues, ac- are estimated to Mid Valley Megamall, Plaza market. Buyers The Malayan tiger’s orange fur, with bility to protect them. Old Klang OUG, and Pearl Shopping Gal- are able to see cording to Water, Land and Natural Re- go extinct within The next generation may not know of lery. sources Minister, Dr. Xavier Jayakumar 10 years if this Malayan tigers save for pictures of them Road The project also features what they are While thousands of tigers once pattern continues. and through geography and history les- 36 shop-lots in its commercial buying and roamed throughout the dense, forest- sons. We have our tigers on our national block for the convenience of atuk Mohamed not only ensure transparency, If we do not act ed interior of the Malaysian peninsula, coat of arms, and we name our football residents. Piling works began save on loan Fadzill Hassan, Pres- it would also eliminate lobby- they are now mainly confined to three team after them. If we lose our Malay- ident of the Malay- ing by individuals and groups now to save our protected areas: Belum-Temengor in the an tigers, what will happen to our pride PETALING JAYA - Platinum early this year and the project Saving Pak Belang interest during sian Malay Contrac- wanting to clinch certain gov- north, Taman Negara in the centre and and identity? Do we just replace our Arena, a sports-themed mixed is expected to be completed in tigers, we will We have now reached a critical point tors Association has called on ernment projects. Endau-Rompin in the south. national animal with other animals and development project located in about three years’ time. the construction never get the with our tigers. If we do not act now Dthe government to revert to “We also hope the govern- Forested corridors, which had once wait for them to become extinct too, due Old Klang Road with an esti- Its unique design concept, to save our tigers, we will never get period. the previous system whereby ment will carry out an open chance again. been used by tigers to move between to our recklessness and inability to act? mated gross development value inspired by the development’s the chance again. The World Wildlife Vincent Seow a single agency handles all tender system to award proj- major jungles, have also been destroyed. Will we suffer the fate of countries (GDV) of RM 421 mil, was un- location adjacent to Sentosa Foundation believes that there is still a government projects. ects to contractors and ensure Another factor that has helped poachers such as the Maldives and Moldova, veiled as the latest development Sports Arena, aims at encour- chance for us to save our national ani- Mohamed Fadzill said that those who have been award- to reach once-inaccessible areas is log- whose national animals, the Dodo and of property developer Platinum aging residents to keep an ac- mal, and the answer is: Nepal. while the association supports ed one are not given another ging roads. Aurochs respectively, have gone extinct? Victory Sdn. Bhd. tive lifestyle. Nepal recently announced its suc- “Our build-before-sell strate- the government’s present sys- project for at least a year,” In July 2018, six Vietnamese poach- Do we want to keep allowing poachers “It was an exclusive soft Two of the blocks are named cess in doubling tiger numbers. It also gy sets us apart in the market. tem, they still have their res- said Mohamed Fadzill. ers, believed to be part of a network tar- to rob us of our national symbol? Or do launch last week. We plan to of- Armstrong and Boris, a trib- achieved 365 days of zero poaching for Buyers are able to see what they ervations. “This will give others a geting tigers, were arrested in a raid by we actually care and take enough pride ficially launch Platinum Arena ute to former American cyclist rhinos, elephants and tigers in 2013 are buying and save on loan in- “Our problem is that proj- chance to get a contract,” he the Department of Wildlife and National in our tigers to actively take steps and sometime this April,” said Plati- Lance Armstrong and German and 2014. This was possible due to col- terest during the construction ects are being handled by the added. Parks in Pahang. The presence of foreign protect them. num Victory Senior Manager of tennis star Boris Becker. laborative and focused efforts between period,” said Platinum Victory respective ministries or de- Previously, the Implemen- poachers in our forests shows the urgent Branding and Marketing, Vin- The residence’s facilities in- enforcement agencies and regulatory executive director Gan Yee Hin partments and agencies under tation and Coordination Unit need for Malaysia to step up wildlife cent Seow. clude a gym, swimming pool, bodies such as the National Tiger Con- in a media release following the them, making it difficult for us (ICU), under the Prime Min- protection efforts. Platinum Arena is situated viewing deck, sports hall for servation Committee and the Wildlife soft launch. contractors,” he said. ister’s Department, gives out Along with degradation of the physi- on 2.9-acres of leasehold land basketball and badminton, Crime Control Bureau, under the Nepal Only time will tell. “People are more willing to “We hope a central agency and supervises all government cal environment, poachers continuously and will feature 728 serviced playground, yoga deck, roof- police force. These bodies were set up purchase a property nearing will be put in charge of this.” projects before it was replaced hunt these tigers for their pelts and body apartments in two 36-storey top garden, library, BBQ area, to address poaching and illegal wildlife completion,” he added. A centralized system would by a new system. parts. Traditional Chinese and Vietnam- blocks. The built-up area of games and AV rooms. 14 BUSINESS April 2019 | Selangor Journal LIFESTYLE April 2019 | Selangor Journal 15

Meanwhile, non-current as- sets and current assets totalled Indonesia, Malaysia Govt to Give up to RM 25 billion in 2017. Debt after tax from 2007 to2010 increased from RM 1 billion to and Colombia RM 6.23 billion RM 1.1 billion. Following Felda Global Ven- Urge EU to Drop tures’ (FGV) initial public offer- to FELDA ing (IPO) in 2012, Felda record- Discriminatory RED II ed losses from 2013 to 2017. Felda had RM 3.9 billion cash Announced by Economic Af- in 2011but in 2017, this was fairs Minister Datuk Seri Mo- reduced to only RM 0.4 billion. hamed Azmin Ali during his The main reason for the tabling of the White Paper on RM 4.9 billion loss in 2017 was Felda in Parliament on 10 April, deterioration in revenue from the allocation will give the de- the Land Lease Agreement velopment authority a needed (LLA), as well as non-strate- Has Privatization injection of funds, following its gic investments and corporate poor financial position. takeovers. KUALA LUMPUR - The White Paper showed Investment impairments in The gov- KUALA LUMPUR - Indo- WTO finally ruled in favour of ernment has agreed to allocate that Felda’s liabilities as at 31 FGV totalled up to RM 2.1 bil- Benefitted the nesia, Malaysia and Colom- Indonesia. RM 6.23 billion into the Feder- December 2017 totalled up lion. Moreover, fair value loss on bia, through the Council of “If you recall, the EU had Thus, privatization of profitable en- al Land Development Author- to RM 14.4 billion, of which the investment in PT Eagle High Palm Oil Producing Countries previously acted unfair- terprises or segments not only perpet- ity (Felda) in stages through RM 12.1 billion or 84 per cent Plantations Tbk amounted to (CPOPC), are once again urg- ly towards Indonesia,” said uates exclusion of the deserving but grants, loans and government of total liabilities are due to the RM 1.6 billion in 2017, includ- Public? ing the EU to refrain from Darmin. also worsens overall public sector per- guarantees as needed to sustain group’s debts to financial insti- ing foreign exchange losses. legislating a ban on palm bio- “We’ve enough experience formance now encumbered with the re- the authority’s future. tutions. diesel. to fight the EU in the WTO. closed governments’ fiscal deficits, and less profitable, and thus considered maining unprofitable obligations. Senior government officials So, don’t worry, we will fight may even worsen budgetary problems. more inefficient, in turn justifying- fur One consequence is poorer public sec- from the developing countries at the WTO again, if need be.” Privatization may worsen the fiscal sit- ther privatizations. tor performance, contributing to what Indonesia, Malaysia and Co- Malaysia’s Primary Indus- uation due to loss of revenue from pri- appears to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. lombia—under the common tries Ministry secretary-gener- vatized SOEs, or tax evasion by the new Elusive efficiency To make matters worse, the public sec- platform of CPOPC—gave ev- al Datuk Dr Tan Yew Chong, privatized entity. It is often argued that privatization is tor is then stuck with financing the un- idence that the EU-delegated who was also at the media By Options for cross-subsidization, e.g. needed as the government is inherent- profitable, thus seemingly supporting to regulation was “scientifically briefing, echoed Prime Min- Jomo Kwame Sundaram to broaden coverage, are reduced as the ly inefficient and does not know how the privatization prophecy. flawed” as it discriminated ister Tun Dr Mahathir Moha- government is usually left with unprof- to run enterprises well. Incredibly, the against palm oil for the ben- mad’s message that Malaysia itable activities while those potentially government is expected to subsidize pri- Benefits accrue to relatively few efit of developed nations’ soy was not at war with the EU. profitable are acquired by the private vatized SOEs, which are presumed to be Privatization typically enriches the polit- oil and European homegrown “Malaysia will not retaliate sector. Thus, governments are often more efficient, in order to fulfil its obli- ically connected few who secure lucra- oil crops such as rapeseed and hastily. We’re urging the EU forced to cut essential public services. gations to the citizenry. tive rents by sacrificing the national or sunflower. to let vegetable oils trade be Jomo Kwame Sundaram, a former eco- In most cases, profitable SOEs were Such obligations may not involve di- public interest for private profit, even Malaysia, Indonesia and market-driven. Let’s work to- nomics professor and United Nations As- privatized as prospective private own- rect payments or transfers but rather when privatization may not seem to Colombia collectively sup- gether to let free and healthy sistant Secretary-General, was a member ers are driven to maximize profits. Fis- lucrative concessions to the privatized benefit them. ply about 67 million tonnes competition prevail,” said Tan. of the new Malaysian Government’s Coun- cal deficits have often been exacerbated SOE. Thus, they may well make far Privatization in many developing and or 95 per cent of the world’s Tan agreed with Darmin cil of Eminent Persons. as new private owners use creative ac- According to Axiata, the or- more from these additional concessions transition economies has primarily en- palm oil. that the EU-delegated regu- counting to avoid tax, secure tax credits Axiata der stated that the Large Tax- than the actual cost of fulfilling govern- riched these few, as the public interest is Indonesia’s Coordinating lation was not based on envi- SELANGOR JOURNAL and subsidies, and maximize retained payers Office should determine ment obligations. sacrificed to such powerful private busi- Economic Minister, Darmin ronmental and scientific facts earnings. Confirms the outstanding tax amount to ness interests. This has, in turn, exacer- Nasution, urged the EU to but was a deliberate and cal- Meanwhile, governments lose vital be paid in relation to the trans- KUALA LUMPUR – In most cases of bated corruption, patronage and other drop the discriminatory dele- culated economic strategy to revenue sources due to privatization Nepal’s action within three months Axiata and privatization, some outcomes benefit related problems. gated regulation supplement- remove Malaysian palm oil if SOEs are profitable, and are often from the date of receipt of the some, which serves to legitimize the ing Directive 2018/2001 of from the EU market. obliged to subsidize privatized monopo- Supreme order, and that the responsibili- Ncell are change. Nevertheless, overall net wel- For example, following Russian the Renewable Energy Direc- Tan added that compet- lies to ensure the poor and underserved ty to pay the tax lies with Ncell fare improvements are the exception, voucher privatization and other Western tive II. ing vegetable oil producers still have access to the privatized utili- Court and Axiata. reviewing not the rule. Privatization recommended reforms, for which there Darmin said this at a press should cooperate and pro- ties or services. In a filing with Bursa Malay- Never is everyone better off. Rather, was a limited domestic constituency Written conference in Brussels, which posed that the global vegeta- burdens the public then, within three years (1992 to 1994), sia on 10 April, the company the decision was chaired by Indonesia’s ble oils industry could benefit some are better off while others are not, said that it is not a party to the Privatization burdens many when charges or the Russian economy had collapsed by Order Ambassador to Belgium, Lux- from healthy growth when EU and, typically, many are even worse off. litigation. of the The partial gains are typically high, or Privatization burdens the public when half, and adult male life expectancy fell emburg and the EU, Yuri O. businesses consider coopera- charges or fees are not reduced, or when fees are not reduced, by six years. It was the greatest such re- The court also indicated that Thamrin. tion with palm oil suppliers to even negated by overall costs, which KUALA LUMPUR - the services provided are significantly corded catastrophe in the last six millen- On the distribution of dividends Supreme According to Darmin, the market complementary prod- may be diffuse, and less directly felt by or when the 10 April, Axiata Group Bhd and any sale of Ncell shares by losers. reduced. Thus, privatization often bur- nia of recorded human history. win-win solution to this situa- ucts for the world. dens the public in different ways, de- services provided Soon, a couple of dozen young Rus- (Axiata) confirmed that the anyone should not be granted Court. tion was for the EU Parliament Colombia’s Ambassador to Supreme Court of Nepal (SC) until the tax obligation was sat- Privatized monopoly powers pending on how market power is exer- sian oligarchs had taken over the com- to drop its unjustified plan to Belgium, Luxembourg and the cised or abused. are significantly manding heights of the Russian econo- issued its full written order in isfied. Since many SOEs are public monopo- ban palm biodiesel. EU, Felipe Garci Echeverri, Often, instead of trying to provide a my; many then monetized their gains relation to its oral order on 6 “Axiata and Ncell are review- lies, privatization has typically trans- reduced. Thus, Nonetheless, if the EU Par- reminded the EU that 85 per public good to all, many are excluded and invested abroad, migrating to fol- February on public interest lit- ing the decision of the Supreme formed them into private monopolies. liament were to continue with cent of the 650,000 ha oil because it is not considered commer- privatization often low their new wealth. Much of this was igation filed by a group of Ne- Court,” said Axiata, adding that In turn, abuse of such market monopoly jobs and connected over 16.3 enacting the Renewable En- palm-growing area in Colom- cially viable or economic to serve them. celebrated by the Western media as eco- pali individuals on the Ncell both companies had dutifully power enables more rents and corporate burdens the public million customers across its ergy Directive II, Indonesia bia is worked on by smallhold- Consequently, privatization may worsen nomic progress. Private Ltd (Ncell) buyout deal. and responsibly complied with profits. networks. would be forced to formally ers. overall enterprise performance. ‘Value in different ways, The litigants had pursued all relevant regulatory and legal As corporate profits are the private “We remain committed as file a complaint to the World Echeverri highlighted the for money’ may go down despite osten- *** various orders from the court, requirements in relation to the sector’s yardstick of success, privatized depending on how long-term investors in the Trade Organisation’s (WTO) irony of the EU contradicting sible improvements used to justify high- Excerpt: To ensure public acceptabili- including for capital gains tax transaction, and acknowledged monopolies are likely to abuse their country to further enhance dig- dispute settlement, said itself when its own research er user charges. ty, some benefits accrue to many in the to be collected from Ncell and the order without prejudice to market power to maximize rents for market power is ital connectivity and to improve Darmin. showed zero deforestation in SOEs are widely presumed to be early stages of privatization in order to Axiata Investments UK Ltd (Ax- their remedial rights. themselves. Thus, privatization tends the lives of all Nepalis,” said Ax- In 2013, the EU had im- Colombia since 2016. Yet, at more likely to be inefficient. The most exercised or abused. minimize public resistance. However, in iata UK) for the indirect trans- It is reported that the com- to burden the public, e.g. if charges are iata, adding that the company posed anti-dumping duties the same time, the EU sought profitable and potentially profitable are the longer term, privatization tends to fer of an 80 per cent stake in panies have made significant raised. was Nepal’s largest taxpayer, ranging between 8.8 and to classify palm oil, a main ex- typically the first to be privatized. This enrich a few but typically fails to deliver Ncell to Axiata UK through the contributions to the socio-eco- 20.5 per cent on Indonesian port earner for Colombia, as In most cases, privatization has not purchase of Reynolds Holdings nomic development of Nepal, contributing NPR 125.68 bil- leaves the rest of the public sector even on its ostensible aims. lion (RM 4.68 billion) in taxes biodiesel shipments. Indone- driving deforestation. Ltd from TeliaSonera Norway and that Ncell directly and in- sia challenged the EU and the Nepal Holdings AS. directly supported over 93,800 since 2014. 16 LIFESTYLE April 2019 | Selangor Journal AR UND TOWN March 2019

Ning LIVE! at Zoo Negara

Ning LIVE! is a mini concert featuring Malaysia’s Queen of Soul, Ning Baizura, who will be accompanied by an exclusive animal presentation at Zoo Negara. This concert is in aid of MYCAT (Malaysian Conservation Alliance of Tigers) to support their various operations in the tiger Heal Our Earth 2019 corridors of Taman Negara. Trees are crucial part of our eco-system. They are also the source of life 20 April 2019 force or prana or chi. They store chi from the sun, air and ground. They Zoo Negara, Kuala Lumpur have excess chi or prana, which can be used by human beings to revitalize. Visit airasiaredtix.com for With that in mind, the Pranic Healing Foundation of Malaysia has embarked more info on a mission to inculcate a culture of continuously sustaining balance on Mother Earth at all levels. The “Heal Our Earth” programme is specifically designed to achieve this mission.

21 April 2019 The KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, Kuala Lumpur Visit https://docs.google.com for more info

Film Screening x World Autism Month: Temple Grandin

In conjunction with World Autism Awareness Month this April, ‘Your Own Story’ and Lot’ng Book Reading & Discussion: invite you to join a special screening of Temple Grandin, a film based on the true story of a The Social Function of woman with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Science who overcame immense odds to become an animal scientist, author, lecturer and pioneering advocate for autism. J. D. Bernal’s important and ambitious work, The Social Function of Science, was first published in Throughout the event, Jolene, a clinical January 1939. This event will be facilitated by Wan supervisor from Early Autism Project, will Mohd Aimran, who is currently a PhD candidate at facilitate and encourage open Q&A/discussions the Centre for Advanced Studies in Science, Islam about autism, including its characteristics, and Civilization (CASIS) at Universiti Teknologi myths and treatments surrounding it from past Malaysia. The title of his research is “Carl Sagan and to present. The discussion will also centre on the The Evolution of Astrobiology”. He is also a lecturer concept of love, particularly the unconditional in Astronomy and Astrophysics at the School of love shown by those involved in the lives of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, individuals on the spectrum. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), where he has taught courses in Modern Physics, History and Proceeds from this event will go to The Hope Philosophy of Science, and Ethics in Science and Project, a non-profit initiative promoting Technology. Join him as he discusses J. D. Bernal’s accessibility of resources and services to all. work. 28 April 2019 19 April 2019 Lot’ng, Subang Jaya Tintabudi Workshop, Kuala Lumpur Visit https://docs.google.com for more info Visit www.eventbrite.com for more info www.autismmalaysia.com/the-hope-project/

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