MARCH 2019 FREE selangortv.my f facebook.com/selangorjournal twitter.com/selangorjournal selangorjournal.my

I am deeply saddened and shocked by the mosque shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand. In such times, voices of moderation need to stand together to denounce violence fuelled by militancy. Extremism has no place in our society.

Amirudin Shari Selangor Menteri Besar

RUMAH SELANGORKU SCHEME ON THE RISE Page 4 In today’s economy, affordable housing is without a doubt one of the top priorities for homebuyers. As such, the Selangor Housing and Real Property Board (LPHS) introduced a scheme called Rumah Selangorku in 2014 as a means for the people of Selangor to be able to own their very own property.

6 Advantages for the Selangor Woman Page 7

The Royal Secret on Selangor’s Coast Sultan of Selangor Page 8 Urges People High Number of Expensive Homes Unsold Page 12 to Maintain Hate Speech Threatens Our Humanity Page 13 Harmony and

Over 2000 Victims Prosperity Treated for Effects of Pasir Gudang Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, the Sultan of Selangor, spoke at the opening of the second Chemical Pollution term of the 14th session of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly on 18 March 2019. Page 15 Page 3 02 NEWS March 2019 | Selangor Journal

during the Sustainable Journey Dia- logue Session with the community lead- ers of Hulu Langat District at the Hulu Langat District Office on 16 February. Also present were Entrepreneur De- LOW-INCOME velopment, Rural Development, Village and Traditional Village EXCO Rodziah HOUSEHOLDS Ismail and Health, Welfare, Women and Family Empowerment EXCO Dr Siti Ma- TO RECEIVE riah Mahmud, as well as State Financial Officer Dato’ Nor Azmie Diron. TNB REBATES Prior to that, Kajang Municipal Coun- cillor (MPKJ), Thiagarajah Rajagopal, Selangor Acts Against during the question-and-answer session SHAH ALAM – A total of 8,836 heads of said that enforcement officers in Hulu low-income households (B40) in Selan- Langat found an increasing number of gor are eligible to receive the monthly Foreign Immigrants foreigners in various types of business RM 40 Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) premises. rebate that is to be implemented soon. with Illegal Businesses He said the locals had complained Selangor Menteri Besar, Amirudin that there were foreign immigrants run- Shari, said the implementation was ning a barbershop and eateries in the based on the approval of the Ministry of BANGI – The state government will con- owned premises, we have discovered area, adding that they might not have a Energy, Science, Technology, Environ- tinue to take action against foreigners that most of our cases involve locals valid license to do so. ment and Climate Change (MESTECC). who have set up illegal business premis- working hand-in-hand with these immi- “Because of this, locals stay away “Those eligible to receive this re- es in several locations around Selangor. grants, thus enabling them to trade in from these businesses. However, this bate are heads of households from Selangor Menteri Besar, Amirudin such premises,” he said. situation gives rise to other issues as it among the hardcore poor and the un- Shari, said enforcement will be carried “This cannot continue, and I hope gives the impression that the area has derprivileged listed and certified in the out more firmly throughout the year, that the relevant complaints will contin- become overrun by a particular immi- e-Kasih system.” and hopes the community will continue ue to be channelled so this matter can grant group.” “The eligible recipients will receive a to channel information to the authori- be resolved as soon as possible,” added “I hope the state government will ad- rebate of RM 40 per month in 2019,” he ties on the matter. Amirudin. dress this issue as soon as possible,” said told a media conference after chairing “At the moment we will monitor state- The Selangor Menteri Besar said this Thiagarajah. the Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES) meeting at the MTES Room of the SUK building on 28 February. Also present were the State Execu- “I advise residents around Taman Eng man said they received information on tive Councillors. Selangor Ann to stay calm and not panic because the dumping of the waste, believed to He said that of the total number of of this incident,” he said in a statement. contain chemical substances, in the eligible households, 6,416 have yet to Cleans “This morning, a contractor was ap- Klang River about 6 p.m. have a TNB account, or are renting pointed to begin the clean-up, which is The Mentri Besar said a police report homes and using an account under expected to take two days to complete,” has been filed on the incident and prom- someone else’s name. “However, the Klang Pond he added. ised that action will be taken against the state government will try to aid recipi- He said the Selangor Water Manage- polluters. “Further investigations will be ents, especially in the service centres, ment Authority (LUAS) had taken sam- made to identify the irresponsible par- to help change the accounts so that esidents of Taman Eng Ann ples of the chemical waste for further ties who dumped the chemical waste they will have the opportunity to enjoy in Klang, Selangor, need investigation. into this pond,” he said. the rebate provided,” said Amirudin. not panic and evacuate “I understand that LUAS initiated the Similar dumping of chemical waste Meanwhile, 2,262 others were ad- their homes amid reports of containment and mitigation process at 8 that contaminated a river in Pasir Gu- ditional recipients based on the latest chemical waste contaminat- p.m. yesterday and the clean-up opera- dang, Johor, earlier this week has result- data received this year. ing a section of Sungai Klang near their tion commenced this morning,” Amiru- ed in a health hazard forcing 111 prima- “For data on the head of households housing estate. din said in a statement. ry and secondary schools in the district, without electricity accounts, MESTECC R He said the Selangor State Disaster as well as 94 nurseries and preschools, Selangor Mentri Besar Amirudin will coordinate with the state govern- Shari assured the locals that state agen- Management Unit had been instructed to close. ment through the office of the State cies began working to contain the con- to monitor the situation and to coop- Over 2,000 people in the district have Assemblyman,” said Amirudin further. tamination since the previous night, two erate with LUAS, the Klang Municipal been reported to have sought medical hours after he was informed at 6 p.m. on Council and the Selangor Department of treatment as far away as Johor Bahru. 14 March of an oily substance in a pond Environment to resolve the case. Nine cases are reportedly critical. that feeds off Sungai Klang. Yesterday, LUAS director Hashim Os-

ADVISOR Editorial Advisory Board, CCSB MANAGING EDITOR We must stop the division Ameena Siddiqi among us. We must WRITERS stop factionalism. We Batrisyia Jay must embrace unity; we Editorial Muhaimin Merican Team must embrace working DESIGNER together, because if we Naqiuddin Muaz are divided, we will not be able to win in 2019. Aras 2, Carlton Holiday Hotel & Suite, No 1, Persiaran Akuatik 13/43 Seksyen 13, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor Cyril Ramaphosa

Tel 03-5523 4856 Fax 03-5523 5856 Email [email protected] NEWS March 2019 | Selangor Journal 03 Sultan of Selangor Urges People to Maintain Harmony and Prosperity Leadership • Sultan Sharafuddin reminded leaders Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, the Sultan of Selangor, spoke to always go to the ground to hear at the opening of the second term of the 14th session of the people’s complaints, open their eyes Selangor State Legislative Assembly on 18 March 2019. to see current situations, and to be open-minded to find solutions to the problems faced by the people. • Programmes such as the Joint Progress Programme implemented by Selangor Menteri Besar and the State Executive Council should be emulated and de- veloped in order to stay close to the people as a whole. Selangor’s Economic • Sultan Sharafuddin said that unity and Environment multiracial harmony is a state asset Development • The state government has allocated that must be maintained to ensure the • Selangor is a major force in Malaysia’s RM 2.5 million for efforts to inculcate stability and well-being of the country. economic development, with positive public awareness on the importance of Student Loans and growth recorded in sectors such as maintaining the environment. Sultan services, manufacturing and construc- Sharafuddin feels that these should be Educational Institutions tion. This is due to the harmony of its strengthened by planting city trees and • It is estimated that approximately people and the integrity of its adminis- through landscape remedies around 1,150 of the people of Selangor will trative system. major cities in Selangor. receive benefits from the state govern- • A total of 241 manufacturing projects • A total of RM 3.15 million has been ment education financing programme were approved in 2018—an increase allocated for environmental conser- this year. of 19 per cent over the previous year, vation purposes on former solid waste • The Selangor State Scholarship Fund and the highest in the country. landfills. is an education fund aimed at helping Local Authorities and • The total value of approved invest- • Sultan Sharafuddin called upon the students born in Selangor, especially Waste Management ments in 2018 was RM 18.947 billion state government get more serious those who are pursuing their studies • The Sultan reminded government of- compared to RM 5.592 billion in 2017. on river pollution, in light of the re- at public and private higher education ficials to continue to work diligently, This indicates a 238 per cent growth, cent issues of pollution through solid institutions. with integrity and high commitment and the highest growth in the state’s and toxic waste. The Sultan also de- • Among the education loan pro- to the task entrusted. history. creed watersheds and reservoirs to be grammes implemented are the Inter- • Local authorities have to ensure sys- • A total 9166 job opportunities were well-maintained, so that the state’s nal and External Loans, the Selangor tematic and effective management of opened up in the state, due to the high water resources will be sufficient in Brain Bank Special Programme (Bach- solid waste. There should be no un- number of manufacturing projects. future. elor’s degree programmes to PhD); controlled waste dumping that can Companies that chose Selangor for • The government must ensure that no Sagong Tasi Scholarship for Foreign cause odour and illness. their investment include IKEA, Sony, logging activities take place in forests Children and the Special Scholarship • The local authorities should also moni- Toyota and Hartalega. around reservoir areas. of Dato’ Menteri Besar. tor and take strict action on restaurant • Foreign direct investment (FDI) • Tree-planting programmes implement- • Sultan Sharafuddin is pleased with and food shop operators who do not showed an increase of 400.7 per cent ed should be extended to preserve the the programmes of the Selangor State keep their premises clean. over the previous year, showing the natural environment of the state. Scholarship Fund which will be im- • The implementation of a comprehen- confidence of foreign investors. • Selangor should prioritize the devel- plemented with funds amounting to sive waste disposal and treatment • Sultan Sharafuddin applauded Invest opment of green and environmental- RM 16.6 million. system that utilizes Waste to Energy Selangor and its newly-developed ly-friendly technologies, and encour- • There are a total of 15,000 tahfiz stu- (WTE) technology is timely. Selangor Talent Portal Application, age construction of more buildings dents in 263 private tahfiz schools reg- • Worldwide Holdings Berhad has which can function as a platform and with environmentally-friendly features istered with the Selangor State Islamic signed an agreement to develop the reference for investors to source a and natural elements, such as indoor Religious Department (JAIS). Sultan largest Waste to Energy facility in skilled workforce, and for fresh gradu- and outdoor plants. Sharafuddin decreed that private tah- Malaysia with an investment value ates to find jobs relevant to their qual- fiz schools not registered with JAIS of RM 1 billion. Such technology will ifications and skills. and without a modern curriculum treat waste and turn it into clean ener- • The Selangor State Legislative Assem- and co-curriculum activities should be gy. This facility is to be built in Jeram bly approved the 2019 Budget tabled closed down. in two phases. by the Menteri Besar. Amounting to • The state government has allocated RM 2.56 billion, the budget introduces RM 1,940,400 in tuition fees for sem- a new strategy to drive the state’s eco- inars and student reference materials nomic progress through clusters. Ten to be borne by the state government. clusters have been identified for in- Disabled Community Study sessions are held on Saturdays clusion in the integrated development • The allocation of RM 3 million has and Sundays for one year from Jan- plans. been made for the early intervention uary and ending in October in every • The Sultan thanked the federal gov- programme of special children. Sultan school. Subsequently, the pupils will Water in Selangor ernment for providing a total of Sharafuddin is pleased with the efforts sit for the SPM examination at the reg- • Water use in Selangor is higher than RM 2.6 billion for 39 new and 274 ex- of the state government to organize istered examination centre in the same the national rate. The Sultan called for isting projects in the state. RM 485 mil- Special Children Skills training cours- year. the State Government together and lion has been allocated for Phase 2 of es for nurseries throughout the state. • Under the 11th Malaysia Plan, the agencies such as Selangor Water Man- the Klang Third Bridge project. • The state government has allocated a Development Plan includes the con- agement Authority (LUAS), and Water • 74 new projects on Selangor’s “wish total RM 500,000 as a special aid funds struction of religious primary schools, Management Selangor Sdn. Bhd (Air list” are being discussed between Min- for special children of Selangor, for maahad tahfiz, Islamic complexes, Selangor), to focus on educating the istry and agency executives at the Fed- recovery costs, purchase of recovery mosques and surau. From 2016 to people about the importance of water. eral level and the Selangor state gov- equipment and other needs during an 2018, the implementation rate of • The Selangor State Water Resources ernment. Projects include the Sungai emergency. Sultan Sharafuddin noted these development projects reached Master Plan, which ensures the conti- Aur River Bank Reinforcement Project that 80,000 people have registered as 61 per cent, with a total allocation of nuity of water supply until 2065, was in Klang, approved for implementation persons with disabilities (OKU) in the RM 613.9 million. Built in Jeram in applauded by the Sultan. in 2019 at a cost of RM 15 million. state. two phases. 04 FEATURE March 2019 | Selangor Journal

Rumah Selangorku

By Batrisyia Jay Scheme On The Rise

Recently, the Selangor state pendent pricing, which is very by the Selangor Menteri Besar, launch the Rumah Selangorku government confirmed that different today. Based on the as PKNS is responding to the scheme to fulfil the people’s they are aiming to launch records, construction of Rumah state government’s suggestion needs. Ever since, the state around 30,000 units of afford- Selangorku units has surpassed This policy will to provide affordable homes, government has proactively able homes under its Rumah the initial target of 15,000 units thus providing low-income and reviewed the existing policy to Selangorku housing scheme as set in 2018, while as of 31 solve many medium-income families with make it relevant to the current over the next five years. August last year, 28,639 units housing issues, their own home. Moreover, the economic situation of the state were built, and 3,770 units which will Mentri Besar is confident that and the country. As such, it has Affordable Homes for All were delivered.” the Rumah Selangorku Idaman introduced Rumah Selangorku in Selangor As of September last year, facilitate the loan project by PKNS will improve as part of the provision for low- A total of 24,869 units of there are a total of 204 ap- approval process the well-being of the people in cost, low-medium cost and me- Rumah Selangorku will be ful- proved projects offering Selangor. dium-cost housing. ly completed by 2025, said Se- 104,460 affordable homes to in addition to “Interestingly, these 1,000 The main objective of the langor Menteri Besar, Amirudin eligible buyers, thus proving balancing the sq. ft houses also include four policy is to ensure that every Shari, thus proving that the that the Rumah Selangorku units for people with disabilities individual or family in Selan- State Government is committed scheme, which was introduced ratio of affordable (OKU), which have various fa- gor is able to own a good, safe to ensuring the well-being and five years ago, has met with a housing and cilities to aid those concerned. and conducive home. With this socioeconomic position of the good response. With a unique and modern objective in mind, the Rumah people of Selangor, and that independent combination of architecture, Selangorku scheme aims to of- they are guaranteed to have A Revamped Policy pricing, which this project is being built on fer more value in terms of size, their own homes. As such, reg- As of October 2018, the 14.41 acres of land with two design and community. ular monitoring is often carried scheme was revamped and is very different blocks; Block A (14 storeys) As one of the developers in- out to ensure developers com- is now known as Rumah Se- today. and Block B (15 storeys) are volved in Rumah Selangorku ply with various requirements langorku 2.0. With this new equipped with three bedrooms, developments, LBS Bina Group – Amirudin Shari concerning the construction of scheme, the state government two bathrooms and two car Berhad Executive Director, Da- Rumah Selangorku units. has refined the celebrated pol- parks per unit,” said Amirudin tuk Wira Joey Lim, has said that “As I have stressed before, icy to achieve a win-win sit- when asked about the units. Rumah Selangorku is a brilliant the state government will not uation for both buyers and The anticipated project is idea as it really helps lower- hesitate to cancel the approval developers by adjusting the re- expected to be completed in and middle-income earners to if the developer does not coop- quirements as well as the sell- “With the RM 20,000 reduc- December next year, while ex- own a house at a reasonable erate even though the negoti- ing prices of the homes. tion, I hope it will be easier for pectations for Certificate of price. ations have been made for 18 For example, under the re- the buyers to own a house,” Completion and Compliance “Since affordable housing is months after the approval has fined policy, which was -intro said Amirudin while stressing (CCC) will be obtained in mid- in line with the group’s as well been granted. In fact, the state duced in February 2018 and that although the price has 2021. as the state government’s com- government believes that the implemented in April 2018, been reduced, there are clear “Among the advantages of mitment to build more afford- problem of affordable hous- the minimum built-up size for guidelines under Rumah Se- this project are its management able homes in Selangor, we are ing can be overcome with the a Rumah Selangorku unit has langorku 2.0 with regard to office, surau (prayer room), honoured and proud to support construction of Rumah Selan- been reduced to 900 sq. ft from building material selection and multipurpose hall, three units its efforts in realizing every cit- gorku,” said Amirudin. 1,000 sq. Ft, while the alloca- specifications to ensure that de- of shops, a burial preparations izen’s goal of owning a home at With strong support from the tion of Rumah Selangorku units velopers build quality homes at room, playground, kindergar- a good price,” he said. Federal Government, Amirudin in a project has been reduced affordable prices. ten, elevator and four-storey Lim added that Rumah Se- is confident the implementation by up to 10 per cent. Meanwhile, the Selangor parking lots. langorku realizes the dream for of the National Housing Policy In line with these changes, State Development Corpora- everyone to have a roof over 2.0 and the Affordable Housing the state government is also tion (PKNS) is also committed The Starting Point their head, and has applauded Policy can be realized. “This looking into reducing the max- to building 864 units of Rumah In 2014, the demand for the state government’s swift- policy will solve many housing imum price tag for the upcom- Selangorku Idaman in Sec- affordable housing ata price ness in ensuring that the peo- issues, which will facilitate the ing Rumah Selangorku units tion 6, Selangor Cyber ​​Valley of RM 250,000 and below ple have a home – one of the loan approval process in addi- by RM 20,000 to RM 230,000, (SCV) at affordable prices from was steadily increasing in basic necessities in life. Over tion to balancing the ratio of compared to RM 250,000 pre- RM 232,000. Selangor. As such, the state the years, LBS has established affordable housing and inde- viously. The initiative is being praised government had decided to a solid foundation in crafting high-quality built environment. FEATURE March 2019 | Selangor Journal 05

Things to Know Before Applying

Before applying for the Ru- mah Selangorku scheme online (lphs.selangor.gov.my), poten- tial homeowners should take note that the Selangor Housing and Real Property Board has not All01 applicants without a home Applicants02 are allowed to The03 minimum salary for ap- The04 validity period for each only improved the application who registered before 2008 choose only one type of prop- plicants for Rumah Selan- application registered in SPPRS of registration system (SPPRS) need to re-register as new ap- erty at the time of application gorku Type B, C and D is set at and SPPK is two years. At the end and application of registration plicants if they are still interest- - Type A, B, C or D. RM 3,001 per month. of this period, data for pending system for shops or affordable ed in applying for the Rumah applications will be removed housing industry (SPPKI), but Selangorku scheme. from the system, and applicants has also added the following must make a fresh offer if they registration requirements: are still interested in applying for Rumah Selangorku or affordable homes or commercial/industrial lphs.selangor.gov.my. properties.

Applicants05 who have turned INELIGIBLE06 application data Effective07 January 2015, all ap- 08The status of all applications down an offer will be rendered will be maintained in the sys- plications for Rumah Selan- can be checked via the LPHS INACTIVE for a period of two tem. If there is an application gorku Type B, C and D, as well website: http://lphs.selangor. A Strategic Location years. New applications can update for INELIGIBLE appli- as applications for affordable gov.my. Cyberjaya was established only be made after a period of cants, such applicants must commercial/industrial proper- back in May 1997. Built on two years. submit the relevant supporting ties must be submitted online. 2,800 hectares of mostly un- documents for will be reassess- Note that any application via developed land and located 40 ment by the Selection Commit- hard copy will not be accepted. kilometres south of Kuala Lum- tee. pur, Cyberjaya has since be- come a shining beacon of Ma- laysia’s hope of having a smart With the aim to provide a collaborative environment with many incen- city that will be a driver of the nation’s economy. Also known tives, here are the amenities one should take into consideration when Accessibility thinking of investing in property in Cyberjaya: Cyberjaya, has easy access to several high- as Malaysia’s Silicon Valley, this ways. For instance, the MEX will get you to tech hub has seen numerous developments since its humble Public Transportation Kuala Lumpur in 20 minutes. To top it off, Kampung Pandan, Kuchai Lama and Seri beginnings with commercial, The KLIA Transit is the most reliable and industrial and educational in- efficient transportation mode to Cyberjaya. Kembangan interchanges are some of the entry and exit points on this highway. terests. The journey from KL Sentral to Putrajaya “Its location is within the Sentral station takes around 18 minutes, smart city near major highways with trains every 20 minutes during peak such as NKVE, LDP, SKVE, Elite hours and 30 minutes on off-peak hours. and Mex. Travel distance to Once you arrived in Putrajaya Sentral Sta- Putrajaya is 17 kilometers and tion, feeder buses by Nadi Putra (J02, J05) KLIA is about 29 kilometers and RapidKL (U429) are available to ferry away,” said the Selangor Ment- commuters from the station to the rest of eri Besar when asked about the Putrajaya and Cyberjaya. To get to KLIA air- location of the Rumah Selan- port, simply take the KLIA Transit that stops gorku units in Section 6, Selan- at stations in both Cyberjaya and Putrajaya. gor Cyber ​​Valley (SCV). He said it is also close to Cyberjaya’s Dedicated Transportation Sys- various other facilities such as tem (DTS) is managed by Cyberview Sdn. shopping malls like Shaftsbury, Bhd. and operated by Disitu Holdings Sdn. D’Pulze mall and educational Bhd. The service runs 24 hours, 7 days a institutions such as Multimedia week, departing from nine locations daily. University (MMU), Cyberjaya The DTS connects Cyberjaya to important University College of Medical hubs within an 80 km radius, covering the Security Sciences (CUCMS) and Lim- Klang Valley, Banting, Klang and Seremban. Cyberjaya’s police is headquartered in a kokwing Creative University of large building on Jalan Cyberpoint 5. Fur- Technology. The DTS buses are equipped with full Wi-Fi thermore, most residential areas are gated “Hence, I urge residents on board and state-of-the-art tracking and and guarded and equipped with CCTV all in Selangor who are not yet monitoring systems to help ensure punc- around. homeowners and who want to tuality and passenger safety. DTS buses have PKNS affordable homes use the Global Positioning System (GPS) Internet Connectivity to register with the Selangor and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) As Malaysia’s premier tech hub, Cyberjaya has an extensive telecommunications backbone Real Estate Housing Authority which allows monitoring of passengers and known as the Cyberjaya Metro Fibre Network (CMFN) that runs primarily on fibre optics. (LPHS).” movement of buses in near real-time. This CMFN is carrier-neutral, allowing major telco services to ride on its network, in turn provid- Amirudin added that hun- will allow companies in Cyberjaya to track ing their services to end users in Cyberjaya. dreds of applicants have al- employees and ensure they are safe from ready registered for purchases the time they leave their office until they CMFN delivers fibre connectivity of up to 100 Mbps straight to most buildings under the con- of units since the scheme was reach their destination.This service is open cepts of Fibre-To-The-Building (FTTB) and Fibre-To-The-Home (FTTH). It offers full redun- launched, thus proving that to all companies, universities, and colleges dancy throughout the network, thus making Cyberjaya a choice location for system-critical this scheme have already had a in Cyberjaya for a monthly fee of RM 250 per business applications like data centres. Notable data centres already established in Cyber- positive impact on the people of passenger. jaya include Malaysia’s Central Bank, Telekom Malaysia, Shell, NTT MSC, BMW and DHL. Selangor. 06 ECONOMY March 2019 | Selangor Journal

tionary pressures. year and over the medium The country’s economic term, with inflation picking up growth had averaged above and the current account surplus five per cent over the past five Economic continuing to narrow. years, leading to higher per growth is now “Domestic demand will re- capita income and reducing al- main the main driver of growth. ready low poverty. moderating, and Given Malaysia’s position in “Economic growth is now is estimated global value chains, the US moderating, and is estimated tariffs on imports from China at 4.7 per cent in 2018, under- at 4.7 per could reduce Malaysia’s growth pinned by robust domestic and cent in 2018, rate by 0.2 percentage points external demand,” the IMF said in 2019 via traditional trade in its report after concluding underpinned by channels and through financial its annual discussions with the robust domestic and confidence effects, despite government officials on Ma- some trade diversion.” laysia’s economic development and external The IMF said Malaysia’s and policies. demand household debt was elevated International The fund concluded that compared to regional peers, but Malaysia’s financial sector ap- - IMF declining. Monetary Fund (IMF) peared resilient with sound “Total household debt stood profitability and liquidity -indi at 83.2 per cent of GDP as of cators and low non-perform- the third quarter of 2018. High praises Malaysia’s ing loans, and supported the household financial assets broadly neutral monetary poli- (twice the size of total house- cy stance. hold debt) help mitigate the resilient economy The IMF pointed that Ma- product (GDP) ratio was de- vulnerability for all but the low- laysia’s headline inflation had clining, while on the external est income group (with income he Malaysian econ- dropped from an average of side, the current account sur- below RM 3,000 per month). omy continues to 3.7 per cent in 2017 to an esti- plus was estimated at 2.2 per “Households in the second perform well despite mated one per cent in 2018 as cent of GDP in 2018, the fund income group (earning be- external headwinds, domestic fuel price adjustment said. tween RM 3,000 and RM 5,000 the International was suspended, the Goods and The account surplus had per month) would face the larg- Monetary Fund (IMF) said. Services Tax (GST) was ze- gradually narrowed in recent est cash flow shortages under TThe IMF commended the ro-rated and replaced by the years as growth drivers had income, interest rate, or cost- government for the resilient narrower-base Sales and Ser- shifted towards domestic de- of-living shocks, according to economic performance over re- vice Tax, and food price infla- mand. Bank Negara Malaysia stress cent years, noting that growth tion declined. The IMF expects Malaysia’s tests,” the fund added. was solid without signs of infla- The credit-to-gross domestic GDP growth to stabilize this

Finance Minister: Malaysia Airlines Will Not Be Shut Down

inance Minister Lim Guan Eng down the airline. said, adding that other statistics should has given his assurance that The former Prime Minister said Ma- also be taken into account when report- the government will not shut laysia Airlines was the country’s pride ing. down Malaysia Airlines Bhd. and joy and should continue to be the The minister brushed aside the report Lim said the statement national carrier. The former PM issued and urged the media to look at other made in Parliament by Prime Minister Lim, in defending his boss, further a statement as if we positive fundamentals of the Malaysian FTun Dr Mahathir Mohamad about the said: “The former PM issued a statement are going to close down economy. national carrier had been misunder- as if we are going to close down Ma- Asked how strong the Malaysian eco- stood and misinterpreted. laysia Airlines. ... I hope we can look at Malaysia Airlines. ... nomic fundamentals were and if the On 12 March, it was reported that what the PM said properly... we are not I hope we can look Malaysian economy was resilient, Lim the government was looking into ways going to close down Malaysia Airlines. said: “Our fundamentals are sound. Our to resolve Malaysia Airlines’ financial is- We want to give this assurance to the at what the PM said growth rate [and] exports are up, and sues with several options on the table, [airline’s] employees.” properly... we are not trade surplus is RM120 billion, [which including shutting down the national It was reported that half of the RM7.3 going to close down is] very encouraging.” carrier. billion impairments registered by Khaz- Bloomberg had reported that the Dr Mahathir had said the matter was anah Nasional Bhd last year stemmed Malaysia Airlines. euphoria following Malaysia’s historic being discussed following heavy losses from sustaining Malaysia Airlines. We want to give this election last May had faded, leaving its sustained by Malaysia Airlines since its Meanwhile, commenting on assurance to the stock market as the only one in Asia in privatization in 2014. Bloomberg news reports about the Ma- the red this year. He had commented on suggestions laysian economy, stock market and [airline’s] employees. The benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia by several experts on the need to sell or growth, Lim said that anything that hap- – Finance Minister, KLCI index has fallen more than one per shut down Malaysia Airlines. pens in the stock market was beyond the Lim Guan Eng cent so far in 2019, the only decliner in In an immediate reaction, Former government’s control. the region, while neighbouring Singa- Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Najib Razak “It is beyond our control... it depends, pore has surged five per cent and Indo- urged the government not to sell or shut as market fluctuations are normal,” he nesia gained three per cent. WOMEN March 2019 | Selangor Journal 07

6 Advantages for the

By Batrisyia Jay Selangor Woman

elangor has always played a role in produc- Selangor has a series of programmes known as ing skilled women in various fields. As a re- the Inisiatif Peduli Rakyat (IPR) in a bid to lessen sult, Selangor is the only state that meets the financial burden of women in Selangor. Sthe quota of women making up 30 per cent of the decision-makers in its State Executive Coun- Here are six things that will benefit you if you are cil (MMKN). As a state that puts its women first, a woman in Selangor: 03 01 02 RM 50 for Preschool Education Yearly Aid of RM5,000 for Monthly RM 100 Nursery Fee The Selangor government will help pay RM 50 Disabled Children Through Skim Bantuan Asuhan Rakyat (ASUH for your child’s pre-school education every month The state government has set aside a fund of PINTAR), eligible and qualified parents will re- through the Skim Bantuan Tadika Selangor, or RM 500,000 this year to ease the burden of par- ceive TASKA or nursery fees of RM 100 per TUNAS. It will be given straight to the centres ents and caregivers with disabled children, espe- month. The assistance fee will be paid directly to that are registered with Majlis Permuafakatan cially as regards health screening. the TASKA or nursery. Tadika Selangor. This financial assistance, known as Bantu- To be eligible for this scheme you must meet To check whether you are eligible, look at the an Khas Anak Istimewa Selangor (AnIS), can the terms below: conditions below: be used to purchase special equipment for the • Must be a Malaysian citizen. • Must be a Malaysian citizen. purpose of rehabilitation of disabled children. • One of the parents must be born in Selangor • One of the parents must be born in Selangor Note that each family may apply for a maximum and is currently residing in Selangor, or the and is currently residing in Selangor, or the amount of RM 5,000 a year. child was born in Selangor and is currently child was born in Selangor and is currently Among the conditions to be eligible for this living in Selangor, or the parents have resid- living in Selangor, or the parents have resid- special assistance is that the child must have a ed legally in Selangor for at least five years. ed legally in Selangor for at least 5 years. disabled persons (OKU) card issued by the Social The residential status must be verified by the The residential status must be verified by a Welfare Department (JKM). a Member of Parliament of Selangor, the Se- Member of Parliament of Selangor, the Se- Part of this fund from the state government langor State Service Centre, the Council of langor State Service Centre, the Council of will be channelled to several nurseries in every Local Authorities, a penghulu (village head- Local Authorities, a penghulu (village head- state assembly to train teachers who care for dis- man), chairman of a residential association man), chairman of a residential association abled children. or a mosque nazir (overseer). or a mosque nazir (overseer). Applicants who have a disabled child under • Overall household income must be RM 5,000 • Must have a household income of RM 3,000 their care can complete the AnIS application form or below (basic salary). and below. at the Community Service Centres at each of the • Both parents must be working full-time. • Either parent must be working full-time. 56 constituencies of Selangor, or visit www.selan- • The child must be sent to a day-care or nurs- • Only children aged 5 to 6 years old are eli- gor.gov.my for more info. ery that is registered with the Department of gible. Social Welfare (JKM). • Limited to two children and they must be aged 4 and below. • Both parents must be registered voters with EC (Election Commission of Malaysia) but 06 04 do not necessarily need to vote in Selangor. Free Tuition Classes for Your Kids Mothers Can Get Basic Necessities This free programme called Pusat Tuisyen Rakyat Worth RM 200 Selangor (PTRS) is aimed at helping students To recognize the great sacrifices of mothers, the from the lower income group that are struggling Selangor State Government has introduced a academically by providing special classes that can special welfare programme for mothers in the 05 supplement their education in schools. The list lower income group (Group B40) called Kasih Free Mammogram Check-up of subjects offered under this programme is Ba- Ibu Smart Selangor (KISS). Through Skim Kesihatan Wanita: Mammogram hasa Melayu, English, Mathematics, Science and It aims to reduce the cost of living through fi- Selangor (MAMMOSEL), you will get a free mam- History. Note that only students from households nancial assistance for the purchase of basic ne- mogram check. This is available for all women in Selangor with a monthly income of RM 2,000 cessities. Participants of this programme can pur- born in Selangor or with Selangor residency that and below are eligible for this scheme. chase basic necessities worth RM 200 monthly at are aged 35 years and above. Another programme under the same initiative, registered shops and supermarkets. Below are the conditions to be met to be eligible: called Smart Education (Tuisyen Atas Talian), To be eligible for this scheme you must meet • Must be a Malaysian citizencitizen. with the help of Selangor Public Library (PPAS) the terms below: • Must be born in Selangor or with permanent and iTTV Education Sdn.Bhd., provides students • Must be a Malaysian citizen resident status for up to 11 years. with the opportunity to review the desired sub- • Born in Selangor or resident in Selangor for • Must be aged 35 years and above. ject through video learning. This can be accessed more than 10 years anytime as long as you have a computer, laptop • Registered voter in Selangor or android mobile device and an internet connec- • Married or single mothers who have chil- tion. The list of subjects offered under this pro- dren/dependents under the age of 21 gramme is Bahasa Melayu, English, Mathemat- • The household income must be below ics, Additional Mathematics, Science, Physics, RM 2,000 per month. Chemistry and History. 08 FEATURE March 2019 | Selangor Journal The Royal Secret on Selangor’s Coast

By Muhaimin Merican

Economy of Kuala Selangor Interestingly today, the economy of Kuala Selangor is driven by two major Location and History industries: local fisheries and tourism. If you were to mention Kuala Selan- The fishing industry is a direct result gor to someone not from the immediate of the district’s strategic geographical lo- area, their first thought would probably cation at the mouth of the Selangor river be related to either fireflies or the de- where the rivers meets the sea. It has a lectable seafood for which the district is unique variety of freshwater and saltwa- popular. ter fish that is present at the river basin. However, the quiet district of Kuala The fishermen in Kuala Selangor- of Selangor offers more than meets the fer some of the freshest seafood avail- eye. able and their catch is often shipped and The Kuala Selangor District is com- delivered throughout Selangor on the prised of 9 mukim (sub-districts) which same day that they are brought in from are Api-Api, Bestari Jaya, Hujong Per- the open sea. The freshness and quality matang, Hulu Tinggi, Ijok, Jeram, Kuala of its seafood brings in visitors from all Selangor, Pasangan and Tanjung Karang over Selangor and because of this, the Most of the tourist attractions here fishing villages of Kuala Selangor are centre on the town’s rich history as the dotted with seaside restaurants. first capital of the Selangor state. Kuala Selangor also hosts the Fresh Believed to have existed since the Water Fish Aquarium, a large freshwa- 16th century, Kuala Selangor was inhab- ter fish park which was developed by ited and led by a woman named Opu the Kuala Selangor District Office as one journey. Visitors who want to take the Kuala Selangor Cendera Burung before five sons of a of the initiatives to boost tourism. The bus to Kuala Selangor can board Selan- Selangor Bugis king arrived to rule the land. development of the park was begun in gor Bus No. 100 from Medan Pasar Bus At the heart of Kuala Selangor is Bukit 2004, and the park began operations Hub in Kuala Lumpur. The bus departs Malawati and the fortress built on it to on 1 January, 2009.The Kuala Selan- half-hourly from Kuala Lumpur between The Kuala Selangor District is com- protect the kingdom. When Dutch at- gor Freshwater Fish Aquarium covers 5 6.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m., and takes 2 prised of 9 mukim (sub-districts) tacked Melaka, Selangor came to its aid acres of land and is located in the Taman hours to reach the bus terminal at Ban- which are Api-Api, Bestari Jaya, and made itself the target of the Dutch Alam Forest Reserve. dar Malawati, Kuala Selangor. (The last Hujong Permatang, Hulu Tinggi, army. The Dutch came and conquered The Freshwater Fish Aquarium boasts bus for the return trip from Kuala Se- Ijok, Jeram, Kuala Selangor, Pas- Bukit Malawati in 1784 before the Bugis of at least 1,500 fish representing 60 spe- langor to Kuala Lumpur is at 7.00 p.m.) angan and Tanjung Karang Sultan wrested it back within a year. cies, such as the Alligator Gar Fish (Ikan The one-way fare is RM 9.00. Over the years, Kuala Selangor played Buaya), Giant Snakehead (Toman), Tor As an alternative, visitors can take a prominent role in our country’s history. Tambra (Kelah), Golden Arowana (Ke- any bus to Klang from Kuala Lumpur During the peak of the Klang war be- lisa), Walking Catfish (Keli) and many (these buses run more frequently). From tween Raja Abdullah and Raja Mahdi, more. Most of the fish on display here Klang, take the Cityliner bus to Kuala Kuala Selangor was heavily involved as are endemic species from the Selangor Selangor/Bandar Malawati. it was one of the disputed districts . In River. If you intend to travel by car to visit fact, during one of the conflicts, forces Kuala Selangor, the journey would take supporting Raja Mahdi had retreated to Transportation approximately 80 minutes. Make your Kuala Selangor to avoid attacks by the Located about an hour away from way towards Sungai Buloh exit on the opposing faction. Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Selangor is acces- North-South PLUS highway and follow Kuala Selangor was the capital of sible to tourists and people who are not the road signs towards Kuala Selangor. Selangor until the royal family moved locals to the area by both bus and car. Alternatively, if you are starting your to Klang. Later, the state capital was If you intend to visit Kuala Selangor journey from Klang, you can drive to- changed to Shah Alam whilst Klang re- by bus, it is a little adventurous but the wards Kapar and head straight from mained as the royal town for the state. view would be very much worth the there to Kuala Selangor. FEATURE March 2019 | Selangor Journal 09

During the holiday season, Kuala Selangor can get packed with If you make a trip to Kuala Selangor, there are a few beautiful city folk driving down from Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam to dis- places where you could spend your day. Here are some of the cover the quiet of this coastal district. On a regular day, it’s rela- favourite tourist spots in Kuala Selangor that you can visit to tively quiet and the perfect serenity of the town can be enjoyed. capture the essence of the town and its past:

Bukit Malawati An ideal place for pursuing and tracking the historic trails of the First and Third Se- langor Sultanate. Among the historical remains are the poisoned well (Perigi Bera- cun) and Batu Hampar ‒ a traditional execution stone with a disputed history. Bukit Malawati also houses a Royal Mausoleum and the famous Kuala Selangor Lighthouse, which guided ships through the Straits of Malacca in the past. If you reach the top of #01 Bukit Malawati, you’ll notice the ancient canons that are remnants of the fort that pro- tected the town in the 17th Century. Other notable attractions include the large groups of silver leaf monkeys or Lutong that can only be found in the estuary jungles of Selan- gor and Perak and the panoramic sunset view over the Straits of Malacca. More than 140,000 tourists visited Bukit Malawati in 2018.

Kampung Kuantan & The Fireflies

Take a cruise on a traditional rowing boat down the Selangor River #02to experience the beautiful and unique display of fireflies. Although the population of fireflies in the area has since shrunk due to light pollution, the remaining endemic species of firefly and their nests amongst the roots of mangrove trees still remain a sight to behold.

A rare phenomenon that only occurs for six days every month Sky Mirror according to the Lunar calendar. The sky mirror is a phenom- enon that occurs when a mirror-like view is created when the sky reflects on the sand bar. The Sky Mirror in Kuala Selan- gor is so popular that even the Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin once paid a visit to it and took pictures at the attraction. Nature#03 Park A nature trail that includes large areas of mangroves and hosts thousands of migratory birds from September to March.

Pantai Remis #04 One of the most beautiful beach- es in Selangor. Enjoy kite-flying and fresh seafood along the coastal lines. SASARAN#06 Arts Sungai Buloh Art installation featuring painting and sculptures from local and #05 international artists. Selangor Fruit Valley Sungai Sireh Homestay Located in Bestari Jaya, this is an agro-tourism centre that of- fers a lush and green landscape which features various local fruits and how they are planted.

Located in Tanjung Karang, this homestay offers a#08 chance to live the authentic Malaysian kampung experience complete #07 with buffaloes, rivers and paddy fields. 10 NEWS March 2019 | Selangor Journal

SELANGOR QUICK TAKES

SELANGOR JOURNAL

Selangor Only State to Have 30% Women in Shah Alam Stadium to Executive Bodies Host Sultan of Selangor Cup Once Again Selangor is the only State with 30 per cent participation of women in Selangor’s chances look rather good executive bodies, namely in the State in retaining the Sultan of Selangor Executive Council, in line with the Cup as the 18th edition of the theme of International Women’s Day tournament this year sees the Shah this year. #BalanceforBetter Alam Stadium once again being the venue come 24 August this year. Sultan of Selangor Worried Over Threat to Islam

The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, 3 March expressed worry over numerous threats that could defile the sanctity and nobility of Islam, and weaken Muslims in Selangor and the country. Sultan Sharafuddin said he was informed that up until December 2018, the Selangor Mufti Department had identified 45 deviant teachings, and called for unity among the people in order to combat threats related to the harmony of the country.

Selangor Aims For 100% High-Speed Internet Penetration By 2025

Selangor is aiming to achieve 100 per cent high-speed Internet penetration by 2025 from the current 60 per cent. The development of the State’s Internet More Free Bus Routes for Selangor infrastructure will be accelerated, especially in rural areas and places Selangor residents will soon enjoy more free bus services around Klang and Shah without connectivity, in line with Alam when new routes are added this year. The state government has allocated the vision for Selangor to become RM 30 million to maintain and operate all the bus routes in the state. a ‘Smart State’ by 2025. NEWS March 2019 | Selangor Journal 11

NATIONAL NEWS QUICK TAKES

SELANGOR JOURNAL

Squash Queen Nicol David to Retire In June

New Parliament Sitting Begins

Over 2000 Victims So The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al- Far In Pasir Gudang Mustafa Billah Shah, opened the Dewan Rakyat session on 11 March. The lower house of Parliament will sit for 20 days until 11 April, while Toxic Pollution Case the Dewan Negara will sit for 12 days from 22 April to 9 May. A total of 2000 victims poisoned by toxic fumes in Pasir Gudang has been recorded since 8 March, 2019. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said no fatalities 50 Dead in New Zealand have occurred. The victims, he Mosque Attacks said, were treated at the Sultan Ismail Hospital, Sultanah Aminah Hospital and Permai Hospital

Three Claim Trial for Murder of Cradle Fund CEO Women’s Day March Organizers Probed for The widow of Cradle Fund Sdn. After rocking the glass court Bhd. CEO Nazrin Hassan and two 50 people have been killed and Sedition for more than two decades, teen boys pleaded not guilty in the at least 46 injured in shootings national squash queen Datuk Shah Alam High Court on 12 March at two mosques in Christchurch, The organizers of the International Nicol David has announced that to the charge of murdering Nazrin New Zealand, in the nation’s Women’s Day march on 9 March, she will retire from the sport in June last year. Samirah Muzaffar, deadliest attack. Prime Minister when the current 2018/19 which saw members of the LGBT 44, a former senior executive Jacinda Ardern described it as a Professional Squash Association community call for an end to at Intellectual Property Corp of terrorist attack and called it one (PSA) season ends in June. The Malaysia, and the two boys, aged 13 of New Zealand’s “darkest days”. violence based on gender and 35-year-old Penangite, who and 16, entered the plea after the A gunman identifying himself as sexual orientation, are being helmed the world ranking for a charge was read out separately to an Australian live-streamed the probed for sedition. The 2019 record nine years, said she had them before Judge Datuk Ab Karim rampage at Al Noor mosque on International Women’s Day contemplated retiring for quite Ab Rahman. Samirah, the two Facebook. He had earlier shared some time and had decided Committee said they had been teenagers and Indonesian national racist, anti-immigrant views. earlier that this would be her summoned by Dang Wangi’s Eka Wahyu Lestari, who is still at Police say a man in his late 20s last playing season. large, were charged with the murder has been arrested and charged criminal investigation unit of Nazrin, 47, at a house in Mutiara with murder. Two other men and and told that they were under Homes, near Shah Alam, between one woman were also detained in investigation. 11.30 p.m. on 13 June, 2018, and connection with the incident. 4 a.m. on 14 June 14, 2018. 12 PROPERTY March 2019 | Selangor Journal

ed for 60.6 per cent of the total. By the third quarter of 2018, the number of unsold units stood at over 30,000, with ‘un- High Number affordable’ homes now making up 65.4 per cent of this figure. of Expensive This number excludes some 10,801 serviced apartments Homes and small office/home office units built on costly commer- Unsold cial land that remain unsold. As a result, developers are sitting on RM 27.4 billion worth of completed but unsold homes throughout the nation. launched nationwide cost un- 193.1 to 192.1 between the For the first half of 2018, TTDI Residents der RM 250,000, and for the second quarter and third quar- Bank Negara’s Financial Sta- Want Adequate first time in a decade the over- ter of 2018. Even though last bility Review indicated that all House Price Index fell on a year’s overall prices are still the mismatch between housing Street Lighting KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian quarterly basis last year. expected to be higher than in demand and supply is exerting In Kuala Lumpur, home 2017, home prices are expect- property developers face the upward pressure on house pric- KUALA LUMPUR – Taman Tun challenge of having more ex- prices on average have hit ed to drop further this year. es. Dr Ismail (TTDI) residents have pensive houses remaining un- RM 773,000 and RM 497,000 In 2016, nearly 15,000 This resulted in some asked for better street lighting sold even as demand exceeds in Selangor by the third quarter homes remained unsold for as 146,196 unsold units by June, along Jalan Abang Haji Openg. the supply of affordable hous- of 2018, making them over 100 long as nearly nine months af- including uncompleted units Some residents who walk along ing. and 80 per cent higher, respec- ter completion. Homes costing that have since been launched, the road to get to Taman Perse- Between 2016 to March tively, than in 2008. over RM 300,000 – beyond the where over 80 per cent of these kutuan Bukit Kiara stated that 2018, only a quarter of homes The Index dipped from reach of most buyers – account- cost above RM 250,000. the single row of street lamps opposite the park is not suffi- cient. deep Singh Deo said in a media on the mainland. This would “There are some faulty lights conference last week that there help solve the [issue of] 1,137 in the vicinity that have not More Rent- are many applicants who have But there will applicants on the waiting list,” been repaired.” been waiting for quite some Jagdeep told an English daily. “I don’t feel safe using this To-Own time for their PPR units, with be more PPR He added that the state road. It is very dark when I some still waiting after 11 units in the would ensure that only those leave about 8 p.m.,” said Mi- Schemes years. who are eligible for such units chael Tan, 35, who frequently “As such, the state govern- future, with are entertained on this matter. visits the park. for Penang ment has decided to have more several projects PPR homes in Penang came Juliet Kweh, 38, added that of the rent-to-own schemes, under media scrutiny when the poor lighting made the area especially for this group,” he located in ineligible tenants from Taman unsafe. added. Jelutong, Balik Manggis were evicted and end- “One or two street lamps are GEORGE TOWN – The state “There are several public ed up protesting against state out of order and that stretch of authorities are planning to housing projects that have PPR Pulau and Bukit authorities at Komtar. road is dark.” increase the number of rent- units in the state.” Minyak on On 8 March, Housing and “It has always been like to-own schemes in Penang as “But among the eligible oc- Local Government Minister Zu- that and the street lamps on the number of applicants for cupants, there are those from the mainland. raida Kamaruddin stated that one side of the road are not affordable homes keeps rising. George Town who are not keen This would there should be firm enforce- enough,” she said. This is in consideration of on staying in Balik Pulau or the ment over regulations on the A spokesman of the Kuala all 999 housing units under the mainland and vice-versa. And help solve the administration of PPR units. Lumpur City Hall responded, People’s Housing Project (PPR) this is among the hiccups we [issue of] 1,137 “When enforcement action is saying they would address the scheme being launched recent- are facing.” not taken, then the people will problem of faulty lamps in the l y. “But there will be more PPR applicants on not know that there are laws area. State Housing, Town, Coun- units in the future, with sever- the waiting list, and guidelines that they must “Residents who notice any try Planning and Local Govern- al projects located in Jelutong, adhere to,” she said. faulty street lamps can lodge ment Committee chairman Jag- Balik Pulau and Bukit Minyak Jagdeep Singh Deo a complaint via our hotline at 1800-88-3255,” he said.

plications or plans from the raised concerns over the pro- developer,” Yew added in re- posed development. RM 600 Million sponse to questions on the pro- It was reported that they posed project. were unhappy with the devel- Balik Pulau On 31 January, Ark Resourc- opment of a new 10.2 km road es Holdings Bhd. had entered by the Rural Development Min- Township into a joint venture agreement istry along 1,000 ha of oil palm with Koperasi Kampung Melayu land, shrimp ponds and man- Balik Pulau Bhd. (KKMBPB). groves, and had questioned Project Does The 80:20 joint venture whether the road was meant would entitle KKMBPB, com- to cater to the new mixed-use Not Exist prising mainly legal owners of project by the public-listed de- land in Kampung Melayu Balik veloper. GEORGE TOWN – The pro- “The proposed project does Pulau, to 20 per cent on the It has been reported that the posed RM 600 million GDV not exist as far as the city coun- GDV, equivalent in value to the developer had earlier specified township development in Balik cil is concerned,” said MBPP minimum sum of RM 120 mil- that plans for the project were Pulau does not exist because Mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang lion, comprising RM 45 million subject to the extension of the no planning permission appli- at the official opening of the in cash and the balance in the land lease, re-categorizing of cation has been received from city council’s MakerSpace @ form of units or lots in the de- land use, and approval of build- the developer, said the Penang Balik Pulau on 7 March. velopment. ing plans. Island City Council (MBPP). “We did not receive any ap- Residents in Balik Pulau had FEATURE March 2019 | Selangor Journal 13

them as competing ‘unfairly’ for Positive Agenda Needed better opportunities. Too By inducing or exaggerating People are being continuous- a sense of external threat by the ly influenced by hate speech. ‘other’, they can be thought of But as dehumanization be- not only as different but even comes the norm, tolerated and as threatening. It is generally sustained not only by individu- easier to think of outsiders as al actions but also by a socio- less than human, and hence un- economic culture promoting deserving of empathy or com- - even needing - dehumaniza- passion; both are cultural and tion, then the culture of hatred, socio-psychological conditions including hate speech, becomes conducive to hate, aggression normalized. and violence. Hence, it is necessary to take A Harvard psychologist measures to deter, delegitimize co-author of the study report- cally with ‘half-truths’, rather and even disallow hate speech edly noted, “When a group is than less credible, outright fab- in view of its likely consequenc- Hate Speech put on the defensive and made rications. es and the normalization of to feel threatened, they begin In the era of fake news, fake hate it thrives on and contrib- to believe that anything, includ- alerts and ‘post-truth’, such utes to. Threatens Our ing violence, is justified.” These threaten not only to half-truths have become more effective, and hence, more dan- undermine social solidarity, gerous in abetting the power to Dehumanizing Others peaceful coexistence and mu- Humanity demean, displace and destroy, Cultural chauvinists also tual respect, but also to do far encourage antagonism to and more damage, not only for in- By especially when driven by am- But often, even more aggres- bition seeking greater influence violence against others by de- ternational relations but also Jomo Kwame Sundaram, sive and vicious is the hate rhet- and power. monizing and dehumanizing for social peace, especially in M. Nadarajah oric of the rising cultural popu- The recent popularity, main- them as sub-human or even multicultural societies. lists, as they manufacture new streaming and legitimization of non-human, so that they are As hate becomes part and language to outdo one anoth- ethno-populism and jingoism in not deemed worthy of treat- parcel of our ‘way of life’, it be- BHUBANESWAR, India and er and the incumbents, while the West, as well as other parts ment and consideration as fel- comes increasingly difficult to KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 26 trying to unify their ‘imagined of the world, demand attention low humans. reverse these processes to re- (IPS) – Do politicians’ words communities’ behind them. to how cultural analysis, social Earlier, Fiske and a colleague capture our lost ability to build matter? Since becoming US psychology and neuroscience had found that their study sub- reason, empathy and compas- President, Donald J. Trump has Cultural Populism for can help us better understand jects were so un-empathetic sion. dismissed his opponents and Imagined Communities the effects of such rhetoric. to images of drug addicts and While difficult but necessary, others he does not like as evil, Ethno-populists, jingoist na- the homeless that they could this is hardly sufficient as we re- stupid or both. He has referred tionalists, other chauvinists Normalizing hate speech not imagine how they felt or visit, mobilize and augment our thought; the brain regions re- remaining cultural resources to undocumented immigrants and their enablers try to con- Unsurprisingly, continuous quired to empathize with them for a positive agenda to redis- as “animals”, and to poor coun- vince their followers that they or frequent exposure to hate as human beings deserving of cover the best in our common tries as “shitholes”. are victims facing threats from speech is known to increase ‘moral treatment’ could not be humanity, drawing on mutual exaggerated or even imagined prejudice, resentment and ani- activated. respect and the universal ethos Fostering Culture of dangers, such as conspiracies mosity. Such influences desen- Instead, the brain region as- underlying our rich cultural di- Hate by enemy ‘others’ of which they sitize people to verbal and even sociated with feelings of disgust versity. are ignorant due to obfuscation other forms of aggression, by Around the world, such was activated. As Fiske has ar- While the current culture of by fake news. ‘normalizing’ actions and be- harsh words have become nor- gued, “Both science and history hate has a supportive ‘ecosys- Around the world, they use haviour which might otherwise malized as part of the rhetoric suggest that people will nur- tem’ of sorts in some aspects cultural ignorance, unfamiliar- be socially condemned. The of leaders, against perceived ture and act on their prejudices of neuroscience, human biolo- ity, suspicions, prejudices, an- culture of hate seems to thrive and manufactured enemies, to in the worst ways when these gy and social psychology also imosity and fear-mongering to in the human ‘ecosystem’. mobilize the intended ‘imag- people are put under stress, recognize our ‘compassion in- mobilize their followers, typi- Leaders who inspire prej- ined community’ against ‘the pressured by peers, or receive stinct’, an orientation of mind udice, anger and fear among other’. approval from authority figures that recognises pain, the uni- their supporters stimulate surg- Such rhetoric, increasing- to do so.” versality of pain and suffering, es of stress hormones, such as ly emulated by political, reli- Thus, when a politician or and the ‘instinctive’ need, in- norepinephrine and cortisol, af- gious and community leaders some other socially influential deed desire to help others. fecting the amygdala - the brain the world over, has contributed Both science and person dehumanizes others, centre for threat. Threatening greatly to the growing climate they are being put beyond the history suggest language directly stimulates of resentment and hatred of range of empathy, depriving the amygdala, making it diffi- the ‘other’, the ‘outsider’, the that people will them of moral protection and cult for humans to ‘wind down’ ‘stranger’. legitimizing inhuman treat- their passions and emotions in Hate words and speech have nurture and act on ment against them. order to ‘think’ before acting. become widespread globally. In another famous 1960s their prejudices One does not have to be They have become part of dom- study by Yale psychologist Stan- Jomo Kwame Sundaram, a for- mentally defective or unstable inant cultures, spreading mean- in the worst ways ley Milgram, most study sub- mer economics professor and to be ‘inspired’ to aggression ings, worldviews and beliefs, jects were willing to obey an United Nations Assistant Secre- when these people and violence by such rhetoric. tary-General, was a member of all with considerable impact. authority figure’s instructions Most of us are susceptible to the new Malaysian Government’s When dominant, they are am- are put under to give electric shocks to other such ‘motivational’ speeches, Council of Eminent Persons. plified by authority and power participants, not knowing that especially when conditions are – political, economic, social, stress, pressured the shocks were fake. conducive. and cultural, increasingly rec- by peers, or 65 per cent - almost two out ognised as ‘soft’ power. of three - did as told, deliver- The rhetoric of hatred has receive approval Legitimizing Violence ing the maximum shock, which been echoed and thus amplified from authority Against Others could have been fatal, if real. by traditional as well as social A study led by Princeton psy- Clearly, people can easily be in- media, including the increas- figures to do so. chologist Susan Fiske has linked fluenced by authority to terribly ingly vicious culture online, as anger and violent impulses to harm others. Followers thus fol- M. Nadarajah is Chair Pro- rivals compete to outdo one an- distrust of ‘outsiders’ or ‘oth- low the leader in dehumanizing fessor, Xavier Centre for New other, vying for attention. ers’, especially when economic others. Humanities and Compassion difficulties encourage viewing Studies, Xavier University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. 14 BUSINESS March 2019 | Selangor Journal

Turning Malaysia well-diversified economy resting on the back of its solid economic fundamentals. With that in mind, Dr Ong is confident into a Global Finance that with Malaysia’s pro-business, pru- dent and pragmatic policies, the nation will continue to be the profit centre in Asia. Services Hub As a hub for Global Business Services, By Malaysia aims to build a globally com- Batrisyia Jay Trade and Industry, Dr Ong Kian Ming, petitive outsourcing industry by attract- officiated the inauguration, also wit- ing and retaining the best Shared Ser- A Robotic and nessed by Mr Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt, the vices and Outsourcing (SSO) companies Cognitive Centre Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia, in the world and increasing competitive- will deliver a ‘digital and Mr David Thomas, the acting Brit- ness of Malaysian SSO companies. global, science-led biophar- disruption’ in day- ish High Commissioner to Malaysia. Ac- As such, up to RM 1.9 billion of over- maceutical business com- cording to Dr Ong, the MOA signing be- seas sales have been registered in Q3 pany with innovative med- to-day operations, tween the two companies is in line with 2018, while recording RM 263 million icines used by millions of thus bringing the Government’s initiative towards of projected investments in 2017. Mean- patients worldwide, Astra- greater efficiency preparing domestic industries to face while, GBS recorded investment growth Zeneca has recently announced that they the challenges of the fourth Industrial of RM 4.3 billion or an increase of 72 will be investing more than RM 500 mil- and improving Revolution through the Industry4WRD per cent from 2016. What is more prom- A initiative under the stewardship of MITI, ising is that a total number of new jobs lion in Malaysia over the next five years. productivity that The move demonstrates a strengthening will be scaled across which was launched by the Prime Minis- created increased from 9,664 in 2016 to commitment on the company’s part to- ter on 31 October 2018. 10,441 in 2017. wards patients, innovation and talent global operations “I understand that in the last five Between the years 2014 and 2018, development in the country. AstraZen- using Robotic Process years, AstraZeneca has invested a total AstraZeneca conducted 18 clinical trials eca endeavours to roll out robotic and Automation of USD 92 million in Malaysia. It is good in Malaysia and partnered with non-gov- cognitive technology designed to im- to note that under the Investment Plans ernmental organizations and healthcare prove efficiency and drive productivity for the next 5 years, AstraZeneca is po- providers to improve diagnosis rates across the company’s global operations. sitioning Malaysia as the Global Finance and treatment outcomes. Datuk Zainal Services hub catering for its operations Amanshah, CEO of InvestKL, expressed A High-Tech Global by performing repetitive rules-based in the Asia Pacific region by moving up his pleasure that four decades on, Astra- Business Hub tasks across multiple applications. the value chain to middle office finan- Zeneca continues to place its confidence Moreover, the hub is one of AstraZen- cial, accounting and business services,” in Malaysia as a hub, seeing as Malay- The investment includes new head- eca’s three shared service hubs globally, said Dr Ong. sia, particularly Kuala Lumpur, offers a quarters for AstraZeneca Malaysia in the other two being located in Costa Rica strong proposition for global multina- Nucleus Tower, Mutiara Damansara. Set and Poland, and builds on the growth Improving Malaysia’s tionals to create better value. in Kuala Lumpur, the location houses of the global business services sector in Economic Outlook “With the MOA signing, AstraZeneca both local and global business opera- and my team are working together in Malaysia valued at around USD240 bil- Our nation’s economy continues to tions across a wide variety of functions shaping a stronger vendor collaboration lion in the Asia Pacific region in 2014. evolve and tap on the opportunities such as finance and procurement leader- to support and enhance product inno- arising from global trade patterns and ship for the region. Setting up their own vation. The team will also work with A Pact Made higher market integration. The govern- headquarters here in Malaysia is part of various universities in building the lo- At the inauguration of the new HQ on ment is keen to attract more quality in- AstraZeneca’s ongoing commitment to cal talent pool to support AstraZeneca’s 12 March, AstraZeneca signed a Mem- vestments from all over the globe. Thus, boost high-value skills and employment business in the region,” he said. orandum of Agreement with InvestKL this investment demonstrates continued as well as bringing in new science and Spread over 50,000 sq. ft space across co-signed by Mr Allen Patino, Country investor confidence in Malaysia. innovation to help patients across the five floors, the new AstraZeneca Malay- President of AstraZeneca Malaysia, and “In 2017, Malaysia recorded approved nation. sia HQ will serve as the primary hub for Datuk Zainal Amanshah, CEO of Invest- investments amounting to RM 197.1 bil- As such, a new Global Business Ser- AstraZeneca Global Finances Services KL, in a bid to collaborate on innovation, lion in overall economic sectors cover- vices hub will be equipped with cut- Management Reporting, providing ad- talent development and partnerships ing services, manufacturing and prima- ting-edge robotic technology and auto- ditional support for Corporate Treasury from 2019 to 2023. In line with its strat- ry sectors. For the first nine months of mation to support financial, accounting Centre reporting, with Global Finance egy for improving access to healthcare, 2018, the total approved investments and business services for the company’s Office metrics reporting also being AstraZeneca aims to improve disease stood at RM 139.3 billion, an indication operations in the Asia Pacific region. moved from the United Kingdom to Ma- prevention, awareness and treatment by that Malaysia continues to be one of the At this hub, a Robotic and Cognitive laysia. The Analytics team in Malaysia building capacity in areas with limited attractive investment destinations, in- Centre will deliver a ‘digital disruption’ also supports functions such as process infrastructure and improving affordabil- cluding among foreign investors such as in day-to-day operations, thus bringing mining, predictive modelling, natural ity for patients. This initiative is support- AstraZeneca,” said Dr Ong. greater efficiency and improving pro- language generation and cognitive au- ed by the Malaysia Digital Economy Cor- Despite the multiple challenges faced ductivity that will be scaled across glob- tomation. al operations using Robotic Process Au- poration (MDEC) under the MSC status. by the global economy, Malaysia re- tomation, which mimics human actions Deputy Minister of International mains a resilient nation, a result of a LIFESTYLE March 2019 | Selangor Journal 15

ollowing the recent issue of illegal toxic dumping in Pasir Gudang, Jo- hor Bahru, over 2000 people have Over 2000 Victims Fnow sought medical treatment while over 30,000 school children were forced to stay at home as a result of one of the country’s worst environmental catastro- Treated for Pasir phes. The chemical spill, which was due to the illegal dumping of toxic waste Identifying the Toxic Chemicals into the Kim Kim River, have federal Gudang Chemical DOE investigators have identified the and state agencies apprehensive as they chemicals as marine oil waste, which is strive to aid thousands of victims. usually used to lubricate marine engines. Pollution The oil emits flammable methane and By Poisoning of Children benzene fumes. According to Johor DOE The victims, many of whom were chil- Batrisyia Jay director, Datuk Mohammad Ezzani Mat, dren and students exposed to the fumes Compounds such as acrylonitrile and ac- believed to be methane, were report- rolein, in addition to hydrogen chloride, ed to have been treated by emergency 7 March toluene, xylene and limonene, were also Around 2.43 tonnes of chemical waste 8 March workers in the field. Many of the victims reported to be identified as part of the was dumped into the Kim Kim Riv- The number of victims hospitalized due experienced suffocation, headache, diz- chemicals. Energy, Technology, Science, er under a bridge in Kota Masai. The to inhaling the toxic fumes rose to 79. ziness and even loss of consciousness, Climate Change and Environment Min- chemicals are also believed to contain all of which are symptoms related to ister Yeo Bee Yin was quoted as saying traces of heavy metals. methane poisoning.These students were 9 March that authorities have identified at least largely from schools along the pollut- Five police reports were lodged on the eight of the chemicals based on their The chemicals were washed down- ed river. However, the dry weather and chemical dumping, and police began sampling, but there are still unknown stream and polluted the air with tox- heavy winds had pushed the toxic fumes investigating the case. Authorities said chemicals present. to a larger area, thus creating alarm ic gas. Residents and students in two the chemical clean up would start on 11 schools located in the Pasir Gudang across the industrial town of Pasir Gu- March and would last for five days. What Makes it Toxic dang, which is about a 30-minute drive area started vomiting and fainting af- According to the Canadian Centre for from Johor Bahru. ter breathing in the strong fumes from Occupational Health and Safety, expo- Following the tragedy, the Taman the river. Following the incident, a total 11 March sure to high quantities of methane re- Pasir Putih Community Hall had been of 30 people were admitted to hospital. Three men were arrested in relation duces oxygen levels in the body and can turned into a makeshift treatment cen- The schools, located some 500 metres to the chemical dumping, including the result in organ damage, including dam- tre before the victims were transferred from the dumping site, were ordered to owner of an illegal tyre recycling fac- age to the brain and heart. Methane gas to hospitals. Furthermore, Malaysian close. tory in Kulai and the owner of a waste can also irritate the eyes. Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) processing factory in Pasir Putih. Acrylonitrile is extremely dangerous officers in complete protective gear had as it is highly flammable and toxic at low been taking readings from the location 12 March 14 March A total of 306 victims were admitted to doses. The flammable material releases impacted by the toxic dumping. The number of victims doubled to al- hospital or sent to health clinics after fumes of hydrogen cyanide and oxides most 1,000, including 30 students from being affected by the toxic fumes. The of nitrogen. The International Agency A Better Warning System a school located 6 km from the dump- two schools that were first affected for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies Needed ing site. Despite Osman’s comments, had initially reopened but were quickly it as a Class 2B carcinogen, or “possibly Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Ismail the federal government passed an closed once again. After students in carcinogenic”. Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj, emergency motion and declared a state two more schools suffered health Meanwhile, the United States’ Cen- had proposed that the state government of emergency over the situation. issues from inhaling the gas, a total tre for Disease Control and Prevention develop an early warning system for air of 13 schools were instructed to close. (CDC), Benzene causes cell dysfunc- or water pollution. He clarified that such The Ministry of Education ordered all tion. For example, it can alter levels of a system would let authorities issue an 111 schools in and around Pasir Gu- antibodies in the blood, thus leading dang to close indefinitely, deeming early warning to residents. 13 March to the loss of white blood cells, causing “At the same time, residents can also the situation as critical. The Sultan of The number of victims rose to 506, and damage to the immune system and pre- make preparations, while emergency Johor pledged a donation of RM 1 mil- the number of schools ordered to close venting bone marrow from producing teams or authorities can have a head lion (US$244,530) to assist with the rose to 34. However, Johor Menteri enough red blood cells, which can in start,” Sultan Ibrahim told the Royal clean-up, which Johor officials said Besar, Datuk Osman Sapian said the turn lead to anaemia. Both acrylonitrile Press Office on 14 March, referring to would be used to buy equipment for government would not declare a state and acrolein are strong irritants to the the current air and river pollution sit- rescue teams.One of the arrested sus- of emergency for the area, adding that skin, eyes, and nasal passages, accord- uation in Pasir Gudang. The statement pects, the owner of the factory in Ku- the situation was “contained and under ing to the CDC and Ullmann’s Encyclo- was also posted on his official Facebook lai, was expected to be charged. How- control”. paedia of Industrial Chemistry. page. Apart from the said system, he ever, the prosecution postponed the As the number of victims of the illegal also wanted the special committee set case to collect additional information. toxic dumping in Pasir Gudang increases up by Johor Menteri Besar, Datuk Os- The suspect faces a maximum jail term over time, the public is advised to be ex- man Sapian, to draft standard operating of five years and a RM 500,000 fine for tra careful on matters regarding health procedures (SOP) to ensure that such breaching Section 34B of the Environ- and safety and to take appropriate pre- incidents do not reoccur in the state. mental Quality Act 1974. cautions. “Therefore, I want the special com- mittee to be established urgently and Prevention is Better Than Cure emphasize what I have already stressed,” Here is how you can prevent from be- he said. Sultan Ibrahim had visited the ing exposed to these chemicals: Pasir Gudang fume inhalation victims in the Sultan Ismail Hospital (HSI) on 14 March. He also pledged RM 1 million to aid the rescue of victims affected by toxic Follow the instructions of the authorities fumes in the area. The financial aid was and stay abreast of the latest information The Fire and Rescue Department of offered after the ruler heard an audio on the matter. Do not listen to sensation- Malaysia suggests the use of appropri- recording of a man crying for help for alised, false information. Do not enter the affected area and avoid ate protective equipment. If one of your his child, according to the Permaisuri of taking part in recreational activities near family members is affected, do not wash If you experience any symptoms such as Johor, Raja Zarith Sofiah Idris Shah. The the affected area, as the toxic chemicals his or her clothes with those of the rest nausea, shortness of breath, eye irrita- Johor government has allocated RM 6.4 can spread depending on the tempera- of the family, as the toxic chemicals can tion and chest irritation, get immediate million to clean up the 1.5 km stretch of ture, wind speed and weather conditions. transfer to other clothing items. treatment. the river that was affected and the oper- ation is expected to take one week. LIFESTYLE March 2019 | Selangor Journal 16 AR UND TOWN March 2019

Putrajaya’s My Balloon Fiesta

MyBalloonFiesta (formerly Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta) is an annual event in Kuala Lumpur that really makes you sit up and take notice. A great way to snap some great travel photos, it is held in Desa Parkcity and is reminiscent of New Kuala Lumpur York’s Adirondack Hot Air Balloon Festival. Expect to International Book see lots of colourful, teardrop-shaped balloons, as Disney on Ice presents well as some outrageous, quirkily-shaped ones. Fair Mickey’s Super Celebration 28 March – 31 March, 2019 The Ministry of Education, Malaysia via Precinct 2, Putrajaya the National Book Council of Malaysia Grab your mouse ears and get ready for the ultimate interactive Free Admission (NBCM) is organizing the Kuala Lumpur event honouring the ‘True Original’ in Disney On Ice’s Mickey’s myballoonfiesta.com International Book Fair (KLIBF) in Super Celebration. Join Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy, collaboration with six Malaysian book and of course Mickey, on a journey to discover his favourite industry associations. memory of all time.

A major annual event in the global For the first time in Asia, see fearless Moana LIVE on ice, as publishing calendar since 1981, KLIBF has she displays the courage to save her island on a high-seas recorded more than 2 million visitors since adventure with the greatest demigod that ever lived, Maui. 2013 to date, thus being the perfect venue Continue the journey with your family to the wintry world of for ‘bibliophiles’ or book-lovers to get both Arendelle as royal sisters Anna and Elsa discover that true old and new publications. love is the most powerful magic of all, and experience the Book launches, seminars and conventions mysterious magic of Fantasia as a Sorcerer’s Apprentice are among the activities that will be held makes brooms come to life. to cater to the needs of book-lovers from all walks of life. ‘Live Your Story’ alongside Disney Princess as they use perseverance, determination and hard work to inspire Mickey 23 March – 7 April, 2019 and children around the world to celebrate their favourite Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) Disney memories in this commemoration of 90 years of Mickey Free Admission Mouse. www.klibf.my Stadium Melawati, Shah Alam 5 April, 2019 – 7 April, 2019 RM 308 , RM 258 , RM 208 , RM 168 , RM 128 , RM 88 *Ticket prices shown above exclude RM 4 ticket fee & booking charges www.prworldwidelive.com

The Noise of Time – Readings on World Poetry Day

To celebrate World Poetry Day on 21 March, PUSAKA invites you to join them for a special night of poetry in many languages ‒ English, Malay, Arabic, Persian, German, Ed Sheeran Divide French, Spanish, Chinese, Tamil, Malayalam, and Japanese. With readings by poets, translators, and poetry lovers including Eddin Khoo, Pauline Fan, Hafiz Hamzah, Zahid Tour 2019 M. Naser, Al-Mustaqeem M Radhi, Lilianne Fan, Guillermo Lauriano, Mwaffaq Al-Hajjar, Kuala Lumpur Mohammad Amin Kamranimashhadi, Tay Cher Siang, and Kalash Nanda Kumar. The phrase ‘The Noise of Time’ is borrowed from the title of the memoirs of Russian poet, Osip Mandelstam. See Ed Sheeran live in concert this April here in Malaysia with your loved ones! All are welcome. Bring along your favourite poem. Ed Sheeran’s Divide Tour will rock our National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on 13 April Lit Books, Petaling Jaya 2019 (Saturday). 21 March, 2019 Free Admission Stadium Bukit Jalil litbooks.com.my 13 April, 2019 Visit prworldwidelive.com for tickets www.prworldwidelive.com Published by the Selangor State Government FASUREFA ENTERPRISE (00112098-W) W-7-03, Gamuda Biz Suites, Persiaran Anggerik Vanilla, Seksyen 31, 40460, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel 03 5131 4767