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

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. 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

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 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 lion in 2017. Meanwhile, the services sector saw Putra Selangor successful in recording the MB Attends Dubai highest total investment in Malay- sia by RM 5.784 billion compared to Investment Annual RM 4.5 billion in 2017. he state government has Amirudin, in a statement, said the announced that they will state government will work hard to be building a flyover in Meeting 2019 achieve the RM 10 billion investment the target for 2019 and believes the current area in order to accommo- “AIM is home to the largest global positive economic development will date the sudden surge of heavy traffic – Selangor Menteri Besar, investors, among them are corporate help to realize that goal. Tin the area. Amirudin Shari attended the Annual In- leaders, policy makers, businessmen, The ninth edition of AIM carries the The project which will cost vestment Meeting (AIM) 2019 in Dubai regional and international investors, theme ‘Mapping the Future of FDI: En- RM 60 million and is expected to on 8 April. entrepreneurs, academics and leading riching World Economies through Digi- ease the burden of residents in the Amirudin, via Facebook, said AIM is experts who are showcasing the latest tal Globalization’. area since the unexpected rise in traf- the main platform for attracting Foreign information, strategies and knowledge The meeting discusses the impact of fic for the past few years. Direct Investments (FDI). to attract FDIs.” digital globalization, how policies can Dato’ Menteri Besar, Amirudin 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 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 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 Dubai’s Prime Minister and Superin- tors,” he wrote. nities, and how to attract and develop Valley Expressway (SKVE) and the tendent, Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Al Selangor delegates to AIM are op- skilled talent from across the world. North South Highway Express Link Maktoum. timistic about involving investors and (ELITE), who are coming from the direction of Bandar Saujana Putra. “We have discussed with the rele- vant parties” he added. “Developer Seribu Baiduri Sdn. Performance of assessed officer,” Amirudin said. gor State Secretary Office (PSUK). Bhd. has given their commitment in Civil Servants “This is because there are cases where Also present were Selangor State order to speed up the tender process officers rated scores exceeding 96 per Secretary, Dato’ Mohd Amin bin Ahmad and begin working on the construc- 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 SHAH ALAM – The State Government and performance,” he added. Daud and State Executive Councillors during his Program Jelajah Maju Ber- is adopting the Annual Performance As- “Every performance appraisal is made (MMKN). sama ke Daerah Kuala Langat on 12 sessment Report (LNPT) as one of the more objective and realistic to illustrate At the same time, Amirudin reminded April 2019. mechanisms for measuring the perfor- the actual performance of the officers civil servants to practice and emphasize Explaining further, Amirudin ex- mance of Selangor civil servants. based on the achievement of the work, some of the basic principles of working plained that pressure from council Selangor Menteri Besar, Amirudin knowledge, skills, personal qualities and such as timeliness, factual accuracy, me- members as well as members of the Shari, said that through LNPT, the im- contribution of the officers during the ticulousness and being detailed in carry- State Legislative Assembly had been plementation to determine the perfor- assessment year.” ing out their duties. instrumental in speeding up the proj- mance of civil servants can be measured He said this at the 2018 Excellent “If the principle is practiced, I am con- ect. and evaluated more fairly and objective- Service Award (APC) Ceremony and the fident that the Selangor State Secretary “Residents no longer have to wor- l y. Jasamu Dikenang (AJD) Award 2019, Office is capable of producing human ry about the tender process as it is “The scoring system is justified, rea- which was held at the Sultan Abdul Aziz capital and high-quality service deliv- ongoing and the site work is expect- sonable, not too extreme and gives a Perak Jubilee Banquet Hall on 15 April ery systems as well as world-class stan- ed to begin in July of next year and true picture of the performance of the to recognize achievers from the Selan- dards,” said Amirudin. end in June 2021,” he added.

ADVISOR Editorial Advisory Board, CCSB MANAGING EDITOR The ultimate test of Ameena Siddiqi man’s conscience may WRITERS Batrisyia Jay be his willingness to Editorial Muhaimin Merican sacrifice something Team today for future DESIGNER Naqiuddin Muaz generations whose words of thanks will not be heard. Aras 2, Carlton Holiday Hotel & Suite, No 1, Persiaran Akuatik 13/43 Seksyen 13, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor Gaylord Nelson Tel 03-5523 4856 Fax 03-5523 5856 Email [email protected] NEWS April 2019 | Selangor Journal 03

MB on Work Visit to Kuala Langat

KUALA LANGAT — On 12 April, Se- langor Menteri Besar, Amirudin Shari, began a work visit tour through the Je- lajah Maju Bersama programme to the . The programme started off with the on Jalan Saujana Putra in Ban- Selangor Menteri Besar performing the dar Saujana Putra. Speaking at dawn prayer with the locals at Masjid Surau Al-Ikhlas, he announced Jamek As-Solihin, Kanchong Darat. that the state government will He then kicked off a morning rally be building a flyover in the with civil servants in the Sri Hall, Bandar Saujana Putra area in Telok Datok, before chairing the State In the past 10 years, order to accommodate the sud- Executive Councillor (MMKN) meeting, den surge of heavy traffic in the at the Kuala Langat District and Land we have never reduced area. Office. Later, in the evening, Amiru- The meeting was then followed by development in the din held a townhall session Amirudin performing Friday prayers state. Therefore, it is with resident representatives to at Masjid At-Taqwa in before hear the people’s problems in the area. gramme is Amirudin’s approach to be- 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 around Kuala Langat. look for development state government will focus on new in- faced by the people of Selangor, which After the Friday prayers, Amirudin vestments that emphasize integrity and in turn can lead to a complete solution visited the paragliding site in Bukit with the presence of social values. to these issues. Jugra to try out the sport for himself. In “In the past 10 years, we have nev- The programme is part of the state the afternoon, he continued with a visit new investment values. er reduced development in the state. government’s endeavour to ensure that to the Boh Tea Plantation in Cheeding Therefore, it is important for us to look each district does not miss out any of the Hill, Banting. for development that will bring in new six existing smart clusters which are ed- On the final leg of his visit, - Amiru investment value,” he said. ucation, employment, housing, family, din addressed the issue of congestion The Jelajah Maju Bersama pro- health and welfare.

ing the Institution of Higher Education Rail Link Sdn. Bhd. (MRL) and (IPT) Institutions Debate 2019 at Uni- China Communications Construction Selangor MB: versiti Selangor (UNISEL) on 15 April. Company Ltd. (CCCC) agreed to sign an Amirudin said this when he was asked additional agreement. Re-aligned ECRL to comment to the media on the issue It is understood that the Prime Min- regarding the federal government’s an- ister’s special representative, Tun Daim nouncement of the resumption of the Zainuddin—who headed the talks on Route Saves ECRL project this issue—said the construction of the In July 2018, the Ministry of Finance ECRL will see a new line. The new line had announced that the Selangor state will have stops at Kota Bharu, Mentak- Valuable Assets government strongly opposed the com- ab, Jelebu, Kuala Kelawang, Bangi/Ka- pletion of a railway track between Gom- jang, and . bak and Port Klang. Plans to construct two other ECRL 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 Gates Quartz Ridge, which is the longest based on objections the state made pre- quartz dyke in the world. viously. Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng also “It is because it splits the Titiwangsa — The federal govern- been strongly protested by Selangor. said that the completion of the ECRL Range and will partially affect the Gom- 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 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 volving Gombak quartz ridge has been which begins in Port Klang, and it does Government’s efforts to list this area as Amirudin. 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- ment. Gombak as long as we are able to save However, on 12 April, the Prime Min- tional Geopark Site, [and] although this Selangor Menteri Besar, Amirudin environmental assets precious to Selan- ister’s Office, in a statement, announced is slightly lower in prestige compared to 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, 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 ernment’s protest into consideration to bak quartz ridge, the state government RM 21.5 billion for the first and second gazetting,” he added. save the state’s valuable assets. has also managed to save the homestay phases. “Eventually the protest by the state Amirudin said the state government at the 12thMile in Gombak, which In addition, the statement also said was heard and the project has started 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.” tion of the ECRL, which had previously were done there,” he said after launch- RM 65.5 billion to RM 44 billion after 04 FEATURE April 2019 | Selangor Journal Increasing Home Ownership for Selangorians

The Issue MEDIAN MULTIPLE AFFORDABILITY On 22 November 2018, Minister of LOCATION (YEAR 2014) Housing and Local Government, Zu- 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 Batrisyia Jay ing a monthly income of RM 3,900 or less). *Source: Khazanah Research Institute (2015) “As such, we are taking proactive measures to resolve these issues and have identified the four main problems, The Solution “The Selangor government, through which are affordability, supply not meet- Due to the steadily-increasing demand the Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI), ing the demand, lack of innovation in for affordable housing at a price of Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad 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 It was apparent that the ability to pro- tion to the affordable housing issue in solutions for the people of Selangor,” said vide affordable housing to the masses is the state. Selangor Menteri Besar, Amirudin Shari. SELANGOR JOURNAL at the forefront of the issue. A house is Following the considered affordable if an individual or launch, the state gov- a family can afford to occupy it without ernment has been spending more than 30 per cent of their proactively reviewing At the MBI level, we use the income. Nonetheless, housing prices in the existing policy to Selangor Housing and Real Malaysia have gone on a hike and hous- ensure its continued Estate Board (LPHS) policy that ing has become unaffordable for most relevance, based on middle to lower income groups. Ac- the current economic requires developers to provide cording to the findings of the Khazanah situation of the state home-based pricing units such as Research Institute in 2015, housing in and the country. Continued from cover page... Malaysia had become severely unafford- The main objec- Rumah Selangorku. Hence, we use able. tive of this scheme is the concept to create the Rumah The institute found that houses were to ensure that every Idaman with no changes in terms of As such, both the public and private deemed unaffordable in Kuala Lumpur individual or family sectors have stepped up their game while in Selangor they were moderately in Selangor is able policy, and at the same time, boost and are involved in various housing unaffordable. One of the reasons behind to own a good, safe affordable housing in the state. this unaffordability issue was the imbal- programmes in Malaysia, with the aim and conducive home. - Soffan Affendi Aminudin, MBI’s Chief Operating Officer of safeguarding the welfare of the low- ance between the huge demand, and With this in mind, er-income group. The public sector aims supply of houses in the country. Rumah Selangorku to provide housing to the lower-income Research also suggested that af- aims to offer housing group and public employees. On the fordable housing issues particularly at more value in terms of size, design “Today, the Selangor government other hand, the private sector focuses affect middle-income earners, as they and community, making it the perfect has introduced a comprehensive solu- more on the overall market demand. are neither qualified for social housing solution for lower- and middle-income tion to affordable home ownership that 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- laysia Plan (2006-2010) was launched, plied houses. Therefore, seeing as they prices. ing industry,” added Amirudin. The 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 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- ity housing for Malaysians. It is contin- housing assistance programme, while at Rakyat Selangor scheme. The scheme— mah Idaman Abadi units and at Bandar uously promoting affordable housing the same time the private sector’s medi- implemented by the Selangor Menteri Teknologi on 6 April. 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 to time. dium-cost residential projects, remain ther boost the construction of affordable Officer, Soffan Affendi Aminudin is of out of reach for them. housing in the state. 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- vide home-based pricing units such as square feet 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 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 knologi Kajang. bedrooms 3,000 3,000 HOUSEHOLD TYPE A HOUSEHOLD TYPE A INCOME INCOME

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, RM 10,000 per month is allowed Type A application is not allowed. two car parks to apply for Type B, C and D ap- plications.

ONE Applicants or spouses must have TYPE no other home, whether through government or private projects television set in Selangor. The applicant is only allowed to make a choice of one type of house: either type A, B, C, or D when applying.

Selangor Menteri Besar, Amirudin refrigerator Shari, together with MBI’s Chief Purchasing a house to live and Financial Officer, Mohd Helmi Mohd not to rent out. Yusof in the midst of exploring a replica of the apartment units for the Rumah Idaman Selangor. Transfer of application is only allowed after 5 years from the 2 YEARS A Dream Home TV cabinet Sale and Purchase Agreement with the permission of the state Rumah Idaman Selangor is a smart part- authority. nership between the state government The validity period for each reg- and private sector using high-technol- istered application is for 2 years. ogy innovation and close collaboration After that period, the application with financial institutions. The scheme kitchen data which is still under ‘listing’ offers residential units of more than will be released from the system cabinets http://lphs.selangor.gov.my/ 1,000 square feet, with three bedrooms, and applicants will have to make two bathrooms and two car parks. a fresh application if they are What is unique and interesting about For more information on the mat- still interested in applying for a these units is that each Rumah Idaman ter visit the LPHS website: Rumah Selangorku unit. unit comes equipped with a television set, refrigerator, TV cabinet, kitchen cab- inets, air conditioning in every room, as air conditioning in 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 making it a dream home for those of the than 6,000 names have been registered ecosystem where buyers, developers lower and even middle-income groups. for the purchase of Rumah Idaman since and funding agencies are keen to boost All the Rumah Idaman units will be its release last year. The encouraging the construction industry [to build] af- sold at a nett price of RM 250,000 and response came as a surprise to Soffan, fordable homes for the people,” he said. will be built at the following locations: who admitted that there has recently Meanwhile, Selangor Menteri Besar, Kajang, Bangi, Ampang, Shah Alam, been a higher demand from the people Amirudin Shari, announced via Twitter , , , Klang, water heater of Selangor to have similar homes built that the number of people signing up for Bandar Saujana Putra, Bandar Salak in the bathroom in other areas. the scheme showed that the project was Tinggi and Kuala Langat North. According to Soffan, the housing loan warmly received by the people of Se- formula announced by Selangor Menteri langor, proving that the Rumah Idaman 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

Nation’s Economy to PH Needs Experience Moderate 6 Months Growth

to Remedy KUALA LUMPUR— The Ma- laysian economy is expected to experience moderate growth Issues Faced in 2019 due to challenging ex- ternal factors, said Economic by Country Affairs Deputy Minister Mohd Radzi Md Jidin. According to Mohd Radzi, these factors include the Unit- The former finance minister ed States (US) federal govern- KUALA TERENGGANU — “I think the government also described PH’s defeat in ment’s temporary shutdown The Pakatan Harapan (PH) needs another six months to fix Rantau as a display of the peo- which lasted for 35 days, from government requires another the situation, not only in terms ple’s anger over the rising price 22 December 2018, to 25 Jan- six months to repair the dam- of economic development but Yes, we can reduce of goods, the reasons for which uary this year—the longest government shutdown in US age left by the previous gov- also in other issues. The peo- the price of are still unknown to them. ernment and fix the country ple need to understand this,” According to Tun Daim, the history. for the better after taking over he said after attending the Bic- goods, we have people’s perception on the gov- He explained that the shut- the administration in May last ara Darul Iman Programme on conducted a study ernment’s performance will down affected the economic growth of the US, which in turn year. 14 April. on how to do it… improve as soon as the gov- Council of Eminent Persons “The government has a lot ernment is able to solve their affects world economic growth chairman, Tun Daim Zainud- of problems to think about... Insya-Allah, the problems, such as the rising during the first quarter of 2019. din, said during this period, including national security, price will be cost of living and fulfil all their “Additionally, the uncertain- ties in the monetary policies of PH had to face the people and foreign relations and defence... reduced soon. manifesto promises. give an accurate explanation if anything goes wrong some- “It’s not hard to explain the US, the slowdown in Chi- 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 nomic-related matters, so that government,” said Tun Daim. of things will done, just say that it cannot ongoing trade tension between the US and China also affected Malaysians would understand “Yes, we can reduce the be more stable be done. Tell the people why the current situation. price of goods, we have con- it cannot be done... there must the global economy and thus He explained that PH’s de- ducted a study on how to do in another six be a reason for that,” he said. the nation’s economy,” he told feat in the Rantau by-election it… Insya-Allah, the price will months. “It’s not like something can the Dewan Rakyat on 8 April. on 13 April was part of the be reduced soon. I think a lot be done but the government The Economic Affairs Deputy challenges that needed to be of things will be more stable in decides not to. That is why it Minister was replying to a ques- tackled, as the people were another six months.” must be explained to the peo- tion from Datuk Shamsul Anuar losing their patience. ple.” Nasarah (BN-Lenggong) who asked about Malaysia’s eco- nomic projection for the year and the ministry’s economic buffering mechanism to avoid an economic crisis. Mohd Radzi said that ac- cording to Bank Negara Ma- Strong Economic laysia’s 2018 Annual Report, Malaysia’s economic growth for Growth for 2019 will be supported by do- mestic growth—especially the demand from the private sector Malaysia Despite which continues to be the na- tion’s main driver for economic Low GDP Outlook growth. He added that private con- sumption is expected to grow KUALA LUMPUR— by 6.6 per cent while private in- Moody’s Investor “And that growth performance is Speaking to the press on 3 April, vestments are projected to rise Service cut Malaysia’s Gross Domestic still actually relatively strong when Anushka said that the local currency by 4.9 per cent in 2019. 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 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 This a further reduction from its Jan- Moody’s A3 credit rating for Malaysia,” stable investors”—notably domestic in- to record positive growth, with uary report, in which it had expected added Anushka. stitutional investors—adding that risks the service and manufacturing 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 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, respective annum. real GDP growth to be at 4.7 per cent “So, we don’t see Malaysia as par- respectively. 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, firm’s vice president and senior analyst, averaging around 5 per cent between changes in funding conditions, because the sectors remain the larg- said that Malaysia’s economic growth is 2015 and 2018. it [Malaysia] doesn’t rely on external est contributors to the nation’s fairly strong. According to the report, external funding,” she added. economy at around 79 per cent, “In Malaysia for example, growth headwinds from trade protectionism Anushka noted that the diversifica- adding that the Gross Domestic 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 expecting is that the trend will slow review of planned infrastructure proj- a fundamental credit strength for Ma- on a steady growth path, ex- this year as well,” she said. ects and slowing public spending will laysia, adding that this would make panding between 4.3 per cent “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. growth in 2019, and a 4.3 per cent Malaysia. shocks. growth in 2020 for Malaysia.” WOMEN April 2019 | Selangor Journal 07

Getting Familiar Autism is Harder to Detect Among Women One of the factors about ASD Adults with Autism that many are unaware of is with Autism that it is harder to be detect- are Able to Perform ed among women compared at Work By to men. Girls and women who No Two ASD Individuals There Are Many Unknown to many, most indi- have ASD are oftentimes over- Batrisyia Jay are the Same Factors Causing ASD viduals with autism are able to looked, as professionals tend As explained above, ASD does Many are often curious as to develop much-needed work- to emphasize that the disorder not have a specific set of symp- what causes autism. However, force skills once they reach affects boys and men more. As toms, as they are extremely as is with a complicated disor- adulthood. Be that as it may, a result, these women are often diverse. For instance, a classic der such as this, there are many as awareness on autism is still left undiagnosed up until they 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 month, it is only fit- 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. know more about person. Nonetheless, there are mother takes during pregnancy, they will still have difficulties in Moreover ASD among girls 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- ingA diagnosed more and more who are bright, extremely ver- seizure medications, can lead veloped certain repetitive hab- es of high-functioning autism, often the world over. With its bal and well-behaved—which to a child developing ASD as he its that are out of the norm in the signs of which are very dif- many forms, symptoms, and is why individuals with the dis- or she continues to grow. society. ferent from those in boys and different treatment methods, order are never classified in one On the other hand, brain Thus, businesses, begin- men. For instance, girls with Autism is without a doubt one specific manner. abnormalities—such as those ning with the government ASD might have fewer restrict- of the most confusing disor- However, what every indi- impacting the structure of the sector, should increase aware- ed interests and repetitive be- ders to come across, especial- vidual with ASD has in common brain or the function of the ness about autism among em- haviours compared to boys with ly for parents who are caring is a lack of social interest that brain, like infantile spasms— as ployees, and incorporate au- ASD. Oftentimes, girls with this for a child with Autism. eventually disrupts and impacts well as many other genetic ab- tism-friendly rules into their disorder have more socially ac- Autism, or autism spec- their day-to-day functions. The normalities and syndromes play policies, such as providing ceptable types of skills and in- trum disorder (ASD), refers lack of social skills and inter- a vital role in triggering ASD in flexible working hours and a terests, resulting in them being to a range of conditions that est—added with inadequate so- an individual. Vaccines are not defined job activity, in order to better at masking their autism challenges the social skills, cial motivation—are what sets part of the causes of ASD. benefit from the unique talents compared to those of the oppo- speech, non-verbal commu- them apart from other children. of these individuals. site gender. nication and repetitive be- haviours of an individual.The Centre for Disease Control To commemorate Autism homework. At the time, Luq’s fine trums and slow learners. Some more, kids with ASD need a lot (CDC) in the United States month, Selangor Journal motor skills were still very low, may think that all persons on more therapy support in order reports that the incidence would like to celebrate so Hasbe and her family had to the spectrum are geniuses with for them to be able to achieve ac- of autism reaches one in ev- mothers who are caring for massage his hands and do ther- high IQ, while others may think ademic skills,” Hasbe explained. 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, children with ASD. On that States. According to The Na- cles.“We had to create a more explained Hasbe. She added that Hasbe feels that the community tional Autism Society of Ma- account, we invited Hasbe accommodating desk work envi- there are many factors contrib- and the government can do much 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. 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- 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 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 Unlike other disorders, when he failed to show good whelmed with socialising, and inaccurate postings or reports can study and do well academi- Autism has many subtypes— social skills at school and we would often talk to his teach- about autism. cally. However, they need more most of which are influenced outside school, to share her ers for strategies to help him at Nevertheless, early interven- therapy time,” said Hasbe. by a combination of genetic experience with ASD. school and with homework.” tion helps children with autism “It would help if there are cen- and environmental factors. Hasbe admits that she did not a great deal to grow up and tres such as these close to the The disorder is also referred Hasbe Zuraini Abu Bakar was regret quitting her job in order overcome their issues. “Most schools or better yet, an Occupa- to as autism spectrum disor- born in Kuala Lumpur but was to help Luq with his UPSR exam- ASD kids have other issues that tional Therapist (OT) in schools der with the term ‘spectrum’ brought up in .She ination as he passed with flying co-exist with autism conditions, to help them. OTs can help the denoting the wide variety of is now living in Kuala Terengga- colours. Luq was accepted to a and many may have sensory kids to get settled again after symptoms within ASD be- nu with her family and has been local boarding school soon after processing disorders like my going through overwhelming sit- cause each individual with there for more than 16 years. The his exam. Although some parents son. Others may have ASD and uations at school. They can help autism has a distinct set of 47-year-old mother to Luqmanul might be reluctant to part with a anxiety disorders, while some the kids get readjusted and learn strengths and challenges. Hakim, who is fondly known as child who has autism, Hasbe said may have ADHD and other com- well in the classroom.” No two individuals with au- Luq, quit work to focus on her that Luq’s experience at board- bination diagnoses as well,” said The community should play tism are the same; they learn, son’s UPSR examination four ing school was very educational Hasbe. a big role in helping out when think and solve problems dif- years ago and is now a part-time for them. Hasbe agrees with the notion it comes to parenting for chil- ferently—which means that drama and English coach. “It helped us to understand that Malaysia has tried to accom- dren with ASD. For instance, they can range from highly The now 16-year-old Luq was more about ASD and puberty as modate kids on the spectrum. parents should talk to their chil- skilled individuals to severely diagnosed at the age of 10 with his puberty hit him quite hard. He However, she is of the opinion dren about their autistic friends challenged ones. Thus, some ASD when he failed to show was diagnosed with depression that the country is still lacking and explain to them how to help individuals with ASD might good social skills at school and the year he was taking PT3 and facilities and specialists to ca- these children adjust at school, require substantial support outside school. “He didn’t have to this day, I thank God for the ter for all the children with ASD. and how to help them to social- in their daily activities, while any developmental delays, so wonderful support he received “The Welfare Department for a ise. “Embrace autism as a good others may need less support we dismissed his quirkiness and from the Principal, the teach- long time placed ASD under the thing. Embrace neuro-diversity,” and are even able to live in- some of his weird behaviours,” ers, the wardens and his class- Learning Disabilities category. said Hasbe. dependently. In order to get said Hasbe. As a result, Luq did mates,” said Hasbe. Luq once Consequently, the National Ed- To parents of ASD children, more familiar with ASD, the not get the early intervention he again passed his PT3 examina- ucation Department (JPN) plac- Hasbe advises them to take one following is a list of the top needed. Upon diagnosis, Hasbe tion with good grades. es ASD kids along with [kids of step at a time. “Cherish and cel- four things that one should and her family quickly planned Hasbe is of the mind that the other] disabilities in the same ebrate each milestone your child know about the disorder: out his therapy and intervention awareness level on ASD in Ma- classroom. They need to know has achieved. Don’t get discour- programmes. laysia is still low.“Many are still that the needs of these children aged, as challenges are always Hasbe would often sit down confused at what autism is, as are different, and the method- there in our lives,” said Hasbe. with her son to help him with his the majority still think individuals ology and pedagogy should be 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 Pahang 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 Tanjung Malim. 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- Selangor River 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 mukim 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

SELANGOR QUICK TAKES

SELANGOR JOURNAL

12 dead after factory bus plunges into monsoon drain near KLIA

Shah Alam Photography Contest 2019 begins

The Shah Alam Fotografi 2019 Local strikers shine and secure crucial win contest titled “We Love Shah for Selangor FC Alam” offers winners a cash pool of RM 21,000 and certificates. The 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 the Red Giants as their contributions sank Melaka 4-3 in the Super League at open to all Malaysians above 18 the Hang Jebat Stadium on 6 April. years of age.

12 people were killed as the factory bus they were in plunged into a monsoon drain RM 300,000 for along Jalan S8 Pekeliling, near storm damage MAS Kargo, KL International Airport here on Sunday, 7 repairs April. Eight foreign workers and the local bus driver were The Selangor government will killed at the scene while award a total of RM 300,000 for another four succumbed to the victims of storms in the Paya their injuries while receiving Jaras area a few weeks ago. The treatment. donation is expected to be made as soon as possible to those affected by the storms. NEWS April 2019 | Selangor Journal 11

NATIONAL NEWS QUICK TAKES

SELANGOR JOURNAL

Almost all bosses adhering to RM 1,100 minimum wage

Almost all employers in the country have complied with the minimum wage policy of RM1,100, says Datuk Mahfuz Omar. The Deputy Human Resources Minister said the Labour Department conducted statutory inspections to see if employers were adhering to the *Source: www.mrl.com.my minimum wage order. “They conducted 7,695 inspections Malaysia to continue with ECRL No two-thirds between January and February and found that 98 per cent Malaysia has managed to bring down the construction cost of the East Coast majority for bill adhered to the minimum wage Rail Link (ECRL) project by RM21.5bil, which is almost a third of the original to make Sabah, order.” cost. The agreement also saw slight changes to the route from Kota Baru in Sarawak equal Kelantan to Port Klang in Selangor, with the length cut by 40km to 648km. partners

On 9 April, the Federal Government failed to get the nod from the Dewan Rakyat for the Constitution (Amendment) Johor has a new Bill 2019, which sought to Menteri Besar restore the status of Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners Datuk Osman Sapian tendered with Peninsular Malaysia, as his resignation as Johor’s Menteri Besar, he has been replaced enshrined in the Malaysia by Johor’s executive councillor Agreement 1963 (MA63). Out (exco) and Bukit of 197 MPs who attended the assemblyman Dr Sahruddin Dewan Rakyat, 138 MPs voted Jamal who was sworn in as the for the bill, while none voted state’s 17th Menteri Besar (MB). against. However, 59 others abstained from voting for the bill. 12 PROPERTY April 2019 | Selangor Journal

Central Business District of Pu- chong but it does not reflect the image of a CBD,” he said. Public to “We need to turn Bandar Puteri 1 and 2 into a financial and commercial hub that we Cooperate in Bandar Puteri can be proud of.” Ng added that cleanliness is a business and maintenance within the Rejuvenation hub and we commercial area is to be a top priority. can even call “We can keep playing the Project it the Central blame game but it will not solve the problem. Everyone must co- The project, which involves Centre, Bandar Puteri , Business operate.” 12 back lanes and 799 business drew more than 100 people District of He also reminded business PUCHONG - Puchong’s Ban- premises, is the third of its kind who were briefed on the coun- owners that back lanes are pub- 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 mercial areas are facing a few the sprucing up of the Kenari into discussion groups. does not reflect personal use. issues that are proving to be commercial area in Puchong State Local Government, According to MPSJ President a hassle for residents. Among Jaya and Sunway Metro. Public Transport and New Vil- the image of a Noraini Roslan, the project the issues are double- parking, To ensure that the project lage Development Committee CBD. aims to transform Bandar Put- dirty back lanes and illegal runs smoothly, MPSJ firstly met Chairman Ng Sze Han called on eri 1 and 2 into a sustainable, structures. with business owners in a town business owners to cooperate Ng Sze Han advanced, healthy and clean The Municipal hall meeting to identify their with MPSJ to ensure the suc- area. This is in line with MPSJ’s Council (MPSJ) hopes to solve problems and priorities. cess of the project. target of achieving city status these issues once it begins a re- The town hall meeting at the “Bandar Puteri is a business by January 2020. juvenation project in the area. Puchong Financial Corporate hub and we can even call it the Call for Single Agency to Handle Projects

the units ranges from 650 sf to 1,008 sf with an average price of RM 620 psf. Sports- The sports-themed serviced apartment is accessible to ma- Our build- Themed jor interchanges such as Jalan Klang Lama, Jalan Puchong, before-sell Residence Lebuhraya Shah Alam (KESAS) strategy sets and New Pantai Expressway. us apart in the Unveiled in Nearby shopping malls include Mid Valley Megamall, Plaza market. Buyers Old Klang OUG, and Pearl Shopping Gal- lery. are able to see Road The project also features what they are 36 shop-lots in its commercial block for the convenience of buying and atuk Mohamed not only ensure transparency, residents. Piling works began save on loan Fadzill Hassan, Pres- it would also eliminate lobby- ident of the Malay- ing by individuals and groups PETALING JAYA - Platinum early this year and the project interest during sian Malay Contrac- wanting to clinch certain gov- Arena, a sports-themed mixed is expected to be completed in tors Association has called on ernment projects. development project located in about three years’ time. the construction Dthe government to revert to “We also hope the govern- Old Klang Road with an esti- Its unique design concept, period. the previous system whereby ment will carry out an open mated gross development value inspired by the development’s Vincent Seow a single agency handles all tender system to award proj- (GDV) of RM 421 mil, was un- location adjacent to Sentosa government projects. ects to contractors and ensure veiled as the latest development Sports Arena, aims at encour- Mohamed Fadzill said that those who have been award- of property developer Platinum aging residents to keep an ac- while the association supports ed one are not given another Victory Sdn. Bhd. tive lifestyle. “Our build-before-sell strate- the government’s present sys- project for at least a year,” “It was an exclusive soft Two of the blocks are named gy sets us apart in the market. tem, they still have their res- said Mohamed Fadzill. launch last week. We plan to of- Armstrong and Boris, a trib- Buyers are able to see what they ervations. “This will give others a ficially launch Platinum Arena ute to former American cyclist are buying and save on loan in- “Our problem is that proj- chance to get a contract,” he sometime this April,” said Plati- Lance Armstrong and German terest during the construction ects are being handled by the added. num Victory Senior Manager of tennis star Boris Becker. period,” said Platinum Victory respective ministries or de- Previously, the Implemen- Branding and Marketing, Vin- The residence’s facilities in- executive director Gan Yee Hin partments and agencies under tation and Coordination Unit cent Seow. clude a gym, swimming pool, in a media release following the them, making it difficult for us (ICU), under the Prime Min- Platinum Arena is situated viewing deck, sports hall for soft launch. contractors,” he said. ister’s Department, gives out on 2.9-acres of leasehold land basketball and badminton, “People are more willing to “We hope a central agency and supervises all government and will feature 728 serviced playground, yoga deck, roof- purchase a property nearing will be put in charge of this.” projects before it was replaced apartments in two 36-storey top garden, library, BBQ area, completion,” he added. A centralized system would by a new system. blocks. The built-up area of games and AV rooms. FEATURE April 2019 | Selangor Journal 13

f you asked anyone to name an ex- ample of Malaysian wildlife, one of their first choices would probably Pak Belang: be our pride and national symbol, the Malayan tiger. Affectionately dubbed ‘Pak Belang’ by the locals, which Iroughly translates to ‘Mr. Stripes’, the Our pride, Malayan tiger is a ubiquitous icon for our great nation. Known as harimau belang in Malay, tigers are often portrayed as symbols of bravery and the epitome of regalness. identity They are featured everywhere, from the national coat of arms to the logo of Proton, our national car. Our Malaysian Bank, or Maybank, also adopted the be- and loved face of Pak Belang for their logo. In addition to that, our nation’s football By team is also affectionately referred to Muhaimin Merican as ‘Harimau Malaya’, and their matches failure on the field have proved them to have spirit that is as tough and relentless as that of our tigers. Moreover, in 2017, the trade from an enforcement perspective. black striping and white face and under- ese medicine relies heavily on tigers, tiger was chosen to be the mascot when Nepal’s success has given other tiger sides, gives the animal its unmistakable and it is now thought that organized Malaysia played host to the 2017 SEA range countries a clear direction. appearance. crime is behind local poaching, mak- Games. In addition to a greater presence of Male Malayan tigers average approx- ing the problem even more difficult to Our folklore and mystic beliefs are authorities in our jungles, some NGOs imately 2 to 2.5 meters in length, with eliminate. Villagers also eat tiger meat, full of stories about Pak Belang. There have been working with prosecutors and 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. 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 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 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 nations struggling with social issues and Malayan tigers: a subspecies deforestation of our jungles, Malayan strife, can manage to save their tigers tigers have been venturing into agricul- Today, it is Up until 2004, there was no Malayan ti- and have their numbers bounce back tural areas, and this has caused conflict estimated that tremendously through military interven- ger. Our breed of tigers were simply clas- between them and humans. sified as the Indochinese Tiger,Panthera there are about tion, Malaysia should not have a reason to allow our Pak Belang to be driven to tigris corbetti. Then, with DNA testing, it Malayan tigers today 250 Malayan was proven that our tigers were a sep- extinction. It is no longer merely a ques- Today, it is estimated that there are about arate subspecies. A scientific name was tigers left in the tion of our morality to save our Malayan 250 Malayan tigers left in the wild, and coined, Panthera tigris jacksoni, to clas- wild, and they tigers, it has become a question of our they are estimated to go extinct within sify our tigers as a separate subspecies. national identity, and it is our responsi- 10 years if this pattern continues, ac- are estimated to The Malayan tiger’s orange fur, with bility to protect them. cording to Water, Land and Natural Re- go extinct within The next generation may not know of sources Minister, Dr. Xavier Jayakumar 10 years if this Malayan tigers save for pictures of them While thousands of tigers once and through geography and history les- roamed throughout the dense, forest- pattern continues. sons. We have our tigers on our national ed interior of the Malaysian peninsula, coat of arms, and we name our football If we do not act they are now mainly confined to three team after them. If we lose our Malay- now to save our protected areas: Belum-Temengor in the Saving Pak Belang an tigers, what will happen to our pride north, Taman Negara in the centre and and identity? Do we just replace our tigers, we will We have now reached a critical point Endau-Rompin in the south. national animal with other animals and with our tigers. If we do not act now never get the Forested corridors, which had once wait for them to become extinct too, due to save our tigers, we will never get chance again. been used by tigers to move between to our recklessness and inability to act? the chance again. The World Wildlife major jungles, have also been destroyed. Will we suffer the fate of countries Foundation believes that there is still a Another factor that has helped poachers such as the Maldives and Moldova, chance for us to save our national ani- to reach once-inaccessible areas is log- whose national animals, the Dodo and mal, and the answer is: Nepal. ging roads. Aurochs respectively, have gone extinct? Nepal recently announced its suc- In July 2018, six Vietnamese poach- Do we want to keep allowing poachers cess in doubling tiger numbers. It also ers, believed to be part of a network tar- to rob us of our national symbol? Or do achieved 365 days of zero poaching for geting tigers, were arrested in a raid by we actually care and take enough pride rhinos, elephants and tigers in 2013 the Department of Wildlife and National in our tigers to actively take steps and and 2014. This was possible due to col- Parks in Pahang. The presence of foreign protect them. laborative and focused efforts between poachers in our forests shows the urgent enforcement agencies and regulatory need for Malaysia to step up wildlife bodies such as the National Tiger Con- protection efforts. servation Committee and the Wildlife Along with degradation of the physi- Crime Control Bureau, under the Nepal Only time will tell. cal environment, poachers continuously police force. These bodies were set up hunt these tigers for their pelts and body to address poaching and illegal wildlife parts. Traditional Chinese and Vietnam- 14 BUSINESS April 2019 | Selangor Journal

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- injection of funds, following its gic investments and corporate poor financial position. takeovers. The White Paper showed Investment impairments in KUALA LUMPUR - The gov- KUALA LUMPUR - that Felda’s liabilities as at 31 FGV totalled up to RM 2.1 bil- Indo- WTO finally ruled in favour of ernment has agreed to allocate nesia, Malaysia and Colom- Indonesia. RM 6.23 billion into the Feder- December 2017 totalled up lion. Moreover, fair value loss on to RM 14.4 billion, of which the investment in PT Eagle High bia, through the Council of “If you recall, the EU had al Land Development Author- Palm Oil Producing Countries previously acted unfair- ity (Felda) in stages through RM 12.1 billion or 84 per cent Plantations Tbk amounted to of total liabilities are due to the RM 1.6 billion in 2017, includ- (CPOPC), are once again urg- ly towards Indonesia,” said grants, loans and government ing the EU to refrain from Darmin. guarantees as needed to sustain group’s debts to financial insti- ing foreign exchange losses. tutions. legislating a ban on palm bio- “We’ve enough experience the authority’s future. diesel. to fight the EU in the WTO. Senior government officials So, don’t worry, we will fight from the developing countries at the WTO again, if need be.” Indonesia, Malaysia and Co- Malaysia’s Primary Indus- lombia—under the common tries Ministry secretary-gener- platform of CPOPC—gave ev- al Datuk Dr Tan Yew Chong, idence that the EU-delegated who was also at the media regulation was “scientifically briefing, echoed Prime Min- flawed” as it discriminated ister Tun Dr Mahathir Moha- against palm oil for the ben- mad’s message that Malaysia efit of developed nations’ soy was not at war with the EU. oil and European homegrown “Malaysia will not retaliate oil crops such as rapeseed and hastily. We’re urging the EU sunflower. to let vegetable oils trade be Malaysia, Indonesia and market-driven. Let’s work to- Colombia collectively sup- gether to let free and healthy ply about 67 million tonnes competition prevail,” said Tan. or 95 per cent of the world’s Tan agreed with Darmin According to Axiata, the or- palm oil. that the EU-delegated regu- Axiata der stated that the Large Tax- Indonesia’s Coordinating lation was not based on envi- payers Office should determine Economic Minister, Darmin ronmental and scientific facts Confirms the outstanding tax amount to Nasution, urged the EU to but was a deliberate and cal- Nepal’s be paid in relation to the trans- Axiata and drop the discriminatory dele- culated economic strategy to action within three months gated regulation supplement- remove Malaysian palm oil Supreme from the date of receipt of the Ncell are ing Directive 2018/2001 of from the EU market. order, and that the responsibili- the Renewable Energy Direc- Tan added that compet- Court ty to pay the tax lies with Ncell tive II. ing vegetable oil producers and Axiata. reviewing Darmin said this at a press should cooperate and pro- Written In a filing with Bursa Malay- conference in Brussels, which posed that the global vegeta- sia on 10 April, the company the decision was chaired by Indonesia’s ble oils industry could benefit Order said that it is not a party to the Ambassador to Belgium, Lux- from healthy growth when EU litigation. of the emburg and the EU, Yuri O. businesses consider coopera- The court also indicated that Thamrin. tion with palm oil suppliers to KUALA LUMPUR - On the distribution of dividends Supreme According to Darmin, the market complementary prod- 10 April, Axiata Group Bhd and any sale of Ncell shares by win-win solution to this situa- ucts for the world. (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- to drop its unjustified plan to Belgium, Luxembourg and the issued its full written order in isfied. ban palm biodiesel. EU, Felipe Garci Echeverri, relation to its oral order on 6 “Axiata and Ncell are review- Nonetheless, if the EU Par- reminded the EU that 85 per February on public interest lit- ing the decision of the Supreme liament were to continue with cent of the 650,000 ha oil igation filed by a group of Ne- Court,” said Axiata, adding that enacting the Renewable En- palm-growing area in Colom- pali individuals on the Ncell both companies had dutifully jobs and connected over 16.3 million customers across its ergy Directive II, Indonesia bia is worked on by smallhold- Private Ltd (Ncell) buyout deal. and responsibly complied with would be forced to formally ers. The litigants had pursued all relevant regulatory and legal networks. “We remain committed as file a complaint to the World Echeverri highlighted the various orders from the court, requirements in relation to the Trade Organisation’s (WTO) irony of the EU contradicting including for capital gains tax transaction, and acknowledged long-term investors in the country to further enhance dig- dispute settlement, said itself when its own research to be collected from Ncell and the order without prejudice to Darmin. showed zero deforestation in Axiata Investments UK Ltd (Ax- their remedial rights. ital connectivity and to improve the lives of all Nepalis,” said Ax- In 2013, the EU had im- Colombia since 2016. Yet, at iata UK) for the indirect trans- It is reported that the com- posed anti-dumping duties the same time, the EU sought fer of an 80 per cent stake in panies have made significant iata, adding that the company was Nepal’s largest taxpayer, ranging between 8.8 and to classify palm oil, a main ex- Ncell to Axiata UK through the contributions to the socio-eco- 20.5 per cent on Indonesian port earner for Colombia, as purchase of Reynolds Holdings nomic development of Nepal, contributing NPR 125.68 bil- 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. LIFESTYLE April 2019 | Selangor Journal 15

Has Privatization Benefitted the Thus, privatization of profitable en- terprises or segments not only perpet- Public? uates exclusion of the deserving but also worsens overall public sector per- formance now encumbered with the re- closed governments’ fiscal deficits, and less profitable, and thus considered maining unprofitable obligations. may even worsen budgetary problems. more inefficient, in turn justifying- fur One consequence is poorer public sec- Privatization may worsen the fiscal sit- ther privatizations. tor performance, contributing to what uation due to loss of revenue from pri- appears to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. vatized SOEs, or tax evasion by the new Elusive efficiency To make matters worse, the public sec- privatized entity. It is often argued that privatization is tor is then stuck with financing the un- By Options for cross-subsidization, e.g. needed as the government is inherent- profitable, thus seemingly supporting to Jomo Kwame Sundaram to broaden coverage, are reduced as the ly inefficient and does not know how the privatization prophecy. government is usually left with unprof- to run enterprises well. Incredibly, the itable activities while those potentially government is expected to subsidize pri- Benefits accrue to relatively few profitable are acquired by the private vatized SOEs, which are presumed to be Privatization typically enriches the polit- sector. Thus, governments are often more efficient, in order to fulfil its obli- ically connected few who secure lucra- forced to cut essential public services. gations to the citizenry. tive rents by sacrificing the national or Jomo Kwame Sundaram, a former eco- In most cases, profitable SOEs were Such obligations may not involve di- public interest for private profit, even nomics professor and United Nations As- privatized as prospective private own- rect payments or transfers but rather when privatization may not seem to sistant Secretary-General, was a member ers are driven to maximize profits. Fis- lucrative concessions to the privatized benefit them. 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 cil of Eminent Persons. as new private owners use creative ac- more from these additional concessions transition economies has primarily en- counting to avoid tax, secure tax credits than the actual cost of fulfilling govern- riched these few, as the public interest is SELANGOR JOURNAL and subsidies, and maximize retained ment obligations. sacrificed to such powerful private busi- earnings. ness interests. This has, in turn, exacer- Meanwhile, governments lose vital KUALA LUMPUR – In most cases of bated corruption, patronage and other revenue sources due to privatization privatization, some outcomes benefit related problems. if SOEs are profitable, and are often some, which serves to legitimize the obliged to subsidize privatized monopo- change. Nevertheless, overall net wel- For example, following Russian lies to ensure the poor and underserved fare improvements are the exception, voucher privatization and other Western still have access to the privatized utili- not the rule. Privatization recommended reforms, for which there ties or services. Never is everyone better off. Rather, was a limited domestic constituency burdens the public then, within three years (1992 to 1994), some are better off while others are not, Privatization burdens many and, typically, many are even worse off. when charges or the Russian economy had collapsed by The partial gains are typically high, or Privatization burdens the public when fees are not reduced, half, and adult male life expectancy fell even negated by overall costs, which charges or fees are not reduced, or when by six years. It was the greatest such re- may be diffuse, and less directly felt by the services provided are significantly or when the corded catastrophe in the last six millen- losers. reduced. Thus, privatization often bur- nia of recorded human history. dens the public in different ways, de- services provided Soon, a couple of dozen young Rus- Privatized monopoly powers pending on how market power is exer- sian oligarchs had taken over the com- cised or abused. are significantly manding heights of the Russian econo- Since many SOEs are public monopo- Often, instead of trying to provide a my; many then monetized their gains lies, privatization has typically trans- reduced. Thus, public good to all, many are excluded and invested abroad, migrating to fol- formed them into private monopolies. because it is not considered commer- privatization often low their new wealth. Much of this was In turn, abuse of such market monopoly cially viable or economic to serve them. celebrated by the Western media as eco- power enables more rents and corporate burdens the public Consequently, privatization may worsen nomic progress. profits. overall enterprise performance. ‘Value in different ways, As corporate profits are the private for money’ may go down despite osten- *** sector’s yardstick of success, privatized depending on how sible improvements used to justify high- Excerpt: To ensure public acceptabili- monopolies are likely to abuse their er user charges. ty, some benefits accrue to many in the market power to maximize rents for market power is SOEs are widely presumed to be early stages of privatization in order to themselves. Thus, privatization tends more likely to be inefficient. The most exercised or abused. minimize public resistance. However, in to burden the public, e.g. if charges are profitable and potentially profitable are the longer term, privatization tends to raised. typically the first to be privatized. This enrich a few but typically fails to deliver In most cases, privatization has not leaves the rest of the public sector even on its ostensible aims. 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/

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