State mulls own Joint effort MPSJ: Bin the Big dreams for Teng: The 'Solution cashless app against peat fires butts Sukma 2020 Man' for Klang

2 3 12 15 11 FREE FEBRUARY 2020 www.selangorjournal.my

Aerospace hub in SEPANG Golden State

he Selangor administration aims to Tbuild its aerospace industry by achiev- ing 70 per cent of total market shares. Some 800 hectares (2,000 acres) of land have been identified and will be devel- oped for the purpose, and plans to woo more foreign investors to the state are underway. The expansion of the state’s existing aerospace parks is in line with Selangor’s Budget 2020, and will bring in an esti- mated annual revenue of RM55.2 billion by 2030.

PHOTO BY ASRI SAPFIE 2 NEWS Selangor Journal l FEBRUARY 2020

Teachers play vital role, says MB

By NORHAYATI UMOR Technical and Vocational Educa- countries, where it is parallel to vide confidence and nurturing to nical Skill Initiative and Iktisas tion and Training (TVET), and that other important fields of study,” students during school hours so Smart Selangor with RM50 mil- SHAH ALAM - Selangor Menteri Be- it provides value to the develop- he said after attending a meet- that they are mentally and emo- lion. sar Dato’ Seri has ment of the state. and-greet session with heads of tionally prepared to face the fu- “Selangor is also a region- urged teachers in the state to be “The role played by teachers schools at the Selangor State Se- ture. al hub for aerospace, in which more attuned to their students’ and principals is of utmost im- cretariat (SUK) building on Feb 1. In promoting TVET, Amiru- about 60 per cent of the indus- abilities and talents as it will help portance. Despite being a se- Amirudin added that when din said Selangor has allocated try is based here in Subang and them find more suitable jobs cond-choice field in our country, students do not make it to uni- RM90 million to help with the Sepang,” he said, adding that job when they leave school. the teaching profession remains versity, many feel dejected. This growth of the programme. opportunities are abundant for Amirudin said the state gov- highly regarded in Germany, is where the value of the teach- “Since 2018, Selangor has also school leavers who do not wish ernment positively views the Switzerland and other developed ing profession comes in, to pro- provided the youths at the Tech- to continue at universities. Selangor mulls e-wallet initiative

KLANG - The Selangor govern- Teng said e-wallet ment is looking into developing use offers many bene- its own e-wallet application as fits, especially when it part of its commitment towards comes to security and becoming a smart state. improving cash flow. Its state Investment, Indus- “Extensive and com- try and Trade, Small and Me- prehensive campaigns dium Industries Committee are necessary if we chairman Datuk Teng Chang want everyone to adopt Khim said the e-wallet initiative the cashless payment would be designed to encour- method.” age the adoption of e-wallet The Federal govern- Amirudin visits an exhibition at the launch of the Hulu Selangor District and digital payments among ment’s e-Tunai Rakyat Local Draft Plan 2035 Selangorians. programme was intro- “The state government is duced to encourage considering and in the midst people to make digital of studying the development of payments and encou- Revving up Hulu our own e-wallet application. rage digital payment “But we would need to edu- adoption among Ma- Selangor’s economy cate and create awareness on laysian consumers and the use of e-wallets, especial- merchants, particularly through three selected e-wallet HULU SELANGOR - The state gov- ly among the rural communi- small retail businesses. operators, namely Grab, Boost, ernment will focus on three ty, the elderly and the less in- The government has alloca- and Touch ‘n Go. core clusters in Hulu Selangor formed groups,” he said after ted RM450 million to disburse The RM30 e-wallet credit re- that have the highest potential With the various attending the Back to School RM30 worth of free shopping demption started on Jan 15 and in driving the socio-economic infrastructure programme here on Jan 19. money to eligible will end on March 14. growth of the people here, said initiatives offered, I Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari. am confident that the Amirudin said the develop- Selangor district would ment of Hulu Selangor would State finetunes child seat subsidy plan focus on growing the automo- be more dynamic and KAJANG - The Selangor adminis- Hee said the public should ness on the matter so that peo- tive, eco-tourism, and services would become the tration will review the proposed abide by the enforcement to use ple will choose the type of safety industries in the constituency. preferred destination subsidy for the purchase of the the CRS for their children’s safe- seats that comply with the stipu- “I hope to see more industry Child Restraint System (CRS) by ty. lated standards. players such as Perodua, UMW for operation and the bottom 40 (B40) group in or- “However, not everyone can has adopted the Aerospace, Tan Chong Motor large-scale production der to alleviate its burden, afford to provide the safety United Nations R44 or R129 Holdings and many others de- says . seat as it is pricey, espe- Standards for the CRS. velop in Hulu Selangor. centres The state Environ- cially for families that The guidelines specify for “With the various infra- He stressed that the state ment, Green Tech- have many chil- four different types of seats – for structure initiatives offered, government would ensure that nology, Science dren,” he said at newborns to infants weighing I am confident that the Sel- 50 per cent of the green area and Consumer Af- the Chinese New 13kg; for toddlers in the 9-18kg angor district would be more in Hulu Selangor would be fairs Committee Year Special Road range; for children in the 15- dynamic and would become maintained, and promoted as chairman said the Safety Advocacy 25kg range; and for children in the preferred destination for a tourist attraction. matter will be dis- Programme and In- the 22-36kg range. operation and large-scale pro- Among the tourist attrac- cussed in the State tegrated Ops at the On Jan 1 the Federal govern- duction centres,” said Amiru- tions at the district are white Executive Councillor Sungai Balak Toll Plaza ment made compulsory the use din at the launch of the public water rafting in Sungai Se- meeting to formulate a here on Jan 21. of the CRS in private cars, giving participation of the Hulu Se- langor, the Batang Kali Orchid mechanism for state assembly- The Kajang assemblyman a grace period of six months be- langor District Local Draft Plan Farm and Orang Asli Village, men to use their own budget al- urged the state government to fore it is considered an offence 2035 in Kuala Kubu Bharu, and the Sungai Chiling Water- locations for the subsidy. increase education and aware- to not install one. here on Feb 3. falls. Selangor Journal l FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS 3

Cambodia joins study to reduce climate risks

SHAH ALAM - Three locations state government and the in Selangor and one in Cam- Kampong Speu Province in for- bodia have been chosen as mulating a strategy on disaster research sites for a study on risk management that would disaster risk reduction, says benefit 5.79 million people in the Selangor Disaster Manage- Selangor and about 700,000 ment Unit. others in Cambodia. Head of the unit Ahmad In Oct 2019, Selangor had Fairuz Mohd Yusof said the identified 79 flood-prone areas chosen places are Kuala Se- in nine districts based on fore- langor, Shah Alam, Bukit An- casts by the Malaysian Meteo- tarabangsa and a Cambodian rological Department (MET Ma- village called Kampong Speu, laysia). which often faces natural di- The districts are Petaling, sasters. Klang, Hulu Langat, Gombak, “The Universiti Kebangsaan Kuala Langat, Hulu Selangor, Malaysia’s Southeast Asia Di- Sepang, Kuala Selangor and saster Prevention Research Ini- Sabak Bernam. tiative will conduct the three- According to data from the year study in collaboration with Department of Irrigation and the Geological Society of Ma- Drainage (DID), MET Malaysia Yeo (second left) visits the Johan Setia peatland area on Aug 15, 2018 laysia, the Malaysian Disaster and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall Risk Reduction Services Orga- published in the DID’s annual nisation, and the Royal Univer- reports from 2014 to 2018, as sity of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. well as its incident reports, a “The project will study the total of 1,228 flash floods in causes of immediate disasters 543 locations throughout the Action plan to fight or risks such as flash floods Klang Valley were recorded and landslides. from 2014 to 2018. “It will also look into other Of the 543 locations, 186 risks such as rising sea levels have been hit by flash floods open burning and groundwater salinity by more than once. using geographic information In the DID 2017/2018 re- systems as well as public re- port, three main factors were By AFIX REDZUAN dress the open burning issue. (iii) the Klang Land and Dis- sources,” said Ahmad Fairuz identified as the cause of flash Located 15 kilometres south trict office ― to impose stern at the Social Entrepreneurship floods in the city centre: the SHAH ALAM - The Federal and of Shah Alam and 10 kilometres action against landowners who in Disaster Risk Management rapid pace of development, state governments will work southeast of Klang, Johan Setia repeatedly conduct open burn- Workshop at Concorde Hotel, faulty drainage systems, and closely together to combat open is a 1,618-hectare (4,000-acre) ing, including seizing the land of here on Jan 21. swift water flow and sedimen- burning activities in Johan Setia, peatland that has been gazetted repeat offenders under Section Ahmad Fairuz added that tation near water catchment Klang, especially during the dry as an industrial zone and also 127 of the National Land Code the project would assist the areas. season between March and Aug- considered as an agricultural 1965 ust. area, surrounded by high-den- (iv) the Selangor Immigration In a joint statement, The Mi- sity populated areas. Department ― to keep a check nistry of Energy, Science, Tech- The area has been tainted by on illegal foreign workers who nology, Environment and Climate open burning activities for the might be involved in open burn- MB: More than 4,000 Change (Mestecc) and the Selan- past three years. ing activities gor government said the De- During the meeting, which (v) the Royal Malaysia Police partment of Environment (DoE) was chaired by Infrastructure ― to facilitate patrol, enforce- areas get free Wi-Fi had recorded 95 open burning and Public Facilities, Agricultural ment and detain individuals cases in Johan Setia throughout Modernisation and Agro-based found guilty of open burning KUALA LUMPUR - More than However, Amirudin cau- last year, in comparison to the Industry Committee chairman (vi) the Selangor Irrigation 4,000 areas in Selangor are tioned the people to 85 complaints received in 2018, , it was agreed and Drainage Department - to now able to access the free use the service wisely. and 55 in 2017. that the Selangor government monitor the water levels at five Smart Selangor Wi-Fi. He said the peo- The ministry said it had acti- would spearhead all enforce- check dams to maintain soil Selangor Men- ple’s right and free- vated the National Open Burning ment efforts with the help of moisture and prevent fires teri Besar Dato’ Seri dom to access the in- Action Plan (PTPTK) and Open eight departments and agencies. (vii) the Selangor Minerals Amirudin Shari said ternet should not be Burning Prevention Action Plan Under the enforcement plan, and Geoscience Department ― the service, which an excuse for them as well as the Peatland Open measures will be undertaken by: to ensure that two units of tube was implement- to breach the Web’s Burning Prevention standard (i) the Klang Municipal Council wells are ready to assist in fire- ed in 2015, would code of ethics. operating procedures (SOP) ― to ensure that the burning of fighting operations in the event benefit people from all sorts of “Be a responsible social me- through the DoE since January agricultural waste at the landfill of open burning incidents, and backgrounds in the state. dia user,” he added. last year. site is stopped completely (viii) the Selangor Fire and “The people can access the In its effort to increase free On Feb 4, its minister Yeo Bee (ii) the Selangor Agricul- Rescue Department ― to be free Wi-Fi service at public of- internet connectivity state- Yin and Selangor Menteri Besar ture Department ― to conduct fully prepared for firefighting fices, higher institutes of learn- wide, the state government is Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari held awareness programmes involv- operations. ing and selected residential also in the midst of improving a meeting with relevant agen- ing landowners, entrepreneurs Following the meeting, Yeo areas,” he said via his official its Smart Selangor Wi-Fi con- cies at the Annex Building of the and smallholders in the area to paid a visit to the Johan Setia Twitter account on Jan 20. nectivity in rural areas. Selangor State Assembly to ad- reduce agricultural waste area. 4 NEWS Selangor Journal l FEBRUARY 2020

Diversity in bloom …

THE 2020 Selangor Chinese New Year Open House on Feb 1 was graced by Raja Muda Selangor Teng- ku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari. Organised by Invest Selangor, the event was a manifestation of the successful governance of since 2008, which places impor- tance on mutual respect among the different cul- tural and religious groups in the state. The 12,000 visitors who attended the event at Dataran Petaling Jaya were treated to a sump- tuous feast, traditional mandarin oranges and lion dance performances to mark the start of the year of the Metal Rat. Tourism chief upbeat despite coronavirus outbreak

By KHAIRUL AZRAN HUSSIN in the number of visitors from Abdul Rashid added the state es to boost the tourism sector in nounced recently that it has set Korea, Japan and the Middle government would still be able Selangor. up a Tourism Recovery Commit- SHAH ALAM - Selangor receives Eastern region. to achieve the tourist arrivals The state government’s ef- tee to monitor the latest deve- a high number of tourists from “We also receive visitors from figure of eight million, which forts are part of VM2020’s mis- lopment of the coronavirus in- many different countries, and neighbouring countries such as would generate RM15 billion in sion, which aims to bring 30 fection. not just from China alone. Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. revenue for Visit Malaysia 2020 million or more international The committee aims to pro- Its Culture, Tourism, Malay “Therefore, we anticipate that (VM2020), despite the virus out- tourists into the country and vide advice and clarification to Customs and Heritage Com- the recent novel coronavirus break. generate up to RM100 billion all tourists during their stay in mittee chairman Datuk Abdul outbreak in China would unlikely Earlier this year, the state in tourism revenue throughout the country based on recom- Rashid Asari said the statistics affect Selangor’s tourism sector,” government allocated RM9.7 the year. mendations by the Health Mi- reflect that there is an increase he told Selangorkini on Jan 29. million for promotional purpos- The Tourism Ministry an- nistry. Day of devotion and giving back SHAH ALAM - Millions of visitors, defeated demons using a spear, in the middle of the cave. including Hindu pilgrims from or Vel, to save humanity. Clad in yellow, they brought Selangor, neighbouring states, Hindu devotees pray to Muru- offerings that varied from pots and foreign tourists, gathered gan throughout the year, ask- of milk to kavadi weighing up to at the Batu Caves Temple for the ing for help in various aspects 80kg, and performed self-sacri- Thaipusam festival on Feb 8. of their lives and vow to fulfil a fices such as skin-piercing. The festival is one of the most pilgrimage during Thaipusam if The practice of carrying the important dates in the Hindu their wishes are granted. kavadi (which literally means calendar and is dedicated to the This year, like every other, the “burden”) and piercing one’s Hindu god Murugan. pilgrims walked barefooted for skin is to signify the defeat of According to Hindu mytholo- several kilometres and climbed one’s inner demons and to gain gy, Murugan is the god of cour- the 272 steps leading to the god’s blessings. age, wealth and wisdom, who Lord Murugan Temple located There was also a chariot pro- cession that began from the Sri Millions of visitors gathered at the Batu Caves Temple for the ADVISOR: Editorial Advisory Board Maha Mariamman Temple in Thaipusam festival GROUP EDITOR: Fathi Aris Omar Jalan Tun HS Lee in Kuala Lum- EDITOR: Ida Nadirah Ibrahim pur on Feb 6 that reached the were advised to dress appropri- to ease traffic congestion in the SUB EDITOR: Nur Anis Audrey Ong Batu Caves Sri Subramaniam ately and ensure the cleanliness Batu Caves area. JOURNALIST: Ashwin Kumar Swamy Temple the following of the temples and their sur- Its coordinator G. Gunaraj MARKETING & ADVERTISING: day. roundings said the task force tries to bring Nadhrah Azlan [email protected] Prior to the celebrations, According to Honorary Sec- positive changes to the way the Syahir Khadri [email protected] Sri Maha Mariamman Temple retary of Sri Maha Mariamman religious festival is celebrated in PHOTOGRAPHER: Asri Sapfie, Raheemie Arifin, Dhevasthanam Chairman Tan Temple C. Sethupathy, the clean- Batu Caves. Hafiz Othman & Fikri Yusof Sri R. Nadarajah said this year’s ing and decoration work at the Police Chief GRAPHIC & LAYOUT: Graphics Department CCSB celebration would draw a larger temple began in mid-January. ACP Arifai Tarawe said sufficient Level 2, Carlton Holiday Hotel & Suites, No 1, Persiaran Akuatik 13/43, crowd because of the scale of Meanwhile, the Thaipusam numbers of police personnel Section 13, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor the events planned. Task Force 2020, which was es- were deployed to ensure the cel-

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITORIAL Tel : 03-5523 4856 Fax : 03-5523 5856 Email: [email protected] Devotees, as well as tourists, tablished in 2013, was on hand ebration went smoothly. Selangor Journal l FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS 5

Shorter wait for land approvals a win for all

By AFIX REDZUAN to ease in doing business,” Amirudin said in a press con- BATU CAVES - The Selangor ference at Balai Penghulu government has announced Mukim Batu Gombak here on with immediate effect the 100- Jan 24. Days Approval Policy for all Amirudin said an approval applications for land develop- involves the processes of ob- ment approvals. taining planning permission, a Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri development plan, and an in- Amirudin Shari said the new frastructure plan. policy would expedite the ap- The shortened duration of proval process, which on aver- the approval process that was age takes 270 days to complete. decided in the Selangor Eco- Air Selangor is committed to providing clean water to the people around the clock in the event of “With this policy, the pro- nomic Action Council meeting water cuts. ― Picture by AIR SELANGOR cesses in land development on Jan 23 would observe the approval that usually take be- premium deposit payment tween 270 days and one year mechanism set by the state in Selangor would be reduced Land and Mines Office. by almost 50 per cent. The 100-Days Approval Pol- For Air Selangor, “This would in turn attract icy was announced in the Sel- more investors into the state angor Budget 2020, tabled on and increase productivity due Nov 1 last year. every drop counts SHAH ALAM - Pengurusan Air coming years. outcome to the Leak Detection Better living for wage Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selan- “The drop of NRW by 1.78 per Programme implemented inter- gor) has reduced the amount of cent in 2019 is a large amount, nally by Air Selangor. earners in 2020: Survey non-revenue water (NRW), which equivalent to 4.65 million litres A total of 108,759 leakage is treated water that is “lost” be- per day, or 11,754 water tank- points were detected as com- SHAH ALAM - Malaysians are means that in Malaysia, the in- fore it reaches customers, to ers per day, or 26 Olympic-sized pared to 104,033 in 2018. expected to fare better with crease in wages outpaced the 28.73 per cent in 2019. pools. The reduction had con- Suhaimi said water loss was what they earn in 2020, com- increase in the prices of goods, This is a decrease of 1.78 per tributed to operational cost sav- successfully reduced through pared to last year, an online which is a positive outlook. cent from the previous year’s ings of RM35.4 million,” he said. the installation of sensors on 30.51 per cent. Suhaimi noted that these fig- the main pipes, which enables study found recently. Australia takes the top po- Air Selangor’s chief executive ures have also been made possi- the monitoring of water pres- Picodi, a website that pro- sition on the list. Each house- officer Suhaimi Kamaralzaman ble due to Air Selangor’s success sure. The data obtained from the vides discount coupons hold spent only seven per cent said the significant amount has in reducing the number of burst Smart Operation Control Centre and deals from online mer- of its monthly income on basic exceeded Air Selangor’s target pipe incidents. Such cases saw a ensures that pipe repair works chants, wanted to find out if necessities. The United King- for 2019, which was set at 29.5 decrease last year by 28 per cent, are more proactively carried out. Malaysians can live on just dom and Ireland were tied in per cent. with a total of 2,787 cases report- The replacement of 318,839 RM1,059.95 a month, which is second at 7.33 per cent, fol- In a statement on Jan 31, Su- ed compared to 3,871 cases in old and damaged water meters the minimum net wage in this lowed by the Netherlands at haimi said the reduction was the previous year. last year had also successful- country this year, it said. 8.6 per cent. achieved through intensive “This shows that in 2019, Air ly prevented commercial water For the survey, Picodi used But Malaysia tops several planning and continuous imple- Selangor had made good pro- loss caused by inaccurate meter the price of basic food items to countries in the Asian region. mentation of in-house initiatives gress as only nine burst pipes readings. gauge if an adult’s nutritional Thailand came in at 47th place, since 2017. Over the period of were recorded per every 100 Additionally, the SCADA sys- needs can be met if they earn India at 49th place and the three years, he said NRW was kilometres, compared to the in- tem and Data Logger are also a bare minimum. Picodi creat- Philippines at 52nd place. reduced by 2.79 per cent, from ternational guideline for Pipe used to monitor and control the ed a virtual shopping basket In the same survey, Malay- 31.52 per cent to 28.73 per cent. Burst Index of 13 burst pipes per overflow of water levels in 1,601 consisting of eight basic food sia came out 20th among the “Based on these records, Air every 100 kilometres per year. reservoirs and 731 pump houses. items: milk, bread, rice, eggs, same 54 countries for the year- Selangor is positive that the an- In 2019, there was also an in- Meanwhile, Suhaimi said the beef, cheese, fruits and vege- to-year increase in minimum nual reduction of NRW by one crease in identifying pipe leaks. combined effort between Air Se- tables, and compared the pri- wage. per cent can be achieved in the Suhaimi attributed this positive langor and the National Water ces of these items, in percent- The report also revealed Services Commission (SPAN) has age, to the amount earned by that the monthly net pay in contributed to preventing water a person on minimum wage. 2020 is 9.1 per cent higher theft from illegal tapping. What it found is that ex- than what it was last year. In 2020, a total of RM171.63 million has been allocated for penditure on basic food prod- Recently, Finance Minister NRW reduction and the replace- ucts makes up 32.4 per cent of said Malaysia’s ment of water meters. Another the minimum wage. This pla- economy is expected to do RM144.5 million was allocated ces Malaysia on the 35th spot better in 2020. for the replacement of old and on the list of 54 countries it He said the government burst pipes. surveyed. expects the Malaysian gross “Air Selangor is confident that In 2019, the price of a sim- domestic product to grow ro- the ongoing initiatives and pro- ilar basket of items would bustly at 4.7 per cent in 2019, grammes to reduce NRW will have cost 37.2 per cent of the before accelerating to 4.8 per continue to lower NRW by the same household’s income. This cent this year. end of the year,” said Suhaimi. 6 ECONOMY Selangor Journal l FEBRUARY 2020

State govt optimistic about investor commitment By KHAIRUL AZRAN HUSSIN Corporation here on Jan 14. Also present were state GOMBAK - The Selangor govern- Health, Welfare, Women Em- ment is confident that the state powerment and Family Com- administration will achieve a mittee chairman Dr Siti Mariah high number of direct invest- Mahmud and Selangor Public Li- ments for three consecutive brary Corporation director Mas- years, says Dato’ Seri Amirudin tura Muhamad. Shari. In 2019, Selangor had project- The Menteri Besar said de- ed a reduced amount of RM10 spite the projected challenging billion in direct investments due economic climate in 2020, the to global economic uncertain- state government is confident ties. that it will continue to attract in- Amirudin added that the vestors. state administration and its in- “We are confident that the vestor-friendly policies, as well RM12 billion target of invest- as the high-quality infrastruc- ments for this year would be ture in the state, were some of achievable. the factors that had attracted in- “Last year we exceeded the vestors. Selangor is also known target for 2019 and had also re- as a prime investment location. corded RM18.9 billion in foreign The state government envi- investment the previous year sions to position Selangor as a (2018), which was an increase of catalyst to propel businesses 239 per cent compared to 2017,” in the Southeast Asian region, he said when met at the launch aiming to become the gateway Amirudin, Mastura (left) and Dr Siti Mariah (centre) visit the robotics lab at the Gombak public li- of the Selangor Public Library to Asean businesses. brary on Jan 14

Bar set high for Analysts: Foreign funds returning on Selangor youth the back of reforms

GOMBAK - The Selangor government will make SHAH ALAM - Malaysia’s capital market pur Stock Market has been hit as investors are still on a “learning curve” certain that young people in the state are has gained an influx of RM20 billion Malaysians adjust to the “negative after the historic 2018 election. prepared to face the Industrial Revolution in bonds last year, in contrast to the surprises” of new policies or regula- “The old regime’s long-running cro- 4.0, or 4IR, in line with its smart state aspira- RM11 billion in foreign money that tions, such as price reductions in the nyism is no longer the mainstay of the tion by 2025. had left the stock market post-GE14. telecommunication sector and the re- economy, and there is a need to un- Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari Economists have observed that the vamp of the power production sector. derstand the new, more open and fair said he hopes that Selangor would be able return of foreign funds reflects well Lee is also optimistic about the realities to discover value in the mar- to achieve its smart state vision and remain on market reforms under the Pakatan upside of ”a year of reversal” on Bur- ket,” he said. competitive at the global stage. Harapan government, Singapore’s sa Malaysia if there are no new policy Meanwhile, risk consultancy Eura- “We need to prepare young Selangorians The Straits Times reported on Jan shocks. sia Group’s Asia Director Peter Mum- in facing the fourth revolution. 16. Economist Hafiz Noor ford said the market would continue “When 4IR is upon us and connecting us The foreign funds chan- Shams, who works in to be jittery as long as doubts remain with the global masses, there will be more nelled into government the Finance Minister’s over the issue of the power transition. job opportunities that require the most up- bonds — which makes up Office, had on his per- “While Dr Mahathir’s position is se- to-date knowledge, skills and tools,” he said most of the trade-in ring- sonal Twitter account cure in the near term, there remains when delivering his speech at the launch of git-denominated securities wrote that “public fi- considerable uncertainty over when the Selangor Public Library Corporation here — has shown that the re- nance reforms pro- exactly, and to whom, he will hand on Jan 14. forms of the Federal govern- ceeded quickly, led to over power. This creates an underly- Amirudin said the state government policy ment are building confidence increased confidence in ing level of uncertainty for investors,” places education as one of the main focus to- in the Malaysian economy, des- bonds”. Mumford said, in reference to Prime wards achieving its smart state target. pite the ongoing political uncertainty. “This is why many previous Minister Tun Dr . “Libraries are one of the crucial transfor- Executive Director of Socio-Eco- equities people benefiting from the The ST report cited analysts to mation agents in realising the Selangor smart nomic Research Centre Lee Heng status quo hate reforms. It means have said that the truce in the trade state aspiration. Guie told the Singapore daily that this they have to work harder for returns. war was a reason that export-orient- “Selangor has some of the best libraries, shows “the government is continu- Less rent-seeking opportunities,” he ed economies such as Malaysia, which both in rural and urban areas. These libraries ing to reform public finance and con- added. are reliant on Chinese business, have are like bricks that would shape the future of trolling its debt”. Singapore Institute of Internatio- seen their bonds become attractive the state,” he said. However, he said the Kuala Lum- nal Affairs senior fellow Oh Ei Sun said again. Selangor Journal l FEBRUARY 2020 ECONOMY 7

Plans underway to expand aerospace parks

KLANG - The Selangor govern- eign labour and open up job ment has identified 800 hec- opportunities for locals as tares (2,000 acres) of land to the cost is partly borne by the be developed to further boost state administration and the the aerospace industry and private sector. woo more foreign investors Teng said the Selangor ad- to the state, says Datuk Teng ministration also plans to Chang Khim. strengthen its knowledge of The state Investment, In- the industry and visit exhi- dustry and Trade, and Small bitions around the world to and Medium Industries Com- ensure its success in being mittee chairman said the ex- an aerospace manufacturing pansion of the state’s existing hub. aerospace parks is in line with “We are looking into visiting Selangor’s Budget 2020. the largest aerospace expos in “We have also discussed the world, such as those held with landowners on work- in Singapore, London, and ing together to promote the Paris.” industry,” he told reporters Selangor is already home to when met at a Back to School a number of aerospace-related programme here on Jan 19. companies, with 62 per cent of Teng said the state govern- the total 230 companies in the ment continues to strengthen country are located in Sepang, cooperation with the private Subang and Serendah. sector to attract Sijil Pelajaran The state administration Malaysia leavers to join the aims to create 32,000 high-in- Amirudin tries his hand at a aerospace industry. come jobs and with an es- timated annual revenue of helicopter simulator at the He said the move would re- duce the dependence on for- RM55.2 billion by 2030. Subang Air Traffic Control Complex Selangor moves forward MB seeks to woo in smart state drive SERI KEMBANGAN - The Se- langor government aims to achieve 46 per cent of its aerospace players smart state initiative targets by the end of the year. As of last Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri November, By KHAIRUL AZRAN HUSSIN on Jan 22. ed 23.7 per cent to the national Amirudin Shari said the 12 In response to the percep- GDP with a total investment of domains to achieve the over- 26 per cent of SHAH ALAM - Selangor aims to tion that investors have moved over RM18.7 billion involving all targets, managed by the grow the aerospace industry to other states, Amirudin said 241 projects. Smart Selangor Delivery Unit the initiatives by registering more aerospace Selangor remains an attractive “This was driven by a strong (SSDU) since 2016, would be players in the state to achieve investment destination, both digital economic growth that implemented in stages. have been 70 per cent of total market for locals and foreigners. is in line with the state govern- “As of last November, 26 implemented shares. “As of Sept 2019, Selangor ment’s goals towards becoming per cent of the initiatives have Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri registered a record RM16.4 bil- a smart state,” he added. been implemented and we ex- and we expect to Amirudin Shari said the state lion in investment, whereas Meanwhile, Amirudin said pect to achieve 46 per cent by government is in the final stage Penang reported a total invest- that Subang Jaya has been se- year-end. achieve 46 per of discussion with European ment of RM13.25 billion. lected as the first location in Se- “Efforts to implement the aerospace giant Airbus to open “Selangor continues to be an langor, after Langkawi in Kedah, 12 domains, which includes cent by year-end its facilities in Selangor. attractive investment hub in the for Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s e-wallet, environmental man- “In 2015, Selangor was home country despite its competitors, 5G demonstration projects, agement, as well as the state’s come Southeast Asia’s pre- to 62 per cent of aerospace-re- Penang and . This is driven which will last for six months. economy and administration, mier smart state by 2025, lev- lated firms, increasing to 65 per by its increasing utilisation of Prime Minister Tun Dr Ma- has been done in stages since eraging on smart technology cent in 2019. high-end technology.” hathir Mohamad had on Jan 19 2016,” Amirudin said when and innovations under 12 do- “We are confident that Se- As Selangor continues to lead visited the 5G implementation met after the closing cere- mains. langor would be the leading the nation in contributing to its at 11 of the Pulau Langkawi mony of the Perkampungan The SSDU is expected to investment location for the gross domestic product (GDP), demonstration sites, including Menara Gading Selangor pro- ramp up its work within the aerospace industry in the near Amirudin said the state aims to at the local public hospital and gramme at Universiti Putra next five years to ensure that future,” Amirudin said on RTM’s contribute 30 per cent by 2030. the Langkawi International Air- Malaysia, here on Jan 29. all the initiatives are execut- talk show Bicara Politikonomi In 2018, Selangor contribut- port. Selangor aspires to be- ed. 8 FOCUS Selangor Journal l FEBRUARY 2020 FOCUS 9

1 overseas Muslim entrepreneurs entrepreneurs or SMEs in obtain halal certification for their Selangor alone. The programme products. would also be introduced globally “This programme will help the in order to make Selangor the Small Medium Entrepreneurs hub of the halal industry,” said (SMEs), especially the micro- Teng. entrepreneurs, in obtaining The programme is expected the halal status for their to be launched locally in March products. and at the international level “We are not targeting in April.

In efforts to make Selangor the leading investment location for the aerospace industry, we will further strengthen our 2 cooperation with the private sector in 2020 to further develop the industry attracted over 34,000 visitors. disclosed. “We hope to attract more Top money maker electronic players at the global level which would lead to good SELANGOR INVESTMENT, INDUSTRY AND TRADE, SMALL investments here,” he said. SELANGOR targets to achieve AND MEDIUM INDUSTRIES COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN investments worth RM12 billion in 2020 compared to the RM10 Halal action plan billion last year. 1. Teng (second from left) Teng said the target figure TENG said the state government oversees the official launch of the SIBS 2019 by Selangor GEARING UP is practical and is based on the is working hard and looking for Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri global investment climate. opportunities to expand the halal Amirudin Shari (fourth from left) Last year, the state industry to the Middle East. in July 15, last year government had targeted RM10 “We are planning a programme 2. Teng (second from left) and billion in investments and as of FOR that we hope will be accepted by Amirudin visit SME Aerospace September 2019, Selangor has Muslim countries. If successful, Sdn Bhd on July 16, 2019, managed to exceed the target by this programme would have a exploring the expansion of the attracting RM16.4 billion. positive impact on the economy aerospace industry in Selangor “Our approach would either of Selangor as the Middle East 3. Teng shows a promotional 2020 be to give full focus to dedicated market is huge,” he said. handout for the third SIBS industries within the state or to The state government has edition in 2019 regional investors,” he said. also outlined a special plan 4. Teng (fourth from right) visits several exhibition booths By ASHWIN KUMAR As Selangor continues to lead codenamed “International Muslim investment figures last year too. participants beyond local the nation in contributing to its Friendly Affiliated Network” during a walkabout session at SIBS 2019 in October, last year 3 FTER an invigorating Until Sept 2019, we made a total universities, government gross domestic product (GDP), to ensure that both local and year renewing sum of RM16.8 billion and are still agencies, and research Teng said the state aims to and repositioning waiting for the figures for the last centres. contribute 30 per cent by 2030. Selangor’s image quarter of 2019,” Teng said in a “The world is so big and we In 2018, Selangor had both locally and recent interview with Selangor are at the very beginning of contributed 23.7 per cent to sector in 2020 to further develop on the world stage, the state Journal. innovation, certainly getting the national GDP with a total the industry,” Teng said. Aadministration aims to continue He explained that even if foreign participation is crucial to investment revenue of over He said the land that has been to be competitive and further Selangor cannot break the 2018 us,” he said. 2019 was an exciting year for Selangor, RM18.7 billion involving 241 identified would be announced strengthen its efforts to achieve financial figure, 2019’s recorded The fourth edition of the projects. when all its requirements have its smart state vision for 2025. investment would still exceed international summit would be despite the fact that its highest recorded been finalised. He said it would State Investment Industry those in previous years. held from Oct 14 to 17 at the direct investment was in 2018 at Wooing aerospace, complement the already existing and Trade, Small and Medium Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, electronics firms aerospace industrial areas in Industries Committee chairman with a projected transaction value Outside talent a boost RM18.95 billion. If we cannot break Selangor. Datuk Teng Chang Khim said of RM280 million. THE state government has With this move, the state the Selangor government is SIBS is a platform to promote PREPARATIONS for the Selangor that financial figure, this year’s recorded identified 800 hectares (2,000 administration aims to create working hard to ensure that the and facilitate international International Business Summit acres) of land to be developed 32,000 high-income jobs that Golden State is recognised and trade, expedite foreign direct investment would still exceed those in (SIBS) 2020 are well on their and used by the aerospace would bring an estimated annual highlighted for the right investment and provide a way, with several enhancements industry, which would, in turn, revenue of RM55.2 billion by reasons. medium for businesses to expand previous years taking place to create a solid woo more foreign investors into 2030. “2019 was an exciting year into new markets. international business platform, the state. Teng also said a 660-acre for Selangor, despite the fact Its third edition in 2019, which giving focus to the Asean region. “In its efforts to make Selangor (267ha) industrial park dedicated that its highest recorded direct took place from Oct 10 to 13 last For this year’s edition of the TENG CHANG KHIM the leading investment location to electronics and electrical investment was in 2018 at year, achieved a transaction value research and development for the aerospace industry, business activities is expected RM18.95 billion. of RM447.3 million, exceeding SELANGOR INVESTMENT, INDUSTRY AND TRADE, SMALL summit, Teng said the state we will further strengthen our to be established in Selangor. ”We managed to record high its RM250 million target, and AND MEDIUM INDUSTRIES COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN 4 government is looking for cooperation with the private Its location, however, was not 10 FOCUS Selangor Journal l FEBRUARY 2020

and independent pollster Merdeka Centre, with support from Google Malaysia. Explaining how hoax news spreads in our society, Taspell said he prefers to consider disinformation as “amplification of long-standing information-sharing through technological channels” rather than as the “weaponisation of the Internet”. The identities of disinformation creators are also more effectively camouflaged than before, and increasingly “amateurised”. Oftentimes those who spread fake news are not public relations professionals, but university students. He also observed that people could succumb to disinformation campaigns regardless of their level of education or degree of Internet access. However, he made a note of the tendency for older people to be more open to “hoax news”.

Go after the cyber troopers

Tapsell commended the Federal government’s move to abolish the Anti-Fake News Act, a law criminalising fake news that was passed by the Fight previous Fake News government. He said the terms of the law were very vague on how fake news was with quality content: defined, and that its introduction seemed like a politicised move. Tapsell outlined several suggestions on how the government can stop media expert the spread of fake news other than formulating and enforcing draconian laws. Among the suggestions is to improve on, and increase, Internet connection, By ASHWIN KUMAR public broadcaster, ABC (Australian especially in rural and semi-rural areas Broadcasting Corporation) News for the as millions among Southeast Asia’s O differentiate between latest updates. population are “literally sitting on the genuine news and hoaxes, “When people are relying on reliable digital divide bridge”. mainstream media news, they turn to the public broadcaster “People in these regions are merely organisations must strive to see what’s happening in their When people are using the Internet to browse Facebook towards quality journalism community. relying on reliable and to check their messenger apps since and gain the people’s trust. “That’s such an important part of they don’t get fast connection and that Australia-based Southeast a media landscape, to have a quality news, they turn to the is the reason I feel some of the fact- Asia region media expert Ross Tapsell public broadcaster, and that is certainly checking methods will never work in said failing to produce calibre-level something Malaysia could work public broadcaster to Malaysia due to the nature of Internet Tjournalism would eventually lead readers towards as well,” the senior lecturer and users in the country. see what’s happening to seek alternative sources of researcher at the Australian “When people in rural areas get better information. National University’s College in their community. Internet speed and access, they are more He said although it could of Asia and the Pacific said. exposed to a wider range of information,” be a difficult challenge for the Tapsell was the main That’s such an he said, adding that people might then Malaysian media industry, speaker at the ‘Building important part of a Google to fact-check the information producing high-quality Malaysia’s Resistance Against they receive. journalism is the only way to Fake News: Diagnosis media landscape He also urged the Malaysian ensure that the public relies and Antidote’ seminar government to play an aggressive role on credible news outlets. on Jan 18, which was ROSS TAPSELL in crippling syndicates that produce dis- Citing Australia’s jointly organised information by hiring cyber troopers. recent deadly bushfires by international SENIOR LECTURER AND “It is important to go after these as an example, grassroots journalism RESEARCHER, AUSTRALIAN people than specifically target individuals Taspell said people organisation Hacks/ who sometimes don’t even know that NATIONAL UNIVERSITY’S COLLEGE they are spreading fake news or mean to had turned to Hackers (Kuala OF ASIA & THE PACIFIC the country’s Lumpur chapter) cause offence,” he said. Selangor Journal l FEBRUARY 2020 FOCUS 11

Adun Speaks: ‘Solution Man’

Teng has ideas for Klang Klang

By ASHWIN KUMAR

eading the Selangor Investment, Industry and Trade, Small and Medium Indus- tries Committee portfolio, Datuk Teng Chang Khim has been the state repre- sentative of Bandar Baru Klang since 2004. From overseeing the financial mat- tersH of the state government to providing solutions for the Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) project in his constituency, the law graduate shares some insight on how he juggles be- tween managing the state’s affairs and developing a business and an industrial town.

Selangor Journal (SJ): What is the main sion with local authorities and NGOs to industry in your constituency? promote Klang as a heritage town for Datuk Teng Chang Khim (TCK): Klang is tourism. a business and an industrial hub because of its location. We are known as Malaysia’s SJ: What are some of your achieve- largest seaport, which is Port Klang. ments in the constituency? Teng enjoys TCK: I think upgrading facilities such as meeting with the SJ: What are some of the concerns that public parks, pedestrian walkways and bi- people and working are regularly raised by your constitu- cycle lanes were some of my notable ef- hand-in-hand with ents and how do you plan to address forts in creating a comfortable zone for authorities to solve them? the people in Kajang. I was also the chair- the problems on TCK: The people under my constituen- man of the technical committee of the the ground cy always raise issues concerning “infra” LRT3 project where I had the opportunity matters because of the ongoing LRT3 con- to make proposals for where each of the struction in Klang. There will be eight LRT3 LRT stations will be located. I am grateful stations in Klang and they will cut through for being able to contribute some of my the heart of the city and Klang town itself. ideas to the project. I have received numerous complaints on road maintenance and flash flood issues SJ: Can you share with us some of your due to the construction work. Klang is an problem-solving methods? old town, so the whole city was designed TCK: I have been maintaining my service many years ago. The infrastructure and centre since the day we embarked on our drainage systems need major upgrad- political journey 20 years ago and I have ing and it is a big challenge for the local never stopped the practice of meeting authority. But we receive sufficient allo- with my voters every Wednesday evening. cation from the Federal government for We have four staff in the service centre road upgrading and maintenance. to cater to the voters’ needs during office hours on weekdays. I am known to be ef- SJ: What is the main attraction in your ficient when it comes to solving problems. constituency? To me, I think I managed to understand TCK: My constituency is famous for its the state government structure and mech- food, especially street food. Klang is anism well since the day I started serving known as one of the oldest towns in Ma- the people. Within the government, I am laysia. It is rich in history, tradition and known to be the “Solution Man”, and I customs. So, we are embarking on a mis- hope that explains a bit about me.

Klang is famous for its food, especially street food. It is known as one of the oldest towns in Malaysia and is rich in history, tradition and customs. So, we are embarking on a mission with local authorities and NGOs to promote Klang as a heritage town for tourism TENG CHANG KHIM SELANGOR INVESTMENT, INDUSTRY AND TRADE, SMALL AND MEDIUM INDUSTRIES COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN 12 LOCAL Selangor Journal l FEBRUARY 2020

MPSJ to only provide bins for smokers By SHEEDA FATHIL areas would be better than build- SUBANG JAYA - The Subang Jaya ing permanent Municipal Council (MPSJ) will structures, which only provide disposal bins in would be costly. smoking areas for smokers to “Therefore, we discard their cigarette butts, agree with the al- and not build any permanent location provided structures for their use. by the Housing MPSJ said building perma- and Local Gov- nent structures for the smoking ernment Ministry Noraini (third from left) presents prizes at the Smart Gen 2020 pro- areas located near the 4,000 (KPKT) to place gramme and the Sekolah Sejahtera Awards on Jan 21 eateries in Subang Jaya would proper disposal be a costly and difficult task. bins in the smok- Its president Noraini Roslan ing areas,” she told a press con- authorities to provide covered said by providing the bins, the ference after chairing MPSJ’s smoking areas in public spaces Noraini: Let’s nurture council hopes that smokers will first monthly assembly for this that are deemed suitable. be disciplined to use them and year on Jan 22. The ministry estimates that eco-conscious kids keep public spaces clean. On Jan 7, KPKT said it would each smoking area would cost “Providing such smoking allocate RM1 million to local about RM5,000 to build. SUBANG JAYA - The Subang Jaya kids to have good values only Municipal Council’s (MPSJ) in schools, but to also practice Smart Gen programme has them in their daily lives,” she achieved its objective by pro- said. ducing two student environ- Noraini was speaking to New van for MBPJ’s rescue team mental ambassadors. members of the press after MPSJ president Noraini presenting the Sekolah Se- Roslan said environmental edu- jahtera Awards and officiat- cation should be taught in ing the MPSJ Smart Gen 2020 schools as it is very important program in Sunway University for students to learn about the here on Jan 21. current issues facing them. She also said RM22,800 has “Just like the proverb, ‘Edu- been allocated for the winners cation is the passport to the of the 61 primary and second- future, for tomorrow belongs ary schools that participated in to those who prepare for it to- the 2019 MPSJ Smart Gen pro- day’, we would not want our gramme.

Funds for Subang Jaya’s oldest school

SUBANG JAYA - Sekolah Me- Education Ministry to allo- nengah Kebangsaan (SMK) cate funds for the upgrading Subang Jaya has received works for the school. I hope RM19,994 in funding to fix its that the renovation would lift covered walkway. the spirits of the teachers, Subang Jaya state assem- students, and staff,” she said Two “Skuad Pantas” personnel showcase the interior of the newly-launched multipurpose van blyman Michelle Ng Mei Sze at a press conference at SMK said the 68-metre walkway Subang Jaya here on Feb 3. PETALING JAYA - The Peta- of its users at any given time mediate response team under connecting the school build- Also present at the event ling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and place. MBPJ. The team is also equipped ings has been infested by ter- were the school’s headmas- has launched a multipurpose “The van is also equipped with another multipurpose van, mites since two years ago. ter Mohd Zailani Othman and van to assist the emergen- with storage spaces for uni- a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and “SMK Subang Jaya was built the vice president of the par- cy and disaster operations of forms and documents, and has four units of 250cc and 150cc in the 1980s, which makes it ent-teacher association, Na- its immediate response team, video surveillance as well as capacity motorcycles. the oldest school here. There- sarudin Ibrahim. “Skuad Pantas”. disaster relief equipment,” said Among the emergency and fore it requires many resto- SMK Subang Jaya is a se- The vehicle would be able PJ mayor Datuk Mohd Sayuthi disaster cases that the team ration works to its infrastruc- condary school situated in to occupy five people at a time Bakar. handles include flash floods, ture, including its halls and SS14 of Subang Jaya and was and can be modified into a mo- To date, 19 personnel are landslides, storms, fallen trees, walls. the first school established in bile office for the convenience registered as part of the im- accidents and fires. “We have appealed to the the Subang Jaya area in 1981. Selangor Journal l FEBRUARY 2020 LOCAL 13

Smart parking app gets top ranking

By KHAIRUL AZRAN HUSSIN step towards realising the state government’s efforts in making SHAH ALAM - A popular service Selangor a smart state by 2025. among Selangor users, the In a bid to encourage more Smart Selangor Parking (SSP) motorists to use the applica- App is now ranked as the num- tion, users will receive RM1 in ber one parking application in credit for every top-up of RM50 the country, said state Local Gov- to RM99, and RM3 in credit for ernment, Public Transport and every top-up of RM100 to RM199. New Village Development Com- With it, motorists would no mittee chairman Ng Sze Han. longer have to look for coupons Ng said 881,000 motorists or rush back to their vehicles to have registered for the SSP extend their parking duration. through their mobile devices, ex- It prompts users when their ceeding the state government’s parking period expires. initial 500,000 user target. It even allows for the payment “The smart parking applica- of parking fines. tion is an alternative payment The application is available method for parking, in addition for download at the Google Play to the coin or coupon system or Apple App Store. which are still in use,” he said on Motorists can still use parking Feb 1. coupons, monthly parking pass- The application, introduced es or the pay and display meth- on July 1 last year, is another od using parking machines.

Last straw: F&B outlets More recycling drop-off given ultimatum points for Subang Jaya

KAJANG - The Sela- SHAH ALAM - In efforts to ngor government has control and manage waste proposed for local in a more efficient manner, authorities (PBTs) to food processing and pack- suspend the opera- aging solutions company ting license of food Tetra Pak and its recycling and beverage outlets partner KPT Recycle Sdn that are still provi- Bhd (KPT), in collaboration ding plastic straws to with Subang Jaya Muni- their customers. cipal Council (MPSJ), have Proposing for the prepared 21 recycling fa- enforcement to be- cilities around Subang gin in two months, Jaya. state Environment, MPSJ president Noraini Green Technology, Roslan said the council has Science, Technology Hee says the proposal is necessary as many F&B outlets provided six recycling ca- and Innovation and still provide plastic straws to their customers bins while Tetra Pak and Consumer Affairs KPT have contributed ano- Committee chairman Hee Loy Sian said the move was suggested to create ther 15 “Drop-Off Centres” awareness on the serious impact of single-use plastics towards the envi- made out of recycled items Noraini gives a demonstration on how to drop off some recyclable ronment. in several public areas. items at the Sri Mutiara Apartments on Jan 12 “The state administration has taken several steps against single-use She said in 2019, MPSJ plastics but there are food and beverage operators that are not abiding had disposed of 684 tonnes of waste daily, on Jan 12. by the ban. in which each household averages about Noraini said she is optimistic that “Therefore, we propose that the licenses of the restaurant operators 1.9 kilogrammes of trash per day. Subang Jaya residents would participate in be suspended. At the same time we would continue the awareness cam- “Therefore, we have provided 21 re- waste reduction and waste management paigns against plastic straw usage across Selangor,” he said when met cycling cabins to address the increased programmes. by SelangorKini at the ICT Bootcamp closing ceremony at Kolej Universiti amount of waste. We would advise the “With continued efforts, MPSJ has re- Islam Antarabangsa Selangor, here on Jan 13. residents to separate their recyclable corded an increase in recycling activities Beginning July 1 last year, the Selangor administration had prohibited wastes,” she said during the launching from 13.2 per cent in 2018 to 18.2 per cent food and beverage outlets in the state from providing plastic straws to ceremony of the placement of the Tetra last year. customers but said strict enforcement would only take place in 2025. Pak and KPT “Drop-Off Centres” as well as “We urge the public to use the recycling The six-year grace period was given so that consumers and food and the opening of the Sri Mutiara Mini Library centres efficiently by not dumping other beverage outlets can adjust to the new policy. MPSJ 2020 at the Sri Mutiara apartments wastes at the facilities provided.” 14 FOCUS Selangor Journal l FEBRUARY 2020

Fighting a silent killer

By ASHWIN KUMAR Many women are being with cervical cancer annually, yet only a small number in the country un- he lifetime risk of a Malaysian wom- diagnosed with cervical dergo screening for HPV, the leading an developing cervical cancer is one cancer annually, yet only a small cause of cervical cancer,” she said du- in 116, with about two-thirds or 76 ring a talk on cervical cancer aware- per cent of women getting diag- number in the country undergo ness here on Jan 16. Tnosed in the later stages of the disease, Dr Maiza explained that abnormal according to recent data from the World screening for HPV, the leading bleeding — such as bleeding between Health Organisation. menstrual periods, after sex, after From 2007 to 2010, data obtained from cause of cervical cancer a pelvic exam, or after menopause the Malaysian National Cancer Registry re- — and discharge that is unusual in corded 103,507 new cervical cancer cases. amount, colour, consistency, or smell Of the total, 64,275 have succumbed to the DR MAIZA TUSIMIN or the need to urinate more frequently disease. PRINCE COURT MEDICAL CENTRE — are among the symptoms of cervi- Almost all cases of cervical cancer are OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGIST cal cancer. caused by HPV or Human Papillomavirus. Many women in the country do sion to see a cervical cancer-free future not come forward for conventional Revolutionary HPV test for all women in Malaysia. screening largely because of fear of What is HPV? “In fact, it is the world’s first. This ev- the process, with some citing embar- In 2019, Deputy Prime Minister Da- idence-based approach can save lives rassment, a previous painful experi- tuk Seri Dr and spare women and families from the ence, or the inconvenience of regular launched the Rose Foundation, an in- suffering and financial hardship associ- testing. itiative that started as a research pro- ated with cervical cancer,” she said.” “Most women are advised to start ject by the University of Malaya and the By delivering the results to mobile getting regular pap smears at the age Health Ministry. phones, Nurul Izzah said there would of 21, but many are hesitant to do so,” As a programme, Rose — acronym for be less need for clinic visits and it would she added. Removing Obstacles to cervical Screen- also eliminate the embarrassment and Dr Maiza pointed out that as car- ing — is revolutionary in its approach. It fear associated with a pap smear, which egivers themselves, women should empowers women by letting them col- previously was the only tool used for not neglect their own health. lect a cell sample using a small swab in- early detection. She encouraged all women in the stead of having to undergo a pelvic ex- Awareness is still lacking, she noted, country to go for free HPV screening amination by a doctor. especially among women in rural areas. and vaccination provided by the Na- Test kits are available from govern- tional Population and Family Develop- HPV is a common infection that is ment clinics. The samples, once collect- Government support ment Board. spread through sexual activity. ed, are sent for HPV testing instead of Mid last year, the Federal gov- Both women and men can be infect- the conventional pap smear test. After Oncologists have suggested several ernment allocated RM20 million for ed by HPV. three days, the result of the test is pri- measures that could be taken by wo- women to undergo three types of Since HPV infection is often without vately communicated back to the wom- men to stop the spread of the potential- screening. symptoms, it can be passed on without en via text messaging. ly deadly cancer. They opined that prop- They are the subsidised mammo- a person’s knowledge. Prince Court Medical Centre Obstet- er screening of the cervix, which is the gram test (RM11.4 million), the HPV Some risk factors for developing cer- rics and Gynaecologist Dr Maiza Tusimin lower part of a woman’s uterus, as well vaccination programme (RM5 million) vical cancer are: said the program embodies safety, and as vaccination, are key measures for and the cervical cancer screening pilot privacy through self-sampling, encou- prevention and early detection. programme (RM3.6million). l A weakened immune system raging more women to willingly partici- Dr Maiza said that HPV is easily de- Typically, HPV vaccines would cost l Cigarette smoking pate in screening in a timely manner. tected by conducting a yearly check of about RM600 to RM700 if done at pri- l History of precancerous cervical Rose ambassador and Permatang the reproductive system, commonly vate clinics. lesions or a previous cervical cancer Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar said cervical known as a pap smear. “If you still want to get vaccines diagnosis cancer is the third most common cancer “I encourage women to do an an- from private clinics or hospitals, you among Malaysian women, at 7.7 per nual pap smear. This disease is one of may do so. If you ask me if it is worth l Having more than one sexual cent, after breast cancer (32.1 per cent) the slowest growing cancers as it takes it to spend money on the screenings partner and colorectal cancer (10.7 per cent). around three to ten years to develop. and vaccine, I would say yes,” she l Sexual intercourse before age 18. “Under Programme Rose, it is our vi- “Many women are being diagnosed added. Selangor Journal l FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTS 15

Sukma Committee to reveal host for 2022

By ZAREEF MUZAMMIL source Development Commit- state becomes the host. medals, such as swimming, chosen because of its econo- tee chairman said the proposal “We will know the decision athletics, shooting and ar- mic strength. SHAH ALAM - The decision on for Selangor to host the bien- by the end of February,” he told chery. Aside from Selangor, three who will host the Malaysian nial games will be presented to SelangorKini when contacted Last September, Mohd other states were also offered Games (Sukma) 2022 will be the Sukma Supreme Commit- on Jan 22. Khairuddin said the chan- to host the games, namely made by the end of February, tee. Mohd Khairuddin said in ces for Selangor to play host Penang, Kedah and Sabah. says Mohd Khairuddin Oth- “The Selangor State Sports preparation for the biggest is promising as several states Perak hosted the 2018 Suk- man. Council has visited several lo- sports competition in 2022, have expressed their support. ma, and Johor will host the The state Youth, Sports De- cations where the sporting more focus will be given to He has also expressed his next edition in July 2020. Sela- velopment and Human Re- events would be held if the events that will bring in the optimism that the state may be ngor last hosted in 1998. Cash reward for our SEA Games stars

SHAH ALAM - The Raja Muda centive is an acknowledgement of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah of the hard work put in by the Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah athletes. had on Jan 16 presented a total “This incentive would further of RM180,000 as an incentive motivate me to achieve more, to the athletes and coaches of especially at the Tokyo Olym- Selangor who represented the pics,” she said, in reference to country and won medals at the the upcoming Games that will 30th Southeast Asian Games be held from July 24 to Aug 9. (SEA Games) in the Philippines Also present at the last year. award-giving ceremony was Those who bagged gold at state Youth Generation Devel- the Games received RM5,000, opment, Sports and Human while silver and bronze winners Capital Development Commit- received RM3,000 and RM1,500 tee chairman Mohd Khairuddin respectively. The 14 coaches Othman. received RM2,000 each. Malaysia fielded a total of National gymnast Farah Ann 773 athletes in 52 out of 56 Abdul Hadi received the high- sports at the Philippines SEA est cash reward of RM15,000 Games and won 56 gold, 58 sil- for bringing home three gold ver, and 71 bronze medals. medals at the biennial event. Of the medals won, 26 gold, The 25-year-old athlete from 12 silver and 17 bronze medals Subang Jaya thanked the state had come from Selangor ath- Farah Ann receives a RM15,000 incentive from Tengku Amir Shah, for doing her state and country government and said the in- letes. proud. Mohd Khairuddin looks on Athletes aim high for meet in July Sports facilities get funds for upgrade SHAH ALAM - The Selangor govern- “An additional RM20,000 has also SHAH ALAM - Selangor has set its sights has been preparing for the games since ment has provided a RM40,000 allo- been allocated to each local authori- on 45 gold, 40 silver, and 40 bronze medals 2018. The state has registered 830 ath- cation to each of its state constitu- ty (PBT) to organise Selangor’s Pesta in the 20th Malaysia Games (Sukma), which letes for the event. encies for the maintenance of sports Sukan Generasi Muda,” he told Sela- will be held from July 11 to 19 in Johor. “We have entered the final phase of our infrastructure and facilities. ngorkini on Jan 29. Selangor State Sports Council executive preparations, and the athletes will be gi- State Youth, Sports, and Human Mohd Khairuddin added that the director Adi Faizal Ahmad Tarmizi said it is ven the motivation to bring out the best Capital Development Committee state government has proposed for a realistic goal despite having to face for- in them. chairman Mohd Khairuddin Oth- smart partnerships between PBTs midable opponents. “We are actively preparing them by man said the Selangor administra- and the private sector to develop “We are optimistic that we can achieve enrolling them for fitness programmes, the target despite stiff competition, espe- overseas tournaments and motivational tion wants to ensure that sports in- more sports infrastructure and faci- cially from the host state, Johor. We fore- camps. frastructure and facilities remain in lities. see that Terengganu will be one of our “These have put them on track to be- good condition as this will generate The Selangor government had in main rivals as well. come the main competitors at the games,” more interest among the people. its 2020 Budget announced a RM9.24 “The events that we expect to win med- he said. “We want to provide the people million allocation to boost the sports als in are swimming, gymnastics, athle- Selangor bagged the highest number with more sports facilities, includ- industry. tics, and lawn bowling,” he told Selangor- of medals at the 2016 Sukma with 59 gold, ing mini stadiums, and also upgrade The allocation includes RM10 mil- Kini on Jan 29. 73 silver, and 64 bronze medals, defeating existing football fields and futsal lion in funds to strengthen the Se- Adi Faizal said the Selangor contingent the host state of that year, Sarawak. courts. langor Red Giants football team. 16 HAPPENINGS Selangor Journal l FEBRUARY 2020

February 14 & 16 VISTA Eye Carnival Time: Feb 14 - 9:00 AM onwards; Feb 16 - 5:00 PM onwards Location: VISTA Eye Specialist, The Curve

February 10 February 15 Facebook Ads Strategy Workshop FUNDAZTIC: Investment Talk Time: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Location: Tribeup Academy, Sunway Giza Location: Co-labs Coworking, The Starling, PJ Course Interest Test Workshop - StudyMalaysia.com Time: 2:00 PM Location: Sunwaymas Commercial Centre, PJ

Subang Jaya City Centre (SJCC) - CNY 2020 Open House Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Location: Sime Darby Property SJCC Sales Gallery

February 10 Coding for Kids (9 - 13yo) Trial Session Science Cafe: Switching off cancer cells! Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Location: Codingbee.my, Shah Alam Location: WORQ TTDI Savvy Women Free E-Commerce Workshop Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM February 12 Location: No 2, 3 Two Square, PJ

Free Parenting Workshop Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM February 17 - 22 Location: SVOFO Seminar Training The International School Meeting Space, Jalan PJU 5/1, Petaling Jaya @ ParkCity Time: 9am - 3pm Location: Upper Library, International February 13 School @ ParkCity (ISP) February 18 February 19 GCMY Business Leaders IFN Fintech Pitch Day Lecture Series KL 2020 Time: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Time: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Location: Auditorium, Level 32, Location: Securities Commis- Axiata Tower, KL sion, Bukit Kiara

FREE 2-Hour Business Branding Masterclass Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM February 22 Location: Hyatt House Kuala Lumpur The ArtBox Exhibition Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Business Networking for Success Location: Kuala Lumpur Time: 6:30 AM Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC) Location: Pusat Kreatif Kanak-kanak Tuanku Bainun, KL

Published by the Selangor State Government Printed by Percetakan Nasional Malaysia Berhad (PNMB) 1, Jalan Chan Sow Lin, Chan Sow Lin, 55200 Kuala Lumpur