DECEMBER 2016 8 contents 2 The President Speaks 12 3 Community Capsules 18 10 BTRA Membership Forms 14 My BT 19 Vignettes 17 21 The Last Word 19 24 Useful Contact Numbers GUEST EDITOR Karen Hoh ∙ PRODUCTION Sasya Ahmad Sebi ∙ PRINT AND DESIGN Adat Saga Sdn Bhd GUEST CONTRIBUTORS Nor Jasmin binti Mohd Azmi ∙ John Smurthwaite ADVERTISING [email protected] ∙FREQUENCY Twice a year No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the Publisher. Permission is only deemed valid if approval is in writing. Living on the Hill holds all rights to contributions, text and images, unless previously agreed to in writing. Living On TheHILL • ( 1 ) President's message Community capsules BTRA Security Patrol – 14 Years and Counting ourteen years on and the BTRA Security Patrol still roams Bukit Tunku and Taman FDuta, covering the vast area that make up our respective neighbourhoods. The President Speaks This news story from The Star, dated 15 July 2002, shows the humble launch of the neighbourhood security patrol at the National Tennis Stadium on the corner of Langgak Tunku and Jalan Duta. nother year has flown by, and by all counts, not a great one for humankind in general. That said, a new year is upon us and we can What’s changed since the early days? First, there was only one patrol car then, where only hope that 2017 is better for everyone. A today there are two patrol cars and one motorcycle. Second, and more pertinent, the density of our neighbourhoods has increased. New houses and condominium As we close 2016 and greet 2017, I’m pleased to say that our neighbourhoods are in good stead, in general. We have a thriving little developments mean more people living in our neighbourhood. Some residents have commercial hub in Taman Tunku – the aroma of fresh coffee and croissants is so alluring that sometimes I can hardly find a seat at engaged their own private security, to be sure. And Tijani is a Kenny Hills Bakers, despite its expansion! CIMB Bank, in its foresight, set up a branch here years ago, and it is a most convenient gated community within Bukit Tunku. That said, an extra layer of branch, to say the least. Sid’s Pub is practically an institution here, and for those who like pub grub, it’s the place for you. security can be an advantage. However – there’s always a “but,” right? – something terrible and dangerous lurks in our neighbourhoods. I refer to the many If you know of a neighbour who is not yet a member of BTRA abandoned properties in Bukit Tunku and Taman Duta. BTRA Committee Members undertook an informal survey recently to determine the state of abandoned properties in the area. Astonishingly, there are at least 16 streets with derelict properties! Needless or the BTRA Security Patrol Scheme, do let him or her know. to say, this is unacceptable and we have written to DBKL to draw their attention to the situation. That notwithstanding, if you know These households can be identified because they do not have any of the owners of these properties, may I ask that you have a word in their ear about clearing up their properties? We want our the “BTRA Security” house sign. neighbourhoods to be well kept, for that has a direct impact on the aesthetic appeal and value in general. On a more positive note – the BTRA Mobile App is now ready for download. It’s free on the iOS and Android platforms, for smartphones only at this time. Please take a few minutes to download it. Importantly, there are value-added features for BTRA members who have signed up for the Security Patrol Scheme, so if you haven’t done so yet, now’s the time. Since the BTRA Mobile App is new, we welcome your feedback and suggestions so the developers can improve it with updates. Lastly, a reminder for members living in Taman Duta and Tijani, there are representatives in your respective neighbourhoods who are Sub-Committee members. Please do contact Nor Jasmin binti Mohd Azmi (Taman Duta) and Rosanna Rashid (Tijani) if you have enquiries or suggestions for BTRA. The new Security Scheme contact is Adam Smurthwaite, May I take this opportunity to wish everyone Season’s Greetings, Happy New Year, and Gong Xi Fa Cai for the Year of the Rooster [email protected]. (28 January 2017)! Muthanna Abdullah ( 2 ) • Living On TheHILL Living On TheHILL • ( 3 ) Community capsules Community capsules Derelict Properties : Jalan Tunku Roundabout: Update and Action A New Look? ow many derelict properties lie in our midst, do you think? • Swimming pools with stagnant water, which are clearly breeding HA recent informal survey in Bukit Tunku and Taman Duta grounds for Aedes and other types of mosquitoes, creating a uncovered several abandoned properties on at least 16 streets! huge public health risk to everyone in the neighbourhood and These places are in desperate need of clearing, cleaning surrounding area. and fumigation. They are a serious blight on our respective neighbourhoods, as well as a public health hazard and security Neighbours of any properties in an unacceptable condition are risk to residents. encouraged to report the case to DBKL. In November, BTRA wrote to DBKL’s Health & Environment We appeal to the owners of such properties to do the right thing Department (Jabatan Kesihatan & Alam Sekitar) to bring their by cleaning up your property to make it safe and presentable. attention to the appalling conditions of several properties in We want Bukit Tunku and Taman Duta to be perceived as highly our area (which have been in this condition for several years), desirable neighbourhoods, among the safest and most liveable in attaching a list and photographs of the properties. Kuala Lumpur. Please do your part to make it so, and at the same time, preserve the value of your property, especially if you aim to rent or sell it. Friends of owners of these properties, please do spread the word to them! The 16 streets in Bukit Tunku and Taman Duta: 1. Dalaman Tunku 9. Lurah Tunku 2. Dataran Tunku 10. Persiaran Bukit Tunku 3. Jalan Bukit Tunku 11. Simpangan Tunku 4. Jalan Lembah Tunku 12. Jalan Tunku Putra 5. Jalan Merchu 13. Lorong Duta 2 6. Jalan Tunku 14. Lorong Duta 5 7. Laman Tunku 15. Persiaran Duta 8. Langgak Tunku 16. Simpangan Tunku Putra Essentially, the following types of properties were highlighted :- ost, if not all, of us who live in Bukit Tunku or Taman Duta Your BTRA Committee has submitted a proposal to DBKL to Muse this roundabout several times a day – you know the upgrade this roundabout and turn it into a nice green plot with • Renovation/development work that has been halted or Useful Contact Numbers for one, with directional street signs and a digital clock that more trees and shrubs to better reflect the vibe of our neighbourhood. abandoned for more than 12 months: it is the view of the BTRA Environment issues : often than not is on the blink. The number of times it has been The proposal calls for the removal of the clock, and the installation Committee that the outward appearance of these properties “repaired” probably exceeds the cost of its upkeep. of palm trees surrounded by short shrubs. should be put to rights and made to look presentable. DBKL Hotline : 1800 88 3255 Hoardings are for construction sites only, and are extremely DBKL Tree Cutting : 2693 4132 Furthermore, the whole plot looks a bit sorry, with brown The placement of the trees should not obstruct the directional unsightly. Furthermore, hoardings can break off and pose a danger to passing motorists and people walking or jogging on Alam Flora patches on the grass and rather insipid looking trees attempting street signs. We await feedback from DBKL. [garbage collection, road sweeping] : 1800 88 7472 these streets. to grow. Not quite in line with our tree-lined streets and vibrant TNB [street lights, power failure] : 15454 secondary jungle – it’s in dire need of a little landscaping! • Houses that are derelict and not properly secured: these Syabas/Puspel [water leaks] : 1800 88 5252 properties attract vagrants, squatters, drug addicts; this presents a clear security and safety hazard to our community. This is not acceptable. ( 6 ) • Living On TheHILL Living On TheHILL • ( 7 ) Community capsules BTRA Mobile App is Ready for Download Now he BTRA Mobile App is now ready for download on your iOS or Android Tsmartphones – and it’s free. Just enter “BTRA” in the Apple App Store or Google Play search engine, press “search” and the app should appear. It’s easy to navigate and there is useful information on the App, such as public service telephone numbers, right at our fingertips. As a starting point, the BTRA App has many features that will bring residents of Bukit Tunku and Taman Duta closer together. It is designed to enhance outreach and communication among residents, such as the capability for members to provide suggestions. Additionally, residents can keep abreast of notices from BTRA Committee Members and the Executive Admin. The BTRA App is in its early days, so please download it, and use it. Feedback is welcome in order to facilitate updates and improvements to make it relevant to the needs of Bukit Tunku and Taman Duta community. The BTRA App already has the capability to receive membership applications Once downloaded, you enter personal details and set up an account. Once and payment, for both membership to the residents’ association as well as your details are submitted to “central control” for verification, you will be the BTRA Security Scheme.