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Archive for February, 2011

EduHelp@poobalan.com

February 21st, 2011

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Finally, after few months, I’ve managed to get the beta version of the eduhelp website up and running. Not being artistically inclined and busy with other work, it took about 4 months to work on the site little by little. Still got more features to add and another 30++ scholarships to be listed. Hopefully can improve on it by the time SPM results are out in few weeks’ time.

Oh ya, the site is at poobalan.com/eduhelp

Do drop by and give share your thoughts on the website.

5 comments »

Posted in Personal, TechStuff

Tags: Education

40 years to relocate SJKT Merlimau

February 14th, 2011

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You be the own judge. Looks like the windfall for Merlimau folks has been hastened after death of the assemblyman. Need not wait till next GE or 11th Malaysian Plan. BTW, I think the councilor was unprepared for the interview. Reflects poorly on him. Should have postponed the interview.

The related article is below (including some of the translation of the interviews above):

After more than two decades of promises, SRJK (T) Merlimau, now squatting in the compound of a secondary school, may finally get its own premises.

But even Education Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s presence at the groundbreaking ceremony tomorrow may not be enough to convince residents.

Approached byMalaysiakini during a visit to the constituency last week, voter Ramachandran, 60, said that the same promise has been made for the past four general elections.

“They are now measuring the place, but we don’t know what will happen after the by-election,” said Ramachandran, who has lived in Merlimau almost all his life.

The promise is also pretty familiar to Durairaj, 48, who had attended the school with his siblings some three decades ago.

“I was a student there, as were my sister and brother. Now my children go there. We have heard this promise many times.

“The first plot of land had a temple on it. They demolished the temple and said that they will build the Tamil school there, but now there’s another building on the land,” he said when approached.

Other locals asked about the Tamil school during Malaysiakini‘s visit to the constituency corroborate the father-of-two’s story.

Locals point out ‘promised lands’

Pointing to a Tenaga Nasional Berhad building, Padmanathan, 47, said the land referred to by Durairaj was “promised” for the Tamil school some “20 to 25 years ago”.

Approached in front of the Merlimau BN operations room, the self-proclaimed loyal MIC man said it never came through because “no one took the initiative”.

The second said ‘promised land’ is located in Taman Muhibbah about five minutes’ drive from the TNB building.

Resident Saundriama, when asked, said that she has lived opposite the land for 19 years and heard the promise made about 10 years ago.

“About 10 years ago some government officers came to this land and measured it and told us that they will be moving the Tamil school here,” she said.

The land is mostly vacant except for a small pre-school.

In 2008, said another Merlimau voter who prefers to be known only as Krishnan, BN had also promised a plot of land which is part of Sime Darby’s Merlimau oil palm estate, near the water treatment centre.

Taking the Malaysiakini team to the plot of land, he said: “It was all said verbally. No black and white. (The government) said it will be here… We don’t know what happened, until now it’s still like this.”

Exco man: Claims are nonsense

When met, Malacca executive councillor R Perumal said that the claims were “nonsense” and that a piece of land where Muhyiddin will perform the ground-breaking ceremony is the only one planned for the school.

He said the school, which now has 175 students, has been sharing premises with the secondary school for 40 years.

According to Perumal, who was met when he was inspecting the land with Public Works Department engineers, the government started looking at moving the school a decade ago as enrollment was rising.

He said that the federal government has allocated RM6.1 million under the 10th Malaysia Plan for the school, including for acquiring the five acres of land from Sime Darby. The land was acquired in 2004.

The school’s parent-teacher association representative, R Supramaniam (left), also said that that the previous PTA leaders were not too serious about it.

However, the new committee has been persistent about it and was told in January that the project will commence in the next six months.

Project a ‘coincidence’

Perumal admitted that the project is now hastened following the death of Merlimau assemblyperson Mohamad Hidhir Abu Hassan.

“It is just a coincidence. These things don’t happen overnight. You need time to acquire the land, etc. Don’t make an issue of it,” he said, adding that construction is expected to be completed in one year.

According to Durairaj, this is the first time he has seen the government test the soil and bring in heavy machinery to land promised for the school.

“I don’t know if it is real or it is a big ‘drama’ (but) I really hope that they will build the school this time,” he said.

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Posted in Tamil-Schools

Tags: Malacca Tamil school

SJKT Seaport relocation

February 12th, 2011

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This time, the state government managed to fulfill something. The previous state government offered only 1 acre (0.4ha) but the current government managed to increase it to 0.6ha (1.5 acre) and also increase the classes from 10 to 18.

This was the school that was among the contentious issues during GE2008. Read about the protest of the parents here. Khir Toyo and Samy Vellu were booed.

Read the relevant reports in Selangorkini and also the aspiration of the PIBG to have 24 classes instead of 18 here at Komunitikini. The below is news from The Star.

AFTER much controversy, the Seaport Tamil school in SS7, Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya, will be relocated to Kampung Lindungan after the Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) agreed to the new site.

In 2008, parents and the community in the area had protested against the relocation of the school to a 0.4ha site.

During a recent meeting with the PTA members, Seri Setia assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the Selangor government had in December last year approved a 0.6ha site in Kampung Lindungan for the school.

The school now sits on a temporary site owned by PKNS.

“After the approval, Petaling district officer Datuk Zulkepli Ahamd had called for a meeting in January between all relevant government agencies that I attended with (Selangor executive councillor) Dr Xavier Jayakumar.

“During the meeting, we were told that the PKNS have already contributed RM1.2mil towards the building of the school and the plans for the 18-class school have been approved,” he said.

He hoped that the school would be built soon so that the residents from Kg Lindungan, Desa Mentari, Desaria and Dato’ Hormat would be able to send their children to a school with better facilities.

1 comment »

Posted in Tamil-Schools

Tags: Funds Protest Selangor Tamil school

National Housing Policy

February 10th, 2011

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I’m sure this news will be music to many peoples’ ears. Those in the RM2500-4000 bracket would find it difficult to purchase a house, especially a landed property in KL. A double storey terrace of decent size (20×70) would easily cost RM350k if located in some corner of Klang Valley. Those in high-value areas can reach RM650k. Want to buy apartments, may be too small and mostly rented to college students, foreign worker etc. Not exactly conducive environment once expects a graduate in a city to live in.

I just hope that houses (be it landed or high-rise) be of suitable size with enough rooms. I’ll say 1200-1600 sqft with 3-4 rooms should be the minimum.

Next will be the quality of the materials used. Hopefully there will be proper monitoring and enforcement. That’s a big IF.

Finally, not only the house, but the surrounding infrastructure is important too. No point building houses that are affordable but located far from everything. There should be access to public transport, medical services, schools, business/commercial areas, green spaces and places of worship. There should be community halls, enough lifts (for highrise), enough car parks too.

Oh ya, yet another concern is the financing. Wonder how the terms would be. Maybe combined loan, longer tenure and lowest deposit (government to provide some sort of guarantee).

BTW, would there still be discounts for certain community? Or can we consider all of them need help equally?

As it is, this is a policy. We all know how thing turn out when implemented in due time. Hope this policy works out well.

The Najib administration launched the National Housing Policy (NHP) today, focusing on houses for sale or rental to those earning between RM2,500 and RM3,999 a month, or the middle-income group that is growing to be a major urban vote bank.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said today that the policy would ensure that every income group would be able to afford to purchase homes through affordable public housing (APH).

He said the policy was a follow-up to the 10th Malaysia Plan, where the government has set a target to construct 78,000 units of affordable public homes throughout the country by 2015.

“At this moment, the two challenges concerning the housing sector are the preparation for affordable homes for all segments of society and the need for a safe and comfortable housing environment in line with the country’s socio-economic status.

“The government is now working on the distribution of affordable homes as well as to strengthen our efforts in providing high quality homes,” said Muhyiddin(picture) today.

The DPM said the NHP was needed to provide direction and basis for the planning and development of the housing sector by all relevant ministries, departments and agencies at the federal, state and local levels as well as the private sector.

The NHP will be under the purview of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, which is headed by minister Datuk Wira Chor Chee Heung.

The three key objectives of the NHP are:

• To provide adequate and quality housing with comprehensive facilities and a conducive environment

• To enhance the capability and accessibility of people to own or rent houses

• Setting a future direction to ensure the sustainability of the housing sector.

Under the NHP, the government and private sector will provide affordable houses for sale and rental especially for the low-income group, and also for the disabled, senior citizens and single mothers.

The policy outlines the role of the private sector as it is encouraged to develop medium-cost houses for the middle-income group with a monthly household income of RM2,500 to RM3,999.

It is understood that the national policy will enhance the role of state governments and their agencies, as they will be given flexibility in determining the quota of low-cost houses to be built in mixed-development areas based on the sustainability of the location and local demand.

“We will be engaging the state governments, so that they will set a quota or a percentage for medium-cost houses to be built so that middle-income earners can also purchase houses,” said Chor today.

He said the NHP was not really “new” as policies on housing had existed prior to the creation of the policy.

“It’s just that it is more systematic and proper now, and it will be easier for reference,” he added.

The NHP also outlines ways in ensuring that the lower-income group can afford to purchase homes which include providing financial support for the group and setting a realistic rental rate for low-cost houses.

Prices will also be set for low-cost houses and its ownership and sale will be controlled to avoid speculation.

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Posted in BornInMalaysia

Tags: Economy Employment Funds Politicians

MyDaftar Campaign

February 10th, 2011

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So, if you know of anyone having problems with the citizenship (no birth cert, no MyKad, still having red IC) or related to marriage registration, can approach the JPN.

Thanks to Sujieta for list below. I’ve been asking around for two weeks and no reply from the MIC folks. Dr Denison replied few days ago, though.

Note: MyDaftar is an on-going initiative by the JPN. Its not something new. You check the JPN’s website for proof. The only difference is that its being held to focus on the Indian community who’s having problems with their citizenship.

The Special Implementation Taskforce on the Indian Community (Prime Minister’s Department) in cooperation with the National Registration Department has launched a nationwide campaign between Feb 19 to 26 to register and assist all undocumented Malaysian Indians secure their rightful citizenship – MY DAFTAR NATIONAL CAMPAIGN

JPN Office open during the My Daftar Campaign period.
The following JPN office is participating in the My Daftar Campaign. They are open from 9am to 1pm on Feb 19 (sat), Feb 20 (sun) and Feb 26 (sat) and from Jan 21 (mon) to 25 (fri) they are open during office hours. This is a special arragement through the Taskforce (PM Dept) and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Negeri / Daerah No. Talipon
#KEDAH
Anak Bukit, Alor Setar 04-7314585
Bandar Baharu, Serdang 04-4076353
Kubang Pasu, Jitra 04-9171890
Kuala Muda, Sungai Petani 04-4212726
Kulim, Kilang Lama 04-4911930

#PULAU PINANG
Jalan Anson, Penang 04-2265161
Barat Daya, Balik Pulau 04-8668410
Bayan Baru, Bayan Lepas 04-6437460
Bertam, Kepala Batas 04-5758143
Seberang Perai Tengah, Bkt Mertajam 04-5382621
Seberang Perai Selatan, Jawi 04-5822951
Seberang Perai Utara, Butterworth 04-3333380

#PERAK
Bandar Meru Raya, Ipoh 05-5288805
Bagan Datok 05-6466939
Kinta, Batu Gajah 05-3661904
Batang Padang, Tapah 05-4011361
Hilir Perak, Telok Intan 05-6221197
Kampar 05-4661773
Kamunting 05-8916653
Krian, Parit Buntar 05-7161969
Kuala Kangsar 05-7761166
Larut Matang , Taiping 05-8072411
Manjung, Seri Manjung 05-6883261
Selama 05-8394263
Slim River 05-4528488
Sungai Siput 05-5984844
Tanjung Malim 05-4597232

#SELANGOR
Shah Alam, Plaza Masalam 03-55107255
Gombak, Batu caves 03-61880362
Hulu Selangor, Kuala Kubu Baru 03-60641312
Klang, Jalan Kapar 03-33421455
Kuala Langat, Banting 03-31871821
Kuala Selangor 03-32898526
Petaling Jaya, Jalan Sultan 03-79562634
Pelabohan Klang 03-31684437
Rawang, Pusat Bandar Rawang 03-60928486
Sabak Bernam, Sungai Besar 03-32241325
Seri Kembangan, Taman Seri Serdang 03-89416524
Sepang, Salak Tinggi 03-87061107
Hulu Langat, Kajang 03-87334520
Taman Melawati 03-41089142

#WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR
Maju Junction Mall 03-26925044

#NEGERI SEMBILAN
Seremban 06-7651600
Jempol, Bahau 06-4549609
Port Dickson 06-6471077
Rembau 06-6851733
Senawang 06-6788237
Tampin, Tampin Square 06-4411446

#MELAKA
Ayer Keroh, Kompleks KDN 06-2326600
Bandar Alor Gajah 06-5563055
Jasin, Bandar Baru Jasin 06-5292005

#PAHANG
Kuantan, Kompleks KDN 09-5734455
Bentong 09-2221582
Cameron Highlands, Tanah Rata 09-4911466
Kuala Lipis 09-3121072
Maran 09-4771266
Mentakab 09-2781239
Raub 09-3551336
Rompin 09-4145411
Temerloh 09-2961239

#JOHOR
Johor Bahru, Wisma Negeri 07-2245388
Kluang 07-7724131
Labis 07-9251914
Pasir Gudang 07-2553717
Segamat 07-9312148
Ledang, Tangkak 06-9782527

A little info on MyDaftar Campaign:

The Home Ministry advised Indian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to identify Malaysian Indians without birth, identification and citizenship documents for registration during the MyDaftar campaign for eight days from Feb 19.

Deputy Secretary-General (Registration and Immigration) Datuk Raja Azahar Raja Abdul Manap said Sunday the campaign would be held in Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Negri Sembilan, Malacca, Pahang and Johor.

He said the assistance of the NGOs was most necessary to help resolve this serious problem of a section of the Malaysian Indian community which had not had the documents for a long time.

“We do not know how many of these people are without the documents. We hope to be able to register all of them who do not have the documents,” he told reporters here.

“This is the pledge given by the Home Ministry and the National Registration Department. We will not take any action against those who have not registered their marriage or the birth of their children if they come forward during the campaign,” he said, adding that action would be taken after the campaign.

According to statistics, the ministry resolved all the 32,927 applications pertaining to the registration of these documents received between 1997 and 2006 and the 29,677 applications received between 2007 and 2009.

The MyDaftar campaign is organised by the Cabinet Committee on Indians with the National Registration Department and the Home Ministry and supported by the Information Communication and Culture Ministry. – Bernama