Hawkers

While I was exhausted after conducting interviewing the 171 hawkers applying for the Chinese New Year temporary license last Tuesday, it was a fruitful and meaningful learning experience. Although it is not easy to allocate 109 permits available to all of them, the panelist is doing the best to pre-qualify the deserving applicants. It is a worthy cause as every one is given an equal opportunity for representation, hence the right to be selected. The objectives are pretty clear, to allow trustworthy hawkers to trade and to enhance the attraction of CNY stalls.

While the session saw multiple approaches from the interviewees to convince the panelists, there are unhealthy gestures involving past year license holders. Some past year license holders with the assumption of "renewing" the license annually and automatically were having the attitude of lacking respect and taken things for granted. The new applicants told panelists about their economy hardship and many of them said they have been trading there years without license. There are instances of soliciting sympathy through helpless gestures and demanding for license based on past record and experience.

One thing for sure is 100% of them expressed their willingness to comply with the laws and regulations during the interview session. A self declaration that needs verification as complaints on traffic congestion, littering, obstruction, nuisance, cleanliness are normal after the stalls start operation. Perhaps it is time to attach some penalty strings to counter check these kind of commitment so that it can be materialised and enforceable.

As many are pessimistic about economic outlook for year 2009, informal sector as the easy entrance, low requirement for skills and capital is expected with the high influx of newcomers. MBPJ is definitely facing tremendous pressure on providing trading premises, regulating the unlicensed and licenced hawkers, tidying the designated or illegal trading premises and collecting the tax. Uncontrolled situation will lead to the deteriorating living environment for PJ. Having said this, it is a difficult task depending on MBPJ alone as hawkers are very mobile. Perhaps it is time to incorporate other stakeholders such as residents and businesses in the development process for informal sector. Being there within the trading premises 24 hours, the residents have the right to demand for a quality living environment, and as such have the responsibility to involve in the development process. As consumers, they can demand the hawkers to do good and to improve better provided that some authorities are delegated to the residents for helping MBPJ to regulate the informal sector. For example, invited to judge the conduct of hawkers. Opinions of the stakeholders have to be given priority and serious consideration. Concurrently, the capacity of hawkers towards business ethics, social responsibility and environmental sustainability has to be improved.

Until then, challenges for informal sector is a never ending story. The catch, release, run and hide between authority and hawkers will remain.

Catch 22@PJ: Park vs Path

MBPJ spent almost RM 450,000 to construct a barrier free walkway in the vicinity of SS2 Town Centre. The path is meant for people with disabilities to have easy accessibility and connectivity from place to place. This passage will enable all walk of life for easy movement, without fail and obstruction. We have, however facing the problem of parking at the same time. People are complaining about lack of parking space. Most of the time cars are parked on the road shoulders or even the walkway, thus blocking the pedestrian flow. The barrier free walkway in SS2 does not escape from this problem. The problem was aggravated with the mushrooming and presence of bridal shops along Jalan SS2/24. While parking is a concern for the shop operators and customers, they should have refrained from parking on the path way and victimised the pedestrian especially people with disabilities. It is a social responsibility for making an inclusive society by being more considerate. I will prefer path over the park, after all we can find a legitimate parking lot some where, may be with some distance instead of taking the right away from some one.

Catch 22@PJ: Directional Sign for Advertiser

I noticed this signboard when traveled along the Jalan Templer recently. At first, i thought it was an advertising board for few advertisers, but realised later that it was the back side of a sponsored directional sign in which the front side showing the direction for this area. The siting which leaning towards the incoming traffic convinced me that it is a case of creative advertising marketing strategy. While the sponsors have the right of advertising by sponsoring the erection of the directional board, i presume greater monitoring mechanism should be there to ensure that it is not abused. Information should come first rather than making money. Similarly, it reminds me how creative others such as shop owners fence up the drain as storage place, house owners cement the grass land for car parking, workshop operators putting a tyre to pre-book the parking space etc. It is a case of "raping the public right", perhaps.

Contrast@PJ: JMC and RA

I was invited to share my thoughts with a workshop participants on the roles and functions for Residents Association in the high rise Condominium and Apartment organised by the All Petaling Jaya Residents Association Coalition last Tuesday evening. In Malaysia, by virtue of Act 663 and while waiting for the establishment of Management Corporation, all high rise strata residential building are required to establish a Joint Management Committee (JMC) with representation from the developer and unit owners to oversee the management of the building and its facilities. While the setting up of JMC in many instances was delayed due to the vogue of the Act in detailing the modus operandi for operation and management, it is not an excuse for not doing something for sustainability. After all JMC is entrusted with the task of asset management and focusing on the hardware in which roles of providing the software or social needs are not deliberated in the Act. Hence, in order to compliment the roles of JMC in ensuring good neighbourliness and sustainable community, establishing Residents Association is the way forward.

Residents Association can initiate and facilitate community development activities and programmes, to mobilise the participation of residents, to educate residents on the principles of sustainable development and Local Agenda 21, to mediate disputes between residents or with other internal or external parties as well as communicating with other stakeholders.

The challenges, of course are numerous. Residents Association has to forge close partnership and create mutual understanding with the JMC and to improve their leadership, management and resource capacity.

Conflict between JMC and RA is expected as both might have different opinions over the approaches and mechanism of running programmes in the Condominium and Apartment. It is unavoidable. However, if those involve fully understand that sustainable development and LA 21 is a social responsibility and that every one has the responsibility to act locally for the global concerns, then the conflict can be marginalised for greater impact.

Covered Parking for PWD

Another milestone was achieved by MBPJ yesterday with the launching of the first covered parking for people with disabilities in the office of MBPJ. It signals the start of providing 150 disabled friendly covered car park in PJ. The effort is part of the MBPJ's plan in converting the city into a barrier free city. In mid this year, MBPJ became the first local authority in Malaysia to provide free of charge transit service for the people with disabilities. It is a service for PWD to commute within Petaling Jaya for essential services.

The launching by YB Ronnie Liu is part of the celebration programme for this year International Day for Persons with Disabilities. It must be a new year gift for the community at large. It is made possible with the persistence of Mr Anthony, MBPJ's councillor who himself a disabled person. While MBPJ is pioneering the efforts in providing users friendly facilities and services for all, the efforts can only achieve its desired target with the participation and commitment from all sectors especially the building owners and service providers. Perhaps with amble awareness, knowledge and skills as well as passion, barrier free environment of PJ is not too far the distance. I subscribe to that.

PJ Best Neighbourhood Award for 2007/08

Last Friday saw the first timer, SS2B Neighbourhood Watch won the 6Th PJ Best Neighbourhood Award, beating other 13 contestants. The Neighbourhood was voted the best with its' excellence in leadership, community sustainable initiative and inclusiveness with all segments of community. It is particularly so with the active involvement of people with disabilities in the neighbourhood community development programmes. Kampung Chempaka Neighbourhood Watch improved their last year ranking by winning the 1st runner up placing. This neighbourhood has demonstrated that carrying out community sustainable initiatives is not a difficult task even though handicapped with many constraints such as physical, villagers mentality, technical capacity and language shortcoming. Their never said NO attitude and keep on doing has impressed the judges the most. On the other hand, Taman Megah Residents Association with its' professional done newsletter, management and leadership provided another perspective to the judges. Both have shown that appropriate technologies and approaches depending on local circumstances shall be applied in which lacking of financial and state of art technologies is not an issue.

Congratulation also to the Neighbourhood Watch for PKNS Flat, Taman Dato Harun, PJS 2; Taman Mayang Jaya Residents Association and Sea Park Residents Association for being conferred the Merit Award. These Associations have demonstrated that with good leadership, committed members of community and right partnership, community sustainable initiatives can be done effectively and efficiently. Similarly, praise is hereby given to the local community leaders for their contribution and involvement for making PJ a sustainable city.

Generally, the judges observed that all participants have demonstrated higher level of understanding about sustainable development and Local Agenda 21, willingness to implement local community development programmes and partnership amongst stakeholders are better.

Having said so, the judges have also suggested that mentoring and coaching scheme be introduced next year to encourage participation from more residents organisations. Capacity building programmes can be introduced to ease the perceived burden of some residents leaders to submit their application. Some have mentioned about lacking manpower and know how to prepared documents.

Overall, The Award Presentation Night graced by the Chief Minister of Selangor with almost 400 attendees has been well received and concluded Local Agenda 21 Petaling Jaya for the year of 2008 well. Thank you the panel of judges, residents groups and all for making the event a success.

Recycling Bag

I noticed these bags during my visit to an Expo at KLCC yesterday. The recycling bag with capacity of 20kg is perfect choice for indoor 3R campaign. The three compartments are detachable and can be carried individually. I am thinking this might be interested the children at the kindergarten and primary school or perhaps the household and office staff who prefer to have a visibly presentable container for recycling the waste. Perhaps using this cute and good looking bag can get rid of the perception for the existing recycling bins, a rubbish bin. By having a more innovative marketing strategy, implementation of 3R could be more effective.

NATO (No Action Talk Only)

No action talk only or commonly known as NATO is a phrase associated to the Talk The Walk instead of walk the talk. It is very easy for sweet mouth people to criticise, to suggest, to convince people that everything can be done and is possible. However, when action is matter the most, all in sudden it is not workable and delivery becomes a big hassle.


Some people has always criticised the lack of legislation for initiating an action and thus the failure of execution. Some might even blamed the mechanism of not supporting the actions. To certain extend, it is yes but in most of the circumstances, it is not the case. There are plenty of legislation and policies to back those in the regulatory and enforcement segments to execute their works effectively and efficiently. For example, the land slide and hill slope development is governed by the Act 133, Act 172 and others. Even there is a provision to compel the building owners of 5 storeys and above over 10 years old to conduct safety inspection. This clause is not enforced comprehensively. There are also people criticising the existence of uncollected rubbish in front of their house, but fail to acknowledge that the rubbish is there due to their excessive and wasteful consumption. If we have reducing the rubbish by exercising recycling habit, then for sure we will not encounter the rubbish problem. The lists can go on and on.

At the end, problems solutions are very much depended on our attitude, that is to have action, how little it is rather than having more talking. Of course, the least is having constructive talking with follow through action.

Sustainable Landscaping

I was interviewed on the landscaping in relation to sustainable development last Tuesday. While landscaping can beautify a place, it does not necessary make it sustainable. Thereby, comparing landscaping and beautification to greenery and environmental protection is not exactly the same. For example, a golf course although having a lot of greenery might be deteriorating the surrounding environment and stream due to the extensive use of fertiliser. Similarly concreted floor is slowing down the run off in which a flash flood might happen.

Hence, the concept of sustainable landscaping is important and should be given due consideration for those who would like to beautify their compound and to preserve a good quality of living. The question is what do we mean sustainable landscaping? To me, as long as the planning and developing process of a landscaped area is done with the followings in mind: zero waste, zero carbon, minimum disturbance to the ecological system as well as user friendly. The landscaping should have optimised the resources and utilised the natural resources.

For example, harvesting rain water for purpose of watering the plants and used for fish pond; using recyclable building material for construction of gazebo and pergola or even the used tyre for flower pots; using the shape of trees for shelter; using solar lamp for lighting; laying inter-locking tiles for flooring instead of the cement floors; planting with functionality rather than only aesthetics value in mind and etc.

To me, the quote of "Being environmental friendly can be profitable" is perfect for sustainable landscaping. While aesthetic value and beautification can be preserved, the sustainable development can be applied. The owner can enjoy the scenery and at the same time feel good of being environmental friendly.

If everyone of us has thought about this in our daily life, then sustainable development is not that far from achieving, i believe.

Culture and Environment

I was asked about the conflict between culture and environment, if any during my discussion with the representatives from the Petaling Jaya Chinese Guild Organisations last Thursday on the possibility of jointly organising the coming Chinese New Year celebration. I mentioned about having an environmental friendly festive celebration in which programmes, refreshment served, preparation and others should have sustainability component. For example, minimisation of waste and activities or performances highlighting the message for environmental protection should be taken into consideration. Everyone agreed the concept of having an environmental friendly celebration but confessed the difficulty of implementing it. They were also worried about the possibility of scarifying either one along the preparation process.


One interesting point brought up was the compatibility between culture and environment. While it is noble for having both at the same time, at time conflict might occur and we have to find a win-win solution. The question is how to balance the two dimensions, namely protecting the environment and preserving the culture.


Fire cracker, for example is not only affecting the safety of people and buildings, also the environment will be deteriorating as paper was used and smoke was produced. People tend to continue lighting up the fire cracker as it was a tradition during ancient time to scarce away the wild animal and also to brighten the festive season. If virtual fire cracker with same effects can be created through technological innovation, then the question of getting rid of fire cracker might not have been brought up.


Another wasteful instance is the serving of packet drink for every individual visiting our house. As our customary warm hospitality, we used to serve drink to our friends straight away without asking in advance whether they are thirsty or not. As most of the friends have rushed through few visits in a day, they are more likely have taken few drinks before visiting us. It always ends up with the packet drink opened, but untouched. If we can either ask first or serve them with drink in glasses, then the good tradition which might resulted in wasteful gesture can be maintained with pride, to our mother Earth. Others like serving set meal instead of the buffet, e-invitation rather than the posting of greeting card.

A study revealed that people tend to throw away more rubbish during post festive season. This happened as many people tend to purchase a lot of food stuffs preparing for the festive celebration either in anticipation for more consumption or due to the attraction from sale's offer. However, the goods will normally unconsumed and end up in the rubbish bin. So, practicing a green procurement for celebrating the festive season should not be considered as a set back to the cultural tradition.

The common saying of "Being environmental friendly can be profitable" in a way is true provided that innovation, adaptation and tolerance is observed. To me, good value and culture must always be maintained and come first, but injecting environmental friendly components is also equally important.

Participatory Planning (3)

We are facing a dilemma in determining the boundary for public notification on a development project hearing. Thing is getting easy with the observance of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1976 (Act 172). The Act requires notification to adjacent land owners and those within the vicinity of not more than 20 meter diameter or those affected due to the Cul-De-sac design of the area. Nevertheless, MBPJ is allowing greater participation by inviting people from outside the required area to be consulted with. The catchment area becomes issue for contest.


While the residents want basically everyone to be consulted, the project proponents want only those who might be directly affected to be involved. The argument is unfinished as both are fighting for greater benefits. The loser is always MBPJ. While guiding the interests of the public is the main responsibility of MBPJ, the always "NO" from the residents is holding back the development. The residents has always argued on perceived traffic congestion and noise pollution as reasons for objection. No one has spoken about converting to public transportation to reduce the cars on the road, that's mean everyone to commute with public transport. Blanket objection without allowing development with merit is not the way forward, certainly. So, the question is how to draw the line for "sustainable" development projects? It certainly requires the wisdom and strategic thinking and involvement of every stakeholders.

Coming back to the public participation and the question of how many "public" is sufficient for us to call it a good participation process. Certainly, giving opportunities to everyone who are interested is good, but requiring a huge cost is certainly not the good choice. Spending lesser with greater consultation process should be given a thought. Nowadays advertising through media is not a cheap option. Similarly, posting the notice is not cheap as well. Perhaps representative system in reaching the potential parties should be considered and constant feedback on development at the particular area via regular communication channel is another option. People, sometime might have been misleading in objecting some development as no information, or at time sufficient information was provided for them to make an informed decision. Some time a prior notice with explanation will do.

Participatory planning by engaging as many people as possible is wonderful, but might not be efficient due to cost and time constraints. Hence, innovation in public participation forum is required, and has to do it fast and precise.

Participatory Planning (4)

In most of the consultation process, we always forget about the existence of third parties or other stakeholders. For example, in the recent dispute between the legitimate hawkers with the hawkers without license at the morning market of SS2. The hawkers objected to the appeal by hawkers without license to issue them the permit for trading there as they feared of competition and other consequences on traffic and cleanliness problems. The hawkers without license appealed for permit as they have been there more than 10 years and are contributing towards the prosperity of the market. They have also argued that they are law abiding citizens.
Both, however agreed that economic situation now is directly impacting their business. Both sides looked for support to further their argument. Nobody has actually consulted other stakeholders such as the residents, the shop owners and the market patrons over this dispute.

We have not asked the residents and shop owners, whom have their presence there days and nights to live with whatever odours, if any, and rats, if any, and disease, if any there. They are the groups there exposing their life, their living, their families and their health, and not the hawkers as hardly any of them are the local SS2 residents. Shop owners, while paying high rental have to compete with hawkers for car parking space, the customers and even the right to go in and out from the area. Logically, these groups should be consulted and by right their views are much more important, isn't it? They are our pay master as MBPJ is collecting tax from the residents and shop owners, thus our target for services provision.

Perhaps consulting these groups might provide us, the planners better insight and options. Perhaps their input will bring in wider perspective on an integrated urban development. Perhaps we can be wiser in making a choice after listening them out rather than trying to please the two parties who have their interest come first.

International Day for Persons with Disabilities

Happy celebrating the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. The theme for 2008 is: "Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Dignity and justice for all of us".

Every year today the 3rd of December is celebrated worldwide by the able and disabled community over the achievement made for creating an universal design and barrier free environment. Every year, however the same challenge of meeting the above is raised up again and again. We have not coming into a common ground and understanding.

Dignity and justice is a basic human right. Every individual has the right to be respected, the right to be served and the right to be treated equally as any other individual. Nobody anticipates to be given inferior treatment after all everyone is sharing the same responsibilities. Hence, treating persons with disabilities with dignity and justice is not something abnormal and beyond ordinary, it is a common act that supposed to be done by anybody.

LA21 PJ has tried to bridge the gap and interaction between both the divides of the society by organising various activities. Creating a common forum for them to meet and interact with each others, and in the process to create mutual understanding and respect. For example, building barrier free infrastructure and facilities, incorporating friends from disabled groups into the community groups, providing opportunity for business trading, encouraging community interaction and promoting their plights. It is a small, but critical step in breaking the social and physical barrier. I am glad to see that this year, Selayang and Subang Jaya are having programmes for celebrating the Day. We certainly need more local authorities to do so.

We have to try and try again until an inclusive society and a barrier free city is created. Once again, Wishing us all the best for celebrating this Day.

World Town Planning Celebration

Malaysian Institute of Planners celebrated this year's World Town Planning Day by organising the pledge and plant a tree campaign at Kelana Jaya last Saturday. With the assistance of MBPJ, A total of 135 trees were planted by the donors, fellow planners, guests and residents. YB Nik Nazmi, the State Assemblyman for Seri Setia and YB Gwo Bune Low, Parliamentarian for Kelana Jaya were amongst the invited guests to grace the occasion. Others included Yg Bhg Datin Wira Hamisah Ariffin, Deputy Director General for Federal Town and Country Planning Department and Mdm Sharipah Marhaini binti Syed Ali, Director for Planning Department, MBPJ. About 70 guests attended the function which was followed by the opening ceremony, environmental exhibition, demonstration on garbage enzyme making and showing of the movie entitled 11Th Hours. The programme end at 1.30pm.

The tree planting is an inaugural event for MIP to show the planners commitment towards greening the Earth, and hence help in reducing the carbon emission. Planners, as the agent for development has a big responsibility to ensure development projects is sustainable. While undoubtedly development will bring in adverse effect onto the environment, planners have to make sure the impacts are minimum and utilisation of the resources are optimised. MIP intends to continue with this effort. Perhaps to enlarge it covering other aspects of environmental planning is the way forwards.

At the same day, planning advisory service was held. The service is aimed at providing free consultation service to general public on the understanding about planning, enquiries about planning issues and challenges. This service is part of the Corporate Social Responsibility for MIP. It is an education process to build up the capacity of general public, and a pre-requisite if the concept of "planning with people and planning by the people" is to observe fully and sincerely. I wish to have this service be continued.

Catch 22@PJ: Directional Sign vs Advertising Sign

I noticed the orientation of this board during my travel to Kota Damansara recently. The siting of advertising is favoured towards the incoming traffic, the reverse side showing the information of direction is not visible to the traffic. This indicates the priority is given to the advertising purpose. While some might argue that it is a conduct of securing advertisement or else the direction sign cannot be put up. The advertisers need funding to cross subsidy the cost of erecting the board. Well, it is true that mileage should be given to the sponsor and nobody will dispute it. However, it is wrong if the exercise does not serve the intended purpose, that is providing information to the motorists. No point of having an information oriented structure if it will not benefit the users. It is a practice of taking advantage, and thus a pure business venture. We are in the Catch 22 situation. While directional sign to provide information is required, the practice of prioritising advertising is unnecessary.

Contribution from private sector for infrastructure and public facilities is most welcome. While it is a corporate social responsibility, the good gesture will help in reducing the burden of MBPJ in providing the facilities. The contribution is definitely needed. Having said this, minimum guideline is required so that the provision is having more social objectives rather than the perception of having more economic returns. I believe the sponsors will not mind to contribute directly towards the good cause and with a minimum exposure if proper publicity has been given from the beginning. Perhaps, innovative marketing strategies from MBPJ is required. A total package encompassing the cost and benefit to stakeholders, namely the users and sponsors is important.

Catch 22@PJ: Residential vs Commercial

Petaling Jaya was developed as a bedroom town for Kuala Lumpur 50 years ago. The planners then, have never thought of PJ developed so rapidly becoming a self-sustainable township by itself, let alone to proclaim as a City. The concept of neighbourhood was clearly translated into the planning principle on the ground. Houses are the dominant land use and served by row of neighbourhood shops. For long and even presently, many people are here in PJ for living in a peaceful and quiet environment. This scenario changed with the development of Subang Jaya, Shah Alam or even Kota Damansara and other areas at the fringe of PJ. These development brought in traffic and in-flow of people into PJ. Undoubtedly, development pressure built up against the planned set up for PJ.


Presently, PJ offers great deal for businesses looking for better place. The high price of properties and traffic congestion in KL is pushing more and more businesses to establish here in PJ, even for the people who is looking for a quiet place to live. The influx of traffic and people requires the construction of commercial space and residential units in the form of high rise and high density. The high intensity of activities brought in extra load to the existing infrastructure and living environment. While the changes is inevitable, the local felt uneasy as they have now to compete for the road space, the facilities, the services, the nature and even the car park. Community conflict started and to become a subject for contest continually.


So, the question now is whether development in PJ has reached the saturated point or not? Or perhaps we have misunderstood the definition about development? Shouldn't we talk about social and environmental development rather than the physical and economic development alone?


Is development only confined to the physical element, the high rise, the inflow of people and visitors and with that the need for more space? Or, are we talking about quality development and encourage the value-added development that will bring in high return on quality of life? For example, the building of theatre, art gallery, iconic structures with historical and aesthetic value, urban park and others.

We are in the situation of Catch 22. Some claimed that without development, no socio-economic development and quality services can be carried out by MBPJ. However, some argued that quality services can be provided by improving on efficiency and effectiveness even without new development. The argument is inconclusive. Perhaps sustainable development principles should be applied scientifically and systematically. Accepted methodologies rather than perception only should be used for development planning analysis.

Human Capital

The November 2008 Monthly Quality Assembly for MBPJ saw the Department of Management Services launched the Campaign of Human Capital: Quality and Not Liability. The phrase is well said and structured. It is a wake up call to all employees after being told that the excellence service ranking of MBPJ amongst fellow local authorities in Selangor is dropping. The Campaign relates the work quality and service as a God alike action. It is a commitment to our God. It relates to one's integrity, sincerity, passion, loving, caring, true self and etc. As the success is related to individuals believe and value for work ethic, leadership by example from the top management can be a contributing factor.

Human capital is the asset to any organisation. The asset is the pillar to determine how good an organisation to perform and to serve their stakeholders. Some said "garbage in, garbage out" referring to the processing in computer. Similarly to the organisation, it is what you will get is depending on what you are giving. Logically, when we smile at someone, reciprocally we will receive a smile from the opponent and when we work hard and wholeheartedly for our clients, they will response with a Big thank you. This is the law of nature.

The question is how to recruit good staff force and importantly to sustain the eagerness and commitment of the new recruits until the last day of their service with MBPJ? Some believe on the incentives and penalties system. By rewarding someone, he/she will be motivated to perform better. Similarly, penalty will prevent someone from committing an error again and again. This system is effective provided that the organisation can innovate the system from time to time as people can be bored and greedy for more over time.

Perhaps inculcating a norm and value amongst staffs for working with sincere and truly should be a step forward. The staffs have to realise that earning the right way through right work ethic and attitude is the only right thing to do, and a minimum that request by MBPJ. For ensuring that the system is workable, a mechanism of monitoring, check and balance should also be institutionalised. Get other stakeholders such as Councillors and other accredited agencies or even the community members to evaluate the performance of individual, departments and MBPJ.

We have to work as a team or else the ranking of MBPJ might not be able to improve next year.

Deepavali Open House

I was so impressed with the MBPJ Deepavali Open House organised by my fellow Indian friends last Friday. The cooperation spirit, involvement and worked as a team of the staffs that inspired me the most. The event was well attended by more than 2,000 people without any disputes, different from claims by some quarters.

I understood that apart from contributing their time and energy, the Indian employees have also contributed cash for organising this event so to subsidise token contributed by MBPJ. While cash contribution showed their eagerness and commitment to share their joys with other community members, perhaps it is good for MBPJ to foot the total bill after all MBPJ has a policy to celebrate all festive seasons. My wish for year 2009 is to see all MBPJ staff from different ethnic background to jointly organise the Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Chinese New Year, Christmas and Deepavali. Let's work as a team and to share everyone joys.


Thank you my fellow friends for presenting an entertaining and informative cultural show, and of course the delicious food. Perhaps it is the first time that I have so many Indian food for a single day. I hope to introduce the Choy Kwai Tey, Kuih Bakul, Hokkein Mee, Chee Cheong Fun, Siew Bao, Calligraphy etc apart from the usual Mandarin Orange and Lions Dance to all my friends in the coming Chinese New Year celebration.

The only complaints I have was the use of non-washable and non-disposable utensils. As MBPJ is urging public to be environmental friendly and to discourage the use of plastic, it is nicer for us showing the example. Hopefully, the future festive celebrations will see an environmental friendly and caring party.

Other than that, I have all praise for my fellow friends. Kudos.

Environmental Education Carnival

The 3th Environmental Education Carnival was successfully held on the 13 November 2008 at Civic Centre. It was jointly organised by MBPJ, Global Environmental Centre and Sri Kelana Primary School to inculcate the love of school children on environment. To do that, educate them on the need of environmental conservation is important. This event saw the participation of 165 teachers and students from 6 schools in PJ. So far, a total of 800 students has been trained.

The participants were exposed to the environmental crisis we are facing now such as climate change, global warming, depletion of natural resources, pollution, deforestation, loss of biodiversity and etc. Various natural disaster and abnormal circumstances such as Tsunami, flash flood. earth quake and animal encroachment to human settlements were quoted to get the participants to refresh on the environmental crisis. It is not something unexpected and unaccounted for, it is the impacts of human wrongdoing or overdoing cumulatively. It is the collection of individual action.

For example, what will happen to the air quality of PJ if everyone reduces his/her CO2 emission? As every individual omits 9.7 tonnes of CO2 per year and we need 465 trees to adsorb the gas, the less the emission means fresher we are even though with fewer trees. Since the emission is difficult to reduce due to the affluent lifestyle, then we have no choice but to plant more trees. Hence, the proposed program to get every school children to plant a tree is definitely of help. Having said this, coming out with a concrete plan to motivate school children to plant, to manage, to look after and importantly to feel proud about "owning" the tree is critical. More importantly to plant at sites with no disturbances, either short term or long term. Perhaps considering to award "tree birth certificate" to the planter, to organise competition on the most well kept tree or the school planted with the highest number of trees are some of the good ideas.

We have also encouraged the participants to submit proposal for environmental protection project in their school. The response, however was not that encouraging. We have only received one proposal with the anticipation of five. Perhaps more structure approach of carrying out this need to be done. I believe it is a good initiative to stimulate environmental projects in the school and to motivate school children be more creative. Ultimately, this will help the school in achieving sustainable school, and collectively a sustainable PJ.

Some might think that environmental education is important but not urgent. They wonder why LA21 PJ has spent much efforts for the environmental education. I beg to defer. While soft approach for adult might not be effective as their perception and attitude is difficult to change, exposing children to the environmental crisis can lend them toward caring about environmental. It is important to teach them and to let them know the good of doing gently and nicely toward our environment from the young age. This will bear fruit when they grew older or if not started to remind their parent of doing the same. Well, it is a long term endeavour, believe me.

Participatory Planning (2)

Last Friday, for the first time in MBPJ's history, a public forum involving all stakeholders for outdoor billboard was held. More than 80 people representing the billboard companies, residents groups, media and Council's staff were in attendance. It was widely reported and commended. The attendance is expected as billboard issues and illegal erection as well as irregularities have been hotly debated since two years ago.

I do not want to discuss on the issue as many will come back again this coming Friday to seek for an amicable solution, the outcome that will benefit the Council and the residents financially and aesthetically. What i am interested is the approach in participatory planning. For an effective public participation to take place, aspects of context, content and process have to be looked into.

Context is referred to the appropriateness of venue, time and conduct of the consultation whereas content is the topic to be discusses and its relevant. Process refers to the methods of preparing, conducting and post-consultation. Lacking of any one of the above or showing the bias towards any one aspect can result in unsatisfactory and inactive or nonconstructive participation by any parties.

It was reported that the billboard contractors were not too happy as they have only received notification two days before the meeting. They were also not too happy to share the profit with Council. The residents were not pleased with the inaction of Council in tearing down the illegal billboard. It seems that everyone has something to say. Any resolution without affirmative actions will not stop people from continually talking.

Perhaps it is time to record what transpired and become a lesson learnt. A book outlining the process of this case study will be good as a guide for future forum. It is definitely a quantum leap in participatory planning, if the outcome is of help financially and aesthetically to PJ.

Collective Responsibility

I spoke to the hawkers of the Section 17 Morning Market, Jalan 17/27 on cleanliness and hygienic condition last Wednesday. The market is contributing to the foul smell in Section 17 Town Centre. More than 70% of them turned up in the briefing session vindicated that they are serious of keeping the trading premise tidy. Similar sessions were conducted for Taman Megah and SS2 hawkers last week.

I emphasized on the collective responsibility. Previously, enforcement actions failed due to the irresponsible individual and care less attitude of the hawkers. Hawkers simply do not care about each others and it is very rare to see each other reminding everyone on the need for a cleaner environment. Everyone claims so busy with their business to such extend that nobody bothers about the cleanliness in the public and surrounding area. A compound served on an individual or even order to temporary close the individual trading place does not deter others from continually violating the law. It is a never ending battle for MBPJ when it comes to cleanliness and hygienic as long as the hawkers do not change their attitude and ethic for a good environment and governance.

Perhaps compel them to observing collective responsibility is the only option. Encourage them or if warrant force them to act collectively, and thus responsible as a team on any wrong doings. For example, to close down the whole market for few days if laws have been violated even by an individual or minority or if a number of compounds have been issued in a fix period of time. No individual, but group responsibility is entertained. For hawkers, asking them to cease business for few days is killing. They can afford to pay the fine rather than of not doing business. In order to effectively implementing this new approach, solid supports from stakeholders, namely the Councillors, residents and consumers are important. On top of that, consultation process between all stakeholders to create consensus on the accepted criteria is critical prior to full implementation. For example, to agree on the service standard etc.

While the long term impact is yet to ascertain, the immediate result is forthcoming. On Monday, the hawkers together with MBPJ organised a mass cleaning up exercise and they have agreed to do it every month. On top of that, every stall will contribute RM30 per month to engage cleaners to up keep the premise during operation hours. It is definitely a good development. Hopefully the change attitude is extended to cover other aspects of sustainability such as environmental and user friendly, fair trade, food safety, health and etc.

Liveable City of Petaling Jaya for all is achievable if only everyone plays his/her responsibility. In this case, hawkers are playing important role.

Petaling Jaya Recycling Expo 2008

The 4th PJ Recycling Expo concluded on 12 November 2008 at the Jaya 33 Complex. The event with the participation of 15 organisations and agencies was held in conjunction with the National Recycling Day celebration. Various activities to raise awareness, to educate and to enhance the knowledge and skills of public on 3R were organised. YB Elizabeth Wong, the Selangor State Executive Council Member for Environment officially graced the occasion a day earlier.

This is the first time the Expo was held in a complex, a trial to promote 3R concept to the working groups after the event was held at Menara MBPJ and Sri Kelana School for the past three years. With the change of venue, the visitors were also different. This year we saw handful of office workers dropped by to visit the booths and to make enquiries on recycling especially the handicraft made of recyclable items. The change is hopefully widening the target group for 3R, deviated from the normal residents and school children. This is critical for making 3R movement an inclusive action and norm.

My staff and myself have also learned how to put up a more presentable and professional exhibition in the commercial complex. We have to adhere to rules set up by the management. For example, to lay carpet on top of the exhibition area, to make preparation after the business hour so as not to disturb the existing outlets and etc. The stringent requirements compel us to have greater coordination and tolerance amongst departments and exhibitors. Everyone has to commit and work closely for staging the show within 24 hours. I was there to supervise until 3am next morning. I think it is a good learning process for participatory planning. Ensuring an effective participation process is easy said than done. While we can notify people coming for a consultation session, the outcome might not be fruitful and useful if proper preparation taking into consideration the agenda of various parties are not met.

This year also saw the participation of DANIDA-SWMC, the consultant advising Government of Malaysia on the solid waste management and corporatization. The exhibitor showed some good community initiatives for 3R. These include the recycling bank for school children in Penang, waste composting machine in Subang Jaya, household composting in Petaling Jaya etc. On top of that, few private entities were also invited to participate. Two interesting booths were, one showcased the rostrum made from TetraPak beverage cartons and another one on the handbag made from the aluminium can. It truly portraits that waste is wealth in which some believe that Nothing is Waste, Everything is Money. I start to believe it.

A month-long computer recycling campaign courtesy of Dell and concluded with the lucky draw on the last day of Expo was organised. It is a strategy to encourage e-waste recycling. Apart from the RM0.40 per kg payment, for every 2 kg, a lucky draw coupon was given. A total of 10 prizes worth RM10,000 was offered. You guess, who was the luckiest one? I truly took home a Dell laptop. Now, you see why i have started to believe it? Ha..Ha...

Participatory Planning

I was asked to chair the discussion cum briefing session between MBPJ, Hawkers and the Residents Association for the construction of new market and temporary relocation of stalls at Taman Megah, SS24 last Friday. The meeting started at 3pm and finished 5 hours later. The time spent indicated the hectic process for a hot, yet fruitful discussion. At the end of the day, everybody was happy and presumably was satisfied with the outcome.

This is the first time that residents representatives were sit in the discussion between MBPJ and hawkers. Previously, all discussions in regarding of construction of new premises, relocation or even closure of market place were conducted between both parties. This, in time created uneasy situation as the interest of other stakeholders has not taken into consideration and many of the time the parties involved were asking many requests based on their interest and from their own point of view. The outcome, of course is one sided.

While it is nothing wrong for hawkers to request the best deals for themselves, it is unethical if the requests have been done mainly for their own interest without considering the feeling and sentiments of other stakeholders. For example, requesting the temporary closure of a road for a conducive marketing environment at the temporary site without considering the impact on traffic circulation at surrounding area, leaving behind the unmanned stalls at temporary trading site without considering the unsightliness of the town centre etc, to me is uncalled for. Hawkers must bear their corporate social responsibility. They are responsible to the consumers, stakeholders and the environment.

In order to encourage participation, hawkers were empowered to voice their opinions and to make decisions. For instance, they are asked to decide on the number of stalls, to allow or not requests made by their fellow friends on stall allocation, to decide on the date for shifting etc. They felt that their opinions have been given due recognition and they are very much felt part of the process. Empowerment is important for an effective participatory planning. Perhaps MBPJ should start a program to build up the hawkers capacity and let them involve in related matters affecting their livelihood.

Since MBPJ has decided to close entire trading premise if a place is found untidy, dirty and unhygienic, the process for drafting the detail definition and accepted terms and conditions can be participatory in nature. It is critical to involve the hawkers and other stakeholders to formulate an acceptable guidelines and definition on these. It will not help much by having a self-drafted guideline imposing on others, especially the direct parties without any consultation and consensus.

I am optimistic and looking forward for more such constructive consultation sessions with Hawkers.

Community Initiative (5) - Recycling

I was invited to attend the 5th Anniversary Thanks Giving Dinner organised by the Pertubuhan Amal Seri Sinar (PASS) last night. Altogether, more than 500 people attended the dinner in which RM 154,000 was raised and redistributed to 564 poor students from 20 over schools in Malaysia. This is a dinner for charity function.

Pertubuhan Amal Seri Sinar started five years ago to involve in the recycling activities with the believe that waste is wealth. It is now became the organisation with the largest recycling service network in Malaysia. Over five years, more than 50,000 tonnes of waste has been collected and recycled, over RM 500,000 was donated to the charitable homes. More importantly, by recycling 50,000 tonnes of rubbish is tantamount to help the Government to save RM 6 millions in solid waste management. According to Dato' Eadon Chin, its' founder the success of PASS is due to the holistic and systemic approach in handling the recycling process. He decided to do it enterprisingly after noticing that many of the NGOs failed to sustain after some time due to capacity problems. Many NGOs have started well as a handful of the members are eagerly of doing something good, but discontinue or loss interest whenever the members leave or encountered difficulty or poor response. His experience vindicated a structure and business way of doing recycling.

Another important milestone to share is making recycling as easy as possible by locating bins in various strategic locations. More than 150 bins are placed in different localities to facilitate people on disposing unwanted items as well as on site schedule collection and door service to pick up bulky waste are provided. It works well as people have no reason of not disposing the unwanted items into the bins closer to their home or work place. It is also a marketing strategy to promote PASS and 3R as it is so visible that nobody can miss the orange colour bins.

For an effective implementation of 3R programmes for the community at large, those who has not started yet, innovation out reach programmes focusing on convenience is critical. Perhaps, the days to wait at community recycling centre for residents to come by might have to revolve.

Capacity of Stakeholders

I was invited to share MBPJ's experiences in Local Agenda 21 implementation with the stakeholders of Sepang Municipal Council last Saturday. Together with Mr Ismail Latiff of PJS 2 and Mr Azman of Section 6, Kota Damansara, we discussed the achievement and obstacles for LA 21 PJ implementation over the last 8 years. The Workshop impressed me the most is questions and answers session. We were grilled by the participants on the failures for LA 21 implementation in relation to Sepang experiences. They claimed that after such a long time since 1992 Rio Summit that Sepang is looking into implementing the LA 21 is certainly unacceptable. Issues related to the administrative difficulties of Sepang were also mentioned. This reflects on the issue of willingness and commitment. I must confessed that after delivering countless papers on LA 21 implementation in Malaysia, this is the first time i have witnessed such a fierce responses from the workshop participants.

To me, this shows a sense of urgency and commitment from the stakeholders. The awareness and knowledge level of the stakeholders are higher now that it is such a good opportunity for LA 21 activists to press on. It also reflects on the change of mentality towards good governance in the administration of local authorities.

I sincerely hope that prospect for LA 21 and hence sustainable development is brighter now on.

Community Initiative (4) - Family Day

I attended the Bandar Utama Family Day Carnival at BU3/1 Community Hall last Sunday. I must said that the event organised by the Bandar Utama Residents Association was the biggest ever organised by a CBO that i have attended. Various fun-filled, friendly and informative activities were there for the big crowd. According to Mr Lim See Meng, the organising chairman, he and the team have concentrated full time on the event for the past three weeks.

Organising a community event can be a difficult task or an easy jobs, depending on what level of impact and participation. It can be a small gathering with free food or it can be a paid event for like-minded people to gather. It is very much subjected to the target group we are talking about and the objectives that we are trying to achieve. For example, for the purpose of introducing a new subject such as implementation of recycling activity, a lot of efforts is needed to convince the residents that it is a worthy project. On the other hand, we do not need to make a special effort in inviting people to attend to object any new development project constructed in front of their house. The people will take their initiative to organise and to attend to such briefing sessions. People are choosy in participation. They are only interested to spend time for things affected them directly rather than to attend to functions that have invisible impacts on them. This is a challenge in community development.

My perception on this changed after witnessing the big turnout at Bandar Utama. I believe if an event is well organised, the people will come forward no matter how. It will definitely require wholehearted collective efforts, and importantly innovation and creativity. Perhaps for a successful community event organised by MBPJ, such approach should be applied. We could learn from the community or even to out-source to the CBO for helping us in organising such events.

Negotiation

Negotiation is to bargain for the best deal. At time, in order to get the best deal, parties involved tend to underscore each other or pushing other to the limit for a win-lose outcome. This, from the sustainable development point of view and public-private partnership is definitely unthinkable. We need to create a win-win situation, to satisfy both the parties, to convince each one that we are sharing the goods, of course the responsibility. Does such an idealistic situation occur in the daily encountering?

It is possible provided that both parties are sincere in finding a solution as well as skillful and knowledgeable in discussion and creating consensus. If we are professional in focusing on agenda rather than the personal, diplomatic in approach rather than trying hard to run down each others, for sure the win-win situation is achievable.

Negotiation is happened everywhere and everyday. Residents bargain with the Council for better services, Council negotiates with the service providers and suppliers for better quality services, Businesses discuss with clients for better returns. Understanding each others needs and agenda, thus becoming a critical prerequisite for well preparation. Public servants shall be trained to be better negotiators or else we have no capability to conduct a constructive discussion with the stakeholders. This is a must as inter-personal communication is the top priority now for an effective leader.

World Class City

The vision of creating a world class city for Kuala Lumpur is commendable. Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020 envisions to transform KL to the class of Tokyo, New York, Singapore, Melbourne, just to name a few. It is timely that for Malaysia to develop a world class city to better reflect the developmental achievement of the Country, after all we are envisioned to achieve the Developed Nation status by 2020. I was briefed by the planners of City Hall Kuala Lumpur last week on the rationale and plan to be implemented for achieving the goals. I must say well plan and well done.

Having said this, having a plan outlining what to do for a world class city is definitely not sufficient and holistic without having the world class mechanism, governance system in place and more importantly the world class mentality of the people. Be it the staffs of executing agencies or the general public. We need staffs and leaders with visions, management skill, leadership charisma, knowledgeable and importantly first class inter and intra-personal skills for moving the plan ahead. At the same time, the stakeholders especially the beneficiaries of the plan to reshape their mentality and thinking. Thinking for the long term benefits rather than the immediate impacts and petty urban issues.

In the globalisation and environmental decay era, city is becoming the centric for nation development. The competitiveness of a country is very much depended on how competitive the major city in competing worldwide for the capital inflows, brain, technologies and expertise. KL, the capital of Malaysia as the catalyst of development for the Klang Valley and Malaysia will determine how well other cities within the conurbation to perform and develop. The support of other local authorities is critical, especially the hinterland to provide excellent and world class manpower.

A fine city does not necessary mean a world class city. A world class city shall be resilient and adaptive to the changing environment and sustainable development. People in a fine city can live comfortably and with higher quality of life, but if the city government has to spend large amount of money to manage the waste, energy consumption, waste water, wastage from consumption and production due to the affluence lifestyle, then the city, to me is not a world class. Every city has the responsibility to sustaining the Earth, and thus any action by its citizen to create more waste, to pollute the environment and to consume resources excessively although with the capability to pay for it, is not a world class city. KL, has to ensure that sustainability by all is embedded in the plan.

Attaining a world class status is not possible without mutual understanding and cooperation as well as partnership amongst all stakeholders. It is no point for City Hall of Kuala Lumpur to set a high target, but later found that execution is a difficult task as supports and commitment from other agencies, private sector and community groups are not forthcoming. In this respect, communication and creating mutual understanding for trust building is critical. People suspects the implementable of a plan simply due to the doubt for execution as planned. The doubt might be resulted from the perception on current poor service delivery and enforcement control over the urban planning sprawl and management. In order to get rid of this suspicious, enhance the quality of service and communicating more often with the stakeholders can be helpful.

While those have opportunities to witness the well planned for some world class cities in other part of the world and convince that we can do the same for Kuala Lumpur, the task is to market to possibilities to the community at large. The lay man who engages with encountering daily and might not be so bothered about what happenings elsewhere need to be convinced. Ignoring them and owing them an appropriate explanation is unthinkable. Planners, in guiding development and protecting the public interest have a big role to play.

Effective Communication

I have the opportunity to practice another form of communication after learning about the theory about communication, that is the sign language at a workshop conducted by the Lions Clubs District 308B1 and MBPJ on 19/10/2008. The sign language is important for bridging the communication gap between community at large with the dumb and deaf. Without a medium, it is difficult to communicate effectively, and hence to foster greater understanding and interaction. This will not help in creating an inclusive society towards a caring developed nation by 2020.

Effective communication is important as communication is happened anywhere, anytime and by anyone. 75% of our time is to communicate either through vocal, body language, visual or writing. While community is a social unit gathered individuals and making things work, communication effectively is important. The sender for information has to make it clear and precise so that the receiver is able to understand and interpret it rightly and accurately. In order to do so, using an appropriate medium at the right time and right place is an added advantage.

Most of the time, communication broke down due to the unprofessional conduct of the sender, the uncaring of receiver and unsatisfying medium or environment. Both the parties might not sharing the same competency if communication is for works purpose, or holding to own egoism or personal interest if communication is for personal gain purpose, or disrupted if communication is to negotiate better term for own interest. While for an effective horizontal communication between office mates, equality is important. an effective vertical communication, that is between boss and the subordinate, respect is much more critical.

There are vast differences between internal and external communication. Internal communication for an organisation can be direct and bold with the backing of legislation and directives. For example, implementing a rules for improving quality and performance on a work process is made mandatory by top management, and it has to be complied with. For external communication in especially with the stakeholders and customers, it is more complicated simply because the aspiration, demands and agendas are different. Their anticipations are not the same as what the organisation might thought of, and thus if similar communication strategies are applied, intended results might not be able to achieved.

In order to share the feeling and sentiments as well as tapping the concerns of the externalities, the organisation has to communicate as frequently as possible and to listen as attentively as possible, so that future programmes can be drafted with much cares and considerations. By embracing externalities in the early planning stage will help in deploying a workable and effective communication or marketing plan. Of course, if it is done, the conflict is reduced.

Communication is simple, the difficult task is having an effective communication. It requires inter-personal skills, technicalities and knowledge.

Contrast@PJ: Outdated but forgotten

When the wireless communication was first started, numbers of hotpot was installed at various places in the city centre. These hotpots were highlighted by the presence of signage to tell users such a facilities were provided within the vicinity. Over years, newer technologies emerge and browsing the net or engaging with mobile phone is no longer restricted by the availability of these points of contact.

While technology advancement is commendable, the usual practice of not taking down what have been up there is rampant in PJ or even other parts of Malaysia. We saw the abandoned footage for billboard, the overhang of signage on lamp posts, the planting of rubbish bins stand on the roadside, the placing of unused 3R bins at various strategic places, the broken flower pots, the abandoned police bit base and car parking attendants' cabin, the scattering of construction fabric at the former construction site and etc. We tend to forget to clear and return the site to original after using it. We, definitely have not in built the maintenance culture into our norms and working culture.

The question is what to do? Shall we embark on running greater maintenance culture campaign? Shall we punish the culprits for job unfinished and hold them responsible by imposing higher deposit? Shall we just simply not allowing such actions with chances of damaging the environment, if we are not sure that the environment can be restored to the original after use? Definitely, greater enforcement and follow through is critical.

Contrast@PJ: Exclusive Car Park

Car parking is always a problem with urban folks especially in the high demand area. For example people used to make few rounds and spent more time to look for parking closed to their destination. They would prefer to spend time scouting for parking lot rather than getting a parking lot far away from the destination. This is a common phenomenon amongst the complacent urban people. While to me, it is not a problem as these people have a choice to get a car park, it is unforgivable of having some irresponsible to pre-book a parking lot exclusively for them, and at time even do not occupy it for a long period. It is a common scene at the town centres of PJ witnessing the placing of tyres, bins, barricades, sign boards, tables or chairs, and now the flower pot in the parking lot in front of the shop houses. The right of people is deprived.

The question is what to do? Shall stringent actions be taken against the intruders or shall we relocate the type of businesses such as automobiles service centres elsewhere to cure this problem and hence restore the beauty of cityscape? Or else the competition for urban space is not only happened between development and environment, but rather businesses and residents, a dilemma blocking the achievement for sustainable development.

Transit Oriented Development

Movement is created as long as development is on going. Development projects will require commuting and connectivity. People travel from residence to work place, to shops, to leisure, to amenities and to another residence. People are always on the move. The more we travel, the more we pay for it. To pay for the cost of fuel if motorised vehicle is used, the cost of damaging the facilities and polluting the environment, the cost of time spent, the cost of conflict between both meeting parties and etc. So, logically speaking, the least we travel, the least of cost that we need to pay directly or indirectly footed by others such as the environmental cost. Of course, some might argue that the least you travel, the least opportunities for you to make money and to enjoy life. Is this true? To certain extend yes, but...

The advancement of technology has actually made it possible to make money and to enjoy life without the need of travelling extensively. By making a call, by browsing the Internet, by writing an sms or e-mail, by sending an e-card, by paying via e-pay, by connecting to GPS; Your transactions, requests for information and sales are possibly done.

Transit-oriented development (TOD) is talking about creating a mixed uses and diversify neighbourhood which optimise the advantages of public transport and provide accessibility, connectivity and walkability. A strategically located transportation terminal is the prominent feature. It is a call to optimise the use of land resources and to reduce environmental damages by having efficient and effective system of commuting. Hence, the question of planning and execution in concurrent stage.

What will happen if ICT advancement is added to the Transit-oriented development? I presume, it is an alternative mean in reducing the physical travelling within TOD and replacing it with wired communication, a tool to live with ease and a possible solution to environmental degradation, and of course the price to pay for less human interaction and less mind working and greater dependency for machine to work is not small. Are we ready for it, the long term and with the public in mind? Do developers shared long term responsibility in making the TOD work, for example to provide necessary infrastructure? Do agencies ready to execute TOD concept, for example constructing the rail line before an area is developed? Do public prepare to change and to adapt to TOD in embracing the goodness, for example be environmental friendly and technology savvy? These need to be addressed.

Social Responsibility (3) - Sinar Harian

I attended the official opening of the second pondok made of recyclable beverage cartons at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sri Kelana last Sunday. The installation is made possible with the full support of Sinar Harian, a publishing house for magazines and a daily focusing on community news. I was made to understand from Mr Ong Kein Eik, the role teacher for spearheading and motivating the growth of Smart Ranger, a grouping of primary school students for environmental programs at the school that without strong support from Sinar Harian, the success is possible but not complete.

Sinar Harian has involving with the Smart Ranger starting from day one and many contributions have been put forth to support the activities. A significant contribution is the donation of magazines for sale. Magazines are given for generating activities fund. Apart from that, the activities and achievement of Smart Ranger are highlighted from time to time. This has enhanced the profile of the program and make SRK Sri Kelana a role model.

The Day marks another milestone with the announcement of the principal that SRK Sri Kelana is aspired to become the sustainable school by year 2010. Certainly MBPJ Local Agenda 21 will be there to share and later to celebrate.

New Urbanism

I attended a lecture on new urbanism three days ago at DBKL. New Urbanism is looking at "Giving people many choices for living an urban lifestyle in sustainable, convenient and enjoyable places, while providing the solutions to peak oil, global warming, and climate change".

Put simply, it is about creating a sustainable and liveable community. The question is have we not talking about this concept since the early day of planning? For years, we have been talking about walkability or walking distance between various land uses and the amenities, neighbourhood with mixture of uses and demographics features to encourage the creation of community spirit and neighbourliness, the creation of public discernible centre with the construction of town square and prominent monuments at strategic location, transit-oriented development with many of the township developed along major roads or rivers such as Petaling Jaya along the rail line and Kuala Lumpur developed along Klang River. These are features that were considered even long ago prior to the new township planning concept evolved. After years, we have to remind ourselves on the characteristics of new urbanism which is almost identical with the neighbourhood and new township concept.

To me, if we need to revisit the fundamental and early concept of planning for solutions towards the emerging problems at the present day, something is terribly missing, perhaps it is the answer of having over done for development. Some quarters in searching for sustainability have called for going back to the basic. The basic on live, shop, play, eat and work. The ways we have a decent life, we consume resources, we work ethically, we shop moderately and for necessity and more importantly within the carrying capacity of our Mother Earth.

New urbanism as a concept to remind us the past best practices and an urge for restrain on overdoing in development is fine with me, but if new concept after another concept is evolving to counter problems due to the forgotten of "old" is simply unattainable. Correcting the repeated same mistakes again and again is not a sustainable planning solution.

Contrast@PJ: Tree vs Post

Hang to die or Dead to hang? Trees are the gift for nature and human. Trees are there to provide the shade and greenery, and more importantly the oxygen. A city without green is dead, a green without trees is boring, i think.



I presume this tree was there to live and to help the city to sustain, but irresponsible people has tortured it to dead. The overcrowded hanging of signpost and board has basically shortened the life of tree. This scene is normal phenomena in the City.



So, the question is what to do? Can we replace and replant the tree and at the same time providing hanger for those who would like to advertise? Can we aware people on respecting the life, and in this case the trees? Can we penalise people for their irresponsible act? Can we take down this eyesore immediately?...