Family Fun Day of SS2B

I attended the Family Fun Day of SS2B last Saturday with full excitement. Various participatory activities were organised for the residents, able and disabled. It is interesting to note that the disabled friends played a pivotal role in organising the events, a rare occasion for other neighbourhood activities. The success of the Day vindicated the capabilities of the OKU and should the neighbourliness spirit be fostered further, OKU's involvement cannot be neglected.

The fun filled program saw the active participation of private sector. Stalls promoting healthy, green and nutritional products and services were established. Apart from the sale, the stall operators educated the residents on health and environmental aspects. For information on sustainable development and healthy lifestyle to be disseminated widely and effectively. the integration of commercial elements with the environmental education is critical or else attracting the participation of private sector in a neighbourhood activity is a difficult task. Perhaps all environmental education and community social programmes should look into this partnership model.

Another important milestone was the high turnout of children. In fact the presence of children increased participation rate of adults. In attracting the participation of children, St John's and Scout were invited to assist, children art competition was held as well as the school band and dancers of Puay Chai School were invited to perform. Obviously, organising events for children will enhance participation, a practical problem for community event in PJ.

I learned from what I saw and experienced. Thank you SS2B.

Section 13 Special Area Plan

Section 13 Special Area Plan prepared under the provision of Town and Country Planning Act, 1976 (Act 172) is on display from yesterday until 25/7/2008 for feedback and objections. Public and owners are invited to view the proposals in the plan and submit their views, if any. The plan was prepared with owners involvement since its inception. This is public participation in practice. Having said this, attendance from other stakeholders such as residents group was not prominently in sight during the launching ceremony presided by the Deputy mayor of MBPJ. Perhaps more will come forward after knowing the plan is on displayed now and we might have better in sight and constructive feedback.

The Plan envisions a business park for Section 13, transforming the present industry area into a business hub focusing on high technology, service oriented and financial activities. It is a proposal to value-added this strategically located area and to present a new and modern facade for PJ, long associated as a bedroom town for Kuala Lumpur. While new emerging activities and buildings are in sight, high volume of traffic and its impacts toward the surrounding area is anticipated. The influx of people to live, work, play and learn (the theme of the Pan) and vehicles to this tiny area will put extra pressure to the existing infrastructure. While capacity of the existing infrastructure need improvement, workable solution is to improve the public transport service within the area. Perhaps free ride should be provided for internal circulation, thus cutting down the need to travel with vehicles within the area. Alternatively, creation of a safe, pleasant and uninterrupted footpath network for pedestrian is of great help.

While land preoccupied by manufacturers now is proposed to be relocated elsewhere, the historical value of this place as the pioneer industrial area for PJ should not be discarded and forgot. It is important to record in writing the origin and contribution of this place towards the development of PJ. It is a pity if the history of this area is not properly archived.

Is Section 13 becoming a model for other industrial area in PJ or Malaysia? Its' success is very much depend on the partnership, participation and commitment from MBPJ, the land owners, the investors, the operators and of course the residents. Develops Section 13 for A Developed PJ is the key word. (Maju Seksyen 13, Petaling Jaya Maju)

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Environmental Education Carnival

The 2nd Environmental Education Carnival was held yesterday in conjunction with the 2nd Anniversary Celebration of PJ City Day and World Environment Day 2008. A total of 365 students and 33 teachers from 11 schools in PJ attended the one day session. The Carnival was organised by MBPJ and GEC supported by SK Sri Kelana under the partnership principle of Local Agenda 21 PJ. The aim is to raise stakeholders especially youth's awareness and knowledge about environment and sustainable development. Activities such as video presentation, quiz, talk, game and demonstration were held.

One of the interesting message brought forward is that participants were asked to bring along their reusable utensil for meals. Those came in with the utensil were rewarded and for those without utensil is either to buy them at 50 cent or stayed hungry. It is a small but meaningful step from the organiser to raise awareness about recycling and environmental protection. Kudos...

The participating schools were also asked to submit proposal on environmental projects for implementation at the school. The best 3 proposals are given RM 1,000 each for implementing the proposed activities. This is a follow through action to ensure continuity and acquisition of knowledge and skills are translated into action. It is hope that successful projects will become showcase and later replicate to other schools or neighbourhood.

Ultimately, MBPJ hopes that all schools in PJ are the sustainable school, and collectively we will have a sustainable community and City.

Local Authorities Free From Plastic and Polystyrene

MBPJ was asked to implement the Local Authorities Free from Plastic and Polystyrene Campaign by the State Government of Selangor in conjunction with the World Environment Day Celebration recently. While the directive is commendable, its' success require a paradigm shift and immediate change on our way of life.

Many, if not everyone will use at least a plastic bag per day. More than often we will be given a plastic bag for goods we bought from the wet market, retail shop, hawker stalls or restaurant. We are used to ask for a plastic bag during our shopping spree. We use plastic sheets to wrap our gift or flower or to cover the cooked food. We are provided with bottled mineral water for functions or visitation. In sum, plastic is everywhere. Logistically, the campaign is aimed at making the plastic disappears from the compound of Local Authorities or not to be seen.

The question is how to make the plastic invisible and unobtainable? For an effective implementation, multiple and integrated approaches involving legislation, voluntary and economy instruments shall be applied. While desired impact is not expected if a voluntary campaign is carried out, neither legislation nor economy instrument can perform well. For example, to reward on the good practice requires monetary provision and to penalise polluters will require close monitoring and manpower by the enforcers, either way will not bring in desired result. An integrated approach is essential.

MBPJ's top management and staff should lead by example. The modus operandi for procurement, meeting, transportation, energy consumption, communication and management can be reviewed. For instance, getting every staff and council members to bring their own utensils for refreshment during the meeting if food and drink are provided; directing the contractors to send in goods with minimum packaging yet well protected; instructing the canteen operator to serve food with reusable containers; prohibiting token of souvenirs with plastic components etc.

Any more? I am sure plenty to implement...

Local Management for Night Market

Panel of Judges for the PJ best Neighbourhood Competition visited Damansara Permai Apartment at the Damansara Damai last Sunday. The judges were told by Mr Hamzah Zakaria, the Chairman for the Residents Association that they managed the cleanliness of the night market. Stall owners pay RM3 per night for the Association to maintain the cleanliness of the premise which occupied their apartment area.

While Residents Association in collaboration with the hawkers help in managing the place is commendable, it is also food for thought that why don't the stall owners themselves organise to not dirty the premise in the first place, and if not then to clean the premise by themselves? It should be the principle of "polluter pay".

Having said this, if the residents associations showed their capability in managing local premises and have the cooperation from other stakeholders, is this vindicated that MBPJ should delegate more responsibility and authority to the local residents group for managing their neighbourhood? Can MBPJ get the local residents groups to do cleaning jobs, to monitor the safety at the park, to supervise the contractor on infrastructure works, to organise community activities, to provide feedback on the quality of service delivery etc? If this can be done, i personally think that improvement on service delivery can be done and good governance can be achieved.

What say you?

Leadership In Practice

The judges of PJ Best Neighbourhood Competition 2006/07 made a visit to SEA PARK Residents Association yesterday. They were there to evaluate the performance of the RA basing on the criteria for community sustainable initiative, namely environmental protection, social cohesion, economic growth, physical quality, capacity building and leadership. During the get together session with 400 residents attending the Blood donation and health check campaign, the most talked about personnel is none other than the Chairman of the SEA PARK RA, Mr Gan Keng.

Mr Gan, man with few words and hardly say a word in English get thing done easily. Sponsorship and collaboration from the business sector are forthcoming without much hardship, volunteers volunteering their service tirelessly and participation from the residents are overwhelming. This leadership style at the community level is what LA 21 looking for. Effective leadership at community level means mobilisation of people from all walk of life to better the local environment and to create a harmonious and inclusive society. It is not necessary to advocate loudly on some issues but do nothing when result the matter most.

Well done, Sir.

Happy Birthday City of Petaling Jaya

Today marks the 2nd Anniversary of City of Petaling Jaya. The highest status accorded to city and town in Malaysia in recognising this new township's development on all aspects, be it socially, economically and physically. While celebration is a must in this Day, it is time to refresh the achievement for the past two years and to reshape future strategies for the City.

As announced in the paper today, disabled representative is amongst the NGOs that are expected to be appointed as Councillor of MBPJ. Perhaps the inclusion of stakeholders apart from party representatives will provide better and holistic views when it comes to creating an inclusive society and good governance.

The mechanism and governance structure for people friendly is there and need to evolve faster and sooner. After the 12th General Election, stakeholders' expectation and aspiration are higher and they anticipate a people friendly bureaucracy to serve them better and more efficient. Does MBPJ ready for that and how fast can we move ahead? Is LA 21 an ideal platform?

Greenery and cleanliness are pertinent for a sustainable and healthier environment of PJ. While it is essential to expedite the Greening and Planting Program, it is critical to prevent trees from falling down due to excessive development. Development projects should not only focus on economic and investment return, but the social and environmental impacts toward the community at large. The bigger asset we have for PJ is the people, their attachment and loyalty to this home.

An efficient public transport is a must especially after the recent hike of fuel. MBPJ has to play a more proactive role in providing this facility. To leave it entirely to Road Transport Department, Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board and Private Operators are unthinkable. MBPJ's announcement of providing free community bus for the underprivileged is obviously a welcome move and indicate the possibility of MBPJ playing a vital role in public transport sector.

Apart from that, affordable housing, independent living opportunities, accessibility and connectivity, public participation, good quality of delivery and facilities are other aspects that need exploration and improvement.

Happy Birthday PJ.

Recycling Good Practices

I was invited to share MBPJ's experiences in Eyeglasses Recycling Campaign with more than 150 participants throughout the country in a Recycling Good Practices Seminar at Kuantan organised by the DANIDA-SWMC and KPKT last Monday. The Eyeglasses Recycling Campaign was jointly organised with Lions Club of Kuala Lumpur (West) and residents organisations, shops and NGOs in PJ. The target was to collect 5,000 pairs of eyeglasses and then sent them to Sri Lanka for cleansing, testing and packaging before donating to the needy who cannot afford. The message i am trying to bring to the audiences is try to think out of the box when it comes to 3R. Recycling can be done by relabeling an existing social program or by partnering players in other fields that we might have overlooked. We should integrate sustainability in dealing with 3R program.


Many good practices were presented, be it at the local authorities level, schools, community based organisations or the private sector. I felt excited to know that so many initiatives have been blooming on the ground. Some have started by individual due to their hobby or passion, some have started very small due to the need of solving their daily problems, some have done something else but evolve later to a good environmental initiative, some have started with 3R but later to incorporate other aspect of environmental protection projects. Having said this, common ground for success is identical, the leadership shown by the champion. Dedicated and committed individuals persistence and continually working and improving on the program is the key to success. It is essential to establish and give due recognition to the champion to continue working and to disseminate the good practices.

Having localised champion is a waste if the knowledge and experiences acquired do not reach out to others in other geographical and demographic areas. Thus, it is important to divert a structure and platform for efficient sharing, exchange and learning.

Another obstacles is the high turn over of champion. Champions especially those in the public sector will not continue with their efforts once got promotion or be transferred to other fields. This is a pity considering that champion is not easy to groom and establish. Obviously looking into the mechanism of promoting an officer to a higher grade without transferring them to a new field can be an option of keeping the champion, thus the effectiveness of 3R and sustainable development.

Urban Forest

I was approached by Mr Paul to initiate a tree planting program along the Green Corridor of PJ. He suggested bringing in the corporates to sponsor the tree planting exercise. In return, the corporates will be acknowledged their contribution in the project signboard and publicity material. I personally think this is a noble project and if implemented can enhance the tripartie partnership amongst MBPJ, private sector and the communities. Planting the forestry species will eventually create a forest atmosphere in the city, the urban forest. It is critical to plant more greenery, to have the natural filter for the CO2 due to increased traffic, human and economic activities. The city is getting polluted and if no actions are taken, then perhaps in a day we have to wear mask to go out from the house.

By having the urban forest within the green corridor, make up of the transmission line, highway, river and LRT reserve will not only expand the green area, also serve as an alternative transport path for cycling and walking, a natural path for wildlife and the tourist attraction. The program need participation from every sector and certainly suggestion from Mr Paul is welcome and a great help.

Apart from that, we have other initiative at different section of the green corridor. We have the Water4Life project at the Sungai Way River Basin by GEC, we have nurseries along the LRT line etc. Once connected, the green corridor is developed. If all plan well and coordinated, the time is not too long for us to realise the dream of urban forest.

School Children: The Victim of Externalities

We are organising an environmental education carnival for the school children in Petaling Jaya. Efforts to recruit participation is on going now with many have responded positively and with enthusiasm, but there are teachers who have given us a BIG NO. They reasoned that each time an event organised by other agencies, the easier target is the school children. School children are not only invited for inter-school functions at district, state or federal level, but also required for functions like parade during festive season, reception parade to receive the VVIP, anti-social ills campaign launching such as anti-drug, anti-smoking, anti-littering, anti-loitering etc. It makes so little time for the school children to concentrate on their study.

So, the question is shall a line be drawn here? what kind of community programmes or non-curriculum events that warrant for students' participation? Is the Environmental Education Carnival good and appropriate for them?

Environmental Education and Awareness under the Chapter 36, Agenda 21 calls upon all sector to raise our awareness, understanding, knowledge and skills in achieving sustainable development. The scope of sustainable development should be well covered in our school syllabus, especially the primary school as children during young age is easy to accept changes, for the better. If the school syllabus has not given much attention to this aspect, then as Local Authority, MBPJ has the responsibility to step in and to collaborate with the schools and NGOs for this event. With that, i think the teachers who have said NO should refresh and consider again participating for this event. To deny the students passage for environmental education is tantamount to not allowing them freedom to acquire knowledge to SAVE the EARTH.

What say you?

Walk The Talk

Since the hike of fuel price and food price, Government is urging people to change their lifestyle, to be thrifty in spending and consuming. Some proposals are actually killing two birds with one stone and a real phrase of "being green can be profitable" is in practise. For example, taking the public transport instead of driving alone; eat healthier, slower and less rather than go for the buffet and meaty food; switch off the stand by mode of electrical appliances rather than keep it open 24 hour; plant vegetables in our house with the kitchen waste we have instead of go to market so often.

Feeling the pain of pumping petrol and immobile due to weight gain, I decided to take LRT for work yesterday. The ride was a pleasant one and i was there in the office within 25 minutes, included a 10 minutes walk from the Taman Jaya LRT Station to MBPJ. However, my return journey was troubled by the heavy downpour and it took me more than an hour to reach home. I noticed that taking public transport and walking can be a good alternative way of commuting if infrastructure are there and people feel comfortable, friendly, safe and affordable to try it. The pedestrian walkway linking the station and other destination such as bus stop and town center shall be improved, punctuality of buses is another factor, connectivity of LRT and shuttle service need enhancement, barrier in between the walkway should be removed etc.

With these in place, i cannot foresee any reason of not going with the public transport. And until such time, the saying of "changing our lifestyle" is more pragmatic, practical, non-controvesial and acceptable. While lifestyle reverts to the basic, the sustainability is ensure.

I hope to walk the talk as far as i can. Will you walk with me?

Career Advancement Workshop for PWD

A Career Advancement Workshop for People with Disabilities was organised by the Challenges magazine in collaboration with SENET and LA 21 MBPJ on 8/6/2008. The Workshop attended by 31 PWD mainly the deaf aimed at teaching them to write good resume, cover letter for job application, preparing for an interview and other good preparation to land a job. The participants enjoyed the lively sections delivered by staff from SENET. I was there to enlighten the participants on programmes initiated by MBPJ in making PJ a barrier free city. I spoke about the need to right the wrong perception of general public for PWD. Definition for PWD should include people who cannot achieve his/her desires due to barrier of environment. For example, senior citizen having difficulty to clair up the stair, child having the problem to reach handset of public phone for an emergency call and expecting women with difficult to jump over to other side separated by a monsoon drain are all classified as temporary PWD. With that, for sure everybody might be more than willing to do something within his/her jurisdicion as it affects everyone either directly or indirectly or now or later.

A holistic and integrated approach combining the social, economy, physical and capacity building aspects is adopted by MBPJ. Some programmes include the PWD friendly walkway and facilities in Section 52 and SS2 Town Centre, Free transit service for PWD, economic opportunities for PWD etc. Having said this, more need to be done especially behavioural change of the people and government officers. We have to be sensible in providing the space and facilities for all. Little gesture is good enough. For retails shop owners, why are you putting your goods in the corridor blocking the right of way; for motorcyclist, why should you park your motor on the walkway; for drivers, is that so difficult for you to find a parking lot that you rather occupied the reserve lot for PWD; for shopping centre operators, can you provide accessible features to bring in more PWD potential customers; for money laundering people, why should you stick your advertisement on the notice board; for government officers, why should plant a tree or place a traffic sign at the middle of walkway; for car workshop, if you could build a ramp for cars to drive in your shop, why don't you do it with 1:12 degree... the list can go on

MBPJ is certainly committed to create an inclusive society and we welcome similar initiative from others. Shall we?

Environmental Seminar

I was invited to deliver a paper entitled "Local Agenda 21 and Local Government" at the Environmental Seminar 2008 last Thursday jointly organised by Perak State Government and Bruswick Snd Bhd in conjunction with the World Environmental Day celebration. The Seminar was attended by 500 people from government agencies, local authorities, community groups and private sector and officiated by the Chief Minister of Perak. Speeches of the VVIP and speakers are concentrating on what can stakeholders do together to protect our environment and how committed the Perak Government is in pursuing sustainable development. My paper elaborated on the origin of LA 21, why is it important to Local Government and examples of initiative that Local Government can work together with stakeholders.

I was impressed to say the least by the dedication, commitment and promises shown the state government of Perak. Few examples quoted are no trees have been allowed to cut down for the past 3 months, planting of 1 million trees, 24 hours on call for Exco to check on environmental iiregularities etc.

I hope good governance as promised will lead to sustainability. Certainly a private company partnering the government in organising such event is commendable and serve as a good starting point for the future. I am glad to witness this.

World Environment Day

It is the Day again, to appeal tirelessly to the government, corporate, cities, communities and individual to SAVE THE EARTH in order for us to survive. It is time again for us to sit down, to refresh what we have done, to suggest things forward, to engage any possible partners to carry out actions together etc. This is fantastic except that It is done again and again by and for the same group of people. Are we doing enough?

Although painful to our pocket, the announcement of Government to increase fuel price on 5/6/2008 and subsequently electricity tariff starting 1/7/2008 is pleasing in disguest. This economic instrument of environmental protection measurement rather than the voluntarism will definitely change our way of natural resources consumerism. I can expect people to think twice before buying, to travel with neccessary, to switch on the light or air-con if critically require so, to eat less, to throw little as no more excessive waste are left behind or even to cut down on phone bill etc. Shall we start from today, to set our mission to help the Earth and in helping us?

Happy World Environment Day

Water 4 Life

I have an informal discussion with Global Environmental Centre this Wednesday morning in regards to the lukeworm response from community organisations within the Sungai Way river basin for the Water 4 Life Project. The aim of the project is to raise awareness and capacity of the community in managing the river. It is envisioned that by 2010, ecological system of the Sungai Way will be restored and acqual life will be back. The success, however is very much depend on the involvement of residents. They are the streamkeeper for good or polluter for bad.

We speculated that poor response might be due to GAB Foundation, the funding partner or non-committment of the community leaders as social activities rather than environmental projects are their priority or lack of understanding about the project. We came to conclusion that perhaps another round of promotion and briefings are needed to encourage active participation.

LA 21 PJ of MBPJ will call for a meeting on 11/6/2008 to gauge the response and committment of the residents groups. Hopefully the project is a success and be a model for replication in other part of Malaysia.

Volunteer

I was touched by a Mr Yap who came with his wife Ms Ong to my office during lunch time to offer his service as volunteer for MBPJ's Disabled People Transit Service. Mr Yap is retiring this coming June and he would like to contribute to the society in which he has been doing in the past as a part timer. According to him, before knowing about the service offered by MBPJ, he has been thinking to drive a van to pick up patients from general hospital and send them home. This idea comes about during his bed ridden days in the hospital in which he noticed that poor patients cannot afford to commute and have to rely on free ride did occur.

Mr Yap's offer is commendable and certainly we need more people with big heart like him. We are asking him to play the role as coordinator for this service. If no other hindrance, Mr Yap will serve in our call centre to receive bookings and to arrange for services. A feel good day.

Considering to be volunteer and be part of Friends of Local Agenda 21 PJ?

Tree Planting

Rukun Tetangga SS25A, PJ in which i am one of the committee members initiated a tree planting campaign last Saturday in conjunction with the World Environmental Day Celebration. Apart from celebrating the day, the aim is to create an impressive GREEN frontage and entrance to the neighbourhood. The program started at 9am, an hour late due to the late delivery of plants by MBPJ. Nevertheless, the planting went well although none of us are professional or have done a street garden before. About 100 trees include the hibiscus and palm trees were planted at the junction of Jalan SS25/4 and Jalan SS24/1.

To me the most significant part of this exercise is at last and finally the Committee took the Green Initiative for the first time in our history. If more and more community based organisations come forward and plant trees, i believe it is within reach for MBPJ's One House One Tree Campaign and Tree Planting Programme.

The question is shall MBPJ be more proactive of engagement the CBO to initiate the planting campaign or rather than waiting for proposal or even proposal does come in but hurdles are placed to "make it" difficult to continue planting or to do it with our own staff only. Why don't provide them sufficient facilities and support for a greener PJ?