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.