Sustainable Planner

During a discussion, I was informed that in Australia the most difficult people to be convinced embracing sustainability is the town planners. Whenever the subject of incorporating sustainable development principles into practice and planning, their pre-requisite is to have the rules and guidelines first. The planners are so abide by the regulations and standards that very few can take bold steps to make first change. It is only after the sustainable development proponents convinced them with figures and data that the planners will start making amendment to plans. Perhaps this precautionary attitude is due to training. Planners are trained to formulate policies and to draft plan after taking into consideration every aspects and factors ranging from physical, social, environment to economy.

However, this approach has made planners lagging behind when it comes to championing sustainability issues.

Planners as the public guardian to conserve a quality living environment should have gone in front without being asked for. Planners should have set a role model for other professional.

I hope that planners can participate and contribute actively in the Malaysia Government pledge of reducing 40% CO2 by 2020. We should not miss the boat again.

Catch22@PJ:Small Traders

During the economic down turn, many people ventured into other trades. Informal sector with easier entry point attract more people especially those with low skill, capital and commitment. Undoubtedly, small traders are important components in our economy supply chain. Aspiring small traders should be provided with assistance and facilitation to trade and as a training ground for them prior moving into SME sector later. After all, growth of many MNC is following similar path.


It is not wrong for local authorities to issue license and to identify new trading sites or even to construct new business premises and to lease it to them with nominal fee. Certainly, Local authorities have the social responsibility.

Equally, those benefited from the local authorities have social responsibility as well. They are here making money with minimum risks and gaining higher profit margin. My observation is, sorry to say they are not reciprocating the good gesture of the residents and local authorities. Pardon me for saying this, majority of the small traders are irresponsible citizens and many of them are not fit to be given opportunity to continue trading. Some even said these people have robbed our rights and raped our green area. Let me quote some examples,


1. Mobile hawkers as the name suggested, are given license to trade from places to places and they are not permitted to stop at a place longer than permitted. What happen now is many of them are stationed permanently in a place, and some even place objects there overnight to prevent others from using it. It causes traffic jam and nuisance.

2. The business hour for night market is 5pm and onwards. What happen now is many of the car park lots and streets are occupied and blocked starting from as early as 3pm. I have a bitter experience in SS2 some time ago. A hawker scolded me for parking at a legitimate lot as it was obstructing his stall. At that time, it was 4.00pm.


3. Many of the small traders occupied open space, pedestrian walkway, car park lot, utilities reserve or even the walkway for disabled people for their business and utensils. It is common to see washing and storing activities at the back lanes. They are denying the public right’s for accessibility and facilities enjoyment.

4. The dirty outlook of business premises and surrounding area made you wonder are they not caring about the environment and Mother Earth. At one of the dialogue session amongst officers, developer, small traders and residents over a proposal to build a commercial plaza and market, a resident voiced her concern of tolerating with the odour for 24 hours daily in which small traders of the market might not even care. I wonder if we can have more such concerned residents to stand up openly and to demand well behavior small traders.


5. Many have considered the business premises and licenses are family asset and rightfully family members should inherit the licenses or premises, even though these are public properties. You will see the same owners or the children are continuing with the trade perpetually. Some are large and experience enough to venture into bigger scale, but remain to stay put.

I have been witnessing this scenario since day one of my service. I do not foresee any changes unless having stronger political will and management commitment. I do not foresee any changes unless the small traders are compassionate about inculcating sense of collective responsibility towards sustainable environment and fair trade. I believe that stricter enforcement such as closure of trading premises and cancellation of license is required. I believe other stakeholders such as residents and consumers groups shall advocate proactively for a better, healthy and sustainable environment in which boycotting the irresponsible traders is the top and only priority. Until then, changes can only take place unless a crisis such as disease break out or food poisoning, if unfortunately happened or else it is status quo.


We are in the Catch 22 situation now. On one hand, we have to facilitate for the growth of small traders as an important component in our economy system. On the other hand, they do not show good reciprocate gestures towards the community and environment. If we need to make a choice, I prefer to not having the small traders.

Catch22@PJ:Innovation

An overzealous Government will not let innovation growth. While Government takes care of everything from cradle to graveyard is welcome by every citizen, the impact on individual and community development is more damages than good. Everyone is creative within his own rights but choose not to do so due to the good living and working environment. A Government providing high quality of living environment made people think less, concern less and worried the least. The values of exploratory, adventurous, courageous and gut of people are diminished or even being killed over time. People resist changes and will only do so if a crisis occurred or gaining visible benefits. This attitude is worsening with the presence of “Good” Government.

Creativity and innovation cannot be nurtured through Government’s funding and legislation initiative alone. It is a battle for all. Innovation and creativity will only blossom whenever parents let the children think freely, the education system allows children to come out from the box and the society looks upon knowledge highly rather than the results. The Society is only interested to get As in examination, materialistic and making profits without looking serious onto learning, providing quality services and solutions. People prefer to raise questions, but very few can provide workable solutions.

I presume in order to inculcate innovation and creativity, Government has to provide room for market manipulation, to reduce control and to transform the role as development facilitator rather than service provider. The role of Government is to build a stage for people to dance freely. It is not the concern of the Government who, when and how the dancing are. The dancers will command respect if performance is excellent or else the dancing troop is facing problem of closure. Of course, if the Government feels that the performance is of low standard and public interest is affected, then it is necessary to formulate basic guidelines. However, participatory process is crucial and we need to be competence in determining what is good or bad. It is uncalled for banning any dancing performance immediately looking at surface without studying carefully the substance. For instance, dress code is always an issue.

We are in the Catch 22 situation now. On one hand, creativity and innovation is important catalyst for nation development. Human capital becomes an asset with the presence of creative and innovative workforce. For a country with small capital and consumers’ market as well as resources constraint, human asset is crucial. On the other hand, Government is trying to provide everything for her citizenry and this will kill off innovation and creativity.

The question is how to find a middle path. For me, the answers are good governance and sustainable development. Good governance means every stakeholder is involved in a transparent and just planning and decision-making process. Sustainable development meanwhile calls for a balanced and integrated development focusing on social, economic and environmental aspects. Some might argue that it is very idealistic as saying is easy than done.

I presume that we need to keep trying to find an appropriate model for everyone is crucial and way forward, even a small step is leapfrog to structural change, albeit slower pace. For example, declassify the “not-so-secretive” decisions making process on matters closely related to the general public or organizing more town hall meeting to discuss in mutual principle, and not only receiving feedback or even empowering the community-based organizations to take charge of their living environment. We might be surprise to note that they are so creative in managing their neighbourhood and resources, with minimum facilitation.

Transformation

Last week marked another milestone in Malaysia's history for good public governance. The 1Malaysia Transformation Programme Open Day was held at Sunway Pyramid over 2 days. The Open Day saw the setting up of 6 Labs displaying various identified key issues and proposals. Amongst them combating crime and corruption, upgrading of education, reducing poverty, improving public transportation and basic infrastructure. These are the National Key Result Areas as envisioned under PM's 1Malaysia concept, and rightly so as these are key concerns of the general public. Having a good start, is however would not win over the heart of the people if results are not delivered within expected time frame. Thereby, people attending the Open Day or even those who follow the reporting closely will be eagerly waiting the execution of actions be done as soon as possible. Until then, everyone is optimistic.

Open Day should have been held more often and at various places for the purpose of engaging wider spectrum of people. Looking at the turn out and issues closely related to everyone, the organising of such events in other places will definitely an inviting act. Previously, many of government events cannot attract attendance simply because of poor publicity, irrelevant of issues, wrong target groups and the worst is lack of follow through actions and updating of progress. It is hope that progress on any proposals from the Transformation Programme is constantly updated to general public and feedback are welcome. What people want the least is to be informed and to be heard although results might be forthcoming later.

Many issues were debated but interested many people are measures to counter the crime and corruption, followed by public transport and poverty. Some said all of them are inter-linked. For example, crime is a form of social ills and hunger people will commit crime. Similarly, too many agencies involved in the public transportation sector are also cause for corruption. Having said this, unarguably, all these issues are closely related to our daily life and determinant of our quality of life. To me, sustainable development as well.

Combating poverty is provided for under the Chapter 3, Agenda 21. Education is being discussed under Chapter 36, Agenda 21. Transparency and good governance are mentioned in every chapter of the Blue Print.

The transformation, if successful will have positive impact on sustainable development.

Christmas Concert 2009

Local Agenda 21 PJ achieved another milestone when the inaugural Christmas Concert 2009 was commenced on 15th December 2009 at the Auditorium of Civic Centre, PJ. The Concert was organised by MBPJ in collaboration with APAC and CFM to celebrate the festive season. It is a platform for enhancing greater interaction and mutual understanding on culture amongst people from the multi-ethnic society of Malaysia. More than 800 people joined YB Teresa Kok, Senior Exco Member of the Selangor State Government and other dignitaries enjoyed the two hours show. The show began with the singing of National and State Anthem, followed by prayer reciting and speeches as well as opening dance by MBPJ Cultural Troop. Next on stage was the Choir of the Selangor Philharmonic Society followed by popular singers Jaclyn Victor, Juwita Suwito and Patrick Leong whom rendered numerous festive songs. The night reached it peak with marvellous performance from Dr Joanne Yeoh, a respectable international violinist. The Concert was spiced up with lively and humorous cheers from Fahmi, the MC. It was a show one should have not missed it. I am glad to see people from all walk of life and segments of community attended the Concert. The presence of celebrities have definitely brought in people from different aged groups.

The success was attributed to the partnership and participation of various individual and groups. Without them and their persistent, the organising might not have even started. Kudos to Mr Michael Soon, Richard Yeoh, Patrick Leong and MBPJ staffs. While many have working tireless ensuring the show a success, the organising, as usual was not spared without challenges due to inept attitude of some people with reasons best known to themselves. This attitude, however did not deter others to move on. I presume, this is the true spirit of Local Agenda 21 and perhaps the underlying principle of 1Malaysia. The presence of YB Dato Seri Idris Jala, Minister of the Prime Minister Department testified that.

Social interaction in a diverse and multi-ethnic, cultural, religions and even social status society of Malaysia is always a challenge. It is a difficult task to unify people towards a shared value, objectives and vision for our Nation. Towards that, a lot of mutual understanding and awareness have to be created. The least the local authorities should do apart from policies and structural considerations, is to facilitate greater interaction by creating and providing multi platforms for everyone, regardless of their background, I presume.

MBPJ should continue doing so by using all festive season celebration as a platform for enhancing social cohesion. Until then, the vision of PJ as a dynamic and healthy city for ALL remains a distance dream.

Leadership Camp for Children

These are the messages disseminated by young participants of the Leadership Camp. To me, it is a wake up call to us the adult on how the children and youth feel and wanted to be accorded fair treatment in the city planning and development process. It is also a call for greater and mutual collaboration amongst different stakeholders. We, the adult have normally presumed that children and youth are too young the age to make a rational decision for their own, or even to express their opinion. It is us, to decide for them the best. Generally, we have not taken views and opinions of the children seriously. We have always said that children need protection and guidance, and most of the time absolute control. The room for their equal participation is very limited. Hence, it is always between you and me. What my parent want me to do or What I am asked to act for my own good. It proved me wrong after attending the Camp briefly and listened to their thoughts during the closing ceremony. Their views are so constructive, creative, compassionate and make sense. They asked the adult of not doing anything for them without them. They are ready to be involved and consulted as well as implementation.

On 8th December 2009, a total of 35 children aged 14-17 years old attended the Leadership Camp at Selesa Resort, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. The Camp was organised by MBPJ in collaboration with Community Support Network and Generasi Gemilang and supported by UNICEF. The Camp is an introductory session for the PJ Child Councillors prospects, part of the strategies for an initiative to develop PJ as a child friendly city as provided for under the Chapter 25, Agenda 21 and Convention for the Rights of Child.

I am confident that with this group of children around, the initiative of making PJ a child friendly city is attainable.

Rules of Law

Double standard and justification is separated only with a thin line, depending on how you look at it or from who's perception. While some authorities over zealous on some regulations for a particular area or issues, they tend to accommodate when specific needs arise. For some, this kind of adjustment is considerate and with humanity. However, other school of thought tend to argue that too much discretion power will lead to abuse and perhaps room for corruption. To me, it is a matter of transparency and good governance. Decision making process has to be known to every stakeholders, and from the beginning. Execution of decision has to be communicated with all affected, and do so from the beginning to the end. Any break down on communication and dissemination of information will result in confrontation and disruption to the planning process.

Decision making process is very tedious and not everyone will agree with the decision made. People objecting to the decision might have personal interest or agenda. Even those silent one will start making noise if they come across that the planning might have affected them. Keep in mind that people resist from changes. Informed decision is crucial.

Having said this, rules and regulations as well as the principles and spirit must always be adhered to. For changing circumstances, outdated rules and regulations need to be amended. No exception or exemption should be given or else suspicion will arise. People might have thought that favouritism and cronyism is taking place. Nobody, even the authorities should be spared from the rules. It is applied to everyone unless it is explicitly stated in the rules and agreed upon before the rules were endorsed. For example, if parking is not allowed, then summons should be issued to the offender even those he/she is the staff of local authority. Similarly, if we cannot allow erection of a signboard for displaying message other than for the owner himself, then it is also not right to grant a permit to third party for doing so. That's why it comes to my surprise knowing that a local authority goes against her own rules when a decision was made in flavour of them.

We obviously need to be consistent and lead by example when it comes to law abiding.

Back Lane

This is neither a store room or a house compound. It is a gated back lane in one of the neighbourhood. It is commonly noticed in many neighbourhood in PJ. For security reason, people resolve to barricade for control access. While it is understood the fear feeling of people, it is also a dangerous trend for safety consideration. It might become fire haphazard. Now, the smart mobile hawkers are using it for storage purpose. The chairs, containers, tables and even fridge are stored there. Not only it is for convenience purpose, but rather to me also for safe deposit. What a smart usage.

The question is should back lane be converted for better use? Previously, back lanes are provided as fire break and for urban services. However, with the introduction of services provision from the front of building and the possibility of maintaining 15 feet building setback without having the back lane, one will wonder why should we keep the existing back lanes.

I presume we can turn the back lanes onto a gated open space for the use of immediate neighbours. With at least 300 feet in length, it must be a good cycling track for children. With kitchens around the corner, it must be a good interaction place for housewife to chit chat on family matters or even cooking recipes. Perhaps the man can also spend time there after a day work. While we are talking about the losing of green space, perhaps converting the back lanes as green space will help to preserve the greenery. Having said this, the bottom line for local authorities should be having a maintenance-less and efficient-use of public space, hence saving on expenditure for road resurfacing, after all the work was not done very often.

Slow Food

Have you heard about slow food? To simplify, the opposite of fast food. It is a movement started to preserve traditional food from the threat of fast food which has revolutionised our life style, eating habit and even work culture. Fast food is unstoppable especially for the yuppies and working class with time is an essence for them. However, there are people worried about losing our traditional recipe on food making, the taste and even the memory of good old days. It is also a concern of standardization in food preparation, ingredients and monotonous selection of food will jeopardize our continue pursuing for good and variety of food. Using of same kind of ingredients will also discard the use of other types of vegetation, hence the degradation of biodiversity.

In Malaysia, slow food promotion is not targeting on opposing the fast food, rather than encouraging public to enjoy eating healthily and sustainably. It relates to organic farming as well. By encouraging people to cook with less oil, salt, sugar, vinegar and even to consume sufficiently for the need rather than want. People are also taught about planting for their own consumption by recycling the resources such as composting our household waste and using the seeds again.

The above were the theme for the 3rd Organic Day held on 5Th December 2009. The Organic Day was organised by MBPJ, CETDEM and Section 19 Residents Association to promote organic produce and sustainable urban lifestyle. It is a Local Agenda 21 capacity building program to raise public awareness for sustainable development. The event saw a big turnout and interested the most must be the demonstration on traditional way of making chee cheong fun. It certainly brought back the feel good old days.

Urban Regeneration: A Must

City is equivalent to our body. The inter-dependence of various land uses is similar to the organs in our body. The functioning of our body depends on how organs work and function effectively. A person needs to undergo a heart bypass for removing the blockage or else he is in danger of heart attack. Similarly, a city will remain stand still or even deprecated if incompatibility of land uses and urban sprawl happened. Aging cities just like human beings need revitalization or commonly known as overhaul or major service or else the dilapidated situation will discourage new investment and pushing away the aboriginal residents. A mature society in most of the developed city is also in need of new facilities to cater for the emerging needs of the dwellers. For instance, universal design or barrier free infrastructure for the senior citizens and people with disabilities becomes an essential part of the city. Advancing of technologies has also forced the city managers to look into equipping the management with new tools. For example, using GPS gestures to pin point exact location of facilities required urgent maintenance or even to monitor the complaints so that service quality is enhanced. Globalization has also demanded the city to reshape for capturing new business opportunities. Cities around the globe are competing for scarce resources and cities offering the best deal conducive for businesses, living and of course, social and economic returns will get better attention. Even the new Y and X generation with higher expectation and aspiration, of course more expose to the global work is asking regeneration of the city, that is closer to their taste and heart. It is insufficient of providing green space in the physical space that can fulfill their needs and wants, but rather the cyber space as well. All these are pushing city to pursue urban regeneration or revitalization or renewal or even redevelopment, partly or in total.

Planning is a dynamic process; hence, it is inevitable and unstoppable for a city to experience regeneration. Having said this, to grab the positive and greater impacts of the opportunities arise, a planned, participatory and inclusive process of development is required. All stakeholders have to be involved for making the old city, especially the inner part to function again, effectively and efficiently. For greater impact, stakeholders’ constructive involvement is required, and for that to happen their participation should be facilitated, conveniently, thoroughly and with ease.

Doing so, we need leadership and wills from all levels of governance, a shared vision and sense of belongings by all, appropriate mechanism, competent capacity, facilitating legislation, inculcation of trust as well as confident and provision of incentives are pre-requisite. Top of the list, to me is the stakeholders’ participation. And stakeholders, we are talking about those having a stake there for longer time. Developers, those who will bring in investment, develop and continually improving the area, rather than those having the intention of selling off everything without even want to claim their stakes should also be consulted. Market force is essential for urban regeneration, but it is not the only thing for consideration.

Urban regeneration is not a choice, but unavoidable. The readiness and willingness will determine how far and fast a city can go, in the world map instead of the regional or local level. Loving your city is also meant act responsibly and letting your city growth healthily and that include revitalization.

Effective Communication

I was asked by a colleague to help translating a notice from Malay Language to Chinese recently. The notice is meant to invite hawkers of a night market to attend a briefing and also balloting for the restructuring of the market. While Malay language is used for official function and corresponding, the officers agreed that for effective communication, all means of communications should be explored. These include sending sms informing the meeting, peer interaction, personal touch, e-mailing and private chat apart from the letters.

For effective information dissemination, the process is very critical. While specific target groups have to be identified, the means is equally important. For example, if the group does not care much about the subject matter, they will not attend to the matter. If the subject matter is related to their own interest, then by all mean they will find a way to get attention despite of getting notice in languages they are not familiar with.

In the case of restructuring the night market, I believe all of them will try to make themselves presence since most of them will be affected. Their livelihood is at stake as the location of their stall will determine whether they can make better business or not. Hence, translating the notice into another language should be seen as an added services by MBPJ. It shows the Council is engaging people friendly and people-centric approach. This approach is workable if there are interests attached to that or else nobody will bother much.

Having said this, I think exploring multiple approaches and means of communication is the way forward for effective public communication even though with or without self interest.

No Plastic

Penang State Government announced recently that No-Plastic Day for Georgetown starting from 1st January 2009. Kudos.

It must be very braved of engaging the businesses to do that and to discipline the users to comply with. Nobody should complain except for the manufacturers of the plastic bag, I guess. The businesses albeit worried on competition should be happy as they are saving cost on purchasing the bag. The public especially the environmental conscious one is happy that something is done for conserving the environment. The Council is pleased that waste treatment is getting easier and life span for the waste disposal site can be prolonged.

This change is inevitable as we are facing tremendous pressure from global warming. CO2 emission and greenhouse gas and of course the escalating cost for waste treatment is getting serious now, and if we do not take any drastic action, we are in the losing side.

The question is what are we going to do during the 4 days that plastic bags are provided? Are they dare and willing to say NO to the businesses? Can businesses just say a big NO to customers for the whole week? Even without the plastic bag from businesses, are we started using other substitution? If we use paper bag, have we gave a thought on the food print for producing the paper bag as someone is claiming that food print for producing the paper bag is higher than the paper bag. Many questions need answers.

Whatever it is, it is a good start and sustainability is visible if support from all stakeholders are forth coming. I hope other States are doing it, and fast.

Public Opinion

Public opinion is always changing according to circumstances and interests involved. While someone might fight tirelessly over something benefited them, they might not willing to do so if it goes against their interest. For example, recently a group of residents demonstrated against the closure of an access road with the reasoning that it will inconvenience them. However, someone rebuked saying that the same group of people have objected to the linking of an access road bypassing their neighbourhood few years ago with the same reason. Public opinion can be a sword with double edge, it is useful as a tool to gauge public views and people's acceptance, but at the same time can be annoying if minority of the people have different views from the majority. Under such circumstances, the authority should be brave enough to make a decision that benefited the community at large. The sentiment, emotion and individual self interest should be put a side. Having said this, it is always a difficult decision to make as both side of the divide will try to lobby for decision favoured them. It must be tough for decision makers.

What went wrong then? Somebody said prevention is better than cure. We should have planned comprehensively and thoughtful first. We should have put a threshold on development in relation to the capacity of infrastructure. This must be an ideal situation. Planning is very dynamic and the effect of planning is only can be seen with effective of execution. If a planned township is supposed to be supported by efficient public transport so that private trip generation and car ownership is reduced, but is not there, then I think planning per say should not be blamed in total.

Similarly, according to the early agreement, an access road should have built after 10 years, but it did not materialise for reasons that best known to the developer. In this case, the buyers must have felt short changed and they should have demanded a valid reason from the developer, i guess.

Nobody should be hypocrite.

Effective Message Dissemination

It is definitely a strategic move by getting someone from other respectful organisation to come and share their thought that is similar to what our own self would like to see. For example, we ask people to have sustainable lifestyle but the result might not as what we envision if people perceived that we are not serious. Hence, getting someone known for the very purpose and who has achieved it to share might be more convincing. Alternatively, getting someone with authority to appeal might have convinced people that this is the way forward. I learned this during a working discussion with Marang District Council yesterday. The Council came to discuss with me for organising a LA 21 workshop on 3rd December 2009 to identify issues and to formulate community vision. I was asked to facilitate the workshop and to share with the participants on the LA 21 implementation. Apart from that, officer from Ministry of Housing and Local Government will also be there to enlighten the participants on LA 21 implementation world wide and in Malaysia.

A question was prompted during the discussion. Someone mentioned about why Marang should implement LA 21 now as the initiative has been 10 years old in Malaysia. Well, many reasons for doing so and it is better late than not doing anything. We did agree that instead of Marang District Council telling others why, it is better for the reasons to come from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, the focal point for Local Agenda 21. It must be more convincing if the announcement attached with incentive such as grant for programmes implementation. More than often, communities are excited for having a programmes funded or endorsed by external agencies rather than the local. They feel proud of associating with respectful organisations. More so if certificate of participation bearing the name and logo of that particular organisation. This must have become an important ingredient for the success of the programmes. MBPJ has gone through that stage during the LA 21 pilot project implementation. Stakeholders came forward were so excited of partnering a programme with participation from UNDP, UPE and Ministry. To me, it is also a form of recognition.

Perhaps this is because we are so familiar with each others locally that we have always paying high regard to the people from outside. I guess this might be one of the reasons why I am invited.

Succession in Leadership

My Neighbourhood Watch Committee or commonly known as RT of SS25A has a meeting last week. While the main focus was on the security issue and performance of the patrolling service, we discussed the proposed new committee line up for next year. Although Mr Loh, the current chairman has done a good job, he declined to continue citing job commitment as a reason. We pushed amongst ourselves on who should lead, who should serve and who should be there. At the end of the meeting, we cannot reach a consensus and nobody has volunteered to take over the chairmanship and key positions. Many have, however offered to serve as committee members. The RT is definitely having a succession problem.

It is not new to all residents organisations in Petaling Jaya. We saw the fall of an active residents groups after the leadership lost their interest or the change of new personnel. Serving community in voluntary basis is a job not welcome by everyone as you will not praise by those you served, but rather a blame if some unbecoming happened.

I saw some excellent organisations with the chairman running around. Then, it means time is at his leisure. Many of the time, these organisations are serving by retirees or those who are not worried financially. That explain why most of the time we saw the same face of people attending functions. Obviously, it is not healthy for the development and growth of community based organisations.

Towards a local sustainable community, succession in leadership is a big challenge. Younger stakeholders have to be groomed and prepared to take over the helm. The soonest better. Young adult has to be exposed to various community challenges and opportunities. Hence, organising activities with youth flavour should be planned, I guess.

If succession in leadership is not looked into seriously, I presume years in years out we are fighting for the same issues and challenges --- To get people to aware, understand and appreciate the meaning of sustainable development and Local Agenda 21.

Community Household Composting

The 18 months Community Initiative for Urban Household Waste Composting Pilot Project organised by MBPJ and CETDEM with funding from the DANIDA-SWMC and Ministry of Housing and Local Government came to an end last Saturday. The day marked 46 households from an initial of 52 pax graduated with flying colour. They have been learning, coaching, mentoring and producing compost from their kitchen waste for the past one and half year. It is very encouraging and inspiring of listening to their stories. Many of them encountering problem of odours, maggot and complaints before mastering the skill of doing compost. It is never an easy task. Now, they are prepared to be the resource person for disseminating their knowledge and skills to their neighbours and friends. We are talking about getting them to coach others in replicating this project. It is truly a waste solution AT Source, something we have forgotten conveniently due to the complicated steps involved, and of course the perception of attitude of individual is difficult to change.

I think the project proved that it is not impossible if plenty of guidance and support is given.

People Centric Development

Planning for the Urban Future is the theme for this year's World Habitat Day and Sustainable Development - People First is the national theme for this year's World Town Planning Day celebration in Malaysia. The themes were unveiled yesterday at the PWTC. I was impressed with the focus on people centric development in which participatory and consultative planning as well as partnership is the call of the day. Many are agreeable with the need to consult stakeholders and to convince people, the majority of them on the benefits of developmental planning. Many, have however cannot differentiate between the right and rights. While many acknowledge the rights of stakeholders to be consulted, many have not done the right things to justify their commitment. For example, consultation session might have done exclusively or during inappropriate time.

Many have not done so sufficiently due to capacity and competency problems. There are people who might have afraid fronting with their opponents because lacking of communication and negotiation skills. We saw instances of people confronting each others not because of different in ideology and views, but rather personality.

People centric development for sustainability does not mean providing the fishes for the people, but rather facilitating them with the fishing rob and skill of fishing. We cannot assume that providing physical infrastructure equivalent to the urban standard without giving them the soft skills and continue support is people centric. It is pointless to build community centre with the IT equipment but without the resource person to teach them the techniques of mastering the computer. Similarly, ultimately for PJ people it is not a matter of many policemen on the street, but rather the crime rate has dropped. It is not a matter of how bright the city with all the decorative lamp posts, but rather it is bright enough preventing crime from happening.

Toward this end, perhaps we should first create consensus on what do we mean people centric and people first.

Consultation Session on Special Area Plan

These pictures showing stakeholders representing different groups of PJ community at work. They are the participants at the MBPJ workshop last week for discussing proposed Special Area Plan for SS area. This consultation session was held by MBPJ to hear the views, challenges and aspiration of the people on future planning of these area. As many of these areas have been well developed, many of the views were focusing on enhancing the quality of living environment instead of redevelopment. The participants were talking about safety, crime, service delivery, greenery, facilities and state of infrastructure. Many were emphasizing on solving the present problems.

I pointed out to the group that we should talk about solving the future problem rather than discussing solution for the visible problems. For example, what is the effect of ICT on future planning of neighbourhood. ICT might have made working at home possible and therefore reducing the need for travelling and other supporting services. If the trip generation is reduced, then the need for commercial land use might have also minimised, I guess. Similarly, requirement for facilities catering to an aging society is also becoming critical.

We are also talking about bigger picture. For example, while guarded and gated community is a trend now simply due to the fear about safety, we should have also talked about the effect on creating an inclusive society and fairness. The poorer group might not be able to afford having the protection. The fencing might have also discourage interaction and movement of neighbours from neighbouring areas. We will have problem to achieve 1Malaysia, I presume. While everyone agreed that gated and guarded community might not be the only solution, they are not willing to take the chance when it come to safety issue.

I saw the challenge on planning with the people. While planning for the people is easier and less hassle, I presume planners welcome the former for giving the opportunity to draft an inclusive plan for all.

National Recycling Day 2009

Since mid of 1990s, 11th of November has been declared as the National Recycling Day for Malaysia. The Day has, however forgotten by many, even those players in the 3R component. While publicity strategy to publicise the Day has to revisit again, those in the know should have done something to communicate with the mass. Perhaps this phenomena is reflected on the progress and achievement of the 3R effort in Malaysia. The country is aspired to reach 22% of recycling rate by year 2020 but little has been made known to the public on the achievement thus far. Even so, many do not know the strategies in place for reaching this target. Perhaps presently our efforts are very fragmented and disengaged and dis coordinated.

With the introduction of Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act, 2007, the solid waste management service will be handled by the federal corporation. The Local Authority role is less vigorous especially in relation to the 3R. So, the next for Local Authority is a critical question to be answer, perhaps in conjunction with this year celebration.

Meanwhile, for the existing players for their passion towards environmental protection or for economic gain, continuity and seeking for improvement in 3R is important.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to record my sincere thank you and appreciation to them, our 3R champion.

I attended a warm and heartening celebration at the SK Sri Kelana today. A function was held to recognise the contribution of the recycling players. To me, the true players that need to be given due recognition is the pupils and those who are at work. Kudos to all the players behind the scene.

World Town Planning Day 2009

November the 8th every year is celebrated by town planners and those in the planning fraternity worldwide. It is declared as World Town Planning Day. The day is a day for all instead of the planners only to refresh achievement for the past one year and to strategies the way forwards. Perhaps every planner should have a wish list for the coming year. Personally, I would like to see more planners to volunteer their professional service for the general public, to plan for a sustainable living environment, to enhance their knowledge and skills, to network with other players in the property and human development sector for a sustainable, liveable and healthy settlement.

Happy Birthday, my fellow friends.

Media Responsibility

I read news report about MBPJ's proposed budget of allocating RM80,000 for purchasing motorcycle for out riding service. This was announced during the Budget Meeting of MBPJ recently. The service is provided for guiding external guests to functions in Petaling Jaya. The service is used extensively either for the out riding or for patrolling purpose.

It is a news for people as public money is spent. It is nothing wrong for the residents to question on the intended purpose and the necessary for having it. It is all right to report the discourse for approving the procurement of the motorcycle. I think everyone agrees with this.

What I am concerned is the style of reporting. This piece of news was reported in a paper with the headline of PURCHASING FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF CHIEF MINISTER OF SELANGOR. This headline has sensationalised the news. While it created impact on attracting people attention on Budgeting, the reporting might have created some confusion and uneasiness towards good governance.

I certainly do not go along well with this.

Selection of Child Representatives

I attended a group discussion on forming the pro-teem committee leading to the formation of a Child Council for PJ last Wednesday night. The meeting was to to brainstorm on the purpose, objectives, terms of reference, code of conduct and initiation programmes of the proposed committee. While the meeting reached consensus on the above, we have to spend some time on the selection of the committee members.

While everyone agreed that priority is given to the children aged 15-17 years old whom have shown commitment and interest during the recent concluded Child Friendly City Forum, we were also concerned about issue of exclusivity. Selected children should be representing young adult from different walk of life, ethnic, socio-economic, culture and education background and even geographical area or else their discussion and plan of actions might have been confining to certain scope of aspects relating to children. Under the Convention for Rights of Child, 4 major components, namely survival, protection, development and participation have been outlined. The component of survival might have been neglected if the children are coming from well to do family. Similarly, aspect of participation might not have been given thorough consideration if the children have not been exposed to challenges of good governance and democracy.

Hence, having a fair and holistic selection without a clear criteria and sufficient announcement calling for volunteering children is touch. We have, however agreed to give it a try knowing that it is worth to be inclusive and offering opportunity to every eligible, and more importantly committed children in Petaling Jaya

International Relationship for Local Authorities

The Panel for Quality Award from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government visited MBPJ last week. The Panel was here to evaluate the quality performance of MBPJ. While many criteria touching on administration and management of the local authorities were brought up to scrutinise the performance of MBPJ, one of the interesting criteria is on international relationship. This criteria looks at the position of the Council in international arena such as membership affiliation with international groupings, participation and contribution in the international affair for good urban planning and management and even sharing of Council's experiences with others from outside the country on good governance and practices are counted. This is extremely different from what others are promoting local authorities should focus on, that is back to basic on urban services delivery.

This prompted me to think about the future for a city in this globalised World. Marketing and positioning a city in the radar of capital investment, skillful human resources and in flow of stakeholders is a must for a city to fence off competition. That explain why many cities are planning for excellence towards sustainable, liveable, healthy and the happiest by associating themselves with international groupings and complying with global requirements. Such cities are having targets and strategies for reducing carbon emission as their commitment towards climate change. It is still rare for city managers in Malaysia for incorporating these into the urban planning and management policies and programmes.

In order to closing the gap, I presume more international relationship should be in place and of course the competency, knowledge and skill of those entrusted should also be at par with their counterpart elsewhere.

Community Event

I attended the preparatory meeting for Christmas Day celebration last week. The meeting is to discuss the activities in celebrating this year's Christmas Day. We agreed to organise a concert featuring popular artists and choir groups in the Auditorium, Civic Hall of MBPJ. Everybody anticipates a big turnout as the Ester Concert held in last April attracted many audiences. Some of us tried to figure out of how to control the crowd. There are suggestions of getting a bigger place, installing audio-visual at the car park of Banquet Hall next door or even restricting the crowd by having a by-invitation only concert. We are still trying to figure out on what to do next if the feedback on attending is overwhelming.

Some members have reservation about organising a concert exclusively for invited guests only. As a local authority for all, MBPJ initiated program should have opened to every stakeholders. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate and integrate with all segments of society, after all organising an open event celebrating a festive season is embedded in the culture of this multi-ethnic nation, and of course for MBPJ, spirit of Local Agenda 21 counts. I tend to agree with that.

Sustainable Planning Profession

Planning Students Assembly funded by the Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP), the umbrella body for practicing planners in Malaysia was held last Saturday at UITM, Shah Alam. The attendance by students from local planning schools was overwhelming. I saw a brighter prospect for planning profession in Malaysia, and more so after witnessing how active the students took part in question and answer session. Planners are championing the challenges of sustainable development, that is how to plan and develop a sustainable, liveable and healthy township. While this is ultimate aim of planners to contribute towards sustainability, without having a constant supply of quality, competent and high integrity of planners it will not be an easy task. I was particularly happy with the performance of students from institutions teaching subjects with English medium since first semester. I notice that these students are very confident in articulating issues and presenting their views. Perhaps it is the way forward, by enhancing the learning of soft skills amongst planning students.

Sustainable Festive Celebration

For the past one month, I have attended many open house parties. Some are hosted by people or organisations that are championing good environmental practices and sustainability lifestyle. I have high regard for many of them as they have been promoting sustainable development tirelessly and with commitment. Many of us believe that inculcating value about good sustainable practice shall start with own self and with small daily encountering. We can reduce the usage of water and resources, or reuse durable and usable items or recycle or even eat little and healthier. A simple gesture will do as our contribution towards the Mother Earth.

While saying is easy, doing it is always difficult if the little gesture has not inbuilt with our conscience and way of life. I was taken aback seeing parties are I attended using polystyrene containers for food serving, plastic wrapping extensively for door gifts and buffet-style of meal. If years in years out we are still practicing this during festive celebration, I would not think we can change for better, in terms of sustainable lifestyle.

Climate Change Refugees

I was attracted to an article about climate change refugees. While we understand that refugees are the person run away from war, displacement of people for shelter due to natural disaster might be the result of emerging challenge to us in present day, the climate change. We witness the melting of ice in the North Pole that increase the sea level, the presence of Tsunami and Earthquake, the flash flood, forestry fire, drought and etc. When people are fighting for survival, shelter, food and rights, they will have, no choice but to look for better place that offer them these need, even the basic one. That's how migration of people started, by those uninvited or cannot meet the stringent criteria set by most of the countries.

These refugees are the victim of the own doing of the people, either they are rich or poor. Our doings in degrading the environment and in depleting the resources as well as finding difficulties in handling waste generated by us. While this will impact everyone in enjoying better quality of life, the poor is feeling the pain the most. The rich can afford to reduce their suffering by investing in better living environment and technology, the poor has no mean to avoid that. Hence, likely they are the potential refugees. Similarly, I presume the former squatters staying many years in the transit house waiting for resettlement are also refugees, due to development.

For sustainable development, I presume we are talking about fairness and justice here.

City Marking

I have an interesting discourse with friends on Marking Georgetown last weekend. We discussed about the challenges and uniqueness of Georgetown for her to declare as an UNESCO heritage site. We thought the former Strait State rich with many old buildings is lively with the presence of living community and legacy. We wondered what will happen if local people leave the streets and shop houses in the inner city of Georgetown. Without life and activities, Georgetown is "dead" and hence the status is "lost". Thus, we thought while making commercially viable project in this heritage site is critical so that the owners and investors are convinced to stay put and to convert their buildings into heritage-related venture, to make sure that local community is staying put is equally important, or more critical. Tourists are attracted to an historical site as they offer many stories to tell or culture to present. If a site is so artificially created without the opportunity for interaction between local residents and tourists, the attraction will be faded sooner or later.

I personally think in deciding what to mark about Georgetown, the participation and involvement of the local community is pertinent. Local community has to be given the opportunity to voice their ideas and desires, to plan what they want to co-exist with the development or even to adopt and adjust their life living next to the outsiders, to implement programmes and projects together and of course to bear responsibility in making Georgetown live up to its reputation.

Mottainai Auntie

I was at Mid Valley with my daughter last Saturday attending the Eco Ideas Exhibition put up by Panasonic. While the expo is displaying many design for environmental products of the company, games and message about 3R and environmental conservation were also disseminated. One of the surprising icon was the appearance of the Mottainai Auntie at the venue. Mottainai means do not waste in Japanese. It is an attraction to the children, and even myself. Using icon or ambassadors or celebrity to promote a good cause is a good social marketing strategy. While educating children on environmental conservation is necessary, doing so without attracting their attention might not have produced the desired result. I presume, companies believe in corporate social responsibility should emulate what Panasonic is doing. I believe, being environmental friendly can be profitable...

2nd Organic Day 2009 PJ

The second Organic Day 2009 PJ was successfully held on the 3rd October 2009 at the 19/22 Field. This time saw bigger crowd and more participation from the organic farmers and shops. More important I noticed the newcomers, non-organic patrons to come forward. This must be a good sign of educating and raising public awareness on organic produces, and at the same time on environmental protection and sustainable lifestyle. I believe when many people go organic, indirectly we are going green. I wish the 3rd Organic Day schedule on 5th December 2009 at the same venue will attract bigger crowd and convert more people towards organic movement. A feet, believe by many that contribute to the sustainable development.

Urban Regeneration

I attended a preparatory meeting on organising a seminar on Urban Regeneration last Thursday. We spoke about inviting eminent speakers to talk about the successful urban regeneration programmes worldwide. While many of them come with distinctive background and vast experiences on the planning and implementation of projects as well as engaging the stakeholders, they are, however people providing consultancy, the developers and authorities. We were not able to identify any beneficiaries such as land owners or communities that directly involved in the urban regeneration process.

We reckoned that it is important and pretty good to identify such individual and group to share their experiences and thought as the saying "from the horses' mouth". Malaysian have a lot of suspicion when it comes to urban renewal or regeneration or revitalisation. Many of them associate these terms to displacement of original residents or communities, tearing down the low rise buildings and substitute with the high rise commercial buildings, taking away the public parks or facilities and even profit making for certain powerful people. Rightly so, as many past projects included the public-private partnership is business-driven and we have not seen a project for the total benefit of the existing community. Even the restoration of heritage buildings has benefited the businesses rather than the dwellers.

Having said this, experiences elsewhere have shown that urban regeneration is an important process to re-energize the city life by injecting new activities while enhancing the special features of the existing urban area. For example, providing better infrastructure to curb urban sprawl. Similarly, to provide better infrastructure and facilities to enhance viability of businesses. Apart from that, to instill new sense of ownership to enhance neighbourhood spirit is also important components of urban regeneration.

Urban regeneration is not only about physical and economy, it is also about human and community. City development is about people. Success or failure of a city is for the people. Hence, urban regeneration without public involvement and people-centric is a failure itself.

Social Sale and Marketing

The different between sale and marketing is while the former is talking about closing deal, the latter is about strengthening the image of a brand. When it comes to businesses, effective marketing but without selling will not make a company to sustain, unless the company has allocated sufficient resources for that purpose. Many companies might not have the capability of launching aggressive marketing exercise but if the sale is not forth coming in the near future. Thereby, it is important to have marketing strategy bridging the selling programmes.

For social marketing, communicating the good causes of an organisation to the target group effectively is critical. People might have many choices for contributing their resources and resources are scarce with many NGOs championing similar social causes. Competition arose and social organisations have to be creative, proactive and pragmatic in soliciting for resources. The final push for selling is important or else people might have sympathy towards the organisations but doing nothing in providing the assistance. The question is how to conduct an effective social sale?

I think social sale is effective with proper marketing, communication and double up with follow through actions. It is important to get people know and understand the organisation better, convince and share the social causes and willing to contribute or "buying" our concerns. At time, persistence, however petty and create uneasiness is important. We tend to ignore those who approach us at the first time and get irritated after second or third time. However, we might have been influenced to listen or to buy after few times. I discovered this tactic when one day having tea with friends in a food court. While we were chit chatting, a lady approached us for contribution. At first we ignored and politely asked her to go away. She obliged but came back again after some time. In order to get her out of our sight, my friend decided to ask for the contact number and promised to call when we want to donate. Reciprocally she asked for my friend's number and so not to disappointed her, my friend did. Well, this is not the end of the story.

My friend received greeting from her the next day and the next day. The message is simple greetings related to the social causes and in between the lines, asking for contribution. Finally, my friend decided to donate after receiving few messages. I believe the persistence and continue follow through action has made the deal a success. I should think she is a good social sale person.

Organic

I was invited to the radio station Ai FM talk show yesterday. The talking point is about organic and environmental protection. The topic of organic ranging from farming, food, production to the waste and composting. While taking organic food for health reason is popular to many people, running an organic farm for love towards environment is not known to many. Many people patronise organic shop and eat organic due to health reason such as illness, presence of heavy metal in the farm grown vegetables and perhaps the feel good factor.

The question to me is the relationship between organic and environment. I reasoned that organic farming is about observing the rules in ecological life cycle system and also focusing on recycling of waste. For example, by composting the solid waste for soil fertilisers will help in reducing the waste problem, and thus global warming. At the same time, not using chemistry fertilisers and no excessive use of pesticide will help in protecting the environment and soils. While there are disputes about the benefits of eating organic, undoubtedly steps associated to organic farming, if observed faithfully is protecting the environment and leading to sustainability.

The practice of organic gardening should become an appropriate activity for urban household. People can utilise the little court yard or even flower pot for planting, watering it with rain harvested from the sky, using compost made from kitchen rubbish and importantly treat that as an exercise after meal. By doing so, we will have small plot of gardens, and collectively making the city a garden city.

Avoidance in 3R

To many, 3R means reduce, reuse and recycle. While many are struggling of put forth the awareness about recycling to the public, there are attempts to further explore the meaning of 3R. Nowadays, some are talking about 4R or even 5R by incorporating the steps of repair, refurnish, replenish or even refuse to buy.When I attended the 3R-Hanoi Seminar recently, I was told about avoidance in the 3R concept. Avoidance means avoiding of using a resource or product or service, if unnecessary. For example, if we can disseminate information in the department through digital means, then it is not necessary to issue memo. Like wise, saving a telephone number in the mobile immediately instead of writing it in a paper before keying it in the phone is a mean of avoiding using the paper. Avoiding the use of new paper or stationary, the purchase of new appliances or phone, multiple travelling to the same destination for the same services and etc.

While many people intend to be thrifty when it comes to spending money, many have not done so as the money spent might be in small amount. We tend to take for granted using something as the value of procuring it is within our means. We are so poor in calculating the value and cost, especially if we need to accumulate the total spending.

Avoidance is a good concept at the beginning of 3R concept. We should try first to avoid over spending or even spending unnecessary, and then try to reduce if not possible to avoid. Of course, this might have affected the economic sector, but for the sake of resources optimisation and environmental conservation, we should try.

3R in Vietnam

For effective promotion of 3R campaign, the pilot project team of 3R-Hanoi produces a song and dance on the 3R. It is performed every where and by the youth with fun and excitement. Looking at the expression of the youth, I believe this generation is the hope for 3R success in Vietnam. I presume the chances of success is brighter by targeting the youth. Having said this, the approach must have interested them and allow space for them to emulate with ease and creativeness. Imposing on the youth with other generation's perception and value is right some time, but might not be effective as they do not share the same thinking.

Mottainai Fair

These are the pictures showing young volunteers at the Mottainai Fair at Hanoi, Vietnam. Mottainai means do not waste in Japanese. The fun-filled Fair featuring stalls managed by the youth is an environmental and education awareness campaign to promote 3R practice. It is an exchange and meeting place for used goods. It is interesting as public is bringing in their unwanted, but usable items such as clothes, hand bags and household ware for exchange. The collected items will then display in different stalls. Coupon equivalent with the value of the items is given instead of cash enabling the public to search for other wanted items at the stalls. Apart from that, various activities such as talent contest, singing, dancing, art competition and workshops are conducted. The programme is held as part of the 3R-Hanoi Pilot Project initiated by JICA and URENCO.

The Fair is a success due to its location nearby community centre with children activities, active participation of the stakeholders especially the youth, strong support from the resource person, variety of entertainment programmes and, of course innovation. Personally, i think the involvement of youth with much energy and enthusiasm makes the 3R Fair a highly success venture.

Social Marketing

I was impressed by the Vietnamese in promoting 3R initiative in Hanoi during my visit there recently. Instead of normal propaganda campaign by the Government agencies, they engaged the upcoming and popular young artist to be the spokesperson for the campaign. The 3R song with easy to understand and sing melody attracted many young followers. The artist becomes idol for many teenagers and they tried to follow what have been envisioned for, to recycle.

While disseminating civic messages is always the main task of Government, many have been carried out without considering the attractiveness and appearance to the target groups. Youngsters with their ideas and thinking is no more interested to listen patiently to the boring civic message. They like to see multimedia effect, to follow what their idols are doing and etc. Hence, effective social marketing is becoming important if one hopes to engage the mass.

Social marketing is effective if it is fulfilling the social need of the people and closely related to their needs and desires. For example, launching a campaign urging people to walk on the street instead of driving is heading to failure whereas the community is very much concerned about safety and crime prevention. Priority has to be set first, and right.

Secondly, to provide sufficient infrastructure in meeting the social needs. For example, urging people to recycle without providing sufficient infrastructure and incentive is tantamount of doing nothing and leading to failure.

Thirdly, social marketing must have a sustaining plan in which follow through actions and constant monitoring is critical in ensuring that the success of a campaign is not for a short period only. More than often, numbers of campaign with very good start ended up with failure due to sustainability issue.

Having said these, social marketing is critical at the beginning and gearing for a good start is important for project implementation. Therefore, engaging artist or popular figures as the programmes promoter or ambassador might be a good idea.

Social Sustainability

The term of social sustainability was brought up during a chit chat with friends last night. While having a cup of tea at a food court, we saw the behaviour of customers and some common characters. There are people paying full attention to what happen at their surrounding and even a petty thing cannot escape from their eye. There are people talking with loud voice without considering the disturbance to others. There are people walking around scouting for opportunities, either they are selling or trying to snatch. There are people sitting quietly at a corner and seem like losing themselves in this concrete jungle. There are people making an effort to catch attention from opposite gender. We are wondering how to melt these diverse cultural background and, perhaps individual agenda and priority together, if we are talking about social sustainability. In this respect, we are talking about sustaining the friendship. The argument is simple, if we cannot manage friendship with a small group of people, it is perhaps more difficult a task to manage a much more larger social fabric.

Friendship sustainability is achievable if both the parties are sharing the same vision and caring for each others as well as willing to scarify individual egoism for the betterment of the friendship. Having said this, the starting point must always be knowing each other well first. Sometime when starting a conversation, we tend to forget to introduce our strengths and weaknesses, or even ourselves first and most of the time it end up with more confusing rather than understanding.

So, perhaps next time and first thing to do in meeting a new friend is trying to introduce yourselves briefly, friendly and of course with enthusiasm.

Malaysia Day

Today is Malaysia Day, the day in 1963 when Sarawak and Sabah of East Malaysia merged with Malaya for a bigger country. While it is a day worth to recognise and celebrate, we in the Peninsular Malaysia tend to focus more on the National Day, the day Malaya claimed independent from the colonial. This is not helping in uniting both the East and West, at least to have everyone to share the Day. While National Day is declared a public holiday, the Malaysia Day is only a holiday for Sabah. I presume, Sabahan and Sarawakian will like to have us to celebrate the Day with them.

Until then, 1Malaysia is still a long way to achieve.

Bag Too Small For Washable Food Container

I chaired a review meeting for the SMART RANGER pilot project last Friday. The project involving 5 schools in PJ is to educate the students and teachers on recycling and sustainability. Many interesting programmes were implemented. These include the campaign for recycling, composting, planting, minimising the use of plastic bag. But, one of the campaign that generated some interest and debate is the Bringing Your Own Container Campaign. The campaign urge students to bring their own container for food. Instead of buying the food with plastic wrapping or even the polystyrene, the students will have them with their container. The Campaign is getting well progressively with the pupils at primary level. Similar campaign is thought to have not achieved the same result at the secondary level. A teacher was cautious about the dull looking container that might not welcome by the teenagers and also the size is too large for the school bag which is having extra size at the moment. Presently, students have too many reference books and stationary to carry with them and to ask them to bring extra item is definitely unwelcome.

All the while, we have only talked about promoting good environmental practices amongst the student, never realising that they are, too burdened with other things. The project has provided some good insight about practicality.