Thursday, April 29, 2010

Mega Earth Day 2010

The celebration for 2010 Earth Day was held last weekend at Kota Damansara Community Forest Park, Section 10, Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya. The fun-filled Carnival featured a night concert, night forest hiking, mountain bike hiking, kayaking, exhibition booths and sale, children activities and talks. The two-days event managed to attract participation of many youth. And more importantly the many young volunteers helping the organisers. I think it is in the right direction of educating environmental voluntarism at young age. Having said this, the participation of other segments of the society is less desirable. I believe better marketing strategy and promotion drive should be done. The event shall be inclusive and no one should be spare from coming to this last remaining urban forest in Petaling Jaya, more significantly the forest was a target of development 2 years ago. It is time to celebrate the conservation of this nature heritage with announcement of the State Government of Selangor recently. One of the important stakeholders missing from the scene was the aboriginal people who has been displaced and relocated to the modern residential area. I believe by recruiting them and bringing them back closer to the forest will, at least helping to resolve many social problems at their place of living now.

While the exhibition featured NGOs displaying their works and selling of products, it is a pity that not many forthcoming to lender their involvement and contribution. I believe much works need to be done to engage people on contributing towards improving the social cause with environmental flavour.

While the program was an effort of partnership amongst various stakeholders and would not be possible without tireless involvement of them, it was however sad to note that their contribution has not been given proper recognition. No highlight about the contribution by various stakeholders. For sustainable development working, recognition and acknowledgement is very critical. People need to be given words of encouragement and motivation for them to move ahead and perform better. Many people lost interest and sudden death of commitment simply because of lack of motivation.

Let's work together having a more meaningful and inclusive event next year.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Environmental Talk

I was invited to deliver a talk to the parents, teachers and students of Choon Wen Primary School last Friday on environmental issues and challenges. It was attended by about 100 people and ended in 2 and half hours. Apart from showing them the slide, I showed them some documentaries on environmental issues and what actions that can be taken individually or through collective actions. The presentation ended with a quiz and I presume many understood what I have tried to disseminate as most, if not all got the answers right.

I am very impressed with the enthusiasm shown by attendees especially the school authority and parents. The Headmaster spoke about environmental education and initiatives that the school has taken. These include recycling day once a week, campaign on 3R, handicraft making with recyclable items, greenery and planting and etc. I think they are on the right track for the honour of being sustainable school.

Many have shown great interest in learning how to save energy and water resources. One of the interesting thing is many are so passionate of going green, but quite often do not acquire the knowledge and skills of doing it. For example, many are of the view that it is ok for having remote control for electrical appliances such as TV, decoder and air-con but do not realise that it is energy consuming for putting the appliance into stand by mode. Well, perhaps it is for the purpose of convenience.

I am glad of giving the opportunity to share my thought and experience in environmentalism and I hope to do more in time to come.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

New Job

Starting 16/4/2010 or at least for the next 2 years, I will no more take charge of Local Agenda 21 Petaling Jaya initiative. I have been seconded to Ministry of Housing and Local Government as the Head for OSC Unit of MBPJ. Well, physically it is still in MBPJ Office, but the scope of works and responsibilities are different. While, formally due to the nature of LA 21 imitative in PJ, I have most of the time deal with NGO and CBO in the field of sustainable development and environmental or social circle. Now, my clientele will mainly the developers, project proponents and consultants who are talking about project viability, from the financial view point.

Perhaps it is such a big challenge now to inculcate value of sustainability amongst this stakeholders as of how to widen their perspective on sustainability. Perhaps, again to sell them the idea of CSR is the way forward.

Although my new job will not give me much opportunity of partnering the NGO and CBO for community development implementation, I am hoping to keep in touch and to try to be involved. It might be tough of sparing the time, but I will try the best.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

4th Organic Day 2010

I saw bigger crowd for the Organic Day at Section 19 Field last Sunday. It was the first time that the carnival was held on Sunday compared to the previous three which were held on Saturday. Perhaps more people have precious time for this outing.

One of the interesting do was the dialogue between organic farmers, NGOs, agencies and consumers. The interactive session was held to clear the doubt of consumers on the true and pure organic produce and the ways of identifying the genuine produce. The session also provided farmers the opportunities to gather market information from the consumers. At the same time, it was also an opportunity for education and experiential learning towards organic friendly lifestyle society.

The Organic Day has also attracted attention from university. Bus loaded of students from the National University of Malaysia were there to mingle around with the crowd. Interestingly enough I met with a fellow planners attached with the Federal Planning Department. He commended our partnership efforts between MBPJ, CETDEM and Residents Association of Section 19. To him, this is truly sustainable development in practice. Such community initiatives should have been taken place at more venue, more frequent and involve more people. Thank you Sir for your commendation. Certainly, the next one on 4th July 2010 will see bigger crowd and presence of more exhibitors and activities.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Open Space

I have an interesting discourse on the issue of open space during a planning meeting recently. Under the National Urbanisation Policy, it is required that 2 hectares of land for every 1000 people should be provided for green open space. This policy was formulated to transform Malaysia into a Garden City and to combat the effects of climate change. Malaysia, as a Tropical Country rich with primary forest and with small population, has no doubt can adopt and achieve the target with ease.


However, when it comes to micro planning in the city level especially for the high rise residential development, it is not achievable physically. In Petaling Jaya for instance, strata titled residential development cannot be developed despite of having land area of 2 acres and above due to the requirement for open space provision. Let's us do a simple calculation as below: -

Land area: 2 acres
Allowable density: 400 person / acre or approximately 80 unit / acre
Plinth area: 50%
Open space requirement: 2 hectares per 1000 people

Now, with 2 acres mean 800 person for this development, hence the required provision for open space is 1.6 hectares or 3.9 acres of land (800 person x 2 / 1000 person)

It is illogical to provide open space that excess the land size. Please also bear in mind that other facilities such as drive way, car parks, nursery, prayer room and etc have not been accounted yet.

I think the Authority and land owners are caught in between if this rule is applied across the board without detail consideration for every development project. While providing greenery is a must for sustainable development, development for improving living quality and environment should not be victimised.

It is a Catch 22 situation here. We have to find a solution. Perhaps contribution in lieu of provision is an option. Under the Act 172, development charge is imposed for land that has enhanced through the planning exercise of local plan. The owners are required to pay premium of the enhancement value due to higher density, plot ratio given or land use change. In this case, by "reducing the responsibility" of owner to provide in-situ open space is an indirect form of enhancing the value of their land. They should be charged for having more units of development by reducing the required space for green. The money collected should be used by authority to improve the quality of existing near by open space or to purchase land at strategic location for the purpose of greenery. It is not a fund for other uses, but green. Having said this, minimum requirement of in-situ open space is a must for the benefit of the residents of a development project. Perhaps a mechanism can be studied to look into this or else it will become an issue for debate.

Another option to consider is the transferring of right or in this case, the responsibility. In many cities for planning flexibility, owners are allowed to obtain higher intensity of development for their land elsewhere or to sell the rights because of the restriction impose for his land in a controlled area. For example a building owner is only allowed 5 storeys for his building instead of the maximum height of 8 storeys because of the height control in a heritage conservation area, then he is permitted to transfer his entitlement of extra 3 storey or space equivalent to other areas for development. Perhaps, similar principle can be applied for the open space provision. Owners are required to source elsewhere for the provision of open space to substitute the shortage.

Alternatively look beyond the individual land, but to city or even regional level. We can maintain the minimum area for green in the neighbourhood level for local daily use, but provide the extra required area at the fringe of city or even share with other municipalities. For example, children play area in the neighbourhood park and football field reachable by residents from a cluster of neighbourhood and town park by city dwellers. This requires strategic and master planning, coordination and cooperation, and of course understanding about spirit of Local Agenda 21.

It is always a tussle between human need and building for the space. A balance is required to fulfill the biological need of people and at the same time to guide a properly done development. Sustaining a green is not only for us, but for the future generation. It is important as a green space gone will signal the total and permanent lost of natural heritage, it is a gesture of no turning back and for sure NO regret.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Meaning of Sustainable Development

Many confused about the definition of sustainable development. To some, they considered the sustainability of a programme is classified as sustainable development. To some, they thought of getting public involvement in any social programme, even with tokenism is considered sustainable development in practice. To very few, sustainable development is talking about programmes benefiting community at large and environment as a whole for the present and future generation. The last one should prevail, but many have not shared the same thought.

I am a bit uneasy after attending a discussion with officers of MBPJ recently on producing a video entitled sustainable development of PJ. Many of them have spoken about preparing a script highlighting the programmes they carried out and scope of functions within their department's purview even though these are not done in accordance to the sustainable development principles and concepts. For example, activities organised by MBPJ for the youth without the participation of youth during planning process. Similarly providing services to the underprivileged without analysing the pressing need of this group is tantamount of "shook sendiri".

I suggested that the video should start with an introduction on sustainable development and its relation to MBPJ, followed by when MBPJ has commenced embracing the term and what we have done in term of policies, mechanism, structure, practice and governance system before going into detail on the respective initiatives. Highlighted initiatives should fulfill the principles of strategic and long term actions, stakeholders' partnership and participation and of course having impacts on the social, environmental and economic dimension of development for Petaling Jaya.

We agreed with the format without much debate, and this worried me. I started wondering if this is a sign of greater understanding on sustainable development or other wise. If the answer is the latter, then it must be more reasons to worry since we are celebrating 10th anniversary of Local Agenda 21 Petaling Jaya this year.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Organic Day 2010

Volunteers are putting up buntings and banners all over PJ during weekend. They are arranging advertising and publicity programmes for announcing the event. They keyed in personal data of visitors from previous visits. They sent out notice of the Day to the general public. A handful of them will be stand by at the venue to oversee the setting up of canopy, signpost, tables and chairs a day before the event. On 11th April 2010, many of them will manage the exhibition and sale booths as well as conducting demonstrations and talks on composting and farming. I can sense and feel the volunteerism spirit and enthusiasm of these people who come for a singular objective, that is to promote organic produce and lifestyle for sustainable development.

I believe this is the reason behind the success of Organic Day, 4 times in a row since August 2009. The unsung heroes working from behind the scene together with leadership of Ms Tan, CETDEM has sustained the event that drawing bigger crowd now. More requests for space from farmers and retailers are received each time announcement is made about the Day. More telephone calls are received from general public enquiring about the date, time and whereabouts of the event. But more importantly to me is, public awareness on organic produce and environmental conservation are improving. Public get used to patronise the Day with own shopping bag. Exhibitors are comfortable with collecting away their own rubbish. Public are disciplined to park their cars in order without blocking the traffic. Some have even started producing eco-enzyme, composting and urban farming after attending the demonstration sessions and guided tour of CETDEM Organic Farm. To me, it is a good indicator on sustainable development in PJ.

This is another good practice of smart partnership between MBPJ, NGO and community. While as local authority, we are facilitating the event by providing logistic support and encouragement, CETDEM and Section 19 Residents Association are running the actual show. It is a true equal partnership on community development, and hence good governance in practice.

In appreciating this efforts, please make yourself free this coming Sunday, 11th April 2010 from 8am to 2pm at the Jalan 19/22 Field, Petaling Jaya.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Community Programmes Facilitation

During a site visit to the Kota Damansara Community Forest, Section 10 last Thursday to inspect the venue for hosting this coming Earth Day Celebration, I have an interesting discussion with partners from the Friends of Kota Damansara on the role of MBPJ in Local Agenda 21 Implementation. While LA 21 PJ is advocating partnership and participation amongst various stakeholders, the pre-requisite for this to realise is optimising and making use of pool resources from different partners. The NGOs and community are obviously come with rich experience and expertise as well as the ability of mobilising the mass. The local authority is equipped with resources and of course the authorities. The private sector might be able to chip in with financial resources and expertise. This combination, I think will make thing happen, and in this case community programmes will be blossomed in Petaling Jaya.

MBPJ as the social custodian of Petaling Jaya is entrusted to develop the physical, social and environmental aspects of the city and society. Towards that, we used to organise many community development programmes on our own. However, with the mature of the organisation and aging staff, we are not able to continue this role. To some, it is too tiring.

With the implementation of LA 21 PJ, the role is slightly changed from a pure service provider to also include the role as development facilitator and catalyst. Becoming a facilitator simply mean trying to get others to work by providing incentives or make it easy for others to organise, if it is a programme. For example, providing logistic support or resources to the community groups organising a programme that will benefit the community at large. If the community group can mobilise the residents to take part in a gotong royong exercise for instance, then we should make possible the request for equipment be made and not to fail the enthusiasm by rejecting the request or providing less than enough equipments to them after all getting people to come forward is not an easy task. Many involved in the community development programmes will agree that mobilising mass is the most difficult task.

Of course having said this, we must also create consensus on the gap expectation. While MBPJ as facilitator is duty bound to provide support, the Council is also constrained by the lack of resources and staff. For example, it is always a headache when it comes to provision of canopy, tables and chairs, PA system, stage and others. The shortage is definitely becoming a hindrance to effective community development as many community organisations are hoping to get support for their activities.

Inculcating good community value means we need to continue organising community sustainable initiatives, either by our own or collaborating with community groups or supporting others to do it. We should provide sufficient support in fulfilling our role as developmental facilitator and encouraging more community initiatives to take off. Towards this, we should invest in building up our capacity and be resourceful. For example, providing logistic support as much as possible through smart partnership in organising an event. Believe it or not, in collaborating with other partners might have save MBPJ a lot of energy, time and resources in organising an event with less impact most of the time. At the same time, involving the community groups will enable greater empowerment and ownership at the grass root level.

Facilitation is not mere lip service by putting our name in the list of organisers or just to endorse a programme, but more than that through other supports especially the logistic support as this is where the major portion of organising cost of community programmes have gone.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

April Fool

Today is 1st April 2010, a day that people will try to make a fool with others. While nothing serious but more towards fun-filled happenings is the order of the Day, some ugly happenings evolved caused the lost of money, life, friendship and injuries were occurred some time.

We might cause some excitement amongst friends in conveying a happy message or we might create anxiety and worries if a bad message was told. Whatever it is, to me it should not have encroaching and disturbing the normal life of a person.

Some friends jokingly told me that we do not need to celebrate the April Fool Day as most of us, if not all the fool himself/herself everyday or even to fool around with people most of the time. We lie to others almost everyday. When we are late for appointment or attending a dinner, we always blame the traffic congestion. When a man is having outing in an entertainment premise or the mamak shop for a glance on the football match, he will always tell the wife that he is having an important business appointment. When we are caught by enforcement agencies for wrong doings such as illegal parking, speeding, offending traffic instruction, we will always pledge our ignorance rather than guilt. When we blame others for being less environmental friendly, we are in fact have done the same by parking our car on the grass land, by discharging our kitchen waste water onto the drain directly, by smoking openly at the public area, by switching on the lights conveniently without due consideration on saving and many others. So, is that necessary to have a special Day to celebrate despite of us not telling the truth in almost everyday.

Happy April Fool.