Low Carbon Energy Planning

Renewable energy is the way forward now because of the escalating price of the fossil fuel and electricity. It is also a requirement to go green now because of the carbon emission has expediting the process of global warming. The World is exploring multiple ways of exploring the cultivation of renewable energy. For countries that consume more energy because of cooling and heating purpose or for the sake industrialisation and development purpose, non-renewable energy, if relying too much on it is definitely not a good strategy. Some cities hve resolved to make it mandatory for buildings and development projects to achieve certain percentage of renewable energy and reduce the carbon emission. For example, in UK it is a legislative requirement that all buildings have to reduce 20% of carbon emission as well as having minimum 10% of renewable energy. Many buildings have installed either solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, heating system, air heating pump system, wind turbine, wind mill or other micropower generation system. The requirement of doing so is embedded in the planning permission. It is a condition for compliance as early as design stage. The developers have to submit building plan incorporating the system and got final approval before building. The Local Authorities will check on compliance upon completion stage. However, now the question is no system or mechanisme have been set to monitor the performance after completion stage and it is not a requirement now to request periodical report from the property owners. Much need to be done now. In Petaling Jaya, the Council has imposed condition for installing rain water harvesting system, but no monitoring mechanisme has been established to monitor the performance or even to verify the existance of the system. For the sake of low carbon green city initiative of PJ, immediate action should be taken or else similar dilemma as in UK will be forthcoming to PJ.

Organic Waste Composting

The first organic waste composting centre would be operationalised in Jalan Othman Market, Petaling Jaya in a week time. The Centre with 2 tonnes capacity will handle about 40% of total organic waste generated daily from this wet market. The organic waste will be converted to compost fertiliser within 24 hours time, making it feasible and possible to be established in the urban setting with physical space constraint and negative perception on degradable waste. The partnership between the City Council of Petaling Jaya and a private firm with no financial capital outlay and requirement for daily operation and maintenance making it possible for the pilot project be implemented. The expenditure for constructing the Centre, the procurement of machine, workforce and utilities bills are to be footed by the firm. It is a private-public partnership in effective solid waste management and 3R concept in practice. By turning the waste into compost within the market compound will not only helping in solving problem of excessive waste generated at source, but also help in reducing the cost of management as well as the reduction in carbon emission. It is achieved from the production of methane gas at landfill and also fuel burn generated from lorry trips commute from PJ to landfill. At the end of the day, oeration cost of the Council will be reduced. The quote "environmental friendly can be profitable" is in practice...

New Mayor of MBPJ

Today saw Malaysian First Woman Mayor sworn in at Petaling Jaya City Council. In her maiden speech, Datin Paduka Alinah binti Ahmad previously the CEO of Selangor Housing and Property Board sahred her thought and vision for Petaling Jaya. She said it is an honour to be appointed as Mayor and created the history in Malaysia as the first lady to helm the City Council. While it is an honour, it is also a challenge to prove her worth and to all with trust with her that gender is not a prioritised consideration. It is her ability to lead, to administer and to manage the City that matter the most. She reckoned that her success later will be a big encouragement and recognition to other women and likewise other wise. She shoulders a big responsibility towards the women group, the Selangor State Government and the people of Petaling Jaya. One of the key features of her speech was on making MBPJ a loveable organisation and Petaling Jaya a liveable and loveable city. Only with the love of residents and investors towards MBPJ that we can inculcate the sense of ownership and belonging. It is then that MBPJ will become a truly relieable and trusted partner in service delivery. How can we ask people to love PJ if they cannot agree with what the city manager, that is MBPJ has to do. So with the new lady in action now, "loveable" must be the way forward. In order to create the atmosphere of loving for residents, of course we have to provide quality service to meet their need for living environment and to provide value for money excellent services. Similarly, comes out with measures to cut down red tape and to ease doing of businesses will enhance the sense of welcoming for businesses and investors. We should facilitate the establishment of new businesses here and to assist the existing corporates with less cost, less interferences and less time consuming procedures. To me, it is not a tall order, afterall the very objective of local authority is to provide quality urban services and to develop a sustainable city. The new mayor also touched on the need for prudent financial management. Money must be spent wisely and value worth. She reckoned while having big reserve is wonderful, spending neccessary even it means reducing the reserve is all right. We have to provide state of the art infrastructures and facilities. From the response of those attending this morning's ceremony, I believe the new bie will be well received by all walk of life.

Welcome 2013

Welcome to 2013. Beginning of every new year will witness many people having new aspirations, new objectives in life, new scope of works, new responsibilities and the least might be acquiring new clothes, new car, new hairstyle and etc. At least for me is having new scope of work, that is becoming the "driver" for my kid going to school now. It is a long journey considering that we have 6 years of primary education. The year 2013 will be a challenging year for all walk of Malaysian. Everybody is anticipating the 13th General Election by March or later before June. As such, many planning and implementation of works are pretty much undecided or subjected to change. These include the submission of development projects, infrastructure works and even decision to procure. I believe it will be a difficult task to achieve the target of having twice OSC meeting a month. Keeping the town clean and tidy when it comes close to the election time. With the uncertainty in global economic and political scenario now, it is anticipated that submission for new development projects might be slowed down or stagnant until thing is clearer. For MBPJ it will be exciting when it comes to 2nd of January as the organisation, councillors and staff will welcome Datin Paduka Alinah bt Ahmad, the first Woman Mayor in Malaysia to take over the helm from Dato' Haji Mohamad Roslan bin Sakiman. Changes and transformation is eagerly awaiting by all. While former mayor has done an excellent job and loveable by all walk of society of Petaling Jaya, it will definitely be another milestone for PJ to have the service of an experience personnel especially in the segment of corporate, land and property administration and development. For developmental planning, submission for all types of application will have to go through the OSC Online system starting from 1st January 2013. It will excited to watch over the process and readiness of submitting persons to do so. The OSC Unit and other technical agencies are ever ready to receive and to process the application and to teach the consultants. On the same day also, submission of landscape plan applcation will have to be done concurrently with the planning permission submission. This is to avoid the discrepencies used to happen for landscaping purpose after all other plans have been approved or infrastructure has been built. Many others measures to expedite the process and to reduce the red tape is in the midst of discussion now. It is with the hope to help facilitating the developmental process, and to make the businesses to love PJ as a friendly partner in delivery, of course the pretext is all should become a socially anf environmentally responsible corporate. For low carbon green city of Petaling Jaya. It is fascinating and exciting as many programmes are on the pipeline. The market organic waste composting project in Jalan Othman is expected to take off by March. The pilot project on low carbon city focusing on waste sector with KeTTHA is on going since end of December 2012. The possibility of using treated water and effluent from IWK plants for landscaping purpose is under study now. The retrofiting work to turn MBPJ HQ into a green building will be starting with a budget allocation of almost RM 1 million. Hopefully, these will be sustained and remained as one of the top priorities of MBPJ. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year 2013.

Bye 2012

Another year is gone and we are awaiting the arrival of New year, 2013. It is time now to share the endeavour of last one year. For the MBPJ OSC Unit, end of October must be a time to be remembered. The Unit moved to a new office after squatting in a highly congested space since its' inception in Year 2007. Early of 2013, the Unit will also welcome its' 3 new staff which is long over due. Such an amazing transformation is in waiting. The full force will hopefully gear the Unit forward in achieving targets set. With less manpower, however the staff has given all they can afford and managed to pull through a tall order on enhancing the efficiency, reputation and image of MBPJ and in particular the Unit. Thousand thanks also to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillors and technical departments for realising the target set, e.g. OSC MBPJ: Pioneering the Gateway of Development. On the core business of OSC, it is also time for celebration as many innovations/activities were carried out. These include the achievemenet of 85% KPI compared to 84% last year. The publishing of policies and guidelines via the web site of MBPJ. The requirement for planning permission application for development project be submitted through the OSC Online system. The workshop amongst all technical departments resulting in better coordination. The inception of OSC Technical Committee Meeting to discuss technicalities of project before forwarded to the OSC Committee for discussion. The exemption of planning permission given to detached houses in the residential area with previous master plan approval. Starting from 1st January 2013, all submission for development will be done through the OSC Online and at the same time, lanscape plan approval will have to be submitted together with planning permission application. For low carbon green initiative, many were done and preparation for a hectic 2013 is anticipating. These include the implementation of Strategic Partnership with KeTTHA, the setting up of organic waste composting centre in Jalan Othman Market, Retrofiting HQ of MBPJ for green features, potential use of wastewater for landscaping purpose, organising the Green Tour, capacity building programme for kindergarten teachers and others ongoing programmes. Without initiatives and cooperation from other stakeholders especially the departments, I believe the achievement can be possibly meeting its target effectively. Green Assessment Rebate MBPJ's Efforts Are Commendable Recycle for Good Reason Going Green for CNY Cycleways LED Lighting for Backlanes Launching of 2012 Green Assessment Rebate Online Billing for Low Carbon Green Personality I thank you all. Happy New Year 2013.

Recognition

Such a wonderful feeling in the Day of Christmas that some media labelled me as one of the top personalities in Petaling Jaya for the Year of 2012. While it is an honour for this recognition, I strongly believe that others are also deserving the recognition due to them. In my humble opinion, everyone or any action with good deed to enhance the image and quality of living in Petaling Jaya or to make this city a liveable place deserves recognition and worth for merit mentioning. I attribute this honour to all who have contributed in making Petaling Jaya a Low Carbon Green City. These include the Mayor of PJ; Deputy Mayor; Councillor Khairul, Cynthia, Terrance, Richard and Ghazali; Head of Department e.g Sharipah, Hamidah, Zuraidah, Dr Citra, Sa'diyah; others such as Nordiana, Norhaizey, Azurah, Hanizah, Shukor, Azhar, Azizah, Zainun, Tengku, Norsita, Fadzila, Nurbaiti, Ku, Hazimi, Nurfadhilah, Mahmood, Nurizan, Azni, Firdaus, Sharinaz, Norasparani; and of course last but not least the staff of OSC Unit. Not forgetting also the external stakeholders whom extending their expertise, knowledges and time. http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2012/12/25/central/12501725&sec=central

Property Assessment Rate Rebate of PJ 2012

65 out of 71 applicants for assessment rate rebate scheme in Petaling Jaya was rewarded yesterday. They got the rebate ranging from 25% to 100% for doing good towards environment. The Scheme reward house owners that have retrofiting their house with green equipment, application or procurement of green technology products. More importantly the Scheme gave much recognition to the owners for their behavioural change on environment. For example, reduce their consumption on water and electricity usage as well as practicing the recycling concept. It is an easy gesture of getting discount for the prperty tax of your house. For instance, walking for all commuting to work and leisure place. The Scheme has made it easy for all owners regardless of their social status, type of properties or availability of infrastructure.

Barrier Free City

Congratulation to Petaling Jaya City Council for being shortlisted amongst the top 40 entries for the Commonwealth Association of Public Administration and Management, or in short CAPAM Innovation Award. The entries will be further considered for the final round to be held in Delhk, India in September this year. It is indeed a good news considering that 120 entries have been submitted. It is also good cause for celebration after the entry of Mobilising Elderly for Community Development by the Council was voted the best 10 in Year 2002. The entry of Barrier Free City has reinforced again efforts by the Council more than a decade ago is the right move and way forward. I could recall when the idea of incorporating barrier free features into the infrastructure development, many were skeptical and worried about the cost. Many said that incurring extra cost for minorities convenience is not cost effectiveness and waste of public fund after all not many were seen on the road. This proven wrong after the first barrier free pedestrian walkway with traffic light intervention and ramp was built in SS2 town centre. The disabled friends used the facility to the fullest and enjlyed going outing in the park. Subsequently more barrier free facilities are built. It is becoming a common norm in Petaling Jaya that barrier free is a must requirement for all development. The Council has been recognised as the leading local authority in the field of creating barier free environment. Hence, I think the Council deserves such recognition. Hopefully the practice will be given wider opportunity tobe shared wit h others.

Concurrent Processing of Permits

It was discovered that an approval obtained does not mean that applicant can start work immediately even observing fully the condition of approval. This was disclosed during a discussion with various technical departments last few days. For example, in order for a contractor to exavacute the soil under earth work permit issued by the Engineering Department, he has to apply hoarding permit and signboard permit from the Building Department and if a construction waste bin is required to be placed on public area, a permit for placing the bin is required from the same department and followed by requesting contractor service for construction waste disposal. The requirements do not end here yet. To transport out the soil or sand, he need to obtain permit of using road from Engineering Department and permit from Land Office for cutting the soil. Wait, not finished yet. If a project is of big scale and on site workers are required, he will have to obtain the permit of building workers shelter there. If the project proponent so desire to advertise his project by placing signboard on the hoarding, then he has to apply permission from the Planning Department and finally license issued by the Licensing Division. The whole process of doing earth work has to go through 5 departments and 4-8 permits in which time and cost become a concern. I presume one of the major complaint by applicant is having gone through many departments and procedures but for only carrying out a single work. For them, it is bureaucratic. Perhaps it is time to re synergise looking into internal processing so that the need for multiple inter face with various departments can be reduced. One of the option is communicating with applicants of the procedures involved and offer them a choice of submitting application at the same time, same counter and ensure them that all permits applied for will be given at the same time and same place. I presume a model starting with simple application can be piloted first. This will be of great help to development in Petaling Jaya, even for the house owners undergoing rebuilding of their house.

Planning at Local First or Later?

It was reported recently that the 330 acres Subang Golf Club (KGNS) at SS7, Petaling Jaya is up to grab for redevelopment. Many prospective developers are aiming the piece of land fronting with Federal Highway. Since 1960s, KGNS has been developed as a private club housing 2 18-holes golf course, club house with F&B, leisure and other sport facilities. Becoming members of the Club is considered as a privilege to most of its members, and also general public because many even though are passing by the course daily might not have entered the compound with grand gate. It is an exclusive enclave for many.

Top of the many concerns the news attracted is the fear of losing green lung means for recreational purpose. It is understood as more than 80% of the area is covered with cow grass and pond. Having said this, it should be highlighted that this recreational space is used for handful of people and it is not a public green space. Secondly, the detrimental effect of pesticide and fertiliser on environment for up keeping the golf course is questionable. Hence, environmentally and for public benefit, the course can be replaced and redeveloped, if need to. Perhaps one of the options is to replace it with a public park similar to the Central Park of New York, US. If economic factor and local traffic situation to be considered, perhaps low rise residential development with more than 40% greenery should be planned, in tandem to the existing bungalow development opposite the Course. However, I am doubt given the strategic location of the site, the sizable piece of land and the prospective parties.

What is the role of the local planning authority then? Can the authority say NO? Obviously the answer is yes if the local planning authority is concerned about the development impact and its effect on the master planning of the City. However, it must be long way to go since the site is currently intended for recreational use and the zoning was gazetted as such. In applying Section 16 of Town and Country Planning Act, 1976 (Act 172) for the process of altering the Local Plan, the people will definitely have a say. It might be good to allow local planning authority and people have their views from the beginning of planning process rather than waiting for everything to be confirmed first or else the traditional confrontation stand between both divide will recur.

Public Lecture on Climate Change

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO THE PUBLIC LECTURE ENTITLED: "CLIMATE CHANGE: IT'S RELEVANT TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND COMMUNITY" DELIVERED BY DR GARY WILLIAM THESEIRA OF THE MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT, FOLLOWED BY A PANELIST DISCUSSION FEATURES DR AIZI RAZMAN ISMAIL OF MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT; MR NITHI OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SOCIETY MALAYSIA AND YOUR TRULY. THE DISCUSSION WILL BE CHAIRED BY PROF DR PHANG SIEW NOOI FROM SUNWAY UNIVERSITY. IT IS A PROGRAM TO CELEBRATE THE EARTH DAY 2012.

PLEASE REGISTER. SEE YOU ON 23/4/2012 (MONDAY), 2.45PM AT MBPJ BILIK GERAKAN, JALAN YONG SHOOK LIN, 46675 PETALING JAYA.

Bloody Thief

One of my Neighbourhood Watch Committee Member was met with serious injuries after attacking by the snatch thief yesterday afternoon. He and another member were on alert after spotting a suspect loitering at the SS25 exit of Kelana Jaya LRT Station around 2pm. They contacted the police and together with the patrol car trying to catch the thief on bike. However, while escaping from them, the thief with no consideration at all hitting on my member resulting him with fracture and bloody injuries. He was admitted to emergency ward immediately. Thank you God he is recovering now.

Hearing of the news this morning, I felt entirely exhausted and sad that how can on Earth a criminal so daring to kill others and trying to power over other for few dollars. Why is it so bad crime like this happened during day time. What else for the commoner if crime can occur in front of the nose of the police. I always talk about self help to my neighbours in which we should come forward and safe guard ourselves rather than relying on the security force to protect us. We might need to make team to patrol our area, to get everyone on board to create greater social integration and extending helping hand whenever necessary. However, under this circumstances, with life threatening to two of our most active committee members, Steven and Law, I am not sure others will have the same confidence and interest. Some might have even considering to move out from the neighbourhood area.

Installing LED Lighting at the Back Lane

MBPJ launched the Program for Installing LED Lighting at the Back Lane recently. The Program is a partnership initiative in which the local authority will bear the cost of installation and equipment while the house owners will pay for the monthly electricity bill. RM100,000 has been allocated in which approximately 400 houses will be benefited from this scheme. This is part of the Safe City and Low Carbon Green City Program of Petaling Jaya.

Under the 23 steps of Safe City Programme, Step 21 suggested that lighting should be installed at the lane, frontage of houses or any dark spot. It is believed that a bright place will reduce the possibility of crime incidence. Hence, relationship between lighting and crime is established. This is logical as many of us do not want to reach out to dark place with the fear of untoward things happen. We perceive that places not visible by ourselves or others is not safe to visit. We tend to walk on the street with full lighting and with huge crowd rather than venturing ourselves to the quiet place. However, from the web search of 120,000 sites found that no concrete studies or definite conclusions have been made on the correlation between more lighting will reduce crime incidence.

Having said this, general public still believe that lighting up their house compound and passage way will reduce the possibility of crime from happen. They believe that even though thief might still want to break in unnoticed by them during wee hour, the light will hopefully bright enough for the neighbours to alert what happening next door. I think rightly so.

Using LED Lighting on the other hand will help reduce the emission of carbon dioxside with electricity saving. LED light with same intensity of brightness is consuming 60% less of eletricity compared to the conventional bulb. The use of LED lighting for combating crime is a project killing two birds with one stone. It is a project for sustainable development, with the integration of environment, economy and social components. It is a showcase of environmentally friendly can be profitable.

Demolition of Building vs Earth Work

Is building demolition work constituted part of the earth work? This is question posted to me early yesterday morning. Presently, requirement for submitting earth work plan to the local authority requires that planning permission is still valid and in effect or else the project proponents have to extend the approval of planning permission first. Once work has started on site, then validity of planning permission is deem have complied with and other approvals by the Local Council such as earth work plan, building plan and road and drainage plan precede. Therefore, many project proponent will either forward application to extend the planning permission if work is anticipated to start before the approval of any of the above plans or to seek speedy approval of these plans before expiry of the planning permission. This is well understood thus far.

However, there is a project of involving demolition of an existing building and constructing the new building as replacement. The project proponent got the permit from the respective department to demolish the existing building before the expiry of planning permission but only managed to make submission for earth work plan approval well after the expiry of planning permission period. Under such circumstances, is demolition of existing building constituted as part of the earth work? If yes, then it means work has started without approval and is subjected to fine. But at the same time, it means planning permission is not required for extension. If the answer is no in which demolition work is not considered as part of the earth work, then the project proponent has to submit planning permission to extend the period of validity.

According to the Street, Drainage and Building Act, 1974 (Act 133), Section 70a, earth work includes any act to dig, flatten, fill with any material, piling, building foundation or to cut down the trees or other actions that affect or impact on any piece of land. So, the question now is whether the demolition work on existing building is construed as one type of earth work according to the above definition?

i am still looking for an answer.

Councillors

Finally after delaying the new appointment of local councillors in Selangor for 2 months, the new term is starting beginning March. For the incoming councillors, I believe their hand is full with issues. Top of the list is to combat the problem of waste management. To be precise, it is waste collection as not all are interested to know where is the disposal or treatment or recycling done in the whole cocoon of waste management. It was reported that some hiccups did occur because of the transition period of getting new contractors within a very short period. Second on the list is how to ensure an orderly and planned development so as not to bring much disturbance to the daily routine of the people. It means tried not to ask people to make adjustment on their life style and comfort zone. For example, traffic congestion due to construction is something people are worried about. Thirdly is to ensure that development programmes as budgeted are carried out efficiently and effectively. Everyone is anticipating that development programmes for community, infrastructure improvement schemes and businesses vibrancy should be there by now or may be half a year ago for people to make objective judgement on the effectiveness of present governance system. As such, it is time to communicate with the people on these programmes or achievements. Fourthly, it is also important especially for the newcomers to get to know their stakeholders and council staffs on the expectation and capacity as well as communicating with them their aspiration.

I believe no honey moon window is provided but rather work, work and work smartly and efficiently.

Green Year 2012

I would like to start the Year of 2012 refreshing on what has transpired last year. It must be a fruitful and good year for Green Movement of Petaling Jaya moving forward as many focuses have been given to initiatives that are initiated by the Petaling Jaya City Council. Many were pioneering moves and become a popular talk amongst the residents and local authorities, even the moves are commended by readers of newspaper. Below are some of the listing of all paper cuttings about green efforts done by the Petaling Jaya Low Carbon Green City Task Force. It is a remarkable achievement considering that the Task Force of Petaling Jaya Low Carbon Green City has been only 1 year old. Many innovative and creative actions have been implemented. Kudos to the members of the Task Force which includes the councillors, departmental representatives and NGOs.

First Local Authority in Asia offering Green Rebate on Property Assessment

Elderly go green to stay active:

Year-end Goodies

Proposal to give rebate to those adopt the green way:

Pro Environment Policy gets the thumbs up:

PJ Gearing towards A Green City

Recognised for their green contribution

Awareness Talk on Climate Change

Harness Positive Thinking for the Environment:

Greener 2012 Budget for MBPJ:

MBPJ Budget: Residents seek more participation:

First of its kind: Free parking for hybrid-car buyers in PJ

PJ Folks invited to Nominate the Green Figure

49 Residents got Rebate for Green Efforts:

MBPJ's Effort is Commendable:

PJ residents advised to recycle items that are still in good condition:

Surprises in MBPJ budget:

PJ City Council introduces several initiatives to inculcate environment-saving habits:

Macau team visits MBPJ to exchange ideas and experiences:

Mayor PJ cycling to work:

MBPJ to hold recycling used cooking oil for biodiesel contest:

MBPJ Leading in Low Carbon Efforts, Focusing on 6 Areas of Environment:

Green Cities start with low carbon and CO2 emission reduction:

Green PJ Half Marathon:

Green Budget 2012 of MBPJ:

Green Rebate for PJ House Owners:

MBPJ declares Engine Off Zone:

Local Government Green Innovation

MBPJ has once again gone beyond the thinking box by introducing few measures on encouraging Go Green Movement. Started from the offering of assessment rate rebate to the environmental friendly house owners in PJ for year 2011, recent 2012 Budget announcement reinforced the green and low carbon efforts by offering residents buying hybrid car from dealers in PJ to enjoy a three months free parking in the city, further expand the rebate scheme to cover wider group of people, allocating RM100,000 to install LED and energy saving lighting at the back lane of housing scheme provided that owners agree to pay for the monthly electricity bill. The rebate scheme is not possible with the provision of current Local Government Act, 1976 (Act 171). Section 134, Act 171 does not provide exemption to owners who go green or even doing some other social responsibility programmes. Hence, implementing some good green gesture beyond the legal provision, to me is itself an achievement. What can a local government do in supporting the local economy and policy of Federal and State Government in going green? Many will look inward to see how can they perform within their juridic ion. For example, planting more trees, conducting recycling, energy saving within their compound as well as carrying out education and awareness campaign. Having said this, many will just wait and see how other level of government will offer to assist them in implementing the programmes.

By offering free parking to buyers of hybrid car from the shops in PJ, MBPJ has set milestone on sustainable development. On the environmental front, encouraging the use of hybrid car will reduce emission of carbon. On the social dimension, it is a way of changing people's lifestyle and awareness about green transportation. On the benefit of economy, it is a gesture of helping the automobiles shops in PJ and also to assist the buyers to save on fuel. Of course, offering free parking that within the purview of MBPJ's juridic ion and means is sensible from the economic and management point view.

To me, this is a form of innovation that local government can think of and of course welcome even though it has been carried out beyond what was provided for. To stakeholders and other level of governments, I believe these are innovations that they are all waiting for.

Population Challenge

The United Nations anticipated that Malaysia will have 33.4 million population by year 2020 and 39.6 million by year 2050. With the born of a Philipines girl on 31th october 2011, the World is reaching 7 billion population. Increasing of population is definitely creating many challenges to the World and Malaysia. It is anticipated that 7 challenges will embark on Malaysia. These include: -

1) The increase of family debt level. 26% of the credit card debtors are owing money due to the medical reason. This attributes to the worrying trend of health and medical causes
2) Discrimination of gender will continue. The equity between men and women cannot be striked a balance. This will create a lot of unrest between both the gender divide
3) Right of the children and youth must be paid attention to. Negligence towards this group will result in more social ills and unsustainability. The right on survival, protection, development and participation of this group must be given equal opportunity.
4) To ensure all babies will reach the minimum healthy level
5) To ensure a balance healthy living model. Obesity and incidence of sickness is increasing. This need to be prevented through healthy food and diet, exercise, working and living environment.
6) To guarantee the living quality of senior citizens are protected. As a mature society, it is imperative to provide barrier free or even universal design facilities and environment for all walk of society especially the elderly. A society cares for the old will be an inclusive society that is sustainable.
7) Preparing for the increase of urban population. The City Managers of the Local Government should ensure that living, studying, working and shopping in a city is a pleasant and enjoyable experience, either in short or long term. For that to happen, sufficient and good infrastructure, shelters, facilities, commuting, opportunities for jobs and business venture should be provided well ahead. It is a proactive strategic action planning that will make the competitiveness of the city higher.

For Petaling Jaya, all these challenges should be accounted for in the future planning. I believe it is a time for Tomorrow Answers Today.

Land Premium vs Urban Regeneration

Urban regeneration is a lengthy process as it involves various stakeholders with different needs and priorities. In an old neighbourhood area, the first generation of settlers might be sentimental and emotionally related to the place for which they have stayed, developed and inculcated the sense of belonging over the years. It is difficult to convince this group of people to leave or distance themselves from their neighbourhood. The second generation might be there since born and going through the childhood and developmental growth in their life phase. Hence, with historical attachment to their birth place, might not be that easy to be convinced to move away. The newcomers are easier lot because they come with new thinking of revitalise the old neighbourhood. This group is the prime mover to push ahead the plan for urban regeneration. The neighbourhood will have imbalance state of regeneration due to different need and agenda of the above mentioned groups. As a result, the whole neighbourhood area will be filled with different phase of development. For example, uneven building height, modern building sandwiched by buildings with deteriorated condition, upgrading of roads and infrastructure in piece meal basis, the presence of vacant and idle land in the centre of the neighbourhood area. This is common scene in the Old Town of Petaling Jaya, the earliest settlement of the City since its inception 60 years ago. One of the reason contributing to this phenomenon is the capability of settlers to pay extra premium for extending their land lease. Lease of the land owned by the settlers is expired soon and need renewal. Without longer lease period, they feel insecure to invest renovating their house. Apart from that, it is also difficult for the owners to secure loan from financial institutions to fund the rebuilding of their dilapidated house. Hence, many of these houses have left with its original condition without any major refurbishment. For the owners to renew the lease, each individual land owner is expected to folk out at least RM 60,000 or more. It is definitely a burden for the land owners especially the first and second generation of settlers who have retired from work. The recent policy introduced by the Selangor State Government on paying only RM 1,000for renewing the lease, is thus welcomed by many. It is anticipated that nearly 100,000 land owners will be benefited from this policy. The land owners will only need to pay RM 1,000 upon approval of the lease extension provided that the family keep the land. If the land owners decided to sell the land later, they have to pay up the premium in full sum or entitled to a 30% discount if payment is made within 3 months of the approval date. Although it is understood that some question about people need to folk out higher amount when making a sale later, this However should not become an excuse for not supporting this policy of providing another alternative. People with no financial capability of securing loan in rebuilding their house can do so now. This, will help in rehabilitating the old neighbourhood with modern building and better infrastructure. It indicates that land premium and urban regeneration is closely related as it will determine whether the owners will be able to support the plan or not.

New Terminology of Government Office

I attended the Get Together with the Chief Minister of Selangor Session yesterday morning. More than 1000 people attended the function held in Civic Hall of Petaling Jaya. While many are happy for obtaining the land title with extended leasehold period and minimum premium payment, some were there to voice out their grievances about quality of urban services and land issues. I was attracted to the speech of the Chief Minister whom has highlighted new approaches on public services and governance system. He spoke about new terminology of government office.

The Government office shall be everywhere and at your pleasure any time regardless of place, time and whom you are. Presently, government servants attending to the office because the working files are left in the office and discussion to coordinate on inter-departmental agenda need to be done in the office simply because all equipments are there. With the advancement of ICT now, for example the introduction of tablet computer and smart phone, we can store our files and information digitally in the cloud; we can assess to information, be it worldwide or locally at our finger tips; and we can have video conferencing discussion with our smart phone connected with different parties. Are these all we need for servicing the people from our office? If yes, then what is the problem of not having a physical office?

If this is the case, why can't we apply management by walking about approach? It means go to the people and problems to solve it or at least to brainstorm the solution at source. This will not only expedite the problem solving process, but also bring the relationship between decision makers and beneficiaries closer and cordial. The chances for public-community confrontation, thus will be reduced.

I believe the virtual office system will be the way forward for many establishments and for Local Council, demanding for bigger and bigger office space is no more the way forwards.