Johor Bahru Watch

2010-06-25T00:40:00.000-07:00

TREAT OUR FLAGS WITH MORE RESPECT

RECENTLY, I was in Bandung, Indonesia, and I observed the security guards at the hotel I was staying in hoisting the Sang Saka Merah Putih, the Indonesian flag, at sunrise.

When the sun set, the guards lowered the flag. Then, it was folded without ever touching the ground and handed over to the reception counter. Apparently, in all government offices, it is the duty of the guards to raise and lower the flag.

I was also told that schoolchildren in Indonesia are taught not only what the colours red and white on the Indonesian flag mean, but also the history of the flag, the protocols and etiquette and even what the correct measurement should be.

During my five days in Bandung, I never once saw a tattered or worn-out Indonesian flag. Here, in Malaysia, have you ever seen security guards at government offices hoisting and lowering the Malaysian and state flags?

The next time you go to government departments or the local council offices, have a look at the worn out and faded Malaysian and Johor flags fluttering on the flagpoles.

In fact, most of us don't even know whether it is lawful to place those miniature Malaysian flags on cars, like what is done during the Merdeka celebration. I always thought that only royalty and army generals were allowed to place a flag on their cars.

I have also seen children dressed in Baju Jalur Gemilang, made from the Malaysian flag. I remember seeing the late singer, Sudirman Arshad, wearing a Baju Jalur Gemilang. Can we sew a Baju Jalur Gemilang?

The question is, how much do we know about the Malaysian and state flags, and the protocols and etiquette involved?Last week, I took a drive from Johor Baru to Kulai.

As I passed government departments, local council offices and business premises, I was disappointed to see so many tattered, soiled and worn-out Malaysian and Johor flags at these premises.

However, nothing prepared me for the ultimate insult - a Johor flag being used to wrap papayas on a tree. I did a search on the Internet and there is a dearth of information on the subject.

I found out that if a flag is to be flown at a certain spot, the static flag pole must not be less than 6.1m high. If the flag is used as a decorative piece or flown for a certain period, the pole must be 3m high and no part of the flag must touch the ground.

Did you know that a static flag is only allowed to be flown from 7am to 7pm, unless there is a floodlight on?Flags at government departments are to be raised when the offices open in the morning and lowered after office hours (have you ever seen this done?).

In schools, the flag is to be raised in the morning and lowered at the end of the last class.

When the national or state flag is flown from houses or shops, the flag should face the road and secured on a pole at 45 degrees.

If two flags are flown, the Malaysian flag must be on the left side of the premises. Most business premises can be seen flying a flag. However, many of the flags have seen better days. Some even position the flags at the wrong places, like on the air-conditioning compressor.

In Johor, the late Sultan Iskandar had decreed in 1985 that the Johor flag must be given prominence and flown on the right side of the Malaysian flag.

However, on Merdeka day, the Malaysian flag takes precedence and is flown on the right side of the state flag.If there are three flag poles, the Johor flag is flown in the centre, the Malaysian flag on the right while the departmental, corporate or institutional flag is flown on the left.

On Merdeka day, the Malaysian flag is raised in the centre and the Johor flag on the right.During the Merdeka celebrations or official federal events, the Johor flag follows after every third Malaysian flag flown as decorations.

The cluster of miniature flags on a utility post also follows the same arrangement.

All flags used for decoration are to be removed two weeks after the event. How often is this done?

I hope the local councils know about this rule and ensure that the contractors engaged to put flags on utility poles also remove and dispose of the flags respectfully. In its bid to to instil patriotism and love for the country, the government encourages all citizens to fly the Malaysian flag, especially during the run up to Merdeka day.

However, I think it is time the government also starts educating the public on the proper protocols and etiquette for hoisting and flying the Malaysian and state flags, and the right way to dispose them.

Frankly, I doubt anyone knows what to do with tattered or worn out flags. A friend told me that he burned his faded Malaysian flag and threw the ash in the sea across Lido beach.

Is "cremation" the correct way?With Merdeka day just two months away and after seeing so many tattered and worn-out flags fluttering in the city, I hope the authorities will carry out a spot check.

At the very least, it should send a circular to all government department and business premises directing that all tattered or worn-out flags be removed and replaced.I believe the Ministry of Information, political parties and non-governmental organisations can play a role in educating the public on the protocols and etiquette for the flag.

2010-05-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

CEDERA LANGGAR LUBANG JALAN

2010-04-29T23:05:00.000-07:00

JOHOR STATE ASSEMBLYMEN OFF TO SCANDANAVIA FOR A HOLIDAY.

Johor State Assemblymen, are a lucky lot. It seems that all the Assemblymen are soon off for a Scandanavian holiday (naturally, it will be labeled “lawatan sambil belajar).

Johor State Opposition Leader, Dr Boo Cheng Hau, writing in his blog today revealed that all 46 Assemblymen have been invited. The holiday tour would cost RM 13,000.00 (Twin sharing) or Rm16,000.00 (Single Room). If all the Assemblymen were to take up the offer it would cost the long suffering Johor taxpayers RM 700,000. However, the Pakatan Rakyat Assemblymen must be commended for they have decided that should any of their Assemblymen were to go on the holiday tour, they shall go using their own money and not the rakyat’s.

Only in December 2009, the Johor Menteri Besar in his Budget speech said that Johor for 2010 will see a deficit budget of RM 1.5 million and administration expenses is projected at RM785.65 million against an estimated reduced income of RM784.15 million. The state’s loan repayment to Federal government for 2010 is RM30.78.

At a time of sluggish economy and despite Johor in the last few years having a deficit budget and a whopping debt, the Johor government sees fit to offer its State Assemblymen an all expenses paid trip to Scandanavia at the rakyat’s expense.

People First and Performance Now, sure rings hollow, well at least in Johor.

2010-04-08T20:48:00.000-07:00

2010-04-02T01:30:00.000-07:00

Shocking Imbalance In Johor Civil Service

There are only 126 non-Malays out of the 8,372 workforce in the Johor civil service. This startling statistic was revealed by the Johor Menteri Besar Ghani Othman when replying to the written question by Gwee Tong Hian (DAP-Bentayan) during the recent sitting of the Johor state assembly.

According to the menteri besar the racial breakdown of the Johor civil service is as follows:

Malays : 8,244 or 98.47%

Chinese : 10 or 0.12%

Indians : 116 or 1.39%

Others : 2 or 0.02.%

According to the population statistics of Johor from the data of the Johor State Investment Centre, the racial composition of the population of Johor is as follows:

Total population of Johor: 3.17 million ( as at 2006)

Malays/bumiputera : 54 %

Chinese : 33 %

Indians : 6 %

Clearly, judging from the percentages of the Chinese and Indian populations of Johor, the non- Malays are grossly under-represented in the Johor civil service.

The menteri besar in his reply said that the Johor government and the Public Services Commission were committed in their effort towards ensuring that only those who were of quality and with integrity are recruited into the service.

chosen. With a mere 126 non-Malays out of a 8,372 total, the Johor government must be finding it near impossible to find Chinese and Indians with 'quality and integrity' to serve in the Johor civil service. Or is it because of the extraneous and over-stringent prerequisites imposed on Chinese and Indian applicants and thus the 'difficulty'?

In order to attract non-Malays into the Johor civil service, the menteri besar said that the Public Services Commission would take steps to advertise in the Chinese and Tamil-language newspapers.

Rightfully and logically, the Public Services Commission ought to have advertised in the Chinese and Tamil-language papers in the first place if they were genuinely interested in attracting and giving non Malays an opportunity. Further, the Johor government and the Public Services Commission could have worked closely with the MCA, MIC and NGOs in finding suitably qualified Chinese and Indians.

In fact, it would be good to hear from Johor MCA and Johor MIC of what role and what steps they had taken in addressing this gross imbalance in the Johor civil service. May I also propose that if the Johor government and the Public Services Commission are having difficulty in finding Indians to serve in the Johor civil service, they can seek the assistance of the pro-active president of Johor Indian Business Association (Jiba).

I am confident he can easily assist the Johor government and the Public Services Commission. If all efforts fail, I am sure Johor Pakatan Rakyat would be ever willing to assist.

Admittedly, the proximity of Singapore is a lure for many Johoreans to seek employment across the causeway. But I am nevertheless confident that given the opportunity many Chinese and particularly the Indians would want and be willing to work and serve proudly in the Johor civil service.

It is high time the Johor government and the Public Services Commission take proactive and concrete steps to remedy the racial imbalance in the Johor civil service.

2010-03-02T23:46:00.000-08:00

THE STRAITS TIMES FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26 2010 PAGE A27

MATA JELI : A PERSPECTIVE ON INDONESIAN AFFAIRS

Singing praises of Bluebird taxis
By Bruce Gale

PUBLIC transportation in Jakarta is widely acknowledged to be chaotic, uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous. So it is quite a surprise for newcomers to discover that the capital has a taxi service that is second to none in the region.

Bluebird taxis are ubiquitous in Jakarta. Of the almost 30,000 taxis in the capital, about 12,000 are painted in the familiar metallic blue and sport the company’s geese-like logo. Bluebird taxis arrive promptly when booked over the phone, and the company employs drivers who are polite and often competent in basic English. Many passengers can also relate stories of valuable items left in Bluebird taxis being returned to them after they contacted the company.

Private security consultants recommend Bluebird, particularly when travelling around the capital at night. So do some foreign government travel and trade websites. Indeed, the brand has such a peerless reputation in a country so often regarded as offering little more than second or third rate products and services that it seems reasonable to ask how it was accomplished.

The taxi service began in 1965, when two brothers began a rental car company called Chandra Taxi. The company has been trading under its current name since 1972, when the family matriarch Mutiara Djokosoetono mortgaged the family home in order to finance the purchase of the company’s first 25 taxis. Other transportation services now provided by Bluebird include executive taxi services (Silverbird) and chartered bus services. The company also offers logistics services (including freight forwarding) and runs holiday resorts.

Speaking to the The Straits Times earlier this month, company vice-president Sigit Priawan Djokosoetomo said the company owed its success to its commitment to honesty and good service, both to the customer and the drivers it employs.

It all sounds like public relations hype. But a study of the company’s history, together with interviews with various Bluebird taxi drivers in Jakarta who had no idea their passengers was a Straits Times journalist, has convinced me that it is basically true.

Like most companies aspiring to create a sense of pride and professionalism among their staff, Bluebird puts its drivers through a basic orientation course to familiarise them with company policies and procedures. There are also regular follow-up briefings at which drivers are encouraged to share ideas and experiences in dealing with unusual situations or difficult customers.

But the real reason for the company’s success seem to me to be the way this ethnic Chinese family-owned company treats its employees.

Bluebird maintains an unusual arrangements with drivers under which the latter receive a percentage of the total metered fare. Most other taxi companies in Jakarta and around the region - including those operating in Singapore - impose a flat rental fee instead.

Asked about the policy, Mr. Sigit explained that the company felt that its drivers should never be forced to go home empty-handed. But what if the taxi driver avoids using the meter? “We have 12,000 spies,” he replied. Bluebird drivers get rewards if they spot another Bluebird taxi not using the meter. With many Jakartans actively preferring Bluebird taxis over the competition, drivers also have a vested interest in protecting the company’s reputation.

Bluebird maintains 17 depots in Greater Jakarta. Each has its own clinic staffed by doctors - including dentist as well as ear, nose and throat specialist - all of whom are on Bluebird’s payroll. The company also runs its own health insurance which covers each driver’s immediate family. But these are not the only benefits enjoyed by employees. Several drivers The Straits Times spoke to noted that dormitories at the depots also allow those who live outside Jakarta to save on transport costs by working three or four days at a stretch before returning to their families.

For evidence of the success of the corporate culture in changing driver behaviour, Mr. Sigit referred to the situation in Bandung about three years ago, just before Bluebird entered the market. At that time, no taxi in the city offered metered service, and all had bad reputations. “We recruited the existing taxi drivers over there... We trained them. And the day they worked for our company, they switched behaviour. They knew that if they cheated, they would be sacked”.

Bluebird’s success in Jakarta has spawned numerous imitators, but none has yet managed to replicate the company’s winning formula. Struggling to remain profitable during the economic crisis of the late 1990s, President Taxi - formerly a market leader repainted its yellow taxis blue. Today, there are about 19 taxi companies operating in Jakarta and other Indonesian cities that have adopted a similar tactic. Some also display logos similar to Bluebird’s.

But perhaps the greatest compliment has come from Singapore. In November 2008, representatives from the Singapore Taxi Academy, the Taxi Operators Association and various Singapore-based taxi firms visited Jakarta to meet Bluebird executives and learn more about the reasons for the company’s success. Usually, it is the other way around.
bruceg@sph.com.sg

2010-02-01T17:32:00.000-08:00

IS THERE A QUOTA FOR INDIAN MUSLIM RESTAURANTS?

Monday’s February, 2 edition of Johor Streets section had a news titled “City council enforcement officers told to buck up”.

What caught my attention was what Bandar Baru Uda (BBU) zone councillor, Mohd Sunawan Mohd Som who during MBJB’s first council meeting referring to the bombing of a restaurant in Taman Impian Stulang said “There has been speculation that bthe motive was jealousy. I don’t care what the motive was. I only know that MBJB licencing unit had not issued many new licences for Indian Muslim restaurants in the last five years. Yet, this company has opened 11 outlets with nine in areas under the jurisdiction of MBJB since opening of its first outlet in 2006”.

Would the Datuk Bandar Johor Bahru, Mohd Jaffar Awang clarify if there a quotas or restriction on licences for Indian Muslim restaurants. At least that’s what Mohd Sunawan seem to be implying.

2009-12-31T01:08:00.000-08:00

Comparison of Crime Index in Iskandar Malaysia

source : http://www.iskandarmalaysia.com.my/

13 fined for offence at CIQ

2009-12-21T21:58:00.000-08:00

13 fined for offence at CIQ

2009-12-21T21:54:00.000-08:00

TAXI DRIVERS WORST THAN PUBLIC TOILETS

Such was the indignation felt by the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Taxi Drivers Welfare Association Chairman M. Manickam about the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri remark than taxi drivers were worst than public toilets, which made M. Manikam issue an ultimum to the Minister that either he apologise within a week or there will be a massive demonstration by 26,000 taxi drivers in front of the Prime Ministers office. That ultimum has ended. Thus, it now remains to be seen if M. Manikam will hold true to his word.

Of course earlier to this, the Chairman of the Executive Taxi Owners Association, Azmi Mohd Yatim was so incensed by the Minister’s remark that he not only demanded that the Minister withdraw his remark and apologise but also called upon the Prime Minister to replace the Minister with someone else.

However, the Minister was not being insolent or disrespectful but was merely stating the unpleasant truth about the bad behavior of our taxi drivers, not that our public toilets are any better.

Those flying into a rage and calling for the Minister’s scalp should first be reminded that in a survey published by The Expat magazine rated Malaysia taxi service as the worst among 23 countries surveyed. In the survey, Malaysian taxi drivers were among others labeled as “national disgrace”, “extortionist” and “a threat to tourist”. So what the Minister who has a penchant for blunt words and straight talking said about taxi drivers cannot be construed as being a disrespectful description.

Just what is the problem with taxi drivers? The taxi fare have been revised. With effect of August 1, 2009 the flag down rate now is RM3.00 instead of RM2.00. That is not all, the taxi meter also significantly jumps faster when the taxi is not moving or when caught in a jam. In fact, taxi drivers after the fare increase have reported a 30% rise in the earning. Despite this, it has still not stopped taxi drivers from continuing with their usual shenanigans in ripping of the passengers while providing a sub-standard taxi service.

The Chairman of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Taxi Drivers Association and the Chairman of the Executive Taxi Owners Association who are enraged by the Ministers’ remarks should come to Johor Bahru and witness the startling truth. To say only a minority of taxi drivers cheat is an understatement. The fact is, the majority of the taxi drivers in Johor Bahru despite the revised taxi fare, refuse to use the meter and continue to cheat the public by charging excess fares, refusing or reluctant in returning the change, choosing destinations, refusing to take passengers to certain areas, covering the meter with towels, calendars or calling cards or not using the meter but informing the passenger of the fare after driving a few hundred yards and then asking the passenger to get out if the passenger does not agree with the taxi drivers demands.

Those who are demanding a public apology or threatening demonstration just have to go undercover and observe and experience how taxi drivers in Johor Bahru namely around City Square, Taman Pelangi, Wisma Persekutuan, Larkin Bus Terminal, Skudai bus stand, Taman Tun Aminah bus stand or even Kip Market Tampoi cheat the public.

The reason why most taxi drivers continue with their wayward ways is simply because policing and enforcement is grossly lacking. The Road Transport Dept and Commercial Vehicle Transport Board who are responsible for keeping errant cabbies in check conducts only periodic “operasi’s” and more often than not complain about lack of manpower and instead wait for the public to complain. Rightfully, The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) instead of depending on the public to complain should go undercover and weed out the miscreant taxi drivers. How difficult can that be for CVLB ?

If the CVLB can be seen to be serious, non -compromising and start cancelling taxi permits and taxi licences of errant taxi drivers or their companies, trust me the standard of taxi service will immediately show an improvement. Then maybe the public toilets may be worse than the taxi drivers. Until then it is the taxi drivers !.

2009-12-20T18:38:00.001-08:00

KUALITI KERJA MBJB

Inilah gambar yang menunjukkan keadaan jalan di Jalan Titiwangsa 2, Taman Tampoi Indah.

Sebenarnya selepas dua minggu jalan merekah, kontraktor MBJB pada hari Sabtu 19.12.2009, telah membaiki dan menurap jalan yang merekah.

Inilah kualiti kerja kontraktor MBJB yang telah membaiki dan menurap jalan yang merekah.

Untuk makluman, jalan tersebut sudah kembali merekah.

2009-12-20T17:37:00.000-08:00

52 TAHUN MERDEKA TETAPI TIDAK MENGENALI JALUR GEMILANG

Inilah gambar Jalur Gemilang yang menghiasi bangunan Majlis Perbandaran Johor Bahru Tengah sejak beberapa bulan.

Cuba lihat Jalur Gemilang. Ada apa-apa yang tidak kena dengan Jalur Gemilang yang menghiasi MPJBT?

Baik! Biar saya meletakkan gambar diatas secara melintang.

Dapat lihat apa kesilapan?

Yang menakjubkan ialah Pengetua serta semua warga kerja MPJBT tidak perasan dengan kesilapan yang telah berlaku. Malahan kita hendak tahu siapakah kontraktor bertauliah yang telah membekalkan bendera Jalur Gemilang kepada MPJBT.

JALUR GEMILANG BENDERA MALAYSIA
BERKIBAR MEGAH DIUDARA
APAKAH MPJBT SEMUA TELAH LUPA
BENTUK ASAL BENDERA KITA.

2009-04-06T18:51:00.000-07:00

Buka Bilik Gerakan Denggi

Dari keratan Harian Metro.

2009-03-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

Petikan dari Harian Metro.

2009-03-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

Petikan dari akhbar Harian Metro

2009-03-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

Petikan dari akhbar Kosmo!

Petikan dari Harian Metro dan Kosmo.

2009-03-01T17:33:00.001-08:00

FAMILY SUES JB COUNCIL

2009-01-22T20:01:00.000-08:00

2009-01-05T18:39:00.001-08:00

APPOINT ADUN SKUDAI’S REPRESENTATIVE AS A LOCAL COUNCILLOR.

It has been reported that the the present local councillors tenure has been extended for a further two months as the final list of the new local councillors have not been finalised.

I believe that Majlis Perbandaran Johor Bahru Tengah should also appoint a councillor from the DAP since the local Assemblyman for Skudai, Dr. Boo Cheng Hau is from DAP.

Since the local residents and tax payers have elected Dr. Boo Cheng Hau as their assemblyman, MPJBT should respect the people’s choice and allow Dr. Boo to nominate a representative from his own party as a councilor in the Majlis, so that Dr. Boo’s representative could effectively raise and bring to the Majlis’s attention the various issues affecting the local residents which has has been brought to Dr. Boo’s attention by the local residents.

2009-01-05T18:37:00.003-08:00

WHO IS YOUR NEIGHBOUR ?

In Johor Bahru, many house-owners rent their houses. In most instances, the houses are rented out to Malaysians. At least, it does not become much of a concern since the neighbours know that the occupants are fellow Malaysians.

But, it is a matter of concern when houses are occupied by foreigners. One do not know whether the house has been rented by a local company to house its workers or it has been rented by a foreigner who then sublets or allows his friends and countrymen to reside there.

If the house is rented by a local company, it can be presumed that the company will have a list of the occupants of the house. The neighbours at least could assume that they are workers with working visas and if anything the neighbous could contact the company housing them.

However, what is of concern are the many houses rented by foreigners who then sublets rooms/space to other foreigners. Sometimes there are many temporary and transient occupants residing in the house. So, the question is, does the landlord have complete details of the tenants and other occupants of the house? Does the landlord verify that no illegals reside in the house or what matters to the landlord is the rental? The occupants could very well be illegal immigrants. Worst, they could be criminals, sleeper cells or even terrorists. Anyone and particular the local councils ever gave a thought?

In some countries, it is a requirement that foreigners register and provide the police or the local authorities personal details and photographs when staying or renting a house. Of course, I am not advocating such a measure.

I am proposing that the local council enact a by-law requring any landlord renting his home or allowing his home to be occupied by any foreigner(s) to lodge with the local authority personal details of all the occupants of the house, photographs of the occupants, copies of the occupants passport and details of place of work and a copy of the tenancy agreement. When such documents and details are lodged, it would be much easier for one to contact the landlord or in the event something untowards happen, to identify the foreigner.

2009-01-05T18:32:00.000-08:00

PERKHIDMATAN CEKAP, EFISYEN DAN SISTEMATIK. MAMPUKAH MBJB MELAKSANAKANNYA ?

Beberapa hari yang dahulu Datuk Bandar Johor Bahru, Datuk Mohd Naim Nasir telah menghadiri Majlis Bacaan Yasin dan Tahlil sempena sambutan ulang tahun Bandaraya di Taman Tampoi Indah, Johor Bahru.

Selepas majlis tersebut, Datuk Bandar dipetik mengatakan bahawa “penduduk bandaraya sememangnya mengharapkan perkhidmatan yang cekap, efisyen dan sistematik.”

Jadi persolannya ialah adakah MBJB berkemampuan untuk memberikan perkhidmatan yang cekap, efisyen dan sistematik?

Pada tahun lalu saya telah memulakan blog persendirian saya www.johorbahruwatch.blogspotcom dengan niat untuk membawa perhatian tentang keadaan persekitaran di bandaraya. Saya memuatkan dalam blog tersebut paparan gambar-gambar seperti tandas awam yang kotor, jalan yang berlubang, longkang yang hilang penutupnya dan sebagainya. Saya mengharapkan dengan tersiarnya komentar dan gambar, pihak MBJB akan mengambil tindakan yang sewajarnya dalam masa yang terdekat.

Malangnya, pihak MBJB mengambil sikap “lantaklah” ataupun enggan mengambil apa-apa tindakan terhadap isu-isu yang diketengahkan. Sebagai contoh Datuk Bandar pernah beberapa kali ke Taman Perling dan Tampoi Indah tetapi bukannya untuk melawat atau membuat tinjauan ke taman-taman. Bertandangnya ke sana adalah sekadar untuk menghadiri majlis-majlis keramaian.

Jika Datuk Bandar ada bertandang sebagai contoh ke Taman Tampoi Indah dan berjalan meninjau, beliau akan mendapat tahu tentang keadaan longkang besar yang tidak tertutup di Jalan Titiwangsa 3, berdekatan dengan kedai kain Jakel Trading. Pernah saya memuatkan isu ini dalam blog saya. Malahan isu ini telah mendapat perhatian media dan telah dua kali disiarkan dalam suratkhabar. Suratkhabar juga telah menemuramah tuanpunya Jakel Trading yang telah memaklumkan betapa bahayanya longkang tersebut kepada orang ramai dan pengunjung kedai. Beliau juga memberitahu bahawa pernah sekali sebuah kereta terbabas masuk dalam longkang tersebut.

Biar pun, hampir sepuluh bulan telah berlalu semenjak isu ini dimuatkan dalam blog saya dan juga tersiar dalam suratkhabar, MBJB tekad enggan mengambil apa-apa tindakan. Setiap hari minggu, berpusu-pusu orang ke kedai Jakel. Ramai warga dari Singapura juga membeli belah di kedai tersebut. Ramai yang membawa anak-anak. Longkang tersebut ternganga menunggu mangsa. Hanya masa akan menentukan siapakah mangsa pertama yang samada akan mati atau tercedera parah jatuh dalam longkang tersebut.

Saya percaya MBJB enggan membuat sesuatu adalah kerana MBJB rela membayar pampasan daripada membelanja membaiki pulih longkang tersebut. Bukankah itu yang dibuat MBJB apabila MBJB sanggup membayar pampasan kepada seorang warga emas Cina semasa perayaan Chinggay yang mati apabila jatuh dalam longkang yang tidak tertutup. Padahal keadaan sebegitu tidak perlu timbul jika MBJB menjalankan tugas dengan cekap, efisyen dan sistematik. Wang pampasan yang dibayar bukan wang dari kocek Datuk Bandar tetapi wang rakyat yang dibazirkan membayar pampasan akibat kecuaian MBJB sendiri.

Juga, kalaulah Datuk Bandar datang ke Taman Tampoi Indah dan berjalan- jalan di sepanjang Jalan Titiwangsa, Datuk Bandar boleh lihat keadaan longkang yang airnya bertakung, berbau hanyir, tersumbat dan penuh dengan jentik-jentik. Tak perlu pergi jauh. Berhentikan kereta dihadapan kedai 7-11 atau ditepi kedai Jakel Trading dan lihatlah keadaan longkang disana. Cukup jijik keadaan longkangnya. Tapi, bila berlaku kes denggi, bergegas orang-orang MBJB menyembur ubat anti-Aedes. Kalaulah Datuk Bandar dapat meluang sedikit masa datang ke Taman Tampoi Indah dan menjenguk sedikit jejantas dihadapan KIP Mart, Datuk Bandar akan mendapati betapa daifnya keadaan jejantas tersebut. Kotor, tulisan-tulisan lucah, pelekat-pelekat nombor talipon menawarkan seks dan bumbung jejantas yang pecah disana sini dan berlubang menanti Datuk Bandar di sana.

Justeru itu, mesej yang saya ingin sampaikan ialah agar Datuk Bandar jangan sekadar melaung ungkapan-ungkapan di majlis-majlis keramaian tetapi untuk turun sendiri melihat dan meninjau keadaan bukan sahaja di Taman Tampoi Indah tetapi juga di serata bandaraya. Itu bukannya satu yang sukar atau mustahil dilakukan.

Datuk Bandar sendiri mengatakan bahawa warga bandar mengharapkan perkhidmatan “cekap, efisyen dan sistematik” dari MBJB dan memang benar itulah yang di harapkan warga bandaraya pembayar cukai.

Cekap, Efisyen dan Sistematik. Keadaan ini bermula dari Datuk Bandar Johor Bandaraya sendiri .

2008-12-25T18:11:00.000-08:00

M.C.A TO BE BLAMED FOR THE DEATH AND DEGRADATION OF JALAN WONG AH FOOK.

Death and degradation of Jalan Wong Ah Fook is imminent. I blame M.C.A. It is M.C.A which must stand accused for dericlition of responsibility and allow the passing of Jalan Wong Ah Fook into the sunset of Johor’s history.

Since the opening of the new Sultan Iskandar Custom, Immigration and Qurantine complex a fortnight ago, traffic has bypassed Jalan Wong Ah Fook, the once main thoroughfare of Johor Bahru. The once triving shops are now experiencing almost 40% drop in busineses. Economic and business activities in Jalan Wong Ah Fook has gone on a slide. What we see now are shops which front Jalan Wong Ah Fook selling imitation goods and pirate DVD’s. Many of the old businesses have moved out from Jalan Wong Ah Fook. Also gone are the evening rush hour and the scene of Malaysians working in Singapore returning in the evening and patronising the food stalls at the back alley of Jalan Wong Ah Fook.

Jalan Wong Ah Fook is simply not any ordinary road. The road reflects the historical relationship of the Chinese and Johor. The name has history and heritage and rightfully should be a proud reminder to all Johoreans of the man himself, Wong Fook Kee or better known as Wong Ah Fook. Sadly, ask who Wong Ah Fook is, many and particular the non Chinese would not know who Wong Ah Fook is or even how the road become named after him.

Wong Ah Fook, is the typical rags to riches immigrant from China, who should be an inspiration to all of us. Starting as a carpenter, he then moved into construction business and rose to become the chief government contractor and built many of the heritage buildings doting johor Bahru including Istana Besar. Not contended being a contractor, he even ventured into pepper and gambier planting and even had kangchu rights in Mersing. Later on he was involved in revenue farming. He is also remembered as the person also started Kwong Yik Bank, one of the earlist Chinese bank in then Malaya. For his sterling service in assisting the state to regain control of its revenues, Sultan Abu Bakar granted Wong Ah Fook a grant of land. The land was located on the east bank of Sg. Segget river and became known as Kg Wong Ah Fook village and was predomnantly occupied by the Cantonese clan. Three small roads in Kg. Wong Ah Fook village was named after his sons Siu Nam, Siu Koon and Siu Chin. From then on, Kg Wong Ah Fook village grew to became Jalan Wong Ah Fook, an important artererial road and the gateway to Johor Bahru.

Warning bells that Jalan Wong Ah Fook and more impotantly the name in time could lose its soul started in 1997. In 1997, a master plan for the redevelopment of Central Business District of Johor Bahru was unveiled by the Johor state government.The master plan envisaged restructuring of the city to a high technology financial centre.

However, what alarmed many Chinese and Chinese organisation was that the plan to replace Jalan Wong Ah Fook with gardens, pedestrian walkway and call it Sultan Abu Bakar City Walkway. The Chinese community and Chinese organisations made their disapproval known against attempts to obliterate the name. Both did not take place. The 1997 economicx crisis provided a respite. The restructuring of the city as a high technology financial centre did not take place and the name Jalan Wong Ah Fook thankfully remained safe and prominent. Of course, the stinking Sg Segget river which runs across the city centre was covered over and has become a walk way.

The state’s attempt in 1997 to make the name Jalan Wong Ah Fook insignificant ought to have made M.C.A sit up and ensure that the name and the area would never fade away or lose its lustre. M.C.A ought to have ensured that whatever development is planned elsewhere, it must not result in the death of Jalan Wong Ah Fook. M.C.A ought to have taken all necessary steps and been more pro-active in ensuring that the name Jalan Wong Ah Fook and the area would remains a prominent and premier business area. Also M.C.A could have also done much more to remember this great man. For example asking the Johor Bahru City Council to erect a statue, historical plaque or build a little square in the city as one often see in other cities. All this could have been initiated by M.C.A, as a reminder to the people of Johor of Wong Ah Fook’s contribution. It is obvious that the M.C.A State Executive Councillors or M.C.A during the regular “lawatan sambil belajar” overseas had not learned how cities and towns abroard remember and commemerate local personalities. Obviously, nothing was done.

M.C.A is well represented in the Johor State Executive Council and Johor Bahru City Council. They more than others would have known first about the C.I.Q plans. M.C.A more than others would have been first to know could have realised the fate of Jalan wong Ah Fook after the erection of the C.I.Q complex. M.C.A more than others would have been the first to know that with the erection of the C.I.Q complex, traffic and people would by-pass Jalan Wong Ah Fook. M.C.A more than others would have known the consequences arising from the C.I.Q complex to the busineses in Jalan Wong Ah Fook. So, the question then to be asked is what exactly did M.C.A do to ensure that the Jalan Wong Ah Fook continue to be a place of business activities and would not be devoid of human traffic. What were M.C.A plans, if they ever had one, to regenerate and vigorate the area with the opening of the C.I.Q. M.C.A in the state ought to have raised, presented with new plans for the area and ensured that Jalan Wong Ah Fook would not slide and become a backwater.

Judging from the present situation it is obvious that the degradation, slide and gradual obliteration and fading into history of this great street and name has started. Gradually this prominent landmark with historical significance will become a footnote in the history of Johor Bahru. That is real sad. It becomes real sad when M.C.A who calls themselves the guardians of Chinese, let Jalan Wong Ah Fook pass into history.

Norman Fernandez is the Vice Chairman of DAP Johor and is a lawyer with his own practice in the vicinity of Jalan Wong Ah Fook.

ISKANDAR. TIME TO REVEAL THE STATE OF AFFAIRS

2008-12-14T20:03:00.000-08:00

The Star Metro December 12, carried a very good commentary by Nelson Benjamin, the STAR Johor Bureau chief on Iskandar Development Region.

Apparently in the Johor State Assembly which is in session, a dozen assemblymen had raised verbal and written questions regarding Iskandar and Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman spent a long time answering the questions including giving a two page written reply on the progress of the project, total investments garnered and other economic data.

It is a shame that the mainstream papers missed an oportunity to inform the public what the Mentri Besar had said about Iskandar and also report on Iskandar’s progress till todate. It will be good if the mainstream newspapers can soon give an extensive report on Iskandar’s progress.

Nevertheless, what caught my attention was what Kempas Assemblyman Datuk Osman Sapian said in the Assembly, that while it was nice to hear that the Iskandarhad attracted RM40.25 billion since 2006, people wanted to see all this translated into development project. There must according to the Assemblyman a hive of activities in Iskandar but what he saw were signs about road projects with nothing else moving.

That is precisely what Johoreans are asking. What is exactly happening with Iskandar. At regular intervals we watch on TV or read about an agreement signing ceremony involving the launch of yet another mega project in Iskandar. Peruse the details and the agreement turns out to be nothing but a Memorandum of Understanding. We also read in the papers about Middle Eastern fund and money gushing into Iskandar. Why have these investors after ploughing in billions of Ringgit yet to commence their development projects. Did these Middle Eastern investors actually bring in real money or they merely made investment pledges.

The Mentri Besar gushing with pride says that since 2006 Iskandar has managed to attract some RM40.25 billion. That is helluva lot of money. Having collected such a huge loot, one would expect Iskandar to be a hive of activities. But that is not what is happening. Some road works and infrastructure works are going on.

Now compare Iskandar with Singapore government initiated Intergrated Resort which was launched almost at the same time. Go and visit the Marina Bay Area. The whole place is buzzing with a hive of activities. The tower cranes are on overdrive and work is going on round the clock. In fact some segments of the Intergrated Resort are almost on schedule for opening by next year end. Meanwhile, at Iskandar, what is taking place are memorandum of undestanding signing ceremonies, site tours by interested parties and more “commitment” of monies into Iskandar. Isn’t RM40.25 Billion already committed (assuming the money is already in hand) as claimed by the Mentri Besar still not sufficient to start a construction and development boom in Iskandar?

On Saturday, yet another signing ceremony took place. This time a RM750 million Legoland theme park. It is reported that this theme park which is set to join two other parks are schedule for completion by 2013. Frankly, Johoreans do not wish to know when the project will be completed but is interested to know when the project is actually going to start. Let us know, how many of the mega projects after the signing of the Memorandum of Understandings have started.

It is time the Mentri Besar give a full account to the people of Johor:-

i. A detailed progress report on the development in Iskandar.

ii. How much of the money by investors are merely investment pledges and how much actual money have been collected from foreign investors.

iii. How much money of its own has the state government and federal government ploughed into Iskandar.

iv. How many Memorandum of Undertanding have been signed and from these how many have materialised into actual projects.

v. Name the projects by foreign investors which are taking place and so far how many of these projects have been completed.

After some three years since the launch of the Iskandar, save for some infrastructure works in the Iskandar and the construction of the new administratice centre at Nusajaya, Johoreans have yet to see any tangible results of from Iskanadar. In fact, for small and medium businesses despite the billions of Ringgit Iskandar has claimed to have attracted, it has so far not translated into real business opportunities for them nor have they reaped any benefit so far.

Johoreans want to know the actual truth and its high time Mentri Besar revealed the real state of affairs and progress this far of Iskandar.

NORMAN FERNANDEZ TO BUILT CASTLE IN THE SKY IN ISKANDAR DEVELOPMENT REGION

2008-12-14T20:02:00.001-08:00

Norman Fernandez Inc and its partner Konsortium Mahligai (KOMA) today announced its intention to build a multi million Ringgit project, Castle In The Sky. Norman Fernandez Inc. CEO said at a news briefing today, that they too wish to join the bandwagon like many others before them who had inked Memorandums of Understandings to launch various meglomania projects in Iskandar Development Region (IDR).

“We and our partner KOMA who we will have to first revive it from its present state hope to sign a Memorandum Of Understanding with the relevant authorities soon.” “If others can sign Memorandum of Understandings so can we” said Norman Fernandez Inc spokesperson.

While refusing to divulge more on the Castle In The Sky project, Norman Fernandez Inc’s spokesman said that the idea to build a castle in the sky came when Norman Fernandez Inc’s CEO was playing the diggridoo in an Australian aboriginal camp site, chewed some gum leaves and looked up the night sky. Voila ! rest was history. Norman Fernandez Inc spokesperson nevertheless showed the press corp a mock-up of the Castle In The Sky made from Lego bricks which he had earlier in the morning borrowed from his daughter. “When the Castle In The Sky project is fully completed, people will look up the sky and if they can spot our castle, they can gawk in awe at the castle in the air and hopefully they too can then dream of building their own castles in the sky.” “ Our message is that we all can build castles in the air”.” In any event the sky is the only place left for us to build our dream homes”. Almost every Bukits have all been taken over by developers” “Hopefully all those who see our castle won’t build their castles in IDR. Can’t afford a Bukit Antarabangsa type incident.” Really, our castle is going to be a sight to behold in the sky, at least until the haze from Indonesia temporarily envelops it” said Norman Fernandez Inc. spokesperson.

The ambitious project in keeping with the stature of all other prestigious projects in IDR is expected to cost millions, and despite the present credit crunch, Norman Fernandez Inc spokesperson said that the company do not anticipate any financial problems since the company has already stockpilled wads of Zimbabweans million and billion dollar notes at an old white owned catttle farm near Bulawayo. “Our main problem is shipping the money in the crates here safely without our ship being seized by the Somalian pirates”.

THE ELEGANT SILENCE OF M.I.C

2008-11-29T04:19:00.000-08:00

That Tajuddin Abdul Rahman ( BN- Pasir Salak) is an uncouth, crass and gutter politician is confirmed beyond a shadow of doubt. In fact, he is not the first Barisan Nasional -read UMNO poltician with a penchant for vulgarities and crude behaviour. Many other UMNO politicians before him has in the august house made similar remarks against Indians. Surf the net and you can read the miscreants profanities and racist remarks.

In all these instances whenever, an UMNO M.P suffering a sudden attack of contrivities (shit rushing into the brain) spews out profanities and makes derogotary and racist remarks against Indians, have you ever heard of any M.I.C, M.P standing up to chide the M.P and calling him to withdraw and apologise.

Readers opinions welcomed !

Boy dies after being run over by tramcar in Danga Bay

2008-10-30T06:11:00.000-07:00

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 28 (Bernama) - A 10-year-old boy was killed when he was run over by a tramcar in Danga Bay this evening.

Earlier, R. Karnaraj was about to board the tramcar when he lost his balance and fell in the incident about 4pm. He sustained head injuries and was sent to the Sultanah Aminah Hospital where he died upon arrival.

Johor Baru (south) police deputy chief Supt Zainal Baharom said the deceased's father was a police corporal at the district police headquarters. He said Karnaraj, his two siblings and two cousins were at the tramcar services operated by Star Tram Sdn Bhd (STSB) when the incident occured. A police report has been lodged.

Karnaraj's mother, M. Sheila, 29, was a picture of gloom as she recalled the deceased dressed in his new Deepavali clothes when he was run over by the tramcar. Expressing condolences to Karnaraj's family over his accidental death, STSB general manager Roy Yim said an investigation would be carried out to determine the cause of the accident.

"We regret the unfortunate incident and will try to assist the grieving family in whatever way we can," he said, adding that STSB would suspend the tramcar services with immediate effect, pending investigations.

This is believed to be the first time that a death had occured since the tramcar services was introduced in 2002.

Source

2008-08-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

LONGKANG TIDAK TERTUTUP MENANTI MANGSA.

Inilah gambar dimana keadaan longkang dikedai kain Jakel Trading di Jalan Titiwangsa, Taman Tampoi Indah, Johor Bahru, Johor.

Keadaan ini yang telah berlarutan semenjak beberapa bulan telah dibawa kepada perhatian MBJB melalui satu blog-post dalam blog saya. Juga saya telah memaklumkan secara rasmi melalui surat kepada MBJB.

Sedihnya, walaupun saya telah membawa kepada perhatian pihak MBJB tentang kehadiran longkang tidak tertutup, sehingga hari ini MBJB gagal mengambil apa-apa tindakan.

Kedai Jakel Trading ini pada kebiasaannya dibanjiri pembeli pada setiap hari minggu. Ramai pengunjung ke kedai tersebut membawa anak-anak mereka bersama. Kanak-kanak berlarian dan bermain-main ketika ibubapa membeli-belah di Jakel Trading menjadi perkara biasa.

Agak menghairankan bagaimanakah MBJB masih enggan mengambil apa-apa tindakan biarpun telah dimaklumkan.

Beberapa minggu yang lalu, MBJB telah membayar RM80,000-00 kepada sebuah keluarga dimana seorang perempuan berumur 63 tahun yang mati apabila jatuh dalam longkang yang tidak tertutup. Mungkin MBJB masih belum serik lagi dan teringin untuk membayar pampasan kepada mangsa yang seterusnya yang mati atau cedera jatuh dalam longkang tidak tertutup yang dirujuk disini.

2008-08-05T19:45:00.000-07:00

MBJB TO USE NYLON GRILLES TO REPLACE IRON MANHOLE COVERS.

At a recent MBJB function which I attended as Y.B Dr Boo Cheng Hau’s representative, I chanced meeting with Tuan Zainuddin Abd Samad, who is the MBJB engineering department assistant director.

He informed me that MBJB just like their counterparts in Kuala Lumpur is replacing all iron manhole covers with the new nylon grilles made from a new composite material. He told me one such grill has been installed at the pedestrian walk at Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar. I had a look at the new cover and I must say it does look good. Perhaps it may be the answer but lets give it another couple of months and assess it.

2008-07-30T19:59:00.000-07:00

Keratan dari suratkhabar Harian Metro bertarikh 31.07.2008.

Keratan dari suratkhabar Kosmo! bertarikh 31.07.2008

2008-07-29T18:43:00.000-07:00

DANGER LORKS IN SHOPPING MALL.

Picture 1 – Lift and the enclosed wall.

Picture 2 – the enclosed wall. Note the door. Once the door is slam shut, the victim becomes trapped and is at the mercy of the criminal.

This is the picture of Landmark I.T Mall at Jalan Ngee Heng, Johor Bahru, Johor.

Previously, when one exits the lift (as can be seen in picture 1), they have a clear view of the car park.

However, recently Landmark I.T Mall had constructed a wall enclosing the lift area and thereby obstructing the view.

The wall now poses a danger since, the person exiting the lift towards the car park cannot see if there is anyone lurking behind.

(See picture 2). Even worst, with a enclosed wall and door, the person lurking can easily slam the door shut when he sees someone exiting the lift. Once the door is slam shut, anything from mugging to rape can occur.

I voiced the public’s concern the management and security department of Landmark I.T Mall, and they say that the wall was constructed on the instruction of Pejabat Bomba.

I hope the management of Landmark I.T Mall will seriously consider removing the wall. The Johor Bahru public can do without a Canny Ong type of incident.

Norman Fernandez
Vice Chairman DAP Johor.

2008-07-29T18:39:00.000-07:00

‘PORT’ SANTAI WARGA ASING

Pentas di Gerai Kotaraya 2, di Jalan Gereja dijadikan ‘port’ santai warga asing. Gambar di atas menunjukkan warga asing sedang tidur bersama dengan beg pakaian mereka. Tidak dapat disahkan sekiranya warga asing ini adalah pendatang tanpa izin.

Diharapkan pihak berkuasa memantau dan membuat rondaan disana.

MAN SERVING PRISON SENTENCE MADE GUARANTOR FOR LOAN BY BANK.

2008-07-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

2008-07-23T00:26:00.000-07:00

Soalan dari Y.B Dr. Boo Cheng Hau

Ahli Dewan Negeri Kawasan Skudai

Di Dewan Undangan Negeri Johor Bagi Penggal Persidangan Pertama Yang Ke-12

Perpustakaan Hipermedia dan peningkatan kadar membaca.

Soalan.

Apakah sebabnya Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Negeri Johor untuk memperbaiki kebocoran bumbung Perpustakaan Awam Negeri Johor di Jalan Yahya Awal tidak dibuka seawal mungkin?

Jawapan.

Kelewatan pembukaan bangunan baru Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Johor seperti yang dimaklumi (telah disiarkan di akhbar) adalah disebabkan masalah kebocoran. Walau bagaimanapun, sebahagian besar masalah tersebut telah dapat diatasi dan kerja-kerja persiapan pemprosesan buku yang tergendala akibat kebocoran serta kerja-kerja yang melibatkan susun atur semula perabot sudah diperingkat akhir. Perpustakaan akan dibuka kepada orang awam pada penghujung bulan Julai 2008.

2008-07-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

MBJB AKAN MEMBAYAR PAMPASAN RM80,000-00.

2008-07-22T20:38:00.000-07:00

Dari Keratan Kosmo - 17.07.2008

2008-07-17T18:38:00.000-07:00

City offers damages to manhole victim’s kin

2008-07-16T19:57:00.000-07:00

The Star

JOHOR BARU: The Johor Baru City Council will pay RM80,000 in compensation to the family of a woman who died after falling into an uncovered manhole during a Chingay parade early this year.

Johor Baru mayor Datuk Naim Nasir said: “The council accepts responsibility for the accident and will visit the family soon to pay the compensation.”

Koh Siang Lee, 63, fell into a drain through an uncovered manhole near the Bukit Saujana flats here. She sustained head injuries and was rushed to hospital where she died nine days later.
Her family later issued a letter to the council demanding RM100,000 in compensation.
Naim said that the tragedy had occurred because thieves had stolen the metal gratings covering the manhole.

He said that he hoped such tragedies would not be repeated once all metal gratings are replaced with concrete covers to deter thieves. “It may cost a little more initially, but it will be cheaper in the long run as it will be worthless to scrap metal thieves,” he said.

Naim said the concrete replacements would be done in phases, starting with covering areas where grills and gratings had been stolen. He anticipated that would take about a month, after which the council would move to replacing other areas with concrete.

“The council spent RM900,000 last year alone replacing things stolen by scrap metal thieves,” he said, adding that between January and May this year, the council spent an extra RM470,000.
He urged those with complaints or feedback to contact the council's toll free hotline at 1300-88-0146 or SMS free at 019 778 8212.

Johor DAP vice-chairman Norman Fernandez, who is the legal representative of the victim’s family, thanked Naim for the offer and said that he would have to revert back to his client to see whether they were willing to accept the offer.

2008-07-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

DATUK BANDAR JOHOR BAHRU NAIK KERETA ANTIK.

SYOKNYA...!

PRE CAST CONCRETE SLABS AS REPLACEMENT FOR METAL GRATINGS.

2008-07-10T18:49:00.000-07:00

Missing cast-iron covers and steel grating have become a major problem in Johor Bahru (and in many major cities and towns) due to thieves stealing them and selling it to scrap metal yards. Many pedestrians have suffered injuries when walking on pavements which have missing metal gratings. Recently during the Chinggay festival one lady died after falling into a drain which had its metal gratings stolen.

It was the same in Kuala Lumpur. Last year alone 1604 steel gratings were stolen costing Kuala Lumpur City Hall losses of almost RM418,000-00.

The Kuala Lumpur City Hall has now found a way to curb this problem. The solution? In comes Pre-Cast Compressed Slabs to replace steel gratings. This PCC slabs is hardier, easy to install and most importantly is of no interest to scrap metal dealers. Earlier, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall had even tried using Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) as replacements but although it had no use for scrap metal thieves, the FRP easily became damaged after some time.

THE PCC slabs on the other hand weighs about 28kg each and measuring 600mm x 395mm and can withstand the weight of heavy vehicles as well as ultraviolet rays from sunlight. Each slab, cost about RM300.00. More importantly, the PCC slabs have no resale value to scrap metal dealers and thus will not be the target of thieves. So far, 1,051 PCC slabs have been installed in 25 locations in Kuala Lumpur.

Perhaps, MBJB could seriously look into replacing the missing cast iron covers and metal gratings with PCC slabs too.

2008-07-10T01:58:00.000-07:00

AH LONG'S FANCY THAT!

LOAN APPLICATION FORM.

JOHOR STATE GOVERNMENT TAKES AWAY TAMIL SCHOOL LAND FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT.

2008-07-09T20:57:00.001-07:00

SJK(T) Kangkar Pulai was built in 1953 and was initially known as SRJK(T) Karai Nagar. In 1985, the school was made a sekolah bantuan penuh kerajaan and its name was changed to SJK(T) Kangkar Pulai.

The school is situated on a 0.6 acre land and has two double storey blocks of eight classrooms which is in a dilapidated state.

Infact the Public Works Department as early as 2002 after inspection stated “ bangunan ini tidak sesuai dijadikan bilik darjah kerana tidak mengikut keadaan semasa dan merbahaya untuk di gunakan.”. In its report it further advised the Education Department that “pihak kami mengesyorkan bangunan tersebut dirobohkan dan digantikan dengan bangunan baru”. Even Jabatan Bomba and Penyelamat after conducting an inspection of the school in 2002 found that among others “ Tangga keselamatan tidak mengikut ciri-ciri keselamatan yang diperakui JBDPM”, “Tiada pintu keluar keselamatan di belakang bangunan sekolah” and “ tiada alat keselamatan kebakaran”. In short the school is a death trap !.
The school has no field or vacant space and is prone to floods and is situated smack in the middle of a housing estate. The noise and din from the passing traffic does not provide a conducive studying atmosphere for the students. Students also have to make do without basic facilities like a school hall, computer lab or even a meeting room.

Despite all this shortcomings, SJK(T) Kangkar Pulai which has presently has 768 students has been for sometime among the country’s top scoring schools. In 2005, 17 students scored Seven-A’s in the UPSR examination.

On September 29, 2006 some 250 parents demonstrated in front of the school highlighting the dilapidated condition of the school.

In the immediate aftermath, Datuk Seri Samy Vellu said “I have directed the PWD to speed up work on the Tamil schools and have asked the department to furnish all the necessary requirements including the layout plans within week.”

The then Education Ministry’s parliamentary secretary Komala Krishnamoorthy confirmed that the Johor government had allotted land for the school and that construction works would begin in 2007.

The State M.I.C Chairman Datuk K.S Balakrishnan confirmed that a 2.69 ha land had been alloted by the Johor state government and further the Education Ministry has allocated RM5.4 million for the new school.

Now, in 2008 the new SJK(T) Kangkar Tebrau has yet to be constructed and even worst the land allotted for the construction of the school has been quietly taken away and instead the state government has given approval for the construction of a commercial project.

TAMIL SCHOOL LAND TAKEN AWAY BY JOHOR STATE GOVERNMENT

2008-07-09T20:50:00.000-07:00

The STAR (07.07.2008) reported that the school authorities at top scoring SJK (T) Kangkar Pulai are fuming mad after finding out that the land promised to them for a new school has now been approved for a commercial project without their knowledge.

According to the School PTA Chairman K.Kanapathy, he has now discovered that although the Johor state government has in 2004 approved a 2.3ha land for the school and also gone on to announce a RM5.4million for the construction of the school under the 9th Malaysia Plan, the state executive council had instead on April 4, 2007 approved an application for commercial development. The state government has instead given a new piece of land for the school which is near a jungle and a quarry.

The state M.I.C Chairman Datuk K.S Balakrishnan, who was previously a state exco member now is unsure how the approved land for school has been converted. He now informs that the Johor Menteri Besar had been informed who in turn has instructed the Land Mines Department to give the land back to the school.

I think the Johor State Government has to give clear answers as to:-

1. What was the reason the state authority after having given approval in 2004 the land for the construction of the new SJK(T) Kangkar Pulai could then without informing the PTA SJK (T) Kangkar Pulai take away the land and approve it for a commercial project.

2. Why and how did the state authority on April 4, 2007 approve the application by the developers for the commercial project made in early 2006.

3. Has the land been sold to the developer by the state authorities?

4. If it has, how would it be possible and would it be possible now for Johor state to take the land from the developers and to give the land back for the construction of SJK(T) Kangkar Pulai.

5. The Johor state government is to be held responsible for taking away the land approved for the construction of the Tamil school and now has the responsibility to ensure that the land is taken back from the developers of the commercial project.

The Johor State government ought to realize that the school authorities had gone to great lengths to obtain the land and it is unfair for the state government to take the land back.

2008-07-02T23:35:00.000-07:00

LAWATAN SUSULAN NORMAN FERNANDEZ KE FLAT SRI PELANGI PADA 01.07.2008 UNTUK MEMBANTU PENDUDUK.

2008-07-01T02:01:00.000-07:00

Watching and blogging for a better-run city

Norman Fernandez

Norman Fernandez is a lawyer and vice-chairman of Johor DAP. In 2004 and 2008, he contested the Stulang state seat.

EFFECTIVE: Norman Fernandez runs the JB Watch blog.

PREVIOUSLY, whenever I saw, heard or received any public complaints, I would write letters

to the local authorities to complain or telephone their office asking to speak to the person-in-charge.

Most of the time, I never got a reply. My calls were met with replies such as “menghadiri kursus” (attending courses), at a briefing or on leave.Returning telephone calls does not seem to be in the work culture of some local authority staff and officials.

Fed up with knocking on closed doors, I had three choices — throw in the towel and turn a blind eye to problems as I am not an elected state assemblyman or local councillor, continue writing letters to the local councils or think of some other way to highlight the complaints and shortcomings.

Suddenly an idea struck me. Why not start a blog?

Five months ago, I started www.johorbahruwatch.blogspot.com, with the motto “Watching Johor Baru”.I was not comfortable with the idea of walking around with a digital camera.

Since my handphone is equipped with a fairly good camera, I was able to take photographs immediately when I saw some shoddy work.

All I needed to do next was to upload it to my blog using my laptop.

Since February, I have uploaded many images of clogged drains, potholes, uncovered manholes and damaged public facilities in the city.

I have also highlighted problems of missing metal covers, tilting lamp-posts, illegal advertisement posters and foreigners who make a living peddling wallets and other items on the streets.

When I upload the images on my blog, I also send a letter of complaint via email to MBJB.

Since I set up the blog, I feel local authorities have taken notice of what I post on it. Things get resolved, although not always as quickly as I hope.

Highlighting the problem areas in the city, via the blog, has become more effective than writing and faxing to the authorities. Now, I even address my complaint directly to the authorities, including the Johor Baru mayor, on my blog. And the responses I received are “better” and faster. Maybe they are reading my blog.

For example, recently, city council contractors who were engaged in beautification work on the sidewalks left metal bolts protruding there. It was an accident waiting to happen. What was shocking was that no one from the council had come around to check on the completed work.

After a couple of weeks, just as I had anticipated, disaster struck when a 78-year-old man tripped and injured himself after hitting the protruding metal bolts at Jalan Gereja.

I took photographs of the injured man, put the pictures of the dangerous metal bolts in my blog, wrote a letter to the council informing them what had happened and demanded compensation for him.

The local press also highlighted the incident.

Within 48 hours, all the protruding metal bolts around Jalan Gereja and Jalan Trus were covered with plastic cones. For good measure, and to prevent the cones from being stolen, they were secured with metal screws.

Why didn’t the council think of this in the first place? I have also been told that the council, as a gesture of goodwill, has given the injured old man a small amount of money.

I am pleased that my blog has helped someone. I am also glad to note that newspapers are downloading my blog and using the pictures in their stories.

What is clear is that the Internet and blogs are an excellent medium which can be used to interact with the local authorities.

It is obvious the local authorities would not feel comfortable to see shortcomings and shoddy work highlighted openly.

I am a proud Johorian, born in Kluang, and have made Johor Baru my workplace and home.

Naturally, I ought to take pride in my city and help make it a great city. As such, I must ensure that the local authority delivers good service to its residents.

I will continue to highlight issues pertaining to Johor Baru and MBJB in my blog.

As Reported in NST Johor Buzz 01.07.2008.

FORUM PEMIMPIN BERSAMA RAKYAT PADA 22.06.2008

2008-06-26T23:25:00.000-07:00

2008-06-26T18:52:00.000-07:00

LONGKANG TERSUMBAT DAN LONGKANG TANPA JERIJI BESI MERBAHAYAKAN ORANG RAMAI DI TAMPOI INDAH

Ahad lalu saya dimaklumkan bahawa Datuk Bandar, Johor Bahru akan menghadiri majlis MBJB Bersama Rakyat di Taman Tampoi Utama. Kawan saya mengajak saya pergi ke majlis dan bersua muka dengan Datuk Bandar.

Sayang sekali, Datuk Bandar tidak mengambil kesempatan untuk meninjau keadaan persekitaran. Sekiranya Datuk Bandar telah berbuat sedemikian, inilah pandangan yang menanti Datuk Bandar.

LONGKANG TERSUMBAT

Beginilah keadaan longkang di Jalan Titiwangsa 3, Taman Tampoi Indah. Gambar ini adalah longkang di hadapan kedai 7-11. Sudah hampir dua minggu, longkang ini dalam keadaan tersumbat dan air bertakung. Malahan jentik-jentik pun sudah kelihatan dalam air yang bertakung.

LONGKANG TANPA JERIJI BESI

Inilah longkang besar di hadapan kedai kain dan langsir Jakel di Jalan Titiwangsa 3, Taman Tampoi Indah. Sebenarnya sejak dua bulan yang lalu, saya telah beberapa kali ketika berurusan dengan MBJB telah memaklumkan berkenaan dengan longkang yang tidak tertutup yang merbahayakan orang ramai. Sebenarnya, pada setiap hari minggu begitu ramai pelanggan dan hampir kesemua mereka adalah pelanggan orang Melayu yang membeli-belah di kedai Jakel. Ramai yang membawa anak-anak mereka dan kadang-kadang anak-anak mereka berlari dan bermain berdekatan dengan longkang ini.

Malangnya biarpun MBJB telah dimaklumkan, MBJB seolah-olah tidak kisah dengan aduan yang telah dibuat dan sehingga hari ini tiada apa-apa tindakan yang telah diambil MBJB.

Beberapa bulan lalu, seorang wanita maut apabila jatuh dalam longkang yang tidak tertutup. Juga, seorang lelaki jatuh dan patah kaki juga kerana jatuh dalam longkang yang tidak tertutup. Persoalannya apakah MBJB berniat hanya untuk memasang jeriji besi ataupun penutup longkang hanya selepas pengguna jalan maut ataupun cedera ?

Pampasan RM 5,665 lesap

2008-06-25T01:56:00.000-07:00

Traffic Lights Facing Wrong Direction.

2008-06-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

This is the email received from a resident of Johor Bahru :-

"This traffic light from Lebuhraya Pasir Gudang and wanted to turn into overhead bridge JPJ - Taman Daya, JB and found that this traffic lights seems not alight properly facing us, instead of turn to the other way which have no traffic to follow".

Keluaran Kosmo - 23.06.2008

2008-06-22T18:33:00.000-07:00

ISU PERUMAHAN RAKYAT ISKANDAR JOHOR BAHRU

2008-06-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

2008-06-19T00:09:00.001-07:00

2008-06-18T23:52:00.000-07:00

This tree has been uprooted by the strong wind / twister on Tuesday , in Kawasan MIEL , SERI ALAM -MASAI .

UNTIL NOW, no action has been taken by the concerned authorities.

2008-06-15T21:47:00.000-07:00

Norman Fernandez

2008-06-15T20:07:00.000-07:00

EVEN THE MONKEYS ARE LEAVING

I came across this news in the June 15, 2008 edition of Kosmo. A houseowner claims that a group of monkeys entered into his house and stole his International Passport.

Yes ! you heard it right !. Monkeys stealing International Passport. That's a first !

Just goes to show that things are really getting bad in Malaysia so much so that even the monkeys want to leave. maybe it just want to get away for a while.

- Melbourne bound? Perhaps....

2008-06-15T19:31:00.001-07:00

TIADA TEMPAT LAIN KE MBJB ?

Pada hari Ahad 8, Jun 2008 semasa saya membuat lawatan ke Gerai Kotaraya 2, Jalan Gereja saya terserempak dengan tiang-tiang lampu dan kabel yang tersadai disana.

Dahlah tempat itu lengang, tiada seorang pun pengawal keselamatan kelihatan, MBJB / Kontraktor MBJB dengan mudahnya memilih tempat sedemikian untuk meletakkan sementara waktu tiang-tiang lampu dan kabel.

2008-06-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

LAWATAN YANG BEKERJA EN. NORMAN FERNANDEZ KE GERAI KOTARAYA 2 JALAN GEREJA DAN KAWASAN PERSEKITARAN JALAN TRUS / JALAN GEREJA JOHOR BAHRU

Pada hari Ahad 8, Jun 2008 saya telah membuat lawatan ke Gerai Kotaraya 2 Jalan Gereja untuk meninjau keadaan disana.

Saya mendapati hampir kesemua gerai-gerai dalam kedaan kosong. Beberapa gerai seolah-olah menjadi stor barang-barang. Saya dimaklumkan hanya terdapat dua gerai makanan yang beroperasi dari Isnin hingga Jumaat.

Amat mendukacitakan satu kawasan yang strategik dan yang mempunyai tempat letak kereta tidak dapat dibangunkan dengan baik. Sebenarnya tempat ini boleh dijadikan sebuah medan selera sate.

Dengan beberapa hotel-hotel terkemuka yang berdekatan, Gerai Kotaraya 2, amat sesuai dibangunkan dan dijadikan medan selera sate. Suatu masa dahulu di Singapura ada satu tempat yang dipanggil “Sate Club”. Ia bukannya satu kelab tetapi tempat untuk penjual-penjual sate menjual sate sahaja. Tempat ini telah menjadi tarikan pelancong-pelancong.

Kawasan Gerai Kotaraya 2, juga boleh dibangunkan dan dijadikan sedemikian. Penjual-penjual sate yang terbaik dijemput untuk menjaja disana. Pelanggan pun hampir sudah ada antara lain Hotel Tropical Inn, Hotel Puteri Pacific, Hotel Hyatt dan Persada Johor.

Apa macam MBJB ?

Namun begitu beginilah keadaan di Gerai Kotaraya 2, pada masa ini.

Gambar diatas menunjukkan gerai-gerai yang dalam keadaan tertutup.

Inilah rupa tandas di Gerai Kotaraya 2, Jalan Gereja.

Datuk Bandar, pengurusan tandas ini kerja siapa ?

Bilakah kali terakhir Ahli-ahli Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru, Datuk Bandar Johor Bahru meninjau Gerai Kotaraya 2?

Angkat punggung jalan-jalanlah sikit!!!

Johor DAP Vice Chairman Wore Songkok.

2008-06-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

This is a photograph of me in my younger days. Note the headgear / songkok.

Keratan Harian Metro bertarikh 06.06.2008

2008-06-09T20:46:00.000-07:00

NO SIGNBOARDS???

2008-06-08T21:01:00.000-07:00

Daripada Pengirim email yang telah menghantar kepada kami untuk tatapan :-

Below are the conversation of my foreign boss and our driver , Mat .

Boss : hei , Mat , where are you heading to ?

Mat : back to office , sir . Anything wrong , sir ?

Boss : hei , Mat , there is no signboard for years , and i doubts whether this road is heading to nowhere since it started year 2007 ?

Mat : For us , we would try any roads , no doubts it has no sighboards nor indications, this has been our style when dealing with this no SIGNS ROAD . We are BOLEH , sir .

Boss : yah , yes , you are wonderful Boleh !

Mat : hahaha !

Gentlemen , please enjoy !

Location : from JALAN MASAI BARU HEADING TO CARREFOR/ PANDAN ,JB.
WHY MISLEADING ?
BECAUSE NO SIGHNAGE INDICATION AND IT IS UNLIKELY TO FIND THE WAY HEADING TO .

Pokok Yang Merbahaya!!!

2008-06-08T20:57:00.000-07:00

Berikut adalah senario yang terjumpa dari susur Taman Daya masuk Ke Lebuhraya Pasir Gudang , km20.5 , arah ke pelabuhan.

Gambar tersebut dari pengirim email yang amat prihatin.

Lubang Yang Masih Belum Dibaiki.

2008-06-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

Gambar diatas menunjukkan gambar potholes yang semakin membesar sejak tahun lepas 2007 ,berdekatan dengan ofis Oriental Daily .
Lubang tersebut berada di No.1 , Jalan Gelonggang, Taman Melodies , 80250 JB.

TO WEAR OR NOT TO WEAR THE SONGKOK - THE STAR SUNDAY 9, JUNE 2008.

2008-06-08T20:36:00.000-07:00

PRESS STATEMENT
VICE CHAIRMAN DAP JOHOR
NORMAN FERNANDEZ

ISSUE: REPORT IN THE STAR SUNDAY 9, JUNE 2008
“TO WEAR OR NOT TO WEAR THE SONGKOK”.

The Sunday STAR 9th June, 2008 reported at pg N4 “ To wear or not to wear songkok”. Having read the news, I wish to clarify the issue and also make my personal stand.

1. My statement as appearing in the STAR would seem to imply that I am questioning the wisdom of DAP Central Executive Committee and that Sdr Dr Boo Cheng Hau, Johor DAP State Chairman/Adun Skudai and myself are of the same view. That is far from true. I have not and wish not to criticize the CEC.

2. I wish to make it clear that what I meant and was referring to, is the stance by the DAP National Legal Advisor Sdr Dr Chen Man Hin who had been quoted in the paper as saying that the songkok ought not to be worn. As such Sdr Dr Chen Man Hin’s statement runs contrary to the decision of the CEC. The CEC had already decided with regard to the wearing of the songkok. I wish to make it very clear and reiterate that I hold steadfast to the decision of the CEC meeting held in Penang after the election which left to the respective state committees to decide the decision whether to wear or not to wear the songkok.

3. In the recently concluded 12th General Election, DAP Johor won the Parliamentary seat of Bakri while winning the State seats of Skudai, Senai, Mengkibol and Bentayan.

4. The Member of Parliament for Bakri is Sdr Er Teck Hwa. The State Assemblymen are Sdr Dr Boo Cheng Hau, Skudai, Sdr Ong Kow Meng, Senai, Sdr Ng Lam Hua, Mengkibol and Sdr Gwee Tong Hiang, Bentayan.

5. In the aftermath of the election, the wearing of the official attire (No.1 Suit) in the Dewan Undangan Negeri Johor became an issue. The official attire or the No.1 Suit as it is known consist of a Jacket and a songkok with the crest.

6. The CEC of the DAP in its meeting held in Penang after the general Election, decided that the decision on whether or not to wear the songkok will be left to the individual state committee to decide.

7. In accordance with the directive of the CEC, the Johor DAP State Committee thereafter at its meeting held on the 20th April, 2008 discussed the issue of wearing the formal attire, namely the No.1 Suit and more importantly the wearing of songkok.

8. Save for the Assemblyman for Bentayan who was absent, all other Aduns and the State Committee members present expressed their views.

The wearing of the songkok was an emotive issue and the Committee Members were reminded of the unfortunate events of 1990. There were a diverse of views. The pros and cons of wearing the official attire and more importantly the wearing of the songkok was freely debated. The State Committee also took into account the unfortunate events which happened to the then DAP Aduns namely Pang Hok Liong and Wong Peng Sheng in the Johor State Assembly in 1990 The Johor state DAP remained steadfast in its stand that the events and incidents and the use of force to the then DAP Aduns had no justifications.

In the end, the state committee taking account of the winds of change and the new politics brought about by the 12th General Election, in its meeting on 20th April, 2008 resolved that that all Aduns shall and must wear the official attire together with the songkok.

It was the general consensus that the wearing of the songkok was not or ought not to signify cultural submission or capitulation of principles but instead the wearing of the songkok with the state crest state crest was as a sign of respect to His Highness Sultan of Johor who will be present for the opening of the Dewan Undangan Negeri. In any event, the wearing of the songkok was only for the period when His Highness Sultan of Johor was present.

9. Thereafter on May 13, 2008, at an informal meeting held at the Gelang Patah Parliamentary Liasson Office and attended by among other by all the DAP Aduns save for the Adun of Bentayan, the two DAP State Vice Chairmen namely Norman Fernandez and Ahmad Ton and the DAP State Secretary, Sdri Gan Peck Cheng. A brief discussion on the issue was held once again it resolved to maintain the decision of state committee of April 20, 2008.

10. At the said meeting, the Johor State DAP Chairman then directed the Johor State DAP Secretary to send a formal letter to all Aduns to remind them of the decision and compliance of the state committee’s decision of April 20, 2008. A draft of the said letter was immediately prepared by Norman Fernandez and given to the Johor State Secretary for her action.

11. Yesterday, 7 June, 2008 the State Chairman made a shocking revelations claiming that apparently the CEC on April 21, 2008, that is a day after the Johor DAP State Commmiteee had resolved to wearing the official attire, the CEC had revoked its decision to let the individual state committee to decide on whether or not to wear the formal attire and more importantly the songkok.

If it was true that the CEC had revoked the decision of the Johor State DAP, then I have to also question why the Johor State DAP Chairman did not to inform the Johor DAP State Committee until yesterday. Regretfully, I am made to understand that the CEC did not and never had revoked the decision of the Johor State DAP.

Further, had the CEC revoked the decision of the Johor DAP State Committee, question also arises as to why the Johor State DAP Chairman on May 13, 2008 had given a directive to the Johor State DAP Secretary to send out to a formal letter of reminder to all the DAP Aduns notifying the decision of the Johor DAP State Committee of April, 2008. Was it play acting by the Johor State Chairman?

12. Today’s report in the Star “To wear or not to wear the songkok” has left me no opportunity but to clarify what has indeed transpired so far and also to make my personal observation and stand public.

13. Sdr Gwee Tong Hiang (Bentayan) from the onset had said he will not wear the official attire and the songkok and is prepared for any consequences arising. While I do not agree with Sdr Gwee, nevertheless I must say that at the very least he has stated his stand openly, never mind rightly or wrongly his decision may be.

14. Sdr Ng Lam Hua (Mengkibol) has steadfastly stated that he will wear the official attire and the songkok. The Sunday Star reported the reason for his decision and I salute him for his courageous and forward thinking.

15. Sdr Ong Kow Meng (Senai) has expressed his concern and stressed the importance of the DAP Aduns being united. He has repeatedly said openly that has no objection to wearing the songkok.

16. Since the stand of the other three Aduns are clear, what then is the stand of Sdr Dr Boo Cheng Hau (Skudai). From Sdr Dr Boo’s statements and conduct, I am now of the view that it is plainly clear that he do not wish not to wear the songkok but instead is and has been seeking an excuse or rather any excuse for justifying not being able to wear the songkok. Blaming it on the decision of the CEC ( when there was none) would naturally be a good cover. Little wonder that he prefers to ignore the decision of the Johor DAP State Committee of 20 April, 2008 and instead finds refuge and reasons on statements by certain DAP leaders as justification in not wanting to wear the songkok.

I am made to understand that the Secretary General had made it clear that the final decision on the wearing of the formal attire and the songkok is with the respective individual state committee. That’s precisely what the Johor DAP State Committee in its meeting on April 20, 2008 did – agreeing to wear the official attire and the songkok. As such I am deeply dissapointed by Sdr Dr Boo’s attempt to drag the Secretary General into this issue.

Dr Boo Cheng Hau must find courage to state his stand openly whether he will or will not be wearing the official attire and the songkok. The shilly shalling has to stop and he should not divert blame or justification not to wear the songkok on the Secretary General or the CEC. The onus is on Dr. Boo to prove that the CEC had on April 21, 2008 revoked its earlier decision. Until then the directive of the CEC must be held to be true and remain.

17. I had from the onset been firm in my conviction that the wearing of the songkok should not be viewed as cultural submission and the capitulation of principles but to view the wearing of the songkok with the state crest as a sign of respect to His Highness Sultan of Johor. Rightfully, the Aduns ought to be play the role of his Majesty’s Loyal Opposition representing the subjects of the Sultan and not instead behave as bunch of defiant protagonist.

18. It has been 18 long years since DAP had any representation in the Johor State Assembly. During this time politics and peoples perceptions on many issues have changed. Sad, that for some Aduns, despite the winds of change as seen in the 12th general election, small mindness still remain. Perhaps these Aduns ought to have been forthcoming during the election campaign by telling the voters that if elected they will defy the Sultan and not wear the songkok. I wonder if they would still be elected.

19. I am most upset that the proud occasion of the opening of the Johor State Assembly on June 19, 2008 is going to end in one ugly saga. I call upon all the Johor DAP Aduns to wear the official attire and the songkok.

Norman Fernandez - the opinion expressed are the writers’ personal opinion. Norman Fernandez would welcome readers comment on this issue at anfalaw@streamyx.com.

Surat Kepada MBJB Bertarikh 06.06.2008

2008-06-05T21:58:00.001-07:00

Daripada Timbalan Pengerusi DAP Johor

En. Norman Fernandez

Inilah Bukti Kerja Kontraktor MBJB

2008-06-05T20:39:00.000-07:00

Pada 02.06.2008 En. Norman Fernandez telah menghantar surat kepada MBJB memaklumkan kabel yang terdedah akibat jalan tidak diturap dengan betul di Jalan Gereja.

Sila layari http://www.johorbahru.blogspot.com/ untuk membaca surat tersebut.

Inilah gambar yang dimaksudkan.

Dua hari yang lalu kontraktor MBJB telah mengambil langkah untuk "membaiki-pulih".

Hari ini En. Norman Fernandez terkejut dengan kerja-kerja membaiki-pulih oleh kontraktor MBJB.

Inilah hasil kerja baiki-pulih yang dibuat oleh kontraktor MBJB.

Apa yang dilakukan oleh kontraktor MBJB ialah meletakkan kepingan-kepingan turap (mungkin yang diperolehi dari tempat lain) dan dilonggokkan kepingan-kepingan turap diletakkan diatas dan menutup kabel.

"Kalau kerja sebegini, saya pun teringin menjadi kontraktor MBJB" kata En. Norman Fernandez.

MBJB Mengambil Tindakan Terhadap Aduan

2008-06-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

En. Mohd Din Bin Kassim seorang warga emas yang berumur 78 tahun pada 29.05.2008 telah mendapat kecederaan apabila terlanggar dengan metal bolts yang dipasang di siar kaki Jalan Trus oleh kontraktor MBJB yang telah membiarkan metal bolt dalam keadaan terdedah.

Selepas mendapat aduan, En. Norman Fernandez telah pada 30.05.2008 membuat satu sidang akhbar. Berita ini telah disiarkan didalam akhbar-akhbar tempatan. Satu surat resmi bertarikh 02.06.2008 juga telah dihantar kepada pihak MBJB/Datuk Bandar Johor Bahru. (Sila layari http://www.johorbahruwatch.blogspot.com/ untuk melihat surat daripada En. Norman Fernandez kepada MBJB / Datuk Bandar Johor Bahru).

Dua hari selepas berita tersiar, kontraktor MBJB telah mengambil tindakan untuk memastikan metal bolt-metal bolt yang terdapat di siar kaki tidak lagi merbahayakan orang awam.

Gambar-gambar menunjukkan kerja-kerja pemasangan kon di atas metal bolt.

MBJB harus kikis budaya "Sudah Terhantuk, Baru Terjaga" dan memperbetulkan jangan menunggu orang awam mendapat kecederaan dan barulah akan mengambil tindakan.

Two-tier fuel pricing system bad, says Johor DAP

2008-06-03T17:05:00.000-07:00

JOHOR BARU, TheStar

A two-tier fuel pricing system for foreign registered vehicles will adversely affect the economy of the city.

Johor DAP chairman Dr Boo Cheng Hau said such a move would inconvenience both foreigners and local businesses dependent on the Singaporean clientele.
“A Singapore ruling that requires its vehicles to have a three-quarter full tank before entering the country already reduces the number of foreigners who enter the city solely for petrol,” he said.

According to Dr Boo, besides increasing red tape, a two-tier system would also affect Malaysians holding Singapore permanent residency status who owned Singapored-registered vehicles.
“There should be uniform pricing,” he said during a press conference after visiting several traders in the city.

Johor DAP vice-chairman Norman Fernandez urged the Government to weigh the cost of restricting Singaporeans to unsubsidised petrol against the economic losses suffered by traders.
“We have to look at the big picture as the situation in Johor Baru is unique. Many businesses are very reliant on the Singaporean clientele.”

Meanwhile, Senai assemblyman Ong Kow Meng said that a two-tier pricing system would breach international free trade agreements.

“We will also be the laughing stock internationally if we implement the two-tier pricing system,” he said, adding that Petronas should instead pay for the subsidised fuel.

Keratan Kosmo bertarikh 03.06.2008

2008-06-03T17:03:00.000-07:00

Keadaan Jalan Rosak di Jalan Meldrum, Johor.

2008-06-03T05:08:00.000-07:00

Surat Yang Dihantar Kepada Datuk Bandar (MBJB).

2008-06-03T01:58:00.000-07:00

Daripada Timbalan Pengerusi DAP Johor,

En. Norman Fernandez

BERITA KELUARAN KOSMO DAN THE STAR BERTARIKH 02.06.2008

2008-06-03T01:05:00.000-07:00

KECUAIAN MBJB, METAL BOLT(S) TIDAK DITUTUP ORANG AWAM CEDERA.

2008-06-02T14:32:00.000-07:00

KEALPAAN PIHAK BERKUASA TEMPATAN

2008-06-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

KEADAAN SEKITARAN JALAN TRUS DAN JALAN GEREJA.

2008-06-02T13:40:00.000-07:00

Tiang lampu ditengah-tengah siar kaki dan metal bolts yang terdedah. Beginikah kerja kontraktor MBJB? Adakah pihak MBJB ada membuat pantauan?

Inilah tiang lampu jalan di siar kaki. Apakah tiada tempat lain ia boleh didirikan?

Inilah metal bolts yang dipasang oleh kontraktor MBJB yang tidak ditutup sehingga tiang lampu dipasang. Tindakan kontraktor MBJB meletakkan metal bolts dalam keadaan terdedah telah menyebabkan En. Mohd Din Bin Kassim cedera apabila beliau terlanggar dan jatuh.

Inilah angkara MBJB. En. Mohd Din Bin Kassim yang terjatuh apabila terkena metal bolts yang dipasang oleh kontraktor MBJB di siar kaki tidak ditutup.

"MBJB lihatlah kecederaan yang dialami oleh En. Mohd Din Bin Kassim akibat kecuaian kamu!"

Pokok-pokok ditanam di tengah-tengah siar kaki. Bolehkah orang kurang upaya seperti orang buta ataupun dalam keadaan berkerusi roda dapat menggunakan siar kaki dengan selesa?

Inilah siar kaki di Jalan Trus, Johor Bahru. Siar kaki dengan halangan pokok-pokok yang ditanam di tengah-tengah siar kaki.

Inilah siar kaki di Shah Alam, Selangor. Lihatlah siar kaki yang tiadahalangan. Lihatlah bagaimana pokok-pokok ditanam ditepi siar kaki.

MBJB, ambillah iktibar daripada gambar ini.

Kabel dalam keadaan terdedah akibat jalan tidak diturap dengan sempurna.

Metal bolts dan kabel yang terdedah disiar kaki yang merbahayakan keselamatan orang awam.

Lubang jalan di Taman Maju Jaya yang dalam keadaan terbiar dan tidak diturap.

En. Norman Fernandez membantu "Panjang" menyembur cat disekeliling lubang jalan sebagai tanda amaran untuk pengguna jalan raya agar cermat dan tidak terkena / cedera.

Keadaan bahaya di siar kaki Jalan Trus, Johor Bahru. Lihat bagaimana betapa bahaya untuk orang awam yang menggunakan siar kaki.

Lihat juga ketiadaan "railing".

Kalau jatuh, maut menanti.

No petrol sales to foreign (i.e Singaporean) cars

2008-05-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

Border towns: No petrol sales to foreign cars
The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Petrol stations located in border states like Johor and Perlis will be barred from selling petrol and diesel to foreign-registered cars starting Friday.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad said the move, aimed at plugging loopholes in the current subsidy system, was decided during an anti-inflation committee meeting yesterday.The ban will involve between 200 and 300 petrol stations in Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, Perak and the Johor Baru and Kulai areas in Johor.

Currently, petrol stations are not allowed to sell more then 20 litres of petrol to foreign vehicles.
“This move is temporary until we come up with better management of our subsidy system,” he told reporters. At present, Shahrir said too many foreign-registered cars, particularly those from neighbouring countries, had been crossing into Malaysia to take advantage of the lower fuel and diesel prices. “I have been instructed to use my power under the Control of Supply Act to direct and ban the sale of subsidised fuel to these foreign cars. This applies to petrol stations located as far as 50km from the border,” he said.

Besides the northern states and the Johor Baru and Kulai areas of Johor, Shahrir said he was also studying if the ban should include petrol stations in Pontian. He said the petrol stations would be notified by the ministry to adhere to the move. Shahrir said that besides putting up signboards informing motorists of this new ruling, enforcement officers would also be stationed at the petrol stations to ensure businesses complied with the ruling. “I will inform my officers about this latest decision and it will take effect by Friday or the latest Monday,” he said.
Shahrir said those caught flouting the ruling could be fined up to RM250,000.

However, he said foreign-registered vehicles which entered the country for tourism purposes could still fill up their tanks in places like Penang and Malacca where the ban would not apply.
“They should enter the country with full tanks and they have to plan their journey,” he said.

In Johor Baru, petrol station owners and managers were shocked with the announcement.

Petrol dealer Andy Wong said such a decision had huge implications on petrol station owners as a large number of stations situated near the Causeway depended heavily on their Singaporean clientele. “If it is within 50km, then the whole of Johor Baru is affected,” he said when met at his station last night.

Other petrol station owners said they were awaiting more information. One petrol station manager, whose station services hundreds of Singapore-registered vehicles daily, said: “So far, talks have only been about petrol subsidies. This has never been spoken about.” He said petrol station owners had not been consulted about the matter.

Rais: Island dispute ruling a win-win outcome

2008-05-23T06:36:00.000-07:00

So says Foreign Minister Rais Yatim here. Really ?

Singapore wins this.

And we win this.

and by the way, this rock is only visible during low tide.

Batu Puteh goes to Singapore

2008-05-23T06:19:00.000-07:00

Batu Puteh goes to Singapore
May 23, 08 5:54pm
The International Court of Justice has decided in favour of Singapore in a 28-year sovereignty dispute with Malaysia over Pulau Batu Puteh - a tiny but strategic uninhabited island the size of half a football field.

The 16-member panel handed a 12 to 4 judgment against Malaysia which had claimed ownership of the island which sits at the entrance of the heavily- used Singapore Strait.
"The court by 12 votes to four, finds that sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh belongs to the Republic of Singapore," said presiding judge Awn Shawkat Al-Khasawneh at the end of his two-hour oral judgment.The granite island is considered important for its strategic position and impact on territorial marine boundaries. It lies 7.7 nautical miles off Johor on the eastern approach to the Singapore Strait from the South China Sea.

However, the 16-member panel in a 15 to 1 decision said Malaysia has sovereignty over one of the island's two rocky outcrops - Middle Rocks, which lies south of Pulau Batu Puteh.
On the other outcrop named South Ledge, the court handed a 15 to 1 judgment stating that it belonged to "the state in the territorial waters of which it is located".
The court however did not specify whether the territorial waters mentioned were Malaysia's or Singapore's.Singapore operates lighthouse for 130 years Malaysia claimed original title to Pulau Batu Puteh, while Singapore, which knows the islet as Pedra Branca argued that sovereignty had passed to it tacitly, having operated the Horsburgh Lighthouse on the island for more than 130 years without any protest from its neighbour.

The court found that the Malaysian sultanate-turned-province of Johor had held the original title but had taken "no action at all" regarding the island for more than a century."The court concludes ... that by 1980 sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh had passed to Singapore," Al-Khasawneh said.

The dispute over Pulau Batu Puteh came to the fore when Singapore protested in 1980 against a new Malaysian map of its maritime boundaries which claimed the islet for itself.Years of bilateral talks failed to resolve the matter and the parties agreed to seek the intervention of the United Nations' highest court.

Inconclusive decision over South LedgeAs for Middle Rocks (left), the court said the circumstances involving this piece of rock are different from Pulau Batu Puteh.
"It therefore finds that original title to Middle Rocks should remain with Malaysia as the successor to the Sultanate of Johor," ruled the court.

But South Ledge , a small rock visible only at low tide, would now fall "within the apparently overlapping territorial waters generated by the mainland of Malaysia, Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, and Middle Rocks," said the judges.

"... the court has not been mandated by the parties to draw the line of delimitation with respect to the territorial waters of Malaysia and Singapore in the area in question."Recalling that it has not been mandated by the parties to draw the line of delimitation with respect to their territorial waters in the area, the court concludes that sovereignty over South Ledge belongs to the state in the territorial waters of which it is located," said Al-Khasawneh.Rais: Win-win for both countries
Bilateral ties have often been stormy since Singapore was ejected from the Malaysian Federation in 1965, at which time sovereignty of the island was not stipulated.Both countries have said today's ruling would not affect relations.

On a website dedicated to the island dispute, the Malaysian government claims the original title.
"Pulau Batu Puteh is, and has always been, part of the Malaysian State of Johor," it says. "Nothing has happened to displace Malaysia's sovereignty over it.

Singapore says its economic well-being depends on its status as a major port of call, which in turn relies on the smooth flow of maritime traffic through the Singapore Strait.In an immediate reaction, Foreign Minister Rais Yatim, who was in court when the judgment was delivered in The Hague, said that it was a "win-win situation" for both nations.

DAP upset over ‘kill Karpal’ call

2008-04-26T04:16:00.000-07:00

Saturday April 26, 2008. The Star.

JOHOR BARU: The state DAP is upset over a comment left on a PAS website that called for the murder of DAP national chairman Karpal Singh and is calling for an apology.Johor DAP vice-chairman Norman Fernandez said that it was unacceptable for the message to be posted on the Johor Baru PAS website especially when Pakatan Rakyat was trying to introduce a new era in politics.“We want them to take the comment out, apologise to Karpal and ensure that no inciting messages will be put on their website henceforth,” he said.The comment dated April 24 was listed on the website Shoutbox and was written by a commenter called “Alif” who alleged that Karpal had insulted Islam and that “darahnya halal dibunuh” (it's justifiable to kill him).He added that for Pakatan Rakyat to succeed, mutual respect was needed and it was the responsibility of the webmaster to ensure that such comments did not appear on the party website.Meanwhile, Johor PAS Commissioner Datuk Dr Mahfodz Mohamad said the comment posted was not the stand of the Johor PAS.

JOHOR PUBLIC LIBRARY CORPORATION REPLIES WHY LIBRARY YET TO OPEN.

2008-04-21T23:04:00.000-07:00

JOHOR DAP CHAIRMAN JOINS HINDUS IN PRAYERS

2008-04-20T19:44:00.001-07:00

On Thursday, 17 April 2008, Johor DAP Chairman and who is also SKUDAI State Assemblyman Dr. Boo Cheng Hau joined Hindus offering prayers welcoming the Tamil New Year at Sri Yogamaya Anggala Paremeswari Annayin Alayam Temple in Bandar Selesa Jaya.

Dr. Boo was warmly welcomed by the Temple Committee and the worshippers.

TAMAN SENTOSA RESIDENTS SUFFER TRAFFIC CONGESTION.

2008-04-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

PUBLIC LIBRARY REMAINS CLOSED TO PUBLIC AFTER COMPLETION

2008-04-20T19:34:00.000-07:00

PERPUSTAKAAN NEGERI, JALAN YAHYA AWAL JOHOR BAHRU. REMAINS CLOSED AFTER ONE YEAR.

2008-04-16T20:18:00.000-07:00

(Picture from NST dated 17.04.2008)

This is the new state library in Jalan Yahya Awal. The RM5.7 million three storey library claimed to be a state of art library and reportedly will house books worth RM3 million. The library was scheduled to open in April 2007 and one year on, the library remains closed to the public.

On a few occasions, I went to the library with John Fernandez, a lawyer whose three children are eagerly waiting to use the library but only to be told by the guards that the library staff are still recording and stacking books on the shelf. Incidentally last year one newspaper reported that the library roof was leaking.

So in the meantime all the public can do is to gawk at the impressive globe on its roof. When the library will open and if it ever will is anyone’s guess.

KENYATAAN AKHBAR.

2008-04-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

PERPUSTAKAAN NEGERI BERNILAI RM5.7 JUTA MASIH BELUM DI BUKA KEPADA ORANG RAMAI SELEPAS SATU TAHUN.

(Gambar daripada suratkhabar NST bertarikh 17.04.2008)

DAP Negeri Johor meminta penjelasan daripada pihak kerajaan Negeri Johor bilakah Perpustakaan Negeri di Jalan Yahya Awal akan dibuka kepada orang ramai.

Perpustakaan Negeri Johor yang dibina dengan harga RM5.7 juta sepatutnya dibuka pada bulan April 2007 dan selepas satu tahun perpustakaan tersebut masih lagi ditutup kepada orang ramai.

En. Norman Fernandez, Timbalan Pengerusi DAP telah membuat tinjauan ke Perpustakaan tersebut beberapa kali dan pada setiap kali pihak perpustakaan memberitahu bahawa mereka masih sedang merekodkan buku dan meletakkan buku-buku di atas rak. Bayangkan kerja-kerja ini telah mengambil masa selama satu tahun dan masih lagi belum selesai.

DAP Johor meminta pihak negeri mempercepatkan pembukaan perpustakaan ini agar warga kota dapat manfaat daripada perpustakaan ini.

LAGI ORANG AWAM CEDERA KERANA MBJB CUAI

2008-04-08T21:56:00.000-07:00

TERLEPAS DARI TALI GANTUNG

2008-04-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

A second victim is asking for compensation from the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB)

2008-04-07T19:38:00.000-07:00

Source : The Star, Tuesday, April 8

JOHOR BAHRU: A second victim is asking for compensation from the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), claiming that he broke a leg after falling into an uncovered manhole during the last Chingay festival.
This comes just days after MBJB said it would compensate the family of grandmother Koh Siang Lee, 63, who died on March 10, after succumbing to injuries suffered when she fell into a drain through the manhole during the same Chingay parade.
The second victim, food stall owner, Tan Kim Teck, 53, said he had been following the festival procession along Jalan Yahya Awal here on Feb 27 at about 8pm along with his family members when he fell into a metre-deep manhole.
Tan broke his left leg and was warded at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital here.
“I received stitches and my leg was put in a cast. I was discharged after four days in the hospital but I am unable to run my stall because of my injury,” he said.
Tan explained that he made about RM3,000 monthly from his business but he has lost that source of income due to the incident.
“My expenses is about RM10,000 per month which include house, cars and other loan payments, which my grown children also pitch in to help.
“I hope MBJB can compensate for the damages as a result of their negligence,” he said at a press conference held by state DAP vice-chairman Norman Fernandez here yesterday.
Fernandez said Tan was asking for compensation for loss of income and injuries suffered in the incident.
“We hope the council does something about these exposed manholes before more people are injured,” he said.
Meanwhile, Johor Baru Mayor Datuk Mohd Naim Nasir said he would check with the council’s legal department before taking action.
“I sympathise with the victims. We will not take the matter lightly,” he said.

MBJB AKUI KECUAIAN. SEDIA MEMBAYAR GANTIRUGI.

2008-03-31T20:53:00.000-07:00

KEMATIAN KERANA KECUAIAN PIHAK BERKUASA

2008-03-27T18:47:00.000-07:00

SAMPAH YANG TERBIAR.

2008-03-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

MBJB dan kontraktor MBJB gagal menguruskan kutipan sampah dengan sempurna. Berikut adalah aduan yang diterima :-

Tuan ,

Berikut adalah gambar-gambar yang diambil buat kenangan umum .

Gejala yang berlaku bukan saja pada hari ini , namun telah bertahun-tahun, akibat tiada penguatkuasaan dan penjagaan yang rapi terhadap kontraktor yang memungut sampah .

Tempatnya : lorong-lorong belakang di kawasan perindustrian Taman Mount Austin , JB .
Salah satunya - jalan ME 5/ 1,/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13 DAN LAIN-LAIN LORONG SEPERTI DI JALAN ME 7/1,/2/3/4/5/////...

TINDAKAN : MASIH TIADA LAGI , SUNGGUHPUN TERDAPAT ADUAN UMUM !!!
takut jikalau berlaku kejadian api nanti .

SEKIAN , UNTUK LAPORAN DAN PAPARAN UMUM .

Yang benar ,

Penduduk yang melalui lorong sampah !

MAUT MENANTI!!!

2008-03-18T18:31:00.000-07:00

Ini adalah keadaan di persimpangan lampu trafik berhadapan Extra /Sri Sutera Motor di Jalan Tebrau dimana penutup longkang telah tiada.

Ini amat membahayakan bagi pejalan kaki yang melintas jalanraya tersebut.

Thank You, Nandri, Terima Kasih, Xie Xie

2008-03-12T06:18:00.000-07:00

UNDILAH DAP

2008-02-24T18:21:00.000-08:00

NORMAN FERNANDEZ
N 45 STULANG

KENYATAAN AKHBAR - DAP JOHOR

2008-02-20T17:55:00.000-08:00

PRM & S.K SONG JADI PENGACAU

DAP Johor menyifatkan tindakan Setiausaha Agung Parti Rakyat Malaysia S.K Song untuk meletakkan calon PRM untuk bertanding di DUN SKUDAI dan DUN STULANG sebagai hanya untuk mengacau.

Hakikatnya, DAP Johor yang telah bertanding di DUN Johor Jaya pada pilihanraya 2004 dan untuk pilihanraya ini telah bersedia memberi laluan kepada PRM untuk bertanding di DUN Johor Jaya agar DAP di beri laluan bertanding satu lawan satu di DUN Stulang dan DUN Skudai. Sebaliknya PRM dan S.K Song menolak tawaran DAP dan masih nekad untuk bertanding di DUN Stulang yang tidak pernah ditanding PRM sebelum ini. Malahan sebelum daripada ini PRM juga tidak pernah berkhidmat atau pun menjalankan apa-apa aktiviti di DUN Stulang.

Selanjutnya DAP Johor mengkritik S.K Song untuk meletakkan calon PRM di DUN Skudai.

Tindakan S.K Song jelas menunjukkan bahawa beliau masih menyimpan dendam dan perasaan hasad dengki kepada DAP dan menjadikan PRM sebagai pengacau kepada DAP di DUN Skudai dan bertujuan untuk menjejaskan undi calon DAP DUN Skudai Dr. Boo Cheng Hau.

Pertarungan sengit untuk kerusi DUN Skudai di antara DAP dan GERAKAN telah diramalkan dan tindakan S.K Song untuk meletakkan calon PRM di DUN Skudai adalah semata-mata untuk memastikan Dr. Boo Cheng Hau yang telah berkhidmat bakti di DUN Skudai selama 12 tahun akan kalah. PRM tiada apa-apa cawangan di DUN Skudai, tidak pernah mengadakan sebarang aktiviti di DUN Skudai dan sebelum ini tidak pernah bertanding di DUN Skudai.

DAP menggesa PRM & S.K Song memberi laluan kepada DAP dan menarik-balik niat PRM bertanding di DUN Stulang dan khususnya di DUN Skudai agar tidak menjejaskan peluang calon DAP Dr. Boo Cheng Hau di DUN Skudai.

Daripada,

Timbalan Pengerusi DAP Johor,
Norman Joseph Fernandez
(012 – 777 8796)

Kenyataan Akhbar bertarikh 21.02.2008.

PRESS STATEMENT BY NORMAN FERNANDEZ

2008-02-18T20:29:00.001-08:00

Blogger's Comment : Finally, Well Done MBJB.

2008-02-14T21:10:00.000-08:00

MBJB TERMINATES CONTRACTORS

Johor Bahru Watch

2008-02-14T20:53:00.001-08:00

Reader's Response

A Johor Bahru resident emailed the following news. Hope the relevant authorities will immediately take the appropriate action. It is simply shocking to imagine the local authorities has allowed such a situation to exist.

" Tuan,

berikut adalah bongkah / ketulan cement yang telah beku dan menjadi satu hazzard kepada para pemandu yang melalui flyover ini masuk ke Jaya Jusco - tebrau , dari arah Kota Tinggi .

telah berlaku lama sejak tahun 2007 , namun masih tiada sebarang tindakan orang yang bertanggungjawap menjaga flyover ini. minta buka mata BESAR-BESAR , AGAR TIADA PEMANDU TERLANGGAR LAGI BONGKAH INI. "

WARNING! CROCODILE SIGHTED IN JOHOR BAHRU

2008-02-14T20:51:00.000-08:00

UNLICENSED LOAN ADVERTISEMENTS BLIGHTS JOHOR BAHRU

2008-01-30T23:37:00.000-08:00

Advertisements offering loans put up by unlicensed money lenders placed on signboards, utility poles and even road signs has now become a normal thing in the city.

Previously, the relevant authorities use to claim that they are unable to do anything to locate the culprits as they usually used pre-paid phone cards. Now that all pre-paid phones have to be registered and it is easier to identify the user, what now is the authorities excuse?

[Photo location : Taman Tampoi Indah]

PENGERUSI DAP JOHOR MELAWAT KUIL HINDU

2008-01-25T01:40:00.001-08:00

Pada hari Selasa 22.01.2008, Dr. Boo Cheng Hau telah meluangkan sedikit masa melawat ke Kuil Hindu di Taman Selesa Jaya sebagai tanda menunjukkan solidarity dengan beberapa penganut Hindu yang sedang berpuasa untuk mereka yang sedang ditahan dibawah Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri.

LUBANG JALANRAYA MENJEJASKAN IMEJ BANDARAYA JOHOR BAHRU

2008-01-25T01:36:00.000-08:00

Inilah keadaan jalan di Jalan Perling berdekatan dengan Pasaraya Giant Taman Perling. Saiz lubang jalan jelas menunjukkan bahawa keadaan tersebut telah wujud lama tetapi tiada sebarang tindakan telah diambil sehingga ke hari ini. Mungkinkah hanya bila orang awam cedera atau maut barulah lubang jalan tersebut akan diturap.

Lubang jalan sedemikian di merata tempat di bandaraya Johor Bahru bukan sahaja mengundang bahaya kepada orang ramai tetapi juga mengaibkan dan menjejaskan imej Johor Bahru.