The Voice Vol 21 Oct Dec08

01

Persatuan Pemilik Rumah Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur NEWSLETTER October - December 2008 KDN PP 15497/09/2009(022408) Special Issue for All Residents of Bukit Damansara

(d) We have associated ourselves with the “Coalition To Save Kuala Lumpur Committee” of which I am the Chairman.

The Committee representing some 35 NGO’s has submitted its objections and has appeared before the panel established to consider the submissions made by the members of the public. Basically we submitted that the proposed Draft Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020 should be withdrawn as the plan was illegal because it did not comply with the applicable law i.e. the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 and also the policies established by the National Physical Planning Committee. The Plan is therefore null and void. In the event that the issue cannot be resolved, the Committee maybe forced to take the matter to Court.

(e) Regarding the general condition of our area, I am pleased to inform you that the Director General of DBKL Dato’ Salleh Yusup together with a number of DBKL’s officials visited our area, recently. We managed to show them evidences of unsatisfactory services provided by DBKL and they have taken note and promised to look into the problems. I am confident that something will be done. Of course there is a need to take follow-up actions.

Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Bin Abdul RahmanPresident

President’s Message

There are at least five major issues affecting our area that require interactions with DBKL. They are as follows:-

(i) The approval given to two companies to build eight skyscrapers in the Damansara Town Centre;

(ii) The approval given to build 21 bungalows on hill slope in Bukit Damansara;

(iii) The approval given to build a number of “town houses” along Jalan Derumun;

(iv) The Draft Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020, and

(v) The unsatisfactory general services provided by DBKL in the Bukit Damansara area.

I am sure residents in Bukit Damansara are aware of the matters itemized above. I would like however to explain to all the residents the actions we have taken so far.

First and foremost let me assure you that the Committee has taken its responsibility seriously and has addressed the issues accordingly. We have raised objections to issues (i) to (iv) above. On issue (v), we have highlighted to DBKL some of the problems faced by our residents.

Briefly the current situations are as follows:

(a) We have had several meetings with the officials of DBKL and the traffic consultants of DBKL on the issue of eight skyscrapers. Our stand is for DBKL to review the approval given. The issue is being pursued.

(b) The issue of the 21 bungalows has been pursued by the residents and their residents’ association. We have given them support to fight their case. The government has taken note of the seriousness of the matter and hopefully some action will be taken.

(c) The issue of the “town-houses” along Jalan Derumun is with the Court and is coming up for trial soon.

Public Services Directory

DBKL (service centre for Bukit Damansara)

7728 2277

Tenaga Nasional 15454 / 2296 5566Syabas 1-800-88-5252

[email protected] Water 1-800-88-3495 / 2080 3130Telekom 100Alam Flora 1-800-880 880 / feedback@

alamflora.com.myPolice – Bukit Damansara Pondok Polis

2096 1300

Police – Rakan Cop 2115 9999

Persatuan Pemilik Rumah Bukit Damansara (Bukit Damansara House Owners’ Association) was approved on 7 June 2000 under the Societies Act 1966.Our Objectives

ContactYou may call any of the Committee members if you need any assistance or you may email to: [email protected]

About The Association

The Voice indd 1 3/13/2009 10:08:45 AMUntitled-1 1Untitled-1 1 3/16/09 10:20:21 AM3/16/09 10:20:21 AM

02

The Ninth Annual General Meeting of the Association was held on 30 November, 2008 at the Royal Commonwealth House Club. A total of 30 members were present. The venue had to be changed at the last minute from the new Community Centre as the Centre did not have air-conditioning and furniture.

Our President, Y Bhg Tan Sri Abdul Aziz said in his welcoming remarks that the past year had been challenging with the Committee being kept very busy fighting off various development projects that were felt not in line with the prevailing environment of Bukit Damansara. He hoped more residents would come forward to join as members and participate in the efforts to deal with the many issues at hand.

The Minutes of the 8th AGM, Report of the Committee for the year 2007/08 and the Accounts for the year ending 31st March, 2008 were all adopted at the AGM. Some of the salient points to be noted are:

preferential fees for participants in the security patrol scheme who are also members of the Association.

any reply.

decision of the plaintiff in the suit against the developer to drop the appeal.

allows the Mayor full discretion. The Association has been fighting for a repeal of this provision for some time. There have been promises that something would be done.

the Pondok Police was eating into the Association’s coffers. The process of transferring the ownership of the Pondok partially to the Police was bogged down by bureaucracy.

that there may be an increase in crime with the current worsening economic climate.

carrying out house renovation works in Bukit Damansara and who

Report on the 9th AGM

were living in the area. For the new palace project, the workers were also housed within the site.

DBKL and members could help through sub - committees.

services in many other community issues. Puan Faridah Ismail, Datin Puspa Nathan, Dato’ Shaik Sulaiman and Ms Pearl De Alwis offered to serve as sub - committee members.

forest walks in Bukit Kiara.

committee will help organize a get-together using the funds from CIMB.

the number of potholes.

The following were the office bearers elected for the 2008/09 year:

President: YBhg. Tan Sri Abdul Aziz bin Abdul RahmanVice President: YBhg. Dato’ Pang Leong HoonHon. Secretary: Mr. Selva Kumar RasiahDep. Hon. Secretary: Ms. Ainon AliHon. Treasurer: Mr. Ravindran MarkanduDep. Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Jagjit Singh Gill

Committee Members:

YBhg. Dato’ Dominic PuthuchearyYBhg. Dato’ Ahmad Sufian Abdul MajidMr. How Pow Hwee YBhg. Dato’ Muhammad Feisol HassanMr. Jeevan Rajoo

En Amin Halim Rasip, who had served the Committee for many years wished to retire and had declined nomination for another year but has agreed to continue serving in the Security Sub - committee. The Association wishes to hereby record its thanks and appreciation for his contribution to the Association especially in initiating and organizing the security patrol system as part of the Security Sub - committee.

The Honorary Auditors elected were:

i) Dato’ Mohd Salleh Baijuri ii) Dato’ Shaik Sulaiman Ismail


03

Hearing of the Draft Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020 By Public Opinion Committee

With the assistance of its Consultants, The DBKL has developed the Draft KL City Plan (DBKL2020). In early 2008, DBKL made a public announcement that the Plan was open for public inspection and objections where necessary. The original deadline was 31st August 2008 for interested / affected parties to make submissions.

As the plan covered a wide area well beyond Bukit Damansara, it was appropriate and wise for the Association to rally the support of other residents’ associations affected with a view to form an action front. The Coalition to Save Kuala Lumpur (CTSKL) was formed on the 27th May 2008 at a meeting in Bangsar, which was attended by some 34 Associations and Management Committees.

After several meetings, the Coalition made a detail study of the Plan and came to a unanimous decision that the Plan should be rejected as it was full of flaws. It contravened many of the existing laws and regulations. An official written objection on the Plan was sent to the Honourable Prime Minister, the Federal Territory Minister and City Hall. The main reasons to support our rejection of the Plan are:-

1) Non-compliance with Section 12A of the Town and Country Planning Act.

2) The local Plan has violated the strategic policies laid down in the approved National Physical Plan and National Urbanisation Plan. This has rendered the Local Plan to be ultra vires the law.

3) The Local Plan is inconsistent with the Structure Plan which therefore contradicts the requirement of the Law.

4) DBKL did not make available volume 3 of the Local Plan.

5) There is incomplete information and poor quality of planning and there are many other defects. Since the letter was sent, DBKL has not responded whatsoever.

The Coalition was invited by DBKL to the hearing of the draft KL City Plan at the City Hall on 19th December 2008.

The Coalition was led by the Chairman, YB Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman, (our President) with lawyers Mr Derek Fernandez and Dato’ Dominic Puthucheary and others. The Chairman, Tan Sri Abdul Aziz, in his opening address said that as a group they were opposed to the Plan as a whole.In his preliminary submission, he stated that the DBKL has yet to respond to the legal issues as stated in the Coalition letter. It was a great disappointment to the Coalition, when the Public Opinion Hearing Committee (POHC) chaired by

Datin Paduka Dr Halimaton Saadal Hashim informed that she had not received any information from DBKL on the legal aspects of the Draft Plan. With these important legal issues still outstanding, the Coalition considered it improper to proceed with its objections. The appointment and the status of the POHC were also questioned. Apparently, the POHC was appointed by the DBKL to hear the case to be presented by the Coalition and to make a report with its recommendations to the DBKL. This does not conform to the existing rules and regulations.

The Coalition’s legal advisor, Mr Derek Fernandez, further stated at the hearing that it would be impossible to argue the planning and technical points of the Plan while its legal status was not addressed first. Our ability to argue the case would depend on which are the applicable laws that had been applied and the planning framework that is required.

In a nutshell, the Coalition has considered and submitted in writing that the Draft Plan is illegal and in violation of:-

1) The National Physical Plan, Town and Country Planning Act (Amendment) Act 2001; and2) The strategic policies laid down in the approved National Physical Plan and the National Urbanisation Plan.

Having heard the preliminary submission by the chairman of the Coalition and the other members of the team, the POHC chairman Datin Paduka Dr Halimaton Saadiah Hashim stated that it was not possible to solve the legal issues at the hearing. However, she urged the Coalition Team to go ahead and put forward its objections.

The Chairman of the Coalition stated “How can we proceed with our objection without addressing the core issue which is the legality of the Plan itself.”

Dato Dominic Puthucheary, a member of the Coalition Team stated “We are not presenting our case to the DBKL decision maker but to a body who is, making a report and recommendations to the Mayor. Our rights to present the case to and influencing the Mayor direct are taken away from us. The panel cannot interface between us and the Mayor.”

With the above, the POHC Chairman adjourned the meeting until further notice. In general, the Coalition was very disappointed that DBKL had not resolved the legal issues before the POHC scheduled the hearing on the 19th December 2008. The said hearing had to be aborted.

Contributed by: Dato Pang Leong Hoon

Coalition To Save Kuala Lumpur Committee Members at Press

Conference

Dato' Tommy Pang with Thevi Sinnadurai, Hon Secretary to the

Coalition


Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur - Segambut Branch Office

04

Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur - Segambut Branch Office6, Jalan Wan Kadir 1,Taman Tun Dr. Ismail,60000 Kuala Lumpur.Tel: 7728 2277Fax: 7728 2314 E-mail: [email protected]

Dewan Bandaraya Kula Lumpur (DBKL) has long established eleven branch offices or pejabat-pejabat cawangan to be closer to the citizens of Kuala Lumpur in order for DBKL to serve them more efficiently. The 11 branch offices follow the boundaries of the 11 parliamentary constituencies. Thus, Bukit Damansara falls under the administration of Pejabat Cawangan Segambut.

House owners and residents of Bukit Damansara are advised to refer to Pejabat Cawangan Segambut to make complaints, to request services or for other dealings.

The Set-up

Pejabat Cawangan Segambut is headed by Cik Norhaslinda Nordin, as its Area Manager. She is assisted by a Assistant Area Manager. The area of Segambut is further divided into four zones. Zone 1 is where Bukit Damansara falls under, along with Taman Tun Dr. Ismail and Sungai Pencala.

A coordination officer is responsible for each zone and for our zone it is Mohd. Nizam b. Puad. He may contacted at the office telephone number as stated above or on his mobile phone, 019 - 343 7349.

Scope of Responsibility

Pejabat Cawangan Segambut can take complaints of the following nature:

Puan Norhaslinda Nordin - Area Manager

following working hours and other disturbance;

Complaints may be made by telephone, letter, facsimile, e-mail or by coming in person to the branch office. The coordinating officer will then forward the complaints to the relevant departments for action.

Counter Services

Pejabat Cawangan Segambut also provides the following services at its premise at the above-mentioned address:

Counter operation hours: 7.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday,8.00am to 1.00pm 2nd and 4th Saturdays.

Payment may be made by cash, cheque and credit card.

Note: Pejabat Cawangan Segambut is situated on the road by the side of TTDI market car park, It is a few doors away from Al Rajhi Bank and CIMB Bank.

Hi,

We used to live in Damansara Heights, 33, Lengkok Setiabudi. Now we moved away a few weeks ago. So we won't have the benefit of the guard service any more.

Please receive our heartfelt thanks for a great work done. We always felt much safer, knowing that guards are patrolling our neighborhood. They were always very helpful and friendly and prompt to respond for the one time we actually called in for assistance. We can only recommend the service to anyone living in Damansara Heights.

As for the recycling, it has been a great help for us to know that we can have door-to-door collection every week. Coming from a country where recycling is part of everyday life, we were at a loss before this service was started. We will miss this greatly in our new home.

Thank you so much. Don't hesitate to use this statement for your reference. We also wish you and all your fellow Damansara Heights residents all the best for the future, congratulate you on your endeavor for a better world for the neighborhood and hope that you will be successful in your undertakings to keep Damansara Heights a low density and peaceful place for a great living experience.

Thankfully yours,

Fanny & Edgar Bucheli

Letter to the Editor


5


06

Tai Chi Class in Bukit Damansara

The Effects of the Global Credit Crunch on Damansara Heights Properties

My company, AIQ Global Sdn Bhd, has bought a few properties in Damansara Heights and we also work with a number of owners of property in Damansara Heights to renovate their properties. It means we are constantly looking to buy and sell properties, and so have a fair idea of what is happening in the market.

To date, prices of landed property in Damansara Heights have been exceptionally stable. While the

KLCC area has seen falls of 15-35% from peak to current prices, landed property in Damansara Heights has only seen a very slight softening in prices. In fact, since the New Year I have seen a flurry of transactions as buyers look to take advantage of these slightly soft prices. Unfortunately I don't believe Malaysia has felt the full impact of the global credit crunch yet. However, I am confident Damansara Heights will remain exceptionally stable, and here are my reasons why:

1) There is very little new supply of property in Damansara Heights which means that prices will remain robust during downturns.

2) Most owners of property in Damansara Heights are wealthy and do not have significant amount of bank financing secured on their property. During the tough times, while owners of property in other areas often become distressed sellers, often because they cannot afford their mortgage payments, owners of Damansara Heights property tend to hold back from selling, as they do not need to sell. They often use the downturn as an opportunity to buy more Damansara Heights property for the long-term. In fact I

have recently sold two properties to owners who already own a property in Damansara Heights - they are just taking advantage of the slightly softer prices right now instead of paying more later.

3) There is very little speculative investment in Damansara Heights. Speculation, like what we have seen in the KLCC area, causes price volatility. We see very little of this in Damansara Heights, as most houses in here are bought by buyers who want to live in the house, or for long-term investment.

4) Damansara Heights is Malaysia's most prime residential area. It's so perfectly located with the KLCC, PJ, Bangsar, Mont Kiara, The Curve, Ikano Centre, Ikea and One Utama all less than 15 minutes away, yet it feels as peaceful as a village. There are always plenty of buyers looking to buy. A steady demand leads to steady prices.

5) There is still plenty of liquidity in Malaysian households; in particular, wealthier households. During turbulent times Damansara Heights benefits from the flight to quality. People no longer want to buy risky assets - they want a safe investment - and there is not much safer an investment than a house in Damansara Heights.

6) Malaysia's economy and property market as a whole is so much more stable than most other countries, and that adds to Damansara Heights' stability compared to other prime locations in the world.

Living in Damansara Heights, we often forget how amazing a location it is, particularly in terms of price stability. When I tell property investors from London, Dubai, Singapore and the US that prices in Damansara Heights, an area they have often not heard of, barely fell 10% from their peak during the Asian Financial Crisis, they simply do not believe it. Not even the best areas of New York, London, Berlin, Tokyo or Singapore come even close to that kind of stability during downturns!

After being in the planning stage for some time including looking for a suitable sifu, the Association is pleased to announce that we are starting a Tai Chi beginner's class for members and residents. As it is a beginner's class, all are welcome, young and not so young. The details are as follows:

Location: Community Centre Bukit Damansara 3, Pinggiran Setiabudi (Opposite the Mosque road entrance)

Day: Every Wednesday starting from Wednesday 18 March

Time: 8.00 pm - 9.00 pm

Fees: RM 50 per month , payable in advance PLUS RM 50.00 Refundable Deposit - Total RM 100.00(1 month notice of cancellation is required failing which the deposit will be forfeited )

Teacher (Sifu): Mr. Lee Tze Syong (A professional Tai Chi sifu with more than 7 years teaching experience)

Mr. Lee conducted a demonstration class for a group of 12 interested residents on 16 February to gauge the response from residents. From this, the above class structure was decided. A minimum of 15 participants is required for the class to start.

If you are interested to join this Tai Chi class please send in your confirmation of participation with contact details to: bukit_damansara@ hotmail.com or call George Gill at 019-337 2151.

The benefits of Tai Chi are well known and need no further introduction. So, let us start a healthy pursuit in Bukit Damansara (as is found in many residential areas and parks) by engaging in this Tai Chi class.

Contributed by Asim Qureshi

UThe Voice indd 6 3/13/2009 10:09:52 AMUntitled-1 6Untitled-1 6 3/16/09 10:20:46 AM3/16/09 10:20:46 AM

07

Untitled-1 1 3/5/2009 5:20:40 PMThe Voice indd 7 3/13/2009 10:09:53 AMUntitled-1 7Untitled-1 7 3/16/09 10:20:48 AM3/16/09 10:20:48 AM

08

Meeting With DBKL on the Proposed Massive

Development at Pusat Bandar Damansara

Our Association was recently invited by Dewan Bandaraya to a meeting on the proposed massive development at Pusat Bandar Damansara (PBD).

Our delegation comprising of our President, Vice President and several committee members attended the meeting which was held at DBKL on 5th January 2009. The meeting was chaired by the Ketua Pengarah DBKL. Representatives from Lembaga Lebuhraya Malaysia (LLM), SPRINT and the traffic consultant (Urusbudi Transplan Sdn Bhd) were also present.

The Chairman commenced the meeting by saying that the Datuk Bandar Kuala Lumpur has asked DBKL to meet our Association to obtain our views on the recent traffic study conducted by the traffic consultant. He went on to say that the Datuk Bandar would be briefed on the outcome of our meeting.

After a brief introduction by the chairman, the traffic consultant commenced his briefing on the new traffic study. The traffic consultant was interrupted many times during the course of his briefing as our members raised many questions and opinions on the traffic study. Our President reiterated that the traffic study strongly confirmed and reinforced our contention and fear that the present traffic congestion at Bukit Damansara would worsen upon the completion of the proposed developments by Hong Leong and the Lion/AIG group. We maintained that we strongly opposed the developments. It was also emphasised that we were unhappy and disagreed with some of the proposals by the traffic consultant.

After the briefing, various issues on the proposed massive development were raised and discussed. Some of the relevant and important matters raised were:-

1) We strongly objected to the plot ratios of the various developments as they had been found to be very high compared to the plot ratio of 2.5 stipulated in the Draft Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020, (Draft Plan). After a prolonged discussion on this subject, DBKL agreed to review the present and future developments at PBD and come up with a sound and acceptable solution on the issues of the plot ratio at PBD.DBKL informed that to date only the building plans for the Lion/AIG Group have been approved. The building plans for Hong Leong development had not yet been approved.

2)We stated that we were not happy that certain parts of the residential area in Bukit Damansara had been designated as a transit zone in the Draft Plan. After due deliberation, the meeting concurred that the lumping of the residential areas under transit zones without considering their present status and character, was totally inappropriate and unacceptable. DBKL agreed to review the matter.

3)It was pointed out that one of the contributing factors to the traffic jams at Bukit Damansara was the back up of traffic from Jalan Duta whenever that road experienced bad traffic jams. It was thus inappropriate and wrong to look at the traffic congestion at Bukit Damansara in isolation. A comprehensive and holistic approach to resolving traffic congestion was needed. DBKL concurred and informed that this matter was within the scope of their study of the traffic situation in Kuala Lumpur.

4)With regards to haphazard and illegal parking at Bukit Damansara, DBKL informed that since November last year they had stepped up and carried out stricter enforcement. We told them that the problem was in fact getting worse and urged them to take appropriate action to solve the problem.

5) We conveyed our view that the proposed Light Rail Transit System (LRT) for Bukit Damansara should be constructed underground as an overhead rail system would mar and spoil the character of this prime neighbourhood.

6)The traffic consultant informed that a dedicated bus lane would have to be provided in order to ensure that the improved bus services to overcome traffic congestion at Bukit Damansara could operate efficiently and effectively. It was pointed out that the roads in Bukit Damansara were already narrow and congested. It would thus be impractical to provide such a dedicated bus lane unless additional land was acquired for the construction of the dedicated bus lane. This could be a big issue as Bukit Damansara is already a built-up area.

The meeting concluded at about 4pm.

Pusat Bandar Damansara - Twins - Construction at Night

Pusat Bandar Damansara - Hong Leong

Contributed by: How Pow Hwee

Note: DBKL informed us at the meeting with the Association on 21 February that the cabinet had approved the Twins of Damansara Heights on 15th January.


Inspection Visit By Top Officials Of DBKL to Bukit Damansara

On an early Sunday morning (11 January), a delegation of about 30 top officials of DBKL led by none other than the Director-General himself, Datuk Hj Salleh Yusup, descended upon Bukit Damansara. Our Association led by Tan Sri Abdul Aziz and four members from the Committee met them at the new Community Centre.

The high powered DBKL delegation included En Mahadi Che Ngah, Director of Town Planning, Mr Lee Lit Heng, Director of Public Works, Directors of several Departments, Cik Zety Norhani Abd Rani, Senior Assistant Director, Culture, Arts, Tourism & Sports (the Department responsible for the Community Centre), and Cik Norhaslinda Nordin, Segambut Area Manager (based in Taman Tun Dr Ismail and responsible for Bukit Damansara).

After a good breakfast spread courtesy of DBKL in the Centre, the delegation embarked on the task for the day – to personally inspect the various problems that have been brought to their attention by the Association.

A list of issues and areas of concern was prepared and distributed to the DBKL officers (copy shown below). The joint inspection started with the Community Centre. We were shown the room allocated to the Association. It was confirmed that we could take over the room with immediate effect with no charge. However, we have to provide air-conditioning and furniture. We plan to use the room as a permanent secretariat of PPRBD for the Association

Continued on page 10About to Alight a Bus for a Ronda

Badminton Courts & Main Hall


Forest Walk on Bukit Kiara

10

During the recent AGM, there was an offer by Mr. S. S. Singham, a retired Director of Forestry, to lead interested members and residents on regular walks up on Bukit Kiara. This offer was taken up by the Association and it was decided that these walks will be held monthly on the third Sunday. It will serve not only as a good form of exercise, but also to promote closer interaction among the residents. In addition, Mr Singham agreed to provide a running commentary of the various species of flora along the trail.

The first walk was organized on 21 December, 2008. Though not easy to get up at such an unearthly hour on a Sunday, by 7.30 about 30 residents and children had assembled at the Science Centre car park. However, Mr. Singham could not make it on time and the group proceeded with the walk led by our own George Gill, an experienced Hasher. At the end of the walk, some of the walkers decided to put back the calories by having breakfast at Desa Sri Hartamas!

The second walk was held on 18 January with about 20 people present. This time Mr. Singham gave an educational flavor by pointing out the various species and some background on the origin and uses. We had a tough time trying to remember all the Latin names. A quiz may be set next time to test our memory on the various trees and plants. After the walk, breakfast was not to be missed.

We hope with this regular event more residents with their families will join this healthy activity. It certainly helps in residents getting to know each better. Other related activities planned include a similar walk at FRIM in Kepong.

Bukit Kiara Forest Walk

The Community Centre has excellent facilities for a café with a great view of the green area, playground and the football field. It was suggested that a reputable and branded name cafe be offered to set up at the place available. This will serve as a good place for residents to meet up socially with good food, coffee/tea and ample parking.

After the Centre, the delegation and our Committee boarded a DBKL bus and left in a convoy complete with outriders to criss-cross the Bukit Damansara area. We stopped at various locations to show the areas of concern listed in the table prepared. In many instances, Datuk Salleh gave on the spot directives to his officials to take immediate action to rectify the problem.

These included road side drains blocked and clogged by construction debris from houses under renovation, leaves not swept along sidewalks, road shoulders stacked with construction materials from pipe and cable laying works, pot holes and poor road surface, etc.

On the proposed SPB Tower project, Datuk Salleh confirmed that the project will proceed as planned. The suit taken by one of the affected residents with the support of the Association has been

withdrawn. Nevertheless, En Mahadi offered the Association an opportunity to interact with DBKL and propose the terms and conditions for the contractor when building the tower, such as working hours, and so on.

On the Pusat Bandar Development, Datuk Salleh confirmed that the Twins Project was fully approved and will proceed as planned and there was nothing that could be done. However, he will check on why they have taken over half of the main road adjacent to their project site, thus blocking free passage way to motorists using the PBD.

The visit ended on a positive note with a firm assurance of remedial action on the areas of concern. Datuk Salleh even suggested that this visit could be made a regular event to be held every three months. It was clear that even during the visit while we were travelling around, DBKL and Alam Flora workers had suddenly appeared and started clearing rubbish and leaves.

The Association wishes to record its appreciation to DBKL for this great initiative and we look forward to working closely with them through the Area Manager to attend to our concerns.

Committee Members with DBKL Senior Personnel

With Datuk Salleh Yusup, Ketua Pengarah DBKL

Continued from page 9


11

Members and Residents are advised to take note of the above and help reduce crime in the area. For the information of members and residents, a number of cars parked on the roadsides were set on fire in Bangsar recently. These were mainly high value, luxury cars. No suspect has been arrested yet and the motives have yet to be ascertained. So be careful if you still want to keep your cars parked on the roadside.

From the reports of our Security Patrol, the main incidents were confined to false alarms or strange noises in the house compounds. All these incidents were well attended to by our security personnel.

However, there was a report of a case where a python was found on a tree in one of our members compounds. Our security personnel responded to the call and arranged for the Fire Brigade to remove the python safely. And there was this little kitten they rescued. Well Done!!!

Security – Meeting With Brickfields Police Officers

Our Association has established good relations with the Brickfields Police through the efforts of Datuk Ahmad Suffian Abdul Majid, a committee member. We have regular meetings with the Police and the Committee Members were given updates on the criminal situation in our area from time to time. This close contact and cooperation has enhanced our awareness of the current security situation and also provides valuable insights to the management of our own security system.

At the last joint meeting, held on the 12th December 2008, we were briefed by the Police Chief Inspector, on the crime rate and statistics. For the last quarter of 2008, there were no serious cases reported. On the whole, the crime situation in Damansara Heights area was under control. We are better off than most other areas!

Most of the break-ins were confined to office buildings. In general, the would-be thieves usually carry out reconnaissance before breaking in and it is not necessarily foreign workers who are involved. While on patrol in the area the Police had recently observed that:-

a) Some of the main gates were not closed for hours. This could encourage the undesirables.

b) More and more cars are being parked along the roadside instead of inside the house compound, especially at night. The new and luxury cars could attract potential car thieves.

c) Some of the fences are overgrown with grass and plants. These could provide hiding places for undesirables. Security Patrol - To the Rescue

For more Information, call 017 367 1337Website: www.quantumagewater.infoEmail: [email protected]

The Voice.indd 11 3/13/2009 10:10:48 AM

President

Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Abd. Rahman11A, Lorong Batai H/P 012-306 5054Tel: 2094 2330, Fax: 20950737 Email: [email protected]

Deputy President

Dato' Pang Leong Hoon 31 Jalan Setiakasih 9 Tel/Fax: 2095 5450

Hon. Secretary

Selva Kumar Rasiah17 Jalan Setiamurni 1Tel: 012-379 8932Email: [email protected]

Hon. Treasurer

Ravi Markandu 25 Jalan Setiajaya H/P: 012-217 0101 Email: [email protected]

Deputy Hon. Secretary

Ainon Ali19 Jalan SetiajayaH/P: 012-307 0211Email: [email protected]

Deputy Hon. Treasurer

George JS Gill67 Jalan SetiajasaH/P: 019-337 2151Email: [email protected]

Committee Members

Dato' Dominic Puthucheary17 Persiaran BasongH/P: 012-298 0522Email: [email protected]

How Pow Hwee56 Jalan SetiajayaH/P: 016-383 3108Email: [email protected]

Dato' Ahmad Sufian Abdul Majid2 Jalan Setiakasih 1 H/P: 012-337 3747Email: [email protected]

Datuk Muhammad Feisol Hassan113, Lorong Setiabistari 1H/P: 019-321 3113Email: [email protected]

Jeevan Rajoo19, Jalan SetiabistariH/P 012-277 9999Email : [email protected]

RecyclingGeorge GillRavi Markandu

SecurityRavi MarkanduDato’ Sufian MajidDato’ Pang Leong HoonAmin Rasip

Selva KumarJeevan Rajoo

EditorialSelva KumarRavi MarkanduGeorge GillJeevan Rajoo

Advertising RatesThe following advertisement sizes are available at the rates shown.

Full page

RM1000

½ page

RM600

½ page

RM600

¼ page

RM350

½ Back

RM1000

Classifieds are also accepted at RM 100 per insertion.

The current circulation of The Voice is 3000 and it is distributed to all residents of Bukit Damansara,including those who live in condominiums. It is also distributed to some businesses.

For enquiries, contact any member of the editorial team or e-mail [email protected]

Committee 2008/2009

Contact

You may call any of the Committee members if you need any assistance or you may email to: [email protected]


Documents

The Voice Vol 21 Oct Dec08