Hop on a bike at KTM station - The Star

June 13, 2017

(From left) Ng and oBike (M) Sdn Bhd marketing manager Elaine Chan with KTM Bhd corporate communications head Ridhwan Arshad and Khair at the launch of the oBike at the Subang Jaya KTM station

INSTEAD of walking, hitching a ride in a car or taking a bus, you can now cycle to your next destination as you step out of the Subang Jaya KTM station.

Fifteen bicycles by oBike (M) Sdn Bhd are now available for rent at the station.

The oBike is a station-less bicycle sharing platform, which aims to change short-distance transportation through the use of technology.

The service is a collaboration between KTM Bhd (through its KTM Komuter service) and oBike to reduce travel time to or from home to the nearest bus stop, train station or short-distance destinations.

Commuters can use the service which charges RM1 for a fifteen-minute ride, by using the oBike app found in the App Store or Google Play store.

KTM Komuter is the first rail operator to support and provide the oBike ride-sharing service.

KTM Komuter service general manager Khair Johari Ishak said the bicycle service is an initiative to provide comprehensive transportation network that has continuity between one destination to another.

It is also environmentally-friendly and promotes a healthy lifestyle.

“This is a pilot project and we plan to open more oBike services in about three to five other stations in the Klang Valley,” he said, adding that they had yet to choose the stations.

Khair handing out bubur lambuk to commuters at the Subang Jaya KTM station after the launch of the oBike service

Khair said the service was new in Malaysia and would attract people to give it a try.

“Having it at the KTM Komuter station will be an added value and bring a positive impact to users.

“Indirectly, this effort will also encourage more people to use public services because there is now a wide range of public transport,” he said.

oBike (M) Sdn Bhd business launcher Ng Yong Ching said the oBike service was launched in April and began operating in Sunway City, with about 200 bicycles.

At the Subang Jaya KTM station, the company will provide 15 bicycles and will add more if there is demand.

“All our bicycles come with Bluetooth and GPS, so we will be checking the number of bicycles in the station every four to six hours.

“Once we identify the peak hours of usage, we will then add more bicycles,” he said.

Ng said based on data collected in the past two months, they had 20,000 users, of which 90% use the bicycles to travel up to 3km.

Of that, 40 to 50% of users are students and the rest are the public and tourists.

Although there are possibilities of theft or vandalism, Ng hoped the community would take care of this sharing service.

oBike bicycles are currently located at Sunway City, Subang Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Damansara and Kota Kinabalu.

Users who are 12 years old and above are covered by insurance.

oBike Sdn Bhd is offering “15 free service for 30 minutes” rides this month through the promotion code KTMB.

For details on the service and its promotions, visit the oBikeMY Facebook page.

http://www.thestar.com.my/metro/community/2017/06/13/hop-on-a-bike-at-ktm-station-collaboration-offers-commuters-option-to-rent-bicycles-in-subang-jaya/

Shopowners object to new rubbish dump - The Star Metro Perak

June 8, 2017

SEVERAL shopowners near the Tambun market are concerned by a newly erected concrete structure believed to be a rubbish collection facility next to their shoplots.

They feel that the structure, if it is to be used for rubbish, is too close to the shoplots and worse, the door of the structure is clearly visible from the walkway in front of the shops.

It is understood that the structure is part of an ongoing construction project of 10 food premises and a parking lot under the Ipoh City Council, which started in December last year and is expected to be completed on June 20.

Shopowner Francis Kwan said although the information board for the project did not specify that the particular structure is to be a rubbish collection structure, workers there told him that it would be used as such.

“When we realised this problem, we sent a letter to the city council on April 5 addressed to the mayor to voice out our concerns about the structure.

“Once people start throwing their rubbish in the structure, it will be very smelly and it wouldn’t be a comfortable experience for us who continue to operate our business here so close to the structure.

“Till date, we have not received any response from the council,” he told MetroPerak when met at the project site.

Kwan’s letter to the mayor also contained signatures from 11 other tenants who are against the structure.

Kwan, who has been operating from his shop for 11 years, also pointed out there is an existing rubbish dump near the Tambun market, which is not far from the new structure.

“It really isn’t an issue for everyone here to dispose of our trash at the existing rubbish dump, because that is what we have been doing for the past decade since we started operating our businesses here.

“I just hope that the City Council can take these concerns into consideration and move the structure further away to somewhere more suitable where it won’t face the front of our shops,” he said.

Engineering firm owner Megat Sharriffudin Ibrahim, 51, whose business operates from the floor above Kwan’s shoplot also expressed his concerns.

“The rubbish dump at the market is very messy and smelly, and now they are building another rubbish dump so close to our shoplots.

“It will be very unpleasant, to say the least.

“If someone were to occupy one of the shoplots here, especially the corner lot closest to the rubbish dump structure, it wouldn’t be good for business either,” he said.

Megat Sharriffudin said it should be common sense for the people responsible for planning the project to place the rubbish dump structure somewhere further away from a public area.

“I’m sure there are other better spots to build a rubbish collection facility.

“The road is also too small. Let’s say if the rubbish collection truck to stops there to collect the rubbish, traffic flow will be disrupted,” he said.

Electrical shop owner Mok Choo Lam, 59, said even if the rubbish dump structure cannot be removed, they should change the direction of the door to face another direction.

“With the door directly facing our shops here, the stench will be stronger.

“I have seen people who would pass by on motorcycles and toss their rubbish bags haphazardly into the rubbish dump site at the Tambun market.

“Who’s to say that the same thing will not happen with this new facility?” he said.

Environment engineer Anuar Hamzah, 45, who occupies a shoplot, is also worried about the new rubbish dump structure being overloaded if the council workers do not clear away all the trash on a regular schedule.

“I don’t think they should have built the structure in the first place.

“What they should have done is to upgrade the current rubbish dump to make sure that it is no longer messy like it is now,” he said.

Caterer Ahmad Ismail, 59, who was seen dropping off his clothes to wash at a self-service laundromat that operates along the same row of shoplots was concerned about the new structure.

“I come here once a week to do my laundry, and I found out that a rubbish dump structure is going to be built facing this row of shoplots. I have to wash my catering uniforms and table cloths, I imagine it would be awful if my newly washed laundry gets exposed to the bad odours in the future,” he said.

After visiting the site last Friday, Ipoh city Councillor Mazlan Abd Rahman gave his reassurance that the new rubbish dump structure built will not pose a problem to the shopowners as it is not open to the public.

“The structure is built specifically for the 10 stalls that will be operating from the new premises here, and the doors will be locked.

“It is not a place for anyone to simply throw their rubbish because the public already have another one near the Tambun market,” he said, adding that the new rubbish dump structure will be managed by the City Council.

Mazlan also said the City Council Health Department had studied the area and the current location where the new rubbish dump structure is located is the most suitable spot.

“I trust their recommendations”, he added.

http://www.thestar.com.my/metro/community/2017/06/08/shopowners-object-to-new-rubbish-dump-they-claim-the-new-structure-on-jalan-pasar-tambun-is-too-clos/

Good platform to air public’s views and issues - The Star Metro Perak

June 8, 2017

P. Muruga listening to one of the department heads during the Ipoh City Councils Customers Day at the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC)

CALLING it a blessing in disguise, P. Muruga, 47, was a happy man when his neighbourhood’s need for a community hall received the attention from Ipoh City Council officers at the council’s Customer Day event on Tuesday.

Last year, the barber met some council officials at the council’s headquarters to talk about the need for a community hall in Taman Mas Jaya in Buntong but they did not entertain his request.

This year, he decided to try again.

“I just needed someone from the council to listen to my request and I’m glad that the head of departments here spoke to me at length about the request.

“Customers Day is a good initiative by the council, it makes our lives easier as it acts as a one-stop centre. You can put in many requests at one go,” he said.

He added that many people in his area would like to conduct functions and it would be conducive for them if a community hall were to be built.

Organised every month on the first Tuesday, the event allows customers to forward their queries directly to the departments concerned.

Ipoh City Council Public Relations Officer Mohd Syahrizal Azmi said the council usually gathers most of the council’s department heads to attend Customer Day.

“There were 10 department heads present this week and they entertained the queries of the customers.

“The council is also offering a 75% discount on traffic compounds in conjunction with the 29th Ipoh City Day celebrations, and Ramadan from June 1 to 14 and customers can settle them at the Ipoh Urban Transformation Centre,” he said.

Former policeman Md Lazim Osman, 59, went to event to lodge a complaint about a nursery putting plants in front of a bus stop in Tambun, making harder for buses or taxis to see the stop because of the nursery plants.

“I’m 59 and this kind of event is very helpful since I don’t have direct access to the proper personnel. The officers were very obliging and they are going to take action on the matter. It has been happening for three years and it is time for the nursery to take away those plants. If it is resolved, it will be easier for buses or taxis to locate customers,” he said.

http://www.thestar.com.my/metro/community/2017/06/08/good-platform-to-air-publics-views-and-issues-ipoh-city-councils-customers-day-makes-it-easier-for-p/

No end in sight for illegal dumpsite in back alley - The Star Metro Perak

Jun 7, 2017

The illegal dumpsite near Lebuh Taman Ipoh, Ipoh Garden South, has been around for years. Concerned residents have to put up with the stench, besides fearing it could lead to pest infestation and other health concerns.

A large pile of garbage strewn all over the place is becoming a “fixture” at a back alley near Lebuh Taman Ipoh, Ipoh Garden South.

The unsightly pile of waste has been lying there for months and residents said the spot had been regarded as a dumpsite for years.

A nurse working for a clinic behind which the rubbish was discarded, who only wanted to be known as Liah, said she had no idea why or who created the illegal dumpsite there.

“The garbage pile comes and goes. It has been like this for ages.

“Council workers will only clear it once in a blue moon,” she told StarMetro.

“I will lodge a complaint whenever the garbage piles up there.

“The last time it was cleared was about two months ago, but as you can see, the cycle continues,” she added.

An insurance agent, who declined to be named, said he felt powerless as he watched people habitually throwing rubbish there.

“I’ve tried to tell the person off but was told to mind my own business.

“It’s easy for them to just throw there, as long as it’s not near their premises or shops,” he said.

“I believe the culprits also include those living around here,” he added.

The insurance agent, in his 40s, said enforcement should be beefed up at all commercial areas, especially those with many eateries.

“Garbage attracts rats, flies and other pests. The authorities should really do something about this.

“The city council always talk about wanting to make Ipoh a clean city. I don’t think it can become a reality,” he said.

“While the people should be responsible in keeping the city clean, it’s still the duty of the council to ensure the city is clean,” he added.

Ipoh Cith Watch president Prof Dr Richard Ng said he spoke to several people on the matter and found that some shopkeepers there were among the culprits who discarded garbage at the site daily before 9am.

“The shopkeepers have been advised not to do so but they remained stubborn.

“A no-littering signage that was put there has also gone missing,” he said.

Ng said the city council should be more responsive to clear the garbage pile away every morning.

“They should also send out two non-uniform wearing enforcement officers to patrol the area and take pictures of the culprits,” he said.

“The officers should then follow the culprits back to their shops and fine them RM500 on the spot,” he added.

When contacted, a city council spokesman said they would look into the matter and clear the garbage pile as soon as possible.

MBI Tegas Terhadap Pembuang Sampah - Suara Perak

June 9, 2017

Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh (MBI) sentiasa tegas dalam menjalankan tindakan penguatkuasaan di kawasan pentadbiran Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh, termasuk terhadap mereka yang membuang sampah merata-rata.

Terbaru, pada 8 Jun lalu, Penguatkuasa MBI telah mengeluarkan kompaun bernilai RM100 di bawah Akta Jalan, Parit & Bangunan Sek. 47 (1) (a) kepada seorang warga negara Bangladesh yang membuang sampah di Lorong Taman Ipoh 1.

Datuk Bandar Ipoh, Datuk Zamri Man berkata, daripada intipan yang dijalankan dari jam 9 pagi hingga 12 tengahari pula, sejumlah enam kompaun bernilai RM950 di bawah Akta Jalan, Parit & Bangunan dan UUK Pelupusan, Pembuangan & Pemungut Sampah Sarap telah dikeluarkan kepada peniaga-peniaga di Taman Ipoh Selatan.

“Didapati kebanyakan pekedai yang dikompaun tidak menyediakan tong sampah dan mereka telah dinasihatkan untuk menyediakan tong sendiri,” katanya dalam satu kenyataan yang dikeluarkan pada Jumaat.

Beliau memberitahu, pada tahun 2016, sejumlah 627 kompaun bernilai RM86,440 telah dikeluarkan manakala pada tahun ini, sehingga hujung bulan Mei, 1,579 kompaun bernilai RM332,600.00 telah dikeluarkan terhadap pembuang sampah.

Zamri berkata, MBI berharap dengan intipan seumpama itu akan mengatasi masalah sampah di Bandaraya Ipoh.

“Tindakan mengkompaun adalah tindakan terakhir yang diambil oleh MBI setelah usaha-usaha lain gagal,” ujarnya.

BAN SMOKING IN PUBLIC SPACES, SAY NGOS - Malay Mail

June 3, 2017

Perak’s health authorities are urged to widen the scope of the smoking ban beyond the state’s public parks.

Non-governmental organisation leaders say more can be done to dissuade smoking in public areas as current rules are only limited to specific areas.

Ipoh City Watch president Dr Richard Ng welcomed the ban, adding it should not be limited to parks and open spaces.

With more than 20,000 Malaysians dying each year from tobacco-related diseases, Dr Ng said it would be interesting to see if the ban could be effectively implemented and how it could be used to educate smokers.

“The government must demonstrate a strong political will to ensure such ban is enforced.

“They must be seen as putting people’s health above the (interests of) industry or businesses,” said Dr Ng.

Under the ban that came into force on Thursday, offenders face a RM5,000 compound and could be dragged to court if they fail to pay the compound within the stipulated period.

If convicted, those who refuse to pay the compound could face a RM10,000 fine, two years prison or both.

Family Wellness Club president Mangaleswary Ponnampalam said the move was a step forward in the fight against the ill effects of smoking.

“I support the ban because people who frequent parks want fresh clean air where they can exercise or relax with their families.

“Smoking pollutes the air and non-smokers are subjected to secondhand smoke,” she said.

“There is a direct link between smoking and lung cancer. It is good to ban smoking in all public places.”

Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia president Puan Sri Shariffa Sabrina Syed Akil said the ban would contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

“Being an environmentalist, I believe this is a way forward to reducing the ancillary pollutants in our air.

“The initiative should be done on a nationwide scale and expanded further to include other areas as well. Passive smoking is hazardous to our health and affects our environmental health.”

Since the beginning of the year, the state health department has issued 517 compounds to people caught smoking in restricted areas, collecting RM 62,970 in compound.

A total of 194 cases were brought to court, with RM9,750 in fines meted out in 25 cases.

http://epaper.mmail.com.my/2017/06/03/ban-smoking-in-public-spaces-say-ngos/

Perak U-turn on plastic bag ban upsets consumer groups - Malay Mail

May 24 2017

The Perak government’s decision to temporarily call off the ban on polystyrene containers and plastic bags has been met with mixed reaction from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and stakeholders. 

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir had announced on Monday the authorities would not be implementing the ban, scheduled to begin on June 1.

He said the ban would be rescheduled after further studies were carried out.

Perak Consumer Association president Abdul Rahman Said Alli, a staunch supporter of the ban, was disappointed with the U-turn.

“Many are aware of the dangers of plastics but they don’t care. Making plastics available only makes it easier for consumers to continue using them,” he said.

“There are alternatives available. In the past, people used to wrap items with old newspapers, and these days biodegradable bags are an option.”

Abdul Rahman said it boils down to the policy makers. 

“They can produce results if they have the will to do so,” he said.

Ipoh City Watch chairman Dr Richard Ng, who was upset with the decision, urged the state government to impose the ban. 

He said the ban could still be enforced from June 1 if it was implemented as a way to educate traders and the public. 

“Traders and businesses should have been taught about the need to ban plastics and polystyrene,” he said.

“The government can provide incentives to traders who opt not to use thick plastic bags and polystyrene containers. 

“Supermarkets and shops should start charging consumers for plastic bags. This would encourage shoppers to bring their own reusable bags.

“Money collected from buying the plastic bags can be used to support NGOs that promote recycling and waste management.” 

Dr Ng said there were more than 2,000 illegal dump sites in the state with plastic materials making up about 30 per cent of the garbage.

He said an NGO, Koperasi Alam Hijau Perak Bhd (Kohijau), had installed 35 recycling bins in various locations in Perak since last September to make recycling easier for the public.

Since then, it had collected 5,068kg of rubbish, including 1,936kg of plastic waste.

“The public must discard their mentality that they are the rate players and cleanliness is strictly the responsibility of the local government,” he said.

“The local authorities must also provide enough bins, step up their enforcement and start nabbing those who dump rubbish indiscriminately.”

However, Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association state chairman Johnson Phoon agreed with the postponement of the ban.

“The way to deal with the matter is by addressing the root cause first. People must change their mindset,” he said.

Phoon said the masses could learn to cut down on the usage of plastic bags and practise proper waste segregation.

“Otherwise, we will be back to square one,” he said. 

http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/perak-u-turn-on-plastic-bag-ban-upsets-consumer-groups