One in every 50 people could be hoarders - The Star Metro Perak

METRO NEWS Tuesday, 9 Jan 2018  by Manjit Kaur

Ng (second from right) during a door-to-door campaign on dengue prevention, urging people not to keep unwanted items in their house

ONE in every 50 people are likely to be hoarders, a recycling organisation expert said.

Koperasi Alam Hijau Perak Bhd (Kohijau) chairman Associate Prof Dr Richard Ng said during their door-to-door dengue campaign, the Kohijau members have seen many cases of hoarders.

Ng, who is also the Ipoh City Watch president said, according to statistics, almost one in every 50 people is a hoarder, or display tendencies to be a compulsive hoarder.

“Local authorities need to step-in after identifying a person who is a suspected hoarder because of the danger they pose to themselves and others,” he said.

He said a supportive environment is required to encourage family members who are hoarders to seek help and treat them.

“Hoarders do not like people to take their possessions or clean up their environment unless they see a benefit from doing it.

“Therefore the Kohijau-iCycle recycling reward point system is a method that can help the society embrace the 3R (reduce, reuse,recycle) culture, and prevent them from hoarding as the system encourages people from discarding their unwanted items and be rewarded for it,” he added.

Ng added that the hoarding usually runs in a family largely because of psychological problems.

He said many hoarders are perfectionists and have fear of making the wrong decisions about what to keep and what to discard, thus they keep everything.

He added that compulsive hoarding in its worst forms could cause fires, unsanitary conditions (infestations of rats and cockroaches), and other health and safety hazards.

“If we observe people who hoards, they tend to hold onto a large number of items that most people consider useless or worthless.

“Some examples will be old catalogues, magazines, newspapers, worn out cooking utensils, clothes, items which are broken and trash.

“However their homes are cluttered to the point where it might even be inaccessible,” he said, adding that the mess is at a point where it causes illness, distress and impairment.

Ng said hoarders would not allow visitors, such as family and friends into their house, and sometimes repairs works are not done as they might feel embarrassed by their clutter.

He said arguments are common with hoarders and their family members regarding the clutter.

“Such hoarders can be treated through cognitive behaviour therapy which may help them change their behaviour,” he added.

Dr Ng said hoarding is an act of compulsive purchasing, acquiring, searching and saving items that have little or no value.

He said the behaviour usually has harmful effects – emotional, physical, social, financial and ever legal - for a hoarder and family members.

It is found that many people with hoarding disorder also experience other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and hyperactivity, which may develop along with other mental illnesses such as dementia and schizophrenia.

“The compulsion to hoard often starts during childhood or their teenage years, but it usually becomes more severe in their adulthood” he added.

https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2018/01/09/compulsive-behaviour-issues-expert-says-one-in-every-50-people-could-be-hoarders-but-assures-conditi/

First Garden Flats get a major clean-up - The Star Metro Perak

10 Jan 2018 by Amanda Yeap

THE utterly filthy and deplorable conditions of the privately-owned First Garden Flats prompted both the state government and Ipoh City Council to hold a massive integrated intervention last Saturday morning.

The city council, National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), non-governmental organisations and state officials, including the mentri besar himself, visited the 30-year-old property to clean it up.

Determined to improve the cleanliness of the housing project, state authorities also took the time to conduct a thorough study and interview residents to get down to the root cause of the abysmal living conditions in the area.

Of the 280 units, only 127 are occupied. According to State Women’s Development, Family, Community Welfare, Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Rusnah Kassim, most of the occupants of the housing project are tenants and not the real owners of the units.

Zambry (right, wearing cap) helped to clear the rubbish during the gotong-royong in First Garden Flats. —Photos: RONNIE CHIN/The Star

Rusnah said one of the proposals is to form a Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) here.

“After interviewing several residents about cleanliness problems, we have also received reports about several damaged parts of the building that makes the place uninhabitable for them.

“The AADK is also here with us today to monitor the place based on reports mentioning the presence of drug addicts.

“With a KRT established, not only will we have an effective committee to resolve cleanliness issues, but also to ensure the safety of residents here as the Rukun Tetangga can conduct patrols,” she said during the gotong-royong session.

Rusnah also said she will be meeting with all the residents here soon to offer some insight and advice for them on keeping their surroundings clean.

“This will come after I raise the proposal to establish the KRT in the State Executive Council meeting this week.

“Once approval is obtained, we will look into electing the right person to lead the committee because strong leadership is important.

“The appointed chairman must be strict and be able to command the respect of the residents here, otherwise it wodn’t be effective,” she said.

Ipoh Mayor Datuk Zamri Man said, aside from setting up a KRT, the city council will ensure that a joint management body (JMB) is established to contribute to the building’s maintenance.

Zambry (wearing cap) with Rusnah (in tudung) visited the flats with government agencies and NGOs to clean up the area and learn first-hand about issues affecting residents.

“It is compulsory for every flat building like this to form a JMB so that issues to do with the amenities like the cleanliness of common areas, lighting, safety and comfort can be swiftly dealt with.

“We will also delegate several elected representatives from the city council to be part of the JMB in the hopes that after this, the building will be better maintained,” he said.

Asked if the flat currently has a JMB, Zamri said, based on current records, the housing project does not have one.

“This could be due to several factors, such as unwillingnessto cooperate.

“We need to implement this as quickly as possible to help inculcate a sense of responsibility among the residents here,” he said.

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said it was appalling to see so many piles of rubbish had accumulated in and around the flats.

Ipoh City Watch and other NGOs took part in the clean-up works 

“It is saddening to see. We cannot simply point our fingers at one party and pin the blame on them, as I believe there are a multitude of causes for this problem, such as social conditions, neighbourhood conditions, and the lack of responsibility shown by those who live here,” he said.

Zambry stressed that his visit to First Garden Flats was to lead various state authorities to conduct an overall analysis to identify the causes of and ways to resolve longstanding problems in the flats.

“This won’t be solved in a day. We have to look at all aspects because it’s not only due to poverty.

“There are certain poor areas in the state that are well-maintained and kept clean by residents. Looking at the area and nature of the problem, I’m sure many deep-seated issues can be addressed,” he said.

Cleaners had a busy day clearing rubbish which included furniture and appliances.

The First Garden Flats was in a deplorable condition for years until the major clean up last Saturday

However, Zambry said, at the end of the day, it is still up to the residents to take responsibility and continue to maintain the building.

“The government can impose various rules and regulations, but the residents also have to show initiative as they are the ones living here.

“They must be responsible about looking after their neighbourhood. They cannot simply expect the city council or state government to always come in and clean up for them,” he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2018/01/10/first-garden-flats-get-a-major-cleanup-various-government-agencies-and-ngos-visit-area-to-clear-surr/

Residents fed up of various problems in neighbourhood - The Star Metro Perak

11 Jan 2018 by Ivan Loh

Ipoh City Council workers cleaning up the earthern trench that serves as a drain in Kampung Tersusun Bercham

THE people of Kampung Tersusun Bercham, which borders Bercham and Ipoh Garden East, in Ipoh, are tired of the problems in the area.

Faced with potholes, clogged drains, illegal dumpsites and uncontrolled undergrowth, residents voiced their grouses to Ipoh City Councillor Low Guo Nan during his visit there last Sunday.

Housewife Juander Kaur, 49, said the bushes near her home are a habitat for snakes.

“Snakes have entered my house about five to six times. A cobra bit my dog two years ago.

Juander said she hopes the city council will clear away all the bushes in the area, to prevent animals like snakes and other pests, from breeding.

“I hope the city council can also resurface the road here, not just patch holes here and there.

“The road is very uneven and is dangerous especially when it rains,” she said.

Low (left) checking an illegal dumpsite in Kampung Tersusun Bercham, Ipoh.

Another resident Vincent Lee, 56, said his immediate concern is the lack of proper drainage in the area.

“What we have here are just earthen trenches, which are now clogged with vegetation and could potentially be a mosquito breeding ground.

“Flash floods do occur here whenever it rains heavily,” he said.

“I hope the city council can put a proper drainage system in place,” he added.

The former satellite engineer also said the city council should also look into the issues of abandoned houses in the area.

“Some have become dens for drug users. We hope the authorities will look into this issue,” he said.

“We, the residents, really want all these basic issues addressed,” he added.

Ipoh City Council collected five truckloads of garbage during the clean up at the area on Sunday.

Former contractor Lee Ghiam Seng, 81, said he hopes the city council can build speedbreakers or bumps along Lebuh Bercham Selatan.

“Cars always speed along the road. It is dangerous for the residents here, especially those who ride motorcycles,” he said.

Lee also called for some trees in the area to be felled.

“The branches keeps falling from one rose apple tree here.

“It is a hazard to people and vehicles passing through the area,” he said.

Ipoh City Councillor Low Guo Nan said he has received some 40 complaints from the residents during his visit to Kampung Tersusun Bercham.

Ipoh City Council workers cleaning vegetation in the neighbourhood.

“Aside from the concerns mentioned by the residents, other issues include abandoned cars and undergrowth on private land,” he said.

“I’ll bring up the issues from the residents to the city council for further deliberation,” he said.

“On the request to build a proper drainage system, the city council has already included this in its plan as one of the many projects to be conducted this year,” he added.

Also present during Low’s visit to the area were city council workers, to clean up the area.

Some five truckloads of garbage were collected in the area.

https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2018/01/11/residents-fed-up-of-various-problems-in-neighbourhood-kampung-tersusun-bercham-residents-hope-the-co/

Recognising power of NGOs - Star Metro Perak

23 Nov 2017 by Amanda Yeap

THE role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has evolved over the years.

Today, they are a force that must be recognised as indispensable to the ruling government.

Datuk Samsudin Abu Hassan, who is state Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development, Consumer Affairs, NGOs and Civil Society Committee chairman, said NGOs play a valuable role by relaying information from the government objectively.

“Everything in our country seems to be politicised at this moment, including efforts to provide aid to the rakyat from both state and federal governments.

“This is why I think it’s time NGOs stepped in and gave a clearer picture to the people, by explaining about government policies, such as the Budget 2018 and how it can really benefit everyone,” he told a press conference after attending the Pesta Cahaya Deepavali 1Malaysia at the Ipoh town hall.

About 500 people attended the event, which was organised by 25 Perak NGOs and three government agencies.

With the help of NGOs, Samsudin said it would then be easier for the rakyat to realise the true efforts of the government in helping them.

To empower the NGOs, Samsudin said the state government would devise a strategic approach through its thinktank Institut Darul Ridzuan.

“We will work with the NGOs to ensure that we can get all of them onboard for this initiative,” he said.

The event organising chairman Dr Richard Ng said he hoped the state government would distribute allocation to some 6,000 NGOs in the state fairly.

“As far as I understand, even though there are around 6,000 NGOs in the state, not all of them are very active.

“We should look into all of them to determine the impact they give to the community.

“As the eyes and ears of the state government, I hope that the allocation would be distributed fairly based on the impact and service rendered by these NGOs,” said the Ipoh City Watch president.

https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2017/11/23/recognising-power-of-ngos-organisations-can-help-foster-ties-between-govt-and-rakyat/

Locals join hands to restore Cherating as a top holiday destination - NST

By T.N.Alagesh - December 25, 2017

Their efforts later on culminated into a programme called "My Beautiful Cherating", which aims at rejuvenating the beach status as an exciting tourist destination. (Pix courtesy of Silverminds Sdn Bhd)

KUANTAN: The drop in visitors at the popular Cherating beach here over the past few years has raised some concerns among traders and holiday resort operators.

Nevertheless, in a bid to boost tourist numbers, entrepreneurs here had moved to join hands organise special programmes to promote and revive the attractions in Cherating again.

They engaged an event consultant to study and plan long-term programmes hoping to capitalise on the new attractions in Cherating, including surfing, firefly tours and the river cruise to boost visitors arrival.

Their efforts later on culminated into a programme called "My Beautiful Cherating", which aims at rejuvenating the beach status as an exciting tourist destination.

Silverminds Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Roslawati Mohd said her company had been appointed to spearhead works revive the beach.

"The programme is not a one-off event. It is a long-term plan to help Cherating, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in Peninsular Malaysia, to regain its popularity.

"There are now several new attractions in Cherating such as windsurfing, firefly watching tours and river cruise activities which can be a crowd-puller. The local entrepreneurs realise that something has to be done to bring the beach back to its glory days," she said.

Roslawati said the implementation of "My Beautiful Cherating" was divided into several phases.

Phase One involved the cleaning up of Kampung Budaya Cherating and sprucing up the area.

"A gotong-royong event was held on Dec 18 which saw the participation of representatives from Tourism Pahang, government sectors, private agencies and the residents in Cherating. Besides cleaning the beach, they trimmed the trees, planted flowers and gave the entrance to Cherating a fresh new look.

"To ensure cleanliness is maintained continuously, Koperasi Alam Hijau Perak Bhd (Kohijau-ICycle), a recycling consultant, was invited to the programmes to give the villagers an opportunity to practice recycling and participate in the campaign. Its chairman Professor Dr Richard Ng told residents the campaign is not only about keeping Cherating clean but they will earn rewards in the form of cash and vouchers, for maintaining the area cleanly," she said, adding Phase Two will be launched early next year.

She said volunteers who helped during the programme were also later involved in several traditional games like coconut-bowling, "tapak gajah" (elephant steps using coconut shells) and musical chairs which was to help foster a closer relationship.

"Villagers from various age groups participated in the programme as there were free health screening and job consultation session for those seeking employment," she said, describing the programme was the first step towards helping the beach become a crowd puller.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2017/12/318267/locals-join-hands-restore-cherating-top-holiday-destination

'Adakah kerajaan ini zalim?' - Sinar Harian

18 Nov 2017 Oleh SHAHRIZAL AHMAD ZAINI

IPOH - “Kita nak tanya mereka (pembangkang), adakah kerajaan ini zalim?” soal Exco Kerajaan Negeri, Datuk Samsudin Abu Hassan, menjawab pelbagai persepsi negatif daripada pembangkang terhadap kerajaan hari ini.

Menurutnya, rakyat diharap tidak lagi mudah terpengaruh dengan persepsi berkenaan kerana kerajaan melaksanakan pelbagai langkah terutamanya kesiapsiagaan menjelang Transformasi Nasional 2050 (TN50) kelak.

Malah katanya, pelbagai  transformasi juga telah dibuat dalam pelbagai bidang seperti bidang pendidikan dan sebagainya ke arah TN50.

“Kesiapsiagaan kita, persiapan kita menuju ke 2050 akan dirasai dengan transformasi yang dibuat macam transformasi pendidikan agar kemahiran itu jadi keutamaan 2U2I, dua tahun di universiti, dua tahun di industri.

“Perniagaan pula perniagaan lebih kepada online. Kita tak perlukan premis, mungkin pada 2050 rakyat dah tak ke pasar, barang-barang sampai ke rumah. Jadi, rakyat kena alert perkara ini, kalau tak kita khuatir pada 2050 kita ketinggalan jauh,” katanya pada sidang media Majlis Sambutan Pesta Cahaya Deepavali 1Malaysia, di sini hari ini.

Hadir sama, Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Penganjur yang juga Pengerusi Ipoh City WAtch dan Kohijau, Prof. Madya Dr. Richard Ng.

Samsudin berkata demikian bagi mengulas kenyataan Timbalan Presiden PKR, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali sempena Jelajah Peduli Rakyat di Ulu Chemor, kelmarin.

Sementara itu, Samsudin berharap agar rakyat tidak terus dihantui persepsi negatif sedemikian kerana sejak merdeka sehingga hari ini kerajaan sedia ada memang konsisten.

“Bagi kita apa yang penting nak tentukan negara ini, tak mahu lagi rakyat dihantui persepsi ini,” katanya.

Crime rate under control - Star Metro Perak

21 Nov 2017

Comm Hasnan (right) speaking to members of the media, non-governmental organisations, Rukun Tetangga, Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation and Community Policing Association during a get-together with the state police in Ipoh.

EXCEPT for an increasing number of drug-related cases and commercial crime cases, the security level in Perak is overall satisfactory, said Perak Police Chief Comm Datuk Hasnan Hassan.

According to Comm Hasnan, curbing drug cases, whether it was addiction, possession or trafficking, posed the biggest obstacle for the state’s police.

“The problem is apparent especially in urban areas.

“It is in this aspect that we require the most assistance from you, our crime prevention partners,” Comm Hasnan said with reference to members of the media, non-governmental organisations, Rukun Tetangga, Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation and Community Policing Association who were present for a get-together with the state police in Ipoh.

Police have also taken down over 100,000 pieces of bunting promoting illegal money lending services in the state so far, he added.

“As for other aspects of crime, I am happy to note that the number of gangsterism cases in the state is minimal with most of these cases concentrated in Ipoh, Manjung and Taiping.

“We have also arrested several Daesh militants but rest assured, we are in good hands as our Special Branch is constantly monitoring the movements of those suspected to have links with militants,” said Comm Hasnan.

He added that Perak police were working to further reduce the state’s crime index, especially snatch theft cases, robbery and burglary.

On another matter, Comm Hasnan said illegal gambling had taken on a new form in the country.

“Instead of setting up illegal gambling dens, everything is carried out online with customers using their own mobile phones or tablets to do so.

“Customers download a software and buy credits by transferring money into the bank accounts of gambling syndicates. Winnings are then deposited into the player’s bank account,” he said.

He added that police recorded a total of 23 cases so far this year.

“Of the number, the highest number of cases were reported in the Hilir Perak with eight cases, followed by Ipoh with four cases, three cases in Taiping, and two cases in Manjung.

“Only one case each was reported in the other districts,” Comm Hasnan said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2017/11/20/crime-rate-under-control-however-drug-and-commercial-crime-cases-on-the-rise-in-perak/