MCA Youth raps govt over lack of updates on Putra Heights reconstruction
Selangor MCA Youth chief Tan Jie Sen asserted that despite the government allocating RM46 million for the repair of homes and public infrastructure damaged by the fire, residents have been left in limbo with no progress updates.
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The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Stronger oversight, accountability a must for infrastructure projects
AS Malaysia continues to expand its transport network with ambitious projects like MRT3, MCA Youth firmly believes that public safety must be the cornerstone of all infrastructure development. Recent incidents, such as the Jalan Masjid India sinkhole which claimed the life of a woman from India, serve as stark reminders of the devastating consequences when safety is compromised and maintenance ignored. These tragedies are not merely accidents but systemic failures that underscore the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how we approach infrastructure planning, construction and maintenance. Safety cannot be an afterthought. It must be embedded from the earliest stages of design, with rigorous risk assessments, adherence to global standards, and robust engineering redundancies. Experts like Associate Professor Bernard Saw Lip Huat of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman's Faculty of Engineering and Science rightly warn that cutting corners in safety jeopardises lives and erodes public trust, which is far costlier to restore than investing properly from the outset. Equally critical is the need for consistent funding for maintenance, as highlighted by Associate Professor Wan Mazlina Wan Mohamed of the Malaysia Institute of Transport, who advocates allocating 2.5% of GDP annually to preventive upkeep -- a benchmark aligned with global best practices. However, our challenges extend beyond technical solutions. Fragmented oversight among agencies like APAD, LLM, and CIDB creates gaps in enforcement and coordination, particularly at project interfaces near schools or hospitals. To address this, we propose three key measures: Prioritise safety in procurement criteria and contract awards. Expand public engagement to incorporate community feedback in risk assessments. Invest in training for regulators and contractors to align with evolving global standards. The recent example of KLIA's Aerotrain -- where 2,000km of fault-free testing preceded public operation -- demonstrates that delays for safety are not setbacks but necessities. Let this be our standard. As Malaysia progresses, we must reject the false dichotomy between speed and safety. Infrastructure is the backbone of our nation's future; it must be resilient, reliable and above all, safe for every citizen who relies on it. MIKE CHONG YEW CHUAN Deputy Chairman MCA National Youth
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Nga calls for apology after MyKiosk cleared of criminal elements
Housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming said MyKiosk 1.0 achieved 91% occupancy while MyKiosk 2.0 has reached 87% occupancy. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming has demanded an apology from critics of the MyKiosk initiative, which was cleared of criminal elements by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in its probe into the project's tender process. He urged those who had slandered his ministry's officers over the project to apologise. 'If you've made baseless claims or spread falsehoods about the MyKiosk initiative, show some integrity – own up and apologise,' he said in the Dewan Rakyat today. On July 3, MACC chief Azam Baki said the agency's probe was focussed primarily on governance issues over criminal wrongdoing, as no criminal elements had been detected. In May, Selangor MCA Youth filed a complaint with the anti-graft agency calling for an investigation into the funding and execution of the RM250 million project. Its chief Tan Jie Sen claimed that despite the investment, only slightly more than half of the kiosks were occupied. Pahang MCA Youth meanwhile asked why the government was paying RM25,000 to RM34,000 per kiosk, saying the market price was only RM12,800 per unit. Earlier today, Hasnizan Harun (PN-Hulu Selangor) raised concerns about the number of unoccupied kiosks nationwide. Nga said that MyKiosk 1.0, launched in 2023, had reached 91% occupancy with 2,926 units filled, while MyKiosk 2.0, launched in 2024, had reached 87% occupancy with 3,518 units in use as of July 2025. 'I admit that the kiosk occupancy hasn't reached 100%, and there have been some administrative shortcomings. 'However, the ministry, myself included, has gone to the ground in several states, including opposition-led ones, to assist traders and strengthen the MyKiosk initiative,' he said.
The Star
19-07-2025
- The Star
MCA Youth calls for suspension of Selangor parking concessionaire plans
MCA Youth is urging the suspension of plans for the state government's controversial decision to appoint a new parking concessionaire, pending greater transparency on the details. "Announce all the terms and conditions first," said Petaling Jaya MCA Youth Chief Andy Teoh. Teoh, along with several MCA Youth leaders, addressed the parking concessionaire issue outside the Menara Petaling Jaya City Council today (July 19), highlighting its impact on four local councils in Selangor: Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), and Selayang Municipal Council (MPS). Teoh pointed out that the initial announcement for the new privatisation by the state was set for August 1, as declared by State Local Government and Tourism Committee Chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim on July 9. However, last week (July 15), Ng stated that the matter was not finalised. Teoh believes this is an opportunity for the state to disclose more information about the concessionaire. He expressed concern that the terms might not necessarily result in cost savings for the state. The state announced that the concessionaire would invest RM200mil in infrastructure for Selangor's Intelligent Parking (SIP), including approximately 1,800 CCTV cameras across the four local councils' jurisdictions. Teoh calculated that each CCTV camera would cost between RM110,000 and RM120,000, suggesting they should be technologically advanced. He found this cost unreasonable and instead advocated for improving services offered by local councils, questioning the necessity of privatising the service. Teoh also echoed Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung's call to review the privatisation process, noting that the local council would lose out on parking collection revenue, especially given the recent increase in Petaling Jaya City Council's assessment rates. He highlighted that previous privatisation concessionaires faced intense scrutiny from elected representatives, and this situation should be no different. "Listen to the rakyat, and we can safeguard the benefit of the local residents," he concluded.
