Latest news with #DavidChan
The Star
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
City Hall urged to reform parking guidelines in Kota Kinabalu
KOTA KINABALU: The Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) and relevant planning authorities are urged to review and reform urban design guidelines to ensure they are inclusive, realistic, and community-friendly. This follows DBKK's recent announcement of enforcement against vehicles parked along roads and public spaces in residential areas. National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (Sabah chapter) chairman David Chan said the city hall should adopt a more practical and empathetic approach to parking issues, especially during festive seasons and family gatherings. He expressed concern over the recent compounding of vehicles in densely populated housing estates, calling it "illogical" and out of touch with reality. "We urge DBKK to consider amending current planning rules. For example, allowing part of the designated 10% open space in housing areas for temporary community parking during peak periods or special events," he said on Saturday (June 7). Chan added that Sabahans are known for their tolerance and understanding, and local authorities should reflect the same values in their policies. "Penalising people during festive or family gatherings sends the wrong message to communities already facing limited parking due to outdated urban layouts. "If we cannot learn to live together with tolerance and practical solutions, it may be easier to live on the moon than in our own neighbourhoods," he said. He emphasised that urban policies should support the people, not punish them, and called for a comprehensive review to better reflect today's needs. In its earlier statement, DBKK said it had received frequent complaints about traffic congestion caused by roadside parking in housing areas. Under the Streets and Public Places By-Laws 1966, offenders risk fines of up to RM500. Residents were reminded to park within their own compounds, as roadside parking could obstruct traffic and block emergency services. DBKK stated that the enforcement is part of efforts to maintain Kota Kinabalu's image as a clean, safe, and orderly city. Public awareness campaigns will continue via social media and other platforms. For further enquiries or complaints, residents may contact the DBKK hotline at 088-521800.
Daily Express
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Express
Consumer group slams JANS over misleading UMS water supply claim
Published on: Monday, June 02, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 02, 2025 Text Size: For illustrative purposes only. - Getty Images KOTA KINABALU: The National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (YPNM) Sabah Chapter, on Monday, criticised the Sabah Water Department (JANS) for claiming Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is receiving adequate water supply despite continued disruptions. YPNM Chairman David Chan described the statement as misleading and insulting to UMS, calling it a failure of responsibility for the department to shift blame without formal consultation or verification. He emphasised that UMS employs engineering experts with advanced degrees who are well-equipped to identify internal faults, and accused the department of undermining the institution's integrity and morale. YPNM demanded that JANS retract its claim, issue a public apology to the UMS community, and work with the university to implement lasting solutions to the water supply issue. The group also urged the Chief Minister and relevant ministries to hold public agencies accountable and to ensure transparent, professional communication moving forward. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
South China Morning Post
01-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
From riches to rags: Hong Kong's veteran property investors grapple with market downturn
Hong Kong's commercial market declines have left some of the city's once-prosperous veteran investors struggling financially, with experts expecting distressed sales to continue amid plunging property valuations. Advertisement In April, receivers took over the luxury detached mansion in Pok Fu Lam where 'Cassette King' David Chan Ping-chi and his family had lived since the 1980s, marketing it for HK$430 million (US$54.8 million) last week. Chan, who defaulted on a loan of about HK$350 million from Fubon Bank earlier this year, attempted to sell his house for the same amount last year to repay the debt but failed to find a buyer, property agents said. The seasoned investor, who made his fortune in the manufacturing industry, had been an active property investor, with a wide portfolio spanning offices, luxury residential units, retail shops and parking spaces. He was part of a consortium of 10 investors who bought 48 floors in The Center from CK Asset Holdings for HK$40.2 billion in 2018, making the skyscraper on Queen's Road Central the world's most expensive. Chan, who owned seven office floors at The Center, sold the last two to Singapore's DBS Group in September and November for an average price of HK$26,500 per square foot, an over 20 per cent discount to his acquiring costs, according to agents. 'Cassette King' David Chan Ping-chi. Photo: SCMP 'Investments in retail and industrial properties are experiencing the largest losses, with capital values dropping by about 60 per cent,' Chan said in a phone interview last week. 'The bigger the shops, the greater the losses. That makes it very difficult to sell these properties.'
The Star
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah govt urged to act on UMS water crisis urgently
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government should act on the water supply disruption at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) urgently, says National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (Sabah Chapter) chairman David Chan. He said the crisis reflects poorly on the government's ability to provide basic public utilities, especially to institutions of national importance. "UMS is a prestigious university hosting thousands of local and international is troubling that despite earlier promises of reform since the state government took over water management, the problem remains unresolved," said Chan on Wednesday (May 28). He described it as unacceptable and added that the failure to provide a stable water supply undermines the university's credibility. Chan questioned why the issue has persisted for so long and urged the authorities to offer a transparent explanation and implement immediate corrective measures. "Students have reportedly been left in limbo, with some even lodging complaints with the Premier of Sarawak, indicating growing frustration and desperation," he added. He outlined several interim solutions, including increasing water tanker deliveries, enhancing pump pressure and flow, and considering underground water drilling and mobile filtration systems. Chan said the welfare and dignity of students must be prioritised, emphasising that UMS, as a national asset, deserves better support. "We urge the government to act swiftly and provide a clear roadmap to address this issue. This is no longer just an inconvenience. It is a matter of public trust and responsibility," he said. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has pledged to bring the issue to the attention of Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. This follows an open letter by Muhammad Rasul Rozmiezan, a 21-year-old Sarawakian student at UMS, detailing the severe water issues. Rasul described days without running water, reliance on stored water, and a lack of urgency from campus authorities. He appealed for action on behalf of both Sarawakian and Sabahan students, stressing that the crisis is not a state-specific problem. Although Abang Johari acknowledged the issue, he stated it was beyond his jurisdiction but promised to escalate it to the federal ministry. Neither UMS nor the ministry has publicly responded yet.
Borneo Post
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sabah govt urged to address UMS water supply crisis with urgency
David Chan KOTA KINABALU (May 28): The National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (Sabah Chapter) expresses serious concern over the ongoing water supply disruption at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) — a prestigious higher education institution that hosts thousands of local and international students. Despite promises of reform since the state government took over water management, the problem remains unresolved. This prolonged crisis reflects poorly on the state's ability to provide basic utilities to vital institutions, said its chairman, David Chan. 'We urge the Sabah government to explain clearly why this matter has not been resolved and to take immediate corrective measures. Students have reportedly been left in limbo, with some even lodging complaints to the Premier of Sarawak — a sign of growing frustration and desperation,' he said in a statement on Wednesday. Chan said it should not be technically difficult to ensure water reaches the campus. Authorities should consider increasing water tanker deliveries, enhancing pump pressure and flow, and — if supply remains insufficient — drilling for underground water and installing mobile filtration systems to ensure clean, safe water is available. 'UMS is a national asset. Leaving students without adequate water supply not only undermines the university's credibility but also affects Sabah's image as a destination for international education. 'We urge the government to act without delay and provide a clear roadmap to solve this issue. The welfare and dignity of our students must not be compromised,' said Chan. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has pledged to bring the issue of prolonged water supply disruptions at UMS to the attention of Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. While acknowledging the gravity of the complaints raised in an open letter by a Sarawakian student, the Premier said he was unable to take direct action as the matter falls outside his jurisdiction. The student, 21-year-old Muhammad Rasul Rozmiezan from Kuching, had written to the Premier on May 23, detailing the challenges faced by students at the university — from inconsistent water supply to the lack of urgency shown by campus authorities in resolving the issue. The second-year sociology student described a routine marked by dry taps, rationed buckets, and missed showers, sometimes for days on end. 'It's been like this for a while. Sometimes we don't get water for two or three days straight,' he wrote. 'We fill up whatever containers we have and try to make it last. There's only so much we can do.' In his letter, Rasul appealed not only on behalf of the nearly 1,000 Sarawakian students at UMS but also their Sabahan peers, stressing that the water crisis cuts across state lines and should not be dismissed as a localised problem. 'We're far from home. We don't have family here. We're trying to be strong. But the truth is, this problem affects everyone — not just Sarawakians,' he said.
