Latest news with #PetalingJayaCityCouncil
The Star
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
PJ junior tennis championship draws 300 to compete
THE 35th MBPJ-Milo Junior Tennis Championship, which starts Monday (June 2), will see 297 young athletes from Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Negri Sembilan competing. It will feature participants aged between eight and 16 years who will be playing in three venues: Kompleks Sukan MBPJ, Kelana Jaya; Jalan SS3/14, Kelana Jaya and Kompleks Sukan Astaka Petaling Jaya. 'MBPJ-Milo Junior Tennis Championship is the platform for our young tennis players to not only show their talent but also gain exposure,' said Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) deputy mayor Aznan Hassan. He added that MBPJ is in the midst of upgrading several sports facilities in Kelana Jaya to serve the people better. Organised by MBPJ together with Selangor Tennis Association (STA), the event is also recognised by the Malaysian Lawn Tennis Association. STA vice-chairman Datuk Tengku Mohamed Tengku Harun said that with the recognition, all points collected in the championship will be included in players' national ranking. 'The points collected will give participants greater motivation to better themselves,' added Tengku Mohamed during a press conference at MBPJ's headquarters. The competition will feature singles and doubles matches in different age groups. Also at the press conference were main sponsors Milo Malaysia assistant sports marketing manager Sheena Ayesha Dina Rizal, F&N Beverages Marketing Sdn Bhd regional event sponsorship manager Muhammad Fauzi Ahmad and MBPJ Community Development Department acting director Ku Mustafa Ku Mohamad together with several participants and their parents.
The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Sports integration a game changer in Kelana Jaya
SPORTING facilities in Kelana Jaya's SS6, SS7 and part of SS8 will be integrated into a sports hub. This move by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is to revitalise the area. Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon's focus is on infrastructure improvements to connect the sports facilities. 'Our council planners and I have a vision to transform SS6, SS7 and part of SS8 into an integrated ecosystem for sports, entertainment and lifestyle activities. 'We have to increase the facilities for athletes to work out and for families to engage in sports activities or watch live sports,' he said. Spanning a mammoth 353.28ha, the cluster of sporting facilities comprise Stadium MBPJ – built for the 1998 Commonwealth Games, Kelana Jaya swimming complex, tennis and badminton courts as well as running tracks. Pickleball and paddle ball courts will also be built soon. Within the area is Taman Tasik Bandaran, the venue for MBPJ's fishing competitions that receive participation of thousands of avid anglers. 'Taman Tasik Bandaran Kelana Jaya is also where MBPJ holds the annual International Remote Control Powerboat Championship; we will improve the area,' said Mohamad Zahri. Mohamad Zahri says it is crucial to manage existing MBPJ sports assets sustainably. He said the city council's plan was to transform SS6, SS7 and part of SS8 into a community hub, the facilities of which could be used by residents in the vicinity as well as schools. He stressed that it was crucial to manage existing MBPJ sports assets sustainably, to encourage greater participation and use them to nurture talent and sports innovation. 'Our council's plan is to turn the Kelana Jaya sports hub into a Petaling Jaya icon,' he added. Mohamad Zahri said it was important to collaborate with private sports entities to encourage wider participation and use of the sports infrastructure. 'More sporting programmes for all age groups are needed, and working with the private sector will produce better experiences and foster unity among people in Petaling Jaya,' he said. Selangor's largest indoor karting centre, X Park Sunway Serene, in Jalan SS8/6 is a component of the Kelana Jaya Sports Hub. Feedback and ideas are being sourced from public focus group discussions involving stakeholders, private sports facility operators, and area councillors. Mohamad Zahri said for a start, Stadium MBPJ was undergoing an upgrade with new seats and state-of-the-art synthetic turf. 'About 70% of work at the stadium has been completed. 'Walk paths outside the stadium will be built. 'We will improve all sports facilities in stages, based on discussions with local stakeholders,' he assured. The mayor also said MBPJ was considering the suggestion to have sky bridges or elevated pedestrian walkways linking SS6, SS7 and SS8. He said the city council wanted to make sports and sporting facilities affordable for the community, noting that not everyone could afford to pay for such equipment. 'Many just want a chance to play sports. 'Creating an integrated sports hub makes community sports in public spaces more special. It benefits everyone and gives opportunities to all, including the low-income group,' he added. MBPJ councillor for SS7 Mohamed Hamka Mohamed Jumah agreed with the mayor's point on the need to partner with private sports entities and leverage on their expertise in programme design as well as sports event planning. 'Kelana Jaya and its bordering areas have a high population of youths. 'Working with private sports centres and groups will augur well for MBPJ as the latter offer advanced sports programmes, training methods, and coaching, which can be adopted into the council's programmes to benefit the younger generation.' Mohamad Hamka said the sports hub must have something for everyone, be it an elite athlete striving to achieve the highest levels in sports, a student competing in athletics or residents who want to improve their fitness. MBPJ's badminton facility in SS7, Kelana Jaya. MBPJ councillor for SS8 Nurashikin Ali said: 'Our main aim is to turn Kelana Jaya into a civic space that doubles as a sporting destination. 'It must evolve into a place where people can relax or spend time with their friends. 'People want the surroundings connected by extensive roofed walkways, cycle routes and dedicated buses that link SS6, SS7 and SS8, which make it easy to get around.' Nurashikin said the hub was part of a plan to promote physical and mental well-being. MBPJ Development and Planning Department director Lee Lih Shyan said MBPJ aimed to inspire grassroots participation and sporting excellence via the city's urban development plan. The town planner said the sports hub would be made accessible to all and would become a community focal point for social and sporting activities. Lee says the proposed sports hub will be a community focal point for social and sporting activities. 'For this sports hub to thrive, we need activities for youths, the middle aged and seniors.' Taman Tasik Bandaran Kelana Jaya SS7 has seven lakes used for angling and power boat competitions, he said, while SS8 has Selangor's biggest indoor karting centre. Lee said sports would also provide opportunities for people with disabilities and enable residents to socialise. 'Urban sports-friendly areas are equitable public spaces. 'Whether indoors or outdoors, it is a place where everyone gets a chance to take part. It creates liveable communities,' he added. Sports science student Wan Syazfizal Adam Wan Mohd Sapari, 20, said MBPJ's plan to create the Kelana Jaya sports hub would benefit youths. He suggested that MBPJ build sepak takraw courts too. Wan Syazfizal says the sports hub will benefit youths. 'Sepak takraw is a popular sport and has the potential for community engagement. 'It can be a unifying sport, bringing people together in a fun way and nurture future players.' Muhammad Sharmin is calling for the provision of 'sepak takraw' courts at the sports hub. Muhammad Sharmin Firdaus, 20, also said the provision of sepak takraw courts at the sports hub would be a valuable addition, especially given the sport's popularity among youths. 'It would create an opportunity for youths to pick up and train in the sport, potentially tapping new talents.' Wan Nadzmi: The facilities should have good bus connectivity and shaded walkways. Business administration student Wan Nadzmi Zafri Wan Mohamad Ruzman, 21, said MBPJ should have good public transport connectivity from one sports facility to another. 'It should also provide shaded walkways for users' convenience. 'If the sports hub is to thrive, MBPJ must provide buses to connect it to neighbourhoods. The Kelana Jaya Swimming Pool Complex is located in SS7. 'There must be convenient connections, for example, from the SS8 go-kart centre to the Kelana Jaya swimming complex in SS7. 'Using electric buses for last-mile connectivity is important as it will see a big drop in carbon footprint and cost,' said Wan Nadzmi.
The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Underutilised futsal court to be used for racquet sports
Mohamed Hamka showing the site where new pickleball courts will be built. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star FACILITIES for racquet sports, pickleball and paddle ball will be built at the underused futsal grounds in SS7, Kelana Jaya. Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) had approved the specifications for the new pickleball and paddle ball courts. 'The development of both these racquet sport courts are under a public-private partnership that involves a collaboration between MBPJ and a private company. 'We have inked an agreement where the firm builds and manages the facilities,' he said. Both sports can be played with either two or four players. Pickleball is a smaller version of tennis, whereas paddle ball is a mix of tennis and squash, where the ball is allowed to bounce off a wall. Like tennis, both versions have a centre net, but they have different rules of play and scoring. The hard court used to be a futsal court. Mohamad Zahri said the partnership would see MBPJ renting out the space while the company would operate and manage the facilities for 21 years. 'Agreements of this nature are common in infrastructure projects, including sports facilities. 'It allows for leveraging private investment and expertise while ensuring public benefit. 'We can realise the project development at faster speed as private firms can expedite the process of creating new facilities after the council gives the needed approvals,' he said. Mohamad Zahri said approval had been given for six indoor pickleball courts, six outdoor pickleball courts, two indoor paddle ball courts and one outdoor paddle ball court. 'Construction involves demolishing the old futsal concrete floor before building the new courts.' Work is expected to start in July and be completed in November, he said. MBPJ councillor for SS7 Mohamed Hamka Mohamed Jumah said having smart partnerships like this could create high-quality facilities and provide good financial returns for MBPJ. 'Pickleball and paddle ball are popular. They have the potential to foster community engagement and increase property values in surrounding areas,' he said. The decision to have pickleball courts came after Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari announced, when tabling the state's Budget 2025, that the state would introduce it as a medal sport when it hosts the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma). — By EDWARD RAJENDRA
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Rakyat Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- Rakyat Post
[Watch] The RM25K Box: Malaysia's RM180M Solution To A Non-Existent Problem?
Subscribe to our FREE Amid the sweltering heat of Malaysian streets, a peculiar government initiative is raising eyebrows and temperatures alike. The MyKiosk program, touted as a modernisation effort for street vendors, has become a textbook example of how not to spend public funds. Former Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) councillor Mak Khuin Weng, known for his straight-talking analysis of public policies, breaks down the math in a way that would make any taxpayer wince. 'Seven thousand plus kiosks at RM25,000 each,' he explains, 'with a monthly rental of just RM300. You'd need seven years just to break even – and that's assuming everything goes perfectly.' The irony? Malaysia already had a perfectly functional system for street vendors. It's beautifully simple: local councils designate specific areas and times for markets, draw some lines on the ground, and let vendors bring their own equipment. This time-tested method still works like a charm every Ramadan, transforming streets into vibrant bazaars without burning a hole in public coffers. Trading Chalk for Steel: A RM180M Lesson In Overthinking 'It's basic cost-benefit analysis,' Mak points out with the weariness of someone who's seen too many overengineered solutions to simple problems. 'The old system's main expense was literally drawing lines on the ground. Now we're spending RM25,000 per unit to avoid using chalk? The MyKiosk saga has been dominating social media conversations for days now. 'While the government hashtags its way through social media with #MADANIBekerja (MADANI Works), they think people will look it up and use it to highlight the good work done by the government. It's okay, let us use the hashtag to highlight Madani's excellence the way they want it,' Mak quipped. Mak opined that, as other crucial subsidy programs face cuts, these kiosks were merely the product of leadership that had no intention of ensuring cost-effective government spending. As Mak puts it, with the resigned humour of a seasoned observer, 'Sometimes, the best solution is already in place. You just need to avoid messing it up.' Supplier's Ads Reveal RM85M Markup In MyKiosk Program? Meanwhile, MCA has alleged what appears to be significant price inflation in the MyKiosk program. Through a detailed exposé presented by their Public Services and Complaints Department, MCA revealed troubling discrepancies in the procurement of these standardised street vendor kiosks. According to MCA's investigation, while the government is paying RM25,000 per kiosk unit, a supplier openly advertises identical units on social media platforms for just RM12,800. This revelation becomes more alarming considering the program's massive scale, with over 7,000 units ordered, the price difference amounts to an extra RM85.4 million in public funds. The party's investigation team uncovered the supplier's TikTok marketing materials, adding to the impression of inflated pricing. These advertisements show kiosks with exact specifications—including hydraulic windows, LED lighting, and solar panels—all available at the lower market rate. MCA pointed out that basic business principles suggest bulk orders of this magnitude should typically result in discounts, not a 95% markup. However, the supplier has publicly distanced itself from the controversy, stating on social media: 'I understand you want to check and balance the current government, but don't use my company and project as your medium. I'm just a supplier. I have nothing to do with the tender process, ministerial discussions, or anything else.' Aku faham korang nak buat check and balance untuk kerajaan sekarang, tapi jangan la gunakan company aku and project aku sebagai medium korang. Aku ni hanya sekadar pembekal je. Tak ada kena mengena dalam proses tender ke, rundingan menteri ke dan lain lain. Haih — Dolah ➐ (@AbdullahSazili) Ministry Defends RM180M Price Tag, Cites Upgrades and High Adoption The government, however, tells a different story. Through a series of explanatory infographics, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) defends the MyKiosk program as a transparent initiative supporting small traders. They justify the price jump from RM15,000 (MyKiosk 1.0) to RM25,000 (MyKiosk 2.0) by citing enhanced features: upgraded solar capacity from 300W to 1,000W, LED lighting systems, and improved mechanical infrastructure. The numbers tell an intriguing tale: 349 contractors were appointed for MyKiosk 1.0 and 446 for MyKiosk 2.0, all through local authorities' open quotation processes. The ministry proudly points to an 84.35% occupancy rate for MyKiosk 1.0 (2,690 out of 3,189 units) and a growing 61.5% for MyKiosk 2.0 (2,497 out of 4,054 units). Beyond Numbers: The Vendor Perspective The ministry maintained that an August 2022 feasibility study justified the program's expansion with an additional RM100 million allocation for 2024. However, critics note that the National Audit Department has yet to release any report on the project. For many vendors, the program has transformed their daily operations. They report multiple benefits: a guaranteed spot to operate rain or shine, freedom from the nomadic search for daily locations, and a more presentable, professional appearance that instils customer confidence. The permanent, lockable spaces eliminate daily setup and teardown hassles, while the standardised kiosks resolve licensing concerns and reduce encounters with enforcement officers. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . 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The Star
15-05-2025
- The Star
MBPJ dogcatcher: We followed SOP
PETALING JAYA: A Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) officer testifies that he strictly followed standard operating procedure (SOP) during a dog-catching operation that led to a scuffle with an elderly citizen. Public health assistant Azizul Azzim Norehan, who is the complainant and witness in the case, affirmed that the team adhered to the Housing and Local Government Ministry's SOP, which allows the use of the loop method in capturing stray dogs. He was testifying against 71-year-old Patrick Khoo Kian Wui, who is accused of obstructing him from carrying out his duties during the operation in March 2023. Deputy public prosecutor Lim Leong Hui referred Azizul to his witness statement, and asked him to explain what he meant when he said the accused attempted to block the operation. 'He held onto the rod I was using so I could not proceed with the operation,' said Azizul, referring to the device known as a loop pole. Asked whether the operation had been conducted according to established guidelines, he said it was, adding: 'I used the SOP for dog-catching operations, which is the loop method.' He further testified that Khoo claimed to be the owner of some the dogs and that he fed them regularly although they were found wandering outside his premises. During the hearing, the prosecution played three CCTV recordings in court showing the altercation. Azizul confirmed that the two men seen in the video were him and Khoo. The incident took place at about 9pm at No. 7, Jalan 18/17, Taman Kanagapuram, Petaling Jaya. According to MBPJ, the operation was prompted by complaints from residents. Azizul said none of the dogs there that night had collars or licence tags. He also confirmed that all MBPJ enforcement personnel involved wore official green vests marked with the MBPJ logo and the Health Services Department insignia. Khoo's altercation with the officers went viral after a Facebook user uploaded videos and photos alleging he was roughed up by the dogcatchers. Khoo later claimed that he sustained injuries to his jaw, cheeks and wrist during the incident. He lodged a police report on March 24, 2023, accusing MBPJ of assault and expressing concern for the welfare of two adult dogs and a puppy allegedly seized that night. In response, MBPJ filed a police report and pledged there would be no cover-up, stating that an internal investigation had been launched. Khoo was charged on March 31, 2023, with obstructing a public servant under Section 186 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of two years' jail, a fine of up to RM10,000 or both, upon conviction. He pleaded not guilty. Two months after the incident, Khoo was said to have suffered a stroke. He appeared in court yesterday in a wheelchair and was not able to speak clearly. Counsel Tay Chee Fu informed the court that the defence was prepared to present its case and expected to call four witnesses. Magistrate Shahril Anuar Ahmad Mustapa set the next trial date for between June 13 and 20.
