Latest news with #SAMUELONG
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
Old-world charm of capital city
Dataran Merdeka with one of the tallest flagpoles in the world, surrounded by buildings telling the story of Malaysia's history. — Photos: SAMUEL ONG, CHAN TAK KONG, RAJA FAISAL HISHAN, IZZRAFIQ ALIAS, AZLINA ABDULLAH and WILLIAM GARY/The Star DOWNTOWN Kuala Lumpur boasts heritage buildings and structures which enrich its cultural tapestry. One way to catch these sights is on Colonial Walk, which is part of the city's River of Life project to revitalise the Klang and Gombak rivers, transforming them into vibrant public spaces. A nice starting point is the confluence of the rivers. Meandering along, the trail takes in the old court buildings which lead to Dataran Merdeka. Around the square, which hosts one of the tallest flag poles in the world, Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad takes pride of place. However, the surrounding buildings dating from the late 19th century and early 20th century are no less impressive. These include St Mary's Cathedral, as well as buildings that house the Royal Selangor Club, Kuala Lumpur Library, National Textile Museum, KL City Gallery (the old government printing office) and old post office. While some of these structures are undergoing restoration work, a walking excursion still offers an opportunity to revel in these monuments to Malaysia's history.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Seri Kembangan market traders rue loss of income
Traders at the temporary market site in Jalan SK6/1 complain of reduced business. — Photos: SAMUEL ONG/The Star AFTER being relocated to a temporary site over two years ago, traders of Pasar Awam SK10 (SK10 Public Market) in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, are struggling to make ends meet. Herb seller Ooi Kim Hock, 53, told StarMetro that customers kept away from their temporary trading site in Jalan SK6/1 due to insufficient parking space. 'My customers often have to park by the roadside and then get fined by Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) enforcement officers. Ooi says his business has dropped by 70%. 'This has caused my business to drop by about 70% compared to when I was trading at the old market,' he said when met at the temporary site, located about 1.5km away from the old market at Jalan SK10/3. Ooi also claimed that he had to pay higher rental at the new site, further burdening him financially. Another trader, identified only as Yew Lian, said some stalls had gone out of business after the move to the temporary site. 'Four to five stalls shut down last year. 'I heard that four or five more are on the brink of shutting down. 'We have lost a lot of income due to the lack of parking space. 'My daily income is only about RM300, which is a 70% drop from what I used to make at the old market,' she said, adding that she sold poultry from 6am to 3pm daily. It was previously reported that traders were relocated to the temporary site in April 2023 to allow the old market to be demolished and a new one to be built under a three-year project. A visit by StarMetro on Tuesday found the old market site having overgrown grass and rubbish strewn around a partially torn-down structure. There was no construction work seen at the site. Pasar Awam SK10 in Jalan SK10/3 in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, is still being cordoned off without any redevelopment over the last two years. A May 26 StarMetro article titled 'Markets potential for tourism as cultural landmarks', reported that 10 architectural firms had won prizes in a design competition held for SK10 Public Market that was set for a RM12mil redevelopment. The competition was a joint effort between MBSJ and Malaysian Institute of Architects, with the winning firms to be appointed as consultants for the upgrading project. The Federation of Association of Serdang general secretary Chuah Hooi Hong called for MBSJ to provide a clear schedule on the market upgrade. 'Months have passed since the results of the design competition were announced. 'When will the tender process start and how long will it take to finish the upgrade? 'The traders cannot wait any longer, they need to survive,' he said. MBSJ had not responded to queries regarding the matter as at press time.
The Star
07-08-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Bright locals must not be edged out
Dr Wee: 'Our education system should be a platform for social mobility, allowing children from underprivileged families to achieve higher education.' — SAMUEL ONG/The Star PETALING JAYA: The sharp rise in foreign student enrolment at Malaysia's public universities is outpacing that of local students, raising red flags about allocation of placements, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. The MCA president sounded the warning while highlighting statistics from a recent study by the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap), MCA's research think-tank, which revealed a worrying trend. He raised concerns that the growing preference for international admissions could be edging out deserving Malaysians from opportunities in taxpayer-funded institutions. 'I am not against the intake of international students. 'However, when their enrolment seems to be replacing spots meant for Malaysian students, it becomes an issue that needs addressing. 'We must ensure a balance that respects the educational needs of our own creme de la creme,' he told reporters here yesterday. According to Insap, the number of Malaysian students enrolling in public universities saw a modest increase from 2018 to 2024. Specifically, enrolment grew from 172,719 students in 2018 to 191,450 students in 2024. This represents a total increase of 10.8%, which corresponds to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of just 1.73% per year – a relatively slow rate of growth. In stark contrast, the enrolment of non-Malaysian students during the same period saw a significant rise, from 10,003 students in 2018 to 19,731 students in 2024. This considerable jump reflects a total increase of 97.3%, with a CAGR of 11.99% per year. 'This indicates that the rate at which non-Malaysian students are being admitted to public universities is accelerating at a much faster pace compared to their Malaysian counterparts,' said Dr Wee. He also expressed concern over the use of open channels by public universities for student admissions, mostly due to insufficient funding. 'Almost every public university has adopted this method under various names. While universities need adequate funds for development, we must not allow financial capability to become the primary criterion for entry,' he said. MCA has received hundreds of complaints about bright and deserving students being rejected from public university placement under Malaysia's centralised university admission system (UPUOnline) but offered via the open channel of their universities. Dr Wee emphasised the importance of maintaining the fundamental principles of public universities, which should focus on academic excellence and social mobility. 'Regardless of their background, students who demonstrate exceptional capabilities should be given the opportunity to succeed,' he said. 'We must not let financial incentives or international rankings overshadow the fundamental role of our universities – to nurture and develop our brightest minds for the future.' Dr Wee has also called for a Royal Commission of Inquiry to examine these practices and ensure that the admission policies remain true to their original objectives. 'Our public universities were built with taxpayers' money, and their fees should not be higher than those of private institutions. 'The government must ensure that universities are adequately funded so they don't have to resort to selling placements,' he added, highlighting the importance of prioritising Malaysian students while welcoming internationalisation. 'We must strike a balance that allows our universities to thrive globally while ensuring that Malaysian students are not left behind.' Calling for a holistic approach to address these issues, Dr Wee reiterated the need for strategic policy adjustments to ensure equitable access to higher education for all Malaysians. 'Our education system should be a platform for social mobility, allowing children from underprivileged families to achieve higher education. 'We must not forget it was the original objective of establishing public universities,' he said.
The Star
13-06-2025
- General
- The Star
‘No' to Kg Bkt Lanjan high-rise
The site of the proposed 27-storey condominium at Jalan Penchala Indah, Kampung Bukit Lanjan, in the centre with ongoing construction of the 35-storey project on the left. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star RESIDENTS of Kampung Bukit Lanjan, Kuala Lumpur and surrounding neighbourhoods are objecting to a proposed 27-storey apartment project at Lot 3119 Jalan Penchala Indah. This marks the second time in recent years the community has opposed a hillside construction in the area. Next to the proposed site, situated on Malay reserve land, is a 35-storey project under construction. The latest high-rise came to light in January when a public notice was placed at the site. Residents claimed they have not been officially informed and learned about it only during their daily commute. Mohamed Ali: There have been two landslides not far from the site. According to the notice, the development will have 154 units. The site is located on a narrow, elevated section of Jalan Penchala Indah, just uphill from Residensi The Trees and Residensi Armani. Objections have been filed by residents of Residensi The Trees, Residensi Armani, Kampung Bukit Lanjan and heritage advocacy group Anak Jati Penchala. Each group submitted petitions to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Segambut MP's office and issued a joint statement on May 10. 'There have already been two landslides this year not far from where the site is,' said Kampung Bukit Lanjan resident Mohamed Ali Noordin. He said the authorities should prioritise preserving the area's character. 'Kampung Bukit Lanjan is one of the last Malay reserve areas in the city,' he told StarMetro, adding that road infrastructure was already at breaking point. 'Almost every single high-rise project has the issue of cars parked outside because there are not enough parking bays. Abdul Halim is disappointed with DBKL's lack of engagement with residents. In their joint statement, the four groups cited inconsistencies with Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040 (KLSP 2040), as well as flood and landslide risks, road capacity issues and erosion of the village's identity. 'It is clearly stated in the plan that village areas and existing communities should be safeguarded,' said Residensi The Trees Management Corporation chairman Mohamad Sazali Samjis. 'Even without the proposed construction, the infrastructure is struggling, the drainage system cannot keep up with the volume of rainfall,' said Sazali. A public engagement session on May 11 was held by a consultant appointed by the developer, but residents said DBKL officials were not present. 'Every resident who attended the meeting strongly objected to the project,' said Kampung Bukit Lanjan Residents Association chairman Abdul Halim Halid. Minutes of the meeting, he said, has yet to be shared. 'They said they would circulate the minutes, but it has been a month and we have received nothing.' He expressed disappointment with DBKL's lack of engagement with residents. Abdul Halim noted that the project notice listed no identifiable name of the developer. DBKL had not responded to StarMetro's queries at press time.
The Star
25-04-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Climate change and freak weather
Dark skies: Malaysia is currently undergoing the inter-monsoon period until May. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star PETALING JAYA: Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are normal during the inter-monsoon season but this time, the weather has been far more vicious. Weather experts say climate change and a warming planet could be the reasons for these violent thunderstorms. While the pattern is normal, the thunderstorms may be more extreme due to the influence of global warming and climate change, said climatologist Prof Dr Fredolin Tangang. 'Last year, the global mean temperature exceeded the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C threshold,' he noted. 'With this kind of warming, we have more moisture in the air and, together with increasing heat, thunderstorms and heavy rainfalls can become stronger and more frequent.' He pointed out that with the country undergoing the inter- monsoon period between now and May, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall episodes are typical, especially in the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, during this period. 'This can cause more flash floods,' he added. CLICK TO ENLARGE Tangang, who is also an Academy of Sciences Malaysia Fellow, also noted that the Pacific region is at the Enso-neutral phase, meaning there are no anomalous conditions such as El Nino or La Nina. 'We don't expect any significant influence from the Pacific Ocean during the Enso-neutral phase,' he said. According to National Antarctica Research Centre climatologist Prof Datuk Dr Azizan Abu Samah, heavy rainfall usually occurs along the west coast during pre-dawn. He said the recent violent storms could be due to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, which are driven to the coastal areas by the westerly wind in the early morning. Azizan added, however, that it is difficult to say if the current weather in the country is out of the ordinary despite the Pacific ocean being at the Enso-neutral phase. On the increasing flash floods in the Klang Valley, he said this is also due to rapid urbanisation, which results in increased surface run-off. Meanwhile, MetMalaysia has issued a statement that the inter-monsoon phase started on March 25, marking the end of the northeast monsoon period. The inter-monsoon period, it explained, usually brings sudden burst of winds and heavy showers during the late evening and night.
