Latest news with #SandreaNg
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Ipoh to launch awareness campaigns on Jalur Gemilang display, says Perak local govt exco
IPOH: Awareness and educational campaigns will be carried out to ensure the Jalur Gemilang is displayed properly, says Sandrea Ng. The Perak local government committee chairman said the government and its agencies have always encouraged the display of the national flag during the National Month celebration to foster patriotism. "There had been recent issues of the flag being displayed incorrectly. "We are taking note of this and will provide information through awareness and educational campaigns so the issue does not arise again," she told reporters after closing the Perak Pawsitive Initiative at the Red Crescent Hall here on Sunday (Aug 17). "It is a straightforward matter, but we need to be more careful when displaying our flag to avoid unnecessary disputes," she said. "The government, through the relevant authorities, will continue to emphasise the correct information, tips and reminders to be disseminated so that the public are properly informed and for the national month's celebrations to run smoothly," she added. Ng said it is not mandatory for business premises to display the Jalur Gemilang, but strongly encouraged them to do so. "At present, some premises have already put up the Jalur Gemilang, but these are not under the jurisdiction of local councils. "We are working with private organisations, assemblymen's service centres and local councils to give out the flags," she said.
The Star
10-08-2025
- Business
- The Star
Ipoh to strengthen ties with Nanning, China on trade, tech exchanges
IPOH: The city is seeking to strengthen ties by expanding cooperation with Nanning, China, as the two cities celebrate the 20th anniversary of their friendship. State housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng said the relationship will go beyond symbolic gestures to partnerships in trade, culture, tourism, and technology. 'Two decades ago, Ipoh and Nanning signed an agreement to become Friendship Cities, not just on paper, but to open a chapter in a friendship that transcends distance, culture, and language,' she said at the anniversary closing ceremony here on Sunday (Aug 10). Ng said the ties had grown stronger over the years, with trade exhibitions, cultural exchanges, and even mutual support during the pandemic helping to cement trust between the two cities. She said a high-level Nanning delegation visited Ipoh last year to explore collaboration in industrial park development, green energy, cultural tourism, and vocational education. 'Nanning companies also participated in the Perak International Expo, creating new market opportunities for local entrepreneurs. 'I also led a Perak delegation to Nanning for the China–Asean Expo, visiting key agencies and facilities to gather insights for smart city development, improving public service efficiency, and expanding the digital economy across Perak's 15 local authorities. 'Looking ahead, cooperation could be expanded in three key areas, cultural and creative industries, smart city and AI development, and tourism,' she said. Ng said Ipoh's recognition as a Unesco Creative City of Music opens vast opportunities for joint branding and cultural tourism, while Nanning's China–Asean AI Innovation Centre aligns well with Perak's Smart City Action Plan 2040. She also urged both sides to take advantage of the Malaysia–China visa exemption agreement to boost tourism, especially with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon, and to promote the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme as a lifestyle option for long-term visitors. 'Twenty years is a proud milestone, but more importantly, it is a new beginning. 'Let us make Ipoh–Nanning a model of friendship between cities that brings real benefits to the people,' she added.
The Star
14-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Perak plans microchipping and feeder mapping to tackle stray animal issue
GOPENG: Perak is in the process of examining and finalising two new policy-level initiatives aimed at reducing the stray animal population. State housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng (pic) announced that the first initiative is a proposal to make dog licences contingent on microchipping. "This move aims to introduce a more transparent and responsible pet ownership system," she told reporters after officiating the Perak Pawsite Programme for the Teja constituency on Saturday (June 14). "With microchipping, authorities will be able to trace the owner's identity, vaccination records, and neutering history. "This would allow dogs to be identified and reunited with owners in the event of disturbances, loss, or complaints. "It is also expected to reduce cases of owners abandoning their dogs after obtaining a licence, an act which burdens the community and state resources," she added. The programme is being held from June 13 to June 15 from 9am to 5pm at Dewan Serbaguna Kg Baru Lawan Kuda, Gopeng. Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing and Gopeng assemblywoman Wong Chai Yi were also present. Ng highlighted the second initiative, which involves implementing a feeder mapping system to recognise and regulate individuals who voluntarily feed stray animals. Many feeders have been operating independently for years, often without proper coordination. "In some cases, feeding areas have led to public complaints due to disturbances, hygiene issues, or increasing numbers of strays." "Through this initiative, feeders will be encouraged to register officially with the cooperation of local authorities and animal welfare NGOs. "This will help ensure that feeding areas are monitored, dogs in those zones are neutered, and cleanliness is maintained," she explained. A basic digital platform will be developed to map feeding hotspots, allowing complaints to be addressed more effectively, aid to be channelled accurately, and intervention strategies to be planned in advance. "This is not just a technical effort but also an acknowledgement of the community's role and part of the state's goal of transforming into a smart city," she said. Ng added that the government is currently studying aspects such as cost implications, record management systems, and enforcement methods. "We will finalise it by the end of the year. The priority is to develop a fair, efficient, and enforceable framework for long-term use," she said.
The Star
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Subletting of units under local authorities strictly prohibited, says Perak exco rep
IPOH: Anyform of illegal subletting, whether it involves MyKiosk units, Ramadan bazaar lots, or stalls at markets under the jurisdiction of the local government is strictly prohibited, says Sandrea Ng ( pic ). The state housing and local government committee chairman said if such cases occur, the public are urged to report them to the respective local authorities, so that enforcement action could be taken. Ng said these spaces are meant for those genuinely conducting business, and not for profiteering. 'So we will not take this issue lightly, and if we receive reports on such cases, action will be taken,' she said. Ng also acknowledged that despite various efforts taken, illegal street trading still existed along roadsides, and junctions. She said while the authorities understood the need to earn a living, safety remains a top priority. 'We do not permit trading at intersections or roadsides because of safety and traffic regulations. 'Thus MyKiosk units were introduced to create a better alternative with legal business zones. 'Once traders are relocated, the local authorities must monitor the respective areas to ensure other traders don't occupy the unsafe locations,' she added. She also said that there is a limit to how many businesses a location could support before it becomes overcrowded and unprofitable. 'If someone wants to start a business, we urge them to engage with their local authority. We are open to helping, but proper procedure must be followed,' she said. On another issue, Ng said the authorities were aware of cases of abandoned vehicles in residential and industrial areas. She said these abandoned or unused vehicles left along public roads, including in industrial areas and residential neighborhoods where sometimes workshops operate illegally. 'The core challenge is that, legally, even abandoned vehicles still have registered owners. 'Local authorities must follow due legal process before removing them. This can delay action, even after notices are issued,' she said. Ng said the matter was raised at last year's Housing and Local Government Ministry convention where councils shared best practices. She said they were exploring more efficient ways to resolve this, ideally through better coordination and updated regulations so these vehicles do not become long-term eyesores or hazards. 'We understand the public's frustration and are committed to finding a more comprehensive solution, one that respects property rights but also protects community welfare and urban cleanliness,' she added.
