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The Star
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Traffic enforcement blitz in Ampang Jaya
AMPANG Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) issued nearly 4,000 parking-related compounds to errant motorists during a large-scale enforcement operation that took place in several commercial areas. The three-day operation, dubbed 'Ops Terjah Parking', was carried out from July 15 to 17 in Taman Muda, Taman Perindustrian Pandan Indah and Pandan Jaya. In addition to 3,930 compounds, five notices were issued and two vehicles were seized. 'The main offences identified during the operation included failure to pay parking fees and placing vehicles outside designated parking bays. 'Enforcement was carried out under the Road Transport Order (Provision of Parking Spaces) (MPAJ) 2007,' the municipal council said in a statement. The operation involved issuing compounds to vehicle owners who failed to pay parking fees and offering on-site compound payment services. The stronger enforcement drew support from some who said similar operations should be carried out more often in other busy commercial areas. A frequent visitor to Bandar Baru Ampang, Jenny Selvam said the double-parking situation had gotten out of control. 'There are usually parking bays available but some people choose to double park for convenience. This creates unnecessary congestion for others. 'I hope MPAJ will step up enforcement and carry out regular checks,' she said. A check by StarMetro at the Pandan Perdana, Pandan Indah and Ampang Point commercial areas showed a similar need for enforcement. Motorists double-parked or parked along main roads that are not designated for parking. In Pandan Indah, double-parked vehicles interrupted traffic flow, causing congestion. MPAJ, in the same media statement, said the operation would be continued in all gazetted parking areas under its jurisdiction. 'The public is advised to pay parking fees and park within designated bays to avoid obstructing traffic.' Compounds issued must be settled to avoid further action, the local council added. In May, MPAJ towed 29 vehicles during another operation in the Ampang Point area. It also issued 41 compounds to vehicle owners who had parked in back lanes or blocked key access points.
The Star
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Call for Jalan Seelong to get four-lane expansion
Wong says Jalan Seelong is currently a two-lane road connecting Johor Baru and Kulai, making it a busy road. THE recent road accident involving a factory bus ferrying foreign workers has highlighted a need for Jalan Seelong near Senai in Kulai, Johor to be upgraded. Senai assemblyman Wong Bor Yang said the stretch of Jalan Seelong, which is a state road, was no longer safe for road users and could not take the high volume of vehicles using it. 'Over the last few years, Kulai has seen many developments. 'This include high numbers of domestic and foreign investments coming into the district. 'Kulai and in particular Senai will surely gain more from the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), but with more investments coming in, there must be an urgent need to upgrade roads such as Jalan Seelong,' he told StarMetro during a Johor Trucking Association's safety talk programme in Indahpura. Wong added that he recently attended a Kulai district development action committee (JTPD) meeting that discussed current and future development projects. 'However, I was told by a Kulai Public Works Department (JKR) official at the meeting that upgrading Jalan Seelong is not a priority right now. 'This is quite a disappointment as I have also mentioned the upgrade of Jalan Seelong many times at the Johor state assembly,' he said. Jalan Seelong is currently a two-lane road connecting Johor Baru and Kulai, which makes it a busy road. Senai Airport City, which is an industrial and commercial hub, is located along Jalan Seelong. There are also many housing areas and various other development projects nearby, he said. Wong felt that with buses and lorries, the two-lane road was inadequate to accommodate heavy traffic. 'During peak hours, traffic jams also can last up to an hour. 'I have received public complaints from those who have missed their flights due to this,' he said. Wong urged the state government to upgrade Jalan Seelong to a four-lane road to accommodate large traffic volume while making connectivity to nearby districts easier. On July 10, 22 foreign workers were injured after their factory bus swerved into a ditch and turned turtle. Kulai OCPD Asst Comm Tan Seng Lee had said the bus driver lost control of the vehicle when turning out of an intersection in the Jalan Perindustrian Senai 4 accident.
The Star
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Brickfields sports complex reopens
The Brickfields Sports and Recreation Complex at Jalan Tun Sambanthan 1 is finally ready to serve the community. — Filepic AFTER nearly a decade of waiting, the Brickfields Sports and Recreation Complex at Jalan Tun Sambanthan 1, Kuala Lumpur, is at last ready to serve the community. Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) said bookings for the facility open today via the Tempah@KL app, with the public allowed to start using the facility from Saturday. DBKL, in a statement, said the facility was completed early last year and handed over to the local authority in October. 'We had initially opened the complex only for internal departmental use while waiting for the football field to stabilise. 'Although the complex was ready, we held off opening the football field to the public to allow the grass to properly grow and anchor into the soil. 'This was necessary to avoid damage to the turf and ensure a safer playing surface in the long run,' it said. It added that the precautionary measure was taken to ensure users' safety and to protect the long-term sustainability of the field, especially in view of the expected high usage once opened. 'Opening the field too soon, before the grass has matured, could have led to damage such as uprooted patches, which would affect surface quality and players' experience. 'With the grass now fully matured, we are confident the field can handle heavy use without compromising quality or safety,' DBKL said. Besides the football field, the public may also book the futsal and basketball courts via the same platform. The news has been warmly welcomed by residents, especially families and youth groups who have been eagerly awaiting access to the facility. 'This is such great news for the community. We finally have a proper space to play football without having to travel far. 'It's safe, accessible and right in our neighbourhood,' said Yogeswaran Raman, a Brickfields resident and father of two teens. K. Malar Devi said it was nice to have a proper sports facility near a residential area. 'Such facilities are a necessity these days when we are facing a dearth of playing fields with real grass beneath our feet. 'I have been waiting a long time for a space like this, where children, teens and adults can come together,' said the Palm Court Condominium resident. Last week, StarMetro highlighted residents' concerns that the facility remained idle and closed to the public, despite its completed status.
The Star
5 days ago
- Climate
- The Star
Special hats to fight fruit sunburn in Pekan Nanas
A worker showing a dark patch on a pineapple that received too much sun exposure at Lim's farm, which sees many of the fruits wearing 'hats' these days to protect them during the hot months. — THOMAS YONG/The Star FRUIT farmers are adjusting their operational procedures to cope with the scorching temperatures. Pineapple farmer Haleem Lim said April to June were typically the hottest months in Malaysia, which increased the risk of fruit decay if preventive steps were not taken. 'Too much sun exposure will cause the fruits to suffer 'sunburn', meaning they get dark patches on the skin. 'Pineapple species such as MD2, Josapine and Yankee, which have thinner skin, are more vulnerable and susceptible to burns,' he told StarMetro. The 58-year-old, who has been farming pineapples for more than a decade in Pekan Nanas, Pontian in Johor, said the fruits might develop holes in the skin, giving way to mould to spread thus making them inedible. To mitigate this issue, he said the fruits were usually covered about 1.5 months before harvest to minimise risk. 'The trend of putting 'hats' on pineapples started 10 years ago when the climate became increasingly hot. 'These days, it has become part of our procedures for pineapple farmers, especially during the hot months,' he said. He added that some 20 years ago, it was still possible to leave the fruits uncovered year-long without worrying about sun damage. Lim, who also produces pineapple products such as juices, jams and cooking sauces, said an average pineapple planting cycle took about 14 months from planting to harvesting. He said some farmers had taken various steps to adapt to the hot weather, to avoid losses. Meanwhile, Federation of Malaysia Fruit Farmers Association president Koh Lai Ann said proper soil management was essential to ensure healthy fruits and minimise losses due to extreme weather. 'I am a watermelon farmer and face similar challenges. 'As we do not have control over the weather, we adapt by managing soil health using the right tools and organic fertiliser. 'Of course, this increases operating costs but we want to minimise risk – one rotten fruit may cause the fruits in the whole plot to get discarded.' Koh said changing weather patterns were also contributing to the rise in fruit-related diseases. 'With climate change increasingly affecting crop quality, adapting to the weather is necessary to ensure the fruits remain marketable and safe for consumption,' Koh added. Malaysia Meteorological Department director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip had said the main cause for the current hot and humid weather was the southwest monsoon that began on May 10, with the phenomenon expected to continue until September.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Johor stems brain drain to Singapore
EVERY day, thousands of Malaysians make the daily grind across the border into Singapore, driven by the promise of a stronger currency and better career prospects. For many youngsters in Johor, the idea of seeking employment across the Causeway has been deeply ingrained, shaped by years of watching friends and relatives chase better pay. The rising cost of living in the state, especially in Johor Baru, has only made the already attractive plan of working in the neighbouring country even more appealing. Now, with the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) launched, the state government hopes to reverse the long-standing talent outflow by attracting investors to create high-skilled and better-paying jobs at home. Thousands of Malaysians travel across the border for better salaries. — Photos: THOMAS YONG/The Star The JS-SEZ, which encompasses an area of 3,505sq km, is a unique initiative between Malaysia and Singapore to promote both nations and attract investments. Among areas under the JS-SEZ are Johor Baru, Sedenak Tech Park in Kulai, Forest City, Tanjung Pelepas and Pengerang. The key attractions of the special zone will include a passport-free immigration system and improved passenger rail lines between Johor and the city-state. Target sectors of the JS-SEZ include manufacturing, logistics, digital, industry, healthcare and education. In May, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said several investors had agreed to offer premium salaries starting from RM3,500 to local workers under the initiative. StarMetro spoke to young Malaysians preparing to enter the workforce, to find out whether the JS-SEZ along with the premium salary it promises would be enough to change their minds or if Singapore remained the ultimate goal. Better pay beckons For Cheng Kai Neng, working in Singapore is a no-brainer, as his parents and elder siblings have already been working there for years and have even obtained permanent resident (PR) status. 'I have always planned to work there and eventually get my PR. I am not about to change my plan because of the JS-SEZ. 'The salary here, including the ones promised for the JS-SEZ, is significantly lower compared to that offered in Singapore. 'Perhaps if the difference is just a few hundred ringgit, I may still consider it. 'However, as far as I know, the difference is in the thousands. Even my father's starting pay with just a diploma qualification was more than S$2,000, and that was years ago,' said Kai Neng. Asked if there were any initiatives that could encourage him to remain in Johor, the 18-year-old student said he might consider only if he could get a scholarship. 'If the state provides more scholarships that require recipients to work in Johor for a certain number of years, then maybe I will stay. 'Perhaps after working here for a few years, because of the bond, I will eventually enjoy working here and see that it is better than I imagined,' he said. The Form Six student, who scored 9As in his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), said such scholarship offers would also help dozens of students who were unable to enter matriculation locally despite achieving good results. 'I am disappointed as I have worked really hard yet still fell short, and I am not the only one feeling this way. 'That is one of the reasons for my plan to further my studies and work in Singapore, as I know my hard work will guarantee me better opportunities.' Kai Neng believes that is also one of the reasons Malaysia is losing its talents. 'Many disappointed youths turn to other countries after not getting a place in matriculation or public universities,' he said. Ameer is happy to travel back and forth across the Causeway daily for a more secure future. Nineteen-year-old Ameer Mirza Noreswandi said he would consider working in Johor if he could secure a stable job with pay close to what he could get in Singapore. 'I would be happy to work here and not travel back and forth across the Causeway every day, but it is a sacrifice I am willing to make for a more secure future. 'If I can get a job that pays equally well or at least close to what I can earn in Singapore, then maybe I will consider it. 'But from the looks of it, the chances of that happening are pretty slim, as even the so-called premium salary offered is still significantly lower than in Singapore,' he said. Ameer, who plans to pursue a degree in electronics, said he would give himself a few years to weigh his options. 'It will still take a few years for me to complete my studies, and I believe many things can change during that time. 'Perhaps by then, there will be more multinational companies here that can offer better opportunities and pay. 'If I can secure that, I will most likely remain here. If not, then Singapore is the obvious option,' said the student from the Manpower Department (JTM) Advanced Technology Training Centre (Adtec) in Senai. Most of Thenmalar's classmates plan to work in Singapore. Sharing a similar plan is J. Thenmalar, 19, from Negri Sembilan, who is also studying at the JTM Adtec Senai campus. 'The idea of working in Singapore is something I learned after coming here, as many of my classmates seem to have the same plan. 'It is an appealing idea. I plan to do the same after completing my studies,' she said, adding that she will return to her hometown if she is unable to get a job in Singapore. Thenmalar, who hopes to become a graphic designer, said the cost of living in Johor Baru was also higher compared to her hometown. 'Despite the opportunities offered by the JS-SEZ, the cost of living here is high and I don't think the salary offered will be enough to manage that,' she said. Low: JS-SEZ is showing promising signs as some companies have recruited fresh graduates. Fresh graduate from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Johor, Melvin Low Rui Yi, 24, is also drawn to the idea of working in Singapore following his Johorean friends. 'My first option would be to get a job in Singapore, but I will consider working in Johor if I can land a job that offers a decent salary,' he said. Low, who is from Pahang, said the JS-SEZ was already showing promising signs, as some companies based in Johor have started recruiting fresh graduates. 'My friends and I recently attended interviews with one of the companies to try our luck. 'I would be happy to remain in Johor, but the only issue I have is the high cost of living. 'If I don't get a job in Singapore or one that pays well in Johor, I will have to return to Pahang. 'The cost of living here is too high for many, and I believe that is one of the main push factors encouraging Johoreans to seek employment across the Causeway,' he said. Two areas under the JS-SEZ are Forest City and (right) the port at Tanjung Pelepas. — Filepic Hopeful B40 group JTM Adtec English instructor Siti Suraya Hani Mohd Juar believes most of her students still view Singapore as their first option, for now. 'Most of our students come from the B40 category and have a lot of financial burdens to shoulder right after graduating. 'For them, getting a high- paying job is not a matter of choice but of necessity,' she said, adding that the cost of living in Johor was also getting higher by the day. 'I am sure many want to remain in Johor if they have a choice, but the extra income they get from working in Singapore outweighs the time and hassle of travelling,' she said. Siti Suraya says B40 students want high-paying jobs due to their financial burdens. Siti Suraya said the prospect of working in Singapore was particularly appealing to her students who are in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) field. 'Salaries for those in TVET, especially if they only have a certificate, are generally low here and that is very discouraging. 'On the other hand, in Singapore, even if they take up menial jobs, their pay is significantly higher,' she said. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali said the JS-SEZ might help bring more talent back to Johor in the long run. 'Although salaries in Singapore are higher, I believe RM3,500 to RM4,000 is a relatively decent starting salary for fresh graduates, especially since they have yet to gain any working experience. 'This will eventually help us retain talent, and I believe most companies within the JS-SEZ area are capable of offering such salaries. 'However, it also depends on the sector, as some industries may be able to pay more than others,' he said.
