Give priority to safe communities too, PM urged

THE STAR, WEDNESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2009

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to introduce the idea of safe communities, in line with the 1Malaysia concept.

In a statement yesterday, Lee said the foundation felt that safety and security for all Malaysians should be incorporated in 1Malaysia.

“A 1Malaysia must also mean a safe and secure Malaysia,” he said.

“This can be achieved when the private and public sectors work in partnership to improve safety and health standards in the community,” he added.

Other than the economy, crime was a major concern among Malaysians, said Lee.

“As law enforcement alone is inadequate to tackle crime, the Government has to promote effective social policies and programmes to prevent criminal activities.”

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The reason I decided to post this article from the THE STAR is to highlight a specific point in specific reference to Taman Mutiara Puchong and the dilemma the Residents Association is currently having to deal with.

The following are the main issues and the proposed solution to each issue and the dilemma associated with it:

1. Additional lighting at specific weak areas (dark area caused by insufficient lighting). 6 locations have been selected for the additional lighting by way of installation of additional DB boxes tapping the power from the existing TNB cables through the lamp post as per advice from contractor.
- RA have gone ahead as this is a crucial enhancement for the community to increase visibility after dark thus allowing the security personnel during their rounds to have better vision and as a deterrent to would be trespassers as having these weak areas properly lighted will definitely discourage any would be intruders
PROBLEM/COMPLICATIONS: TNB have instructed the RA to get approval from MPSJ to allow these DB Boxes to be installed in Taman Mutiara Puchong since the said area is in the jurisdiction of MPSJ. TNB will only approve the application once MPSJ have given consent.
SOLUTION: RA have forwarded the application for consent to MPSJ and currently awaiting reply. The RA have also seek the assistance of JKP Zone 9 to ensure that the consent is obtained soonest possible.

2. Upgrading of the current perimeter metal grille portion of the fencing (due to weather beaten/rusting condition/safety concerns)to a high quality galvanized steel weldfence for weather proof antirust fencing.
- RA have gone ahead and installation will commence early October 2009 with the initial phase covering the perimeter wall along Jalan TMP 2A.
- New weldfence design will enhance security and eliminate i) stray dogs due to the design of reduced spacing; ii) eliminate easy access by clinbing; iii) long term saving due to galvanized surface/antirust for at least 10 years
Issue: Handover of TMP still in limbo and non-conclusive after a very prolonged duration. Approval by MPSJ is necessary for the new weldfence installation, application already submitted to MPSJ in June 2009 but reply non-conclusive hence the RA decided unanimously due to the fact that enhancing security and safety for all 2000+ residents in TMP outweighs local council red tape etc.
- new weldfence installation only involves the metal grille mid section and does not change actual structure of the perimeter wall.

3. Upgrading of CCTV system due to current system being obselete
- new system will allow for better image recording and additional cameras will allow monitoring of all individuals and car registration number for total data collection if and when a particular incident arises due to unruly behaviour by visitors or even residents as this will allow for data (video recording) to be used as evidence.
- new system will also allow for remote viewing hence surveillance will be enhanced further since activities in the main guardhouse will be monitored by the security sub committee providing relevant check and balance.

4. Dual Lane Entry application
- The RA have previously submitted application for the said dual lane entry to MPSJ, however the reply is still the same since the "HANDOVER" issue is not resolved therefore resulting in the said application being pending in status awaiting resolution of the handover issue with the developer.
- The RA have recently adopted a proactive approach by seeking for the relevant building plans for the said area of the guardhouse up to the "Kawasan Lapang" near the entry point to the left in order for RA appointed architect/contractor to draft out a proper plan to submit to MPSJ for approval while awaiting the said hansover issue to be resolved (RA have set an objective of resolution by December 2009)
Problem/Complication: MPSJ officer for unknown reason have given us the wrong plans twice on 2 separate occasions. This has resulted in the delay of drafting the said proposal to be forwarded to MPSJ for prior approval subject to the resolution of handover dilemma.

All of the above 4 primary enhancements approved and mandated by the residents through the recently concluded EGM 2009 have long been discussed dating back to 2008 and 2007 (Dual lane entry).

However due to the said complications mentioned the residents in TMP are subjected to unnecessary delay and waiting period which is truly an inconvenience to supportive residents and a boon for defaulters as the security personnel no matter how good they are or professional will always have difficult residents (especially defaulters) to deal with since they are able to block traffic if they are not permitted entry unless proper registration.

The RA is steadfastly pursuing all of the above and with a lot of luck and assistance from JKP Zone 9 and MPSJ, hopes that there will be a positive resolution around the corner before the end of 2009.

ALL OF THE ABOVE IMPLEMENTATION WHEN COMPLETED WILL ENHANCE SECURITY AND SAFETY OF ALL RESIDENTS IN A PROACTIVE WAY WHICH IS CONSISTENT WITH THE RA MOTTO OF PREVENTIION IS THE CURE TO CRIME AND REGARDLESS ALL INHABITANTS OF TAMAN MUTIARA PUCHONG WILL BENEFIT FROM THESE IMPLEMENTATION, YES INCLUDING DEFAULTERS (RA SINCERELY HOPE THAT ALL DEFAULTERS WILL COME TO THEIR SENSES AND MEET WITH THEIR SOCIAL OBLIGATIONS OF PAYING UP).

NOTE: TO ALL CONCERNED RESIDENTS WHOM ARE WONDERING WHAT ACTION THE RA WILL TAKE AGAINST SUCH DEFAULTERS, THE RA IS CURRENTLY FORMULATING A VERY PROACTIVE STRATEGY AND WILL ACT ACCORDINGLY WHEN THE TIME COMES. SUCH MEASURES ARE NECESSARY AND ONLY FAIR TO THE 92% OF RESIDENTS WHOM ARE PAYING ON TIME AND ENSURING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE COMMUNITY.

TAMAN MUTIARA PUCHONG HAVE BEEN CRIME FREE FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS. THIS IS A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT AND HENCE SUPPORT FROM ALL RESIDENTS IS THE ONLY WAY TO GO TO CONTINUE WITH SUCH AN EXCELLENT TRACK RECORD.

THE RA HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN OWNERSHIP OF ALL MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF ALL RESIDENTS AND I WANT ALL RESIDENTS TO REALIZE THAT THIS BOILS DOWN TO THE SUPERB VOLUNTARY EFFORT OF ALL RA MEMBERS WHOM HAVE SERVED SELFLESSLY. KUDOS TO ALL OF THE RA MEMBERS FOR A JOB WELL DONE.

PLEASE CONTINUE YOUR SUPPORT AND PLAY A PART IN ENSURING THAT ALL RESIDENTS CONTINUE TO IMPROVE AND ENHANCE THE COMMUNITY IN YOUR OWN CONSTRUCTIVE AND POSITIVE WAY.