Tuesday, December 27, 2011

双溪龙华小在那里? Where is SJKC Sg Long?







Malaysiakini : 26/12/2011-http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/185025

为了庆祝圣诞节,逾2万人参加了副首相慕尤丁假雪州加影举行的门户开放活动。不过,这次活动也迎来了抗议声,行动党领袖也趁机在场外抗议,要求也是教育部长的慕尤丁兑现诺言,马上兴建双溪龙华小。

慕尤丁表示,国阵政府过去下了苦功才成就了国家团结,因此任何人都不得企图破坏它。

“我们从来没有忽略的重要努力就是在打造强稳的团结环境。我们必须加强过去54年所打造的团结基础基础。
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26-Dec-2012 - Democratic Action Party (DAP) members and residents from Sungai Long and Bandar Mahkota Cheras led by MPKj Councillors Eddie Ng Tien Chee and Lee Kee Hiong sent a very strong reminder to the Deputy Prime Minister cum Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday on the protracted issue of SJKC Sungai Long.
The group of approximately 20 person put up a 'Menteri Pendidikan, dimanakah SJKC kami?' banner in front of Kajang High School when the DPM arrived for a 1Malaysia Christmas celebration about 3pm. Everything went smoothly although the police tried to stop it and a man who is suspected to be from the DPM's entourage tried to manhandle the group, including the use of impolite words on a lady. "We are forced to do so as the school was announced by Ex-MCA Chief Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting in 2008. We still remember he announced it together with Dato' Seri Hishamuddin, the then Education Minister. Unfortunately, there is only lightning without rain until today." Eddie Ng said. Muhyiddin announced in October 2011 that all the relevant documents are ready and will be submitted to MPKj for approval soon but according to Ng, MPKj have not received any application for SJKC Bandar Sungai Long.

Monday, December 5, 2011

20年沒人理 環境亂糟糟 唉!被遺忘的組屋

地點:蕉賴九哩文雅花園組屋

Sources :China Press Metro 03-12-2022
http://www.chinapress.com.my/node/273783

 (加影2日訊)位于蕉賴九哩的文雅花園組屋近20年無人管理,組屋走廊天花板幾乎全破完,導致走廊漏水,大件垃圾堆積在垃圾槽,空置單位更遭人縱火。

 文雅花園有3座共140個單位的組屋,其中A座組屋居民有70%是本地

人,當中以華人居多,還有一些來自東馬的居民。

 由于近20年無人管理,組屋民生問題嚴重,走廊的天花板幾乎全破裂,下雨時雨水直沖走廊,使到走廊滿地水。

 組屋樓下的垃圾槽更被丟棄大件家具,在垃圾車拒收大件家具之后,家具堆積垃圾槽發臭。

幸未殃及隔壁單位

 A座5樓的一個空置單位更在一年前遭人縱火,所幸沒有殃及隔壁單位,不過,火災后的單位一片狼藉,至今沒有人清理,環境十分骯髒。

 住在上述單位隔壁的居民斯里指出,她在一年前搬入組屋時,隔壁的單位已被火燒。

 她說,聽其他居民說,被人縱火的單位之前是戶印裔家庭,他們搬走后沒有將家具一起搬走,之后就被人破壞。

 她說,組屋目前已沒有印度人或印尼人居住,環境也算安全,除了被縱火的單位,5樓其他單位都住滿。

號召居民大掃除

 文雅花園居協主席官朝忠指出,組屋在20年前剛入伙的前幾年,發展商有收每月24令吉的管理費,不過之后便沒有收。

 他說,組屋分A、B、C3座,A座共有50個單位,居協在半年前才知道有人放火燒毀其中一個單位。

 “居協準備在本月11日早上8時,號召居民大掃除,希望居民踴躍參與。”

黃田志:委一業主召集
擬組聯合管理機構

加影市議員黃田志說,市議會建築物委員會將委任其中一名組屋業主召開會議,成立聯合管理機構,若管理機構還是無法成立,市議會將委任私人管理公司管理組屋一年,一年后再協助居民成立聯合管理機構。

 他說,他處理文雅花園組屋問題已兩年,問題至今未能解決,原因是發展商違抗市議會指令成立聯合管理機構,居民也不合作。

 他說,根據2007年建築物及共管產業(維修及管理)第663法令,發展商在交鎖匙的一年內必須成立聯合管理機構,當中至少要有7名業主代表,直到25%的業主申獲分層地契后,才可成立獨立的管理委員會。

 他說,一旦發展商沒有遵守條例,可被罰款最高2萬令吉或監禁3個月或兩者兼施。

要求增設2垃圾桶

 “由于這個組屋的發展商沒有遵守條例,市議會決定委任其中一名業主召集業主成立聯合管理機構。”

 至于組屋屋頂及天花板破爛問題,他已向州政府申請組屋援助計劃,在這項計劃下,州政府負責80%的組屋維修費,業主只需負責20%的維修費。

 他指出,申請這項援助計劃的條件是必須要有聯合管理機構或居協,以及申請維修費的20%。

 談到組屋垃圾問題時,他說,市議會在今年撥出部分款項增購190個660公升的大型垃圾桶,他將為文雅花園組屋要求兩個垃圾桶。

 他提醒民眾,可將準備丟掉,但仍可用的大型家具捐給慈善機構。

Friday, November 18, 2011

地點:愛蘭鎮組屋. 前管理層未繳地稅 土地被充公組屋賣不得Residents enjoy free water after three years

Sources : China Press 18-11-2011 http://www.chinapress.com.my/node/269571
The Star 18-11-2011 http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/11/18/central/9926175&sec=central

(加影17日訊)過去20年欠缺管理的愛蘭鎮組屋,因前管理層在20年前未繳交地稅,導致該組屋土地遭州政府充公,造成業主房屋有價也賣不得。

 愛蘭鎮組屋有4座共280個組屋單位,大部分居民是華裔,組屋在80年代建竣后,居民在1986年遷入。

 由于當時的組屋發展商在居民入伙后不久就倒閉,因此,組屋長時間缺乏妥善管理,業主至今未申獲分層地契。

 愛蘭鎮組屋聯合管理機構主席洪健鴻指出,居民在1986年遷入組屋,最初3年都有繳交地稅給當時發展商委任的管理層,不料之后發展商倒閉,管理層也解散。

 他說,組屋居民在加影市議員黃田志的協助下,于去年9月籌組聯合管理機構,向雪州水供公司申請個別水錶,以便享有雪州政府提供的首20立方米免費水供。

 他說,如今4座組屋中,C座與B座組屋的單位已在上個月成功申獲個別水錶,開始享有首20立方米的免費水供,A座與D座組屋單位則還欠一些文件未收齊。

 他促請仍未交完所需文件,包括買賣合約、身分證副本及門牌稅單的業主,儘快呈給該機構,以便該機構儘快處理。

 “我們較后也發現組屋土地在20年前因沒有繳交地稅,已被州政府充公,接下來我們要處理的是重新向州政府申請組屋土地。”

黃田志將率領管理層
瞭解申請組屋土地詳情

加影市議員黃田志說,他將在周五(18日)早上率領愛蘭鎮組屋聯合管理機構的成員到土地局,了解如何向州政府重新申請組屋的土地,之后再協助業主申請分層地契。

 他說,這是項非常複雜的程序,估計需要一兩年的時間才能解決。

 他說,組屋發展商在20年前因沒有繳交地稅,造成組屋土地遭州政府充公,估計這些年來組屋欠下的地稅高達100萬令吉。

 他已向雪州行政議員劉天球及依斯干達反映組屋的問題,州政府同意豁免這筆欠稅。

 他說,如今業主要向州政府重新申請土地,必須繳交地價,州政府將以象徵式的收費徵收地價,協助業主重新申獲組屋土地。

 至于組屋的水供問題,他說,聯合管理機構在今年4月申請個別水錶,B座與C座共120個單位終于成功申獲個別水錶。

 他促請A座與D座的業主,儘快向聯合管理機構呈上所需文件,因為一個單位的文件未齊將影響全體單位的申請。

 他指出,水供公司在個別水錶申請表格中,列出表格必須由村長或國陣3成員黨即馬華、巫統及國大黨支部主席認證,他認為水供公司此舉存有偏差。

 “若水供公司認為必須由政黨認證申請,那麼應該允許各政黨認證,而非單單由國陣這3個成員黨來認證。”

THE residents of Taman Alam Jaya flats in Batu 9 Cheras are finally getting to enjoy the 20 cubic metres of free water supply after three years of its implementation.

It was made possible through Kajang municpal councillor Eddie Ng’s intervention in helping to set up a joint management body for the four blocks of flats.

The Taman Alam Jaya flats management body set up last year helped to change from bulk to individual meters.

Ng said the flats did not have a proper management body for a long time to take care for building maintenance and residents’ needs.

Finally: The residents from Taman Alam Jaya flats collecting payment receipts from Syabas for chaning bulk meters to individual ones.

“Now the management body is able to collect the needed documents for the meter change so that they can enjoy the water perks,” Ng told reporters yesterday.

Now two blocks — B and C with 120 households, are enjoying the free water, while blocks A and D are getting the meters changed.

Ng said the documents needed for the change were sales and purchase agreement, copy of the identity card and the assessment tax payment slip.

“The management is still gathering documents from the other two blocks. We urge those who have not submitted the documents to do so immediately,” he said.

Ng also said due to the developer’s failure to pay the quit rent for the buildings since 1987, the land now belonged to the state government.

However, Ng said state local government committee chairman Ronnie Liu had promised to help settle the matter.

He said the joint management body had been told to re-apply for the land at the district office.

“That will be the first step and it is a complicated issue and may take about two years to be resolved. We will help the residents to get the strata titles,” said Ng, adding that he would bring the flats joint management body chairman Ang Kian Ang to meet the district officers for further advice.

Monday, November 14, 2011

反對收費站運動午宴 ‧ 蕉賴民行吁3區居民 合力要求拆收費站


Sources : China Press Metro 14-11-2011 http://www.chinapress.com.my/node/268304

(無拉港13日訊)蕉賴民主行動黨呼吁蕉賴、沙登及烏魯冷岳區居民,再度發揮當年推翻皇冠城封路路障的人民力量,要求首相拿督斯裡納吉廢除蕉賴─加影大道兩個收費站。

 由加影市議員黃田志、李繼香從今年6月發起的廢除大道運動,數月來在蕉賴、加影各區向群眾收集簽名,迄今已取得8萬個簽名的成績,寄望在本月內能再籌獲2萬個簽名,達致10萬簽名的目標,並在12月呈交首相,表達人民渴望廢除收費站的心聲。

 週日出席這場反對收費站運動午宴的有來自無拉港、蕉賴、烏冷岳區的華團代表及居民,現場聚集超過百人。

 蕉賴區國會議員陳國偉、沙登區國會議員張念群、無拉港州議員葉南進、加影市議員李亞成、陳佐翰及伊斯蘭黨杜順大選區協調員莫哈末建等人,輪流為出席者發表演說。

 黃田志以中國為例,他說中國限定貸款興建的大道收費不能超過15年,倘若在15年內已回本,必須拆除收費站,私營大道的收費期限不能超過25年。

 “但種種資料顯示格連沙嘉大道截至2010年的收費,足以回本並賺取2億令吉的淨盈利,8月首相到訪士毛月和杜順大時曾表示會考慮廢除一個加影收費站,顯然他還不清楚,我們要的廢除兩個收費站。”

 他說,首相提出以民為本,績效為先口號,但數據卻顯示,國陣政府提倡的是“工程為本,口袋為先”。

 他呼吁各區華團代表及村長積極協助籌集簽名,只要人民堅持下去,遲早能廢除加蕉大道。

 他說,廢除收費站是項不分政黨、種族的運動,行動黨日前已發出邀請函給沙登馬華區部,邀請出席午宴,但無人赴約讓他感到失望。

陳國偉吁鏟除貪污

蕉賴區國會議員陳國偉,也是當年廢除蕉賴美達花園收費站運動的發起人,他疾呼人民必須發起猶如當年勇敢廢除皇冠城路障的力量,將國陣政府的貪污腐敗鏟除,獲得出席者的歡呼叫好。

 陳國偉說,根據國會的書面回答,格連沙嘉大道在過去,因皇冠城事件及政府要求大道公司減低調漲收費幅度的事件上,分別獲得兩年延長收費及1億0515萬令吉的賠償。

 “直至最近,政府再度允許延長大道公司3年的收費期,意味著收費合約將從2027年再度延長至2030年,蕉賴、加影的居民必須再承受19年的付過路費生活。”

 他指出,該大道公司從1999年獲准收費,截止去年12月其收費總額達5億8510萬令吉,及政府賠償的1億0515萬令吉,大道公司的收益總數 為6億多,扣除成本2億8200萬令吉,仍賺取4億0865萬令吉,尚未計算兩度延長合共5年的收費期,大道公司不僅回本有餘,更是狂賺驚人的利潤。

 “一個以民為本和富有責任心的政府,應時刻以人民的福利為依歸,但從數據可見,國陣政府開了倒車,罔顧人民每日經過兩個收費站才能回家的痛苦,延長收費期無疑是增加人民負擔,試問天理何在?”

賠償大道公司不值
★沙登區國會議員張念群

首相甫上任不久為人民捎來的好消息指,南北大道未來5年將不會調漲收費,但實際上政府需要根據合約,在今年賠償2億令吉給大道公司,明年則賠償3億4300萬令吉,增加71%的幅度驚人。

 試問接著下來數年,政府要繼續賠償多少錢給大道公司?這些是人民的納稅錢,私營化成為了人民的負擔。

 大馬公務人員體系龐大,步向希臘的后塵,也加重人民負擔,若人民能在308之后,依靠雙手力量推翻皇冠城的路障,也能繼續以這股力量廢除加蕉大道。

回家仍需付費痛苦
★李繼香

發起這場反對收費站運動,是因為蕉賴九英哩獨立洋房居民,向他們表示無法忍受每日回家需經過收費站的痛苦。

 試問連獨立洋房的居民都無法忍受,那些組屋的居民又如何忍受得了?我們過去跑了超過30次的夜市,收集各區居民的簽名,這是一分力量,我們必須堅持。

 除了反對蕉加收費站運動,民主行動黨發起的全國反對收費站聯盟仍在繼續運作。

Friday, October 28, 2011

難民醉酒滋事高空拋物‧黃田志:干擾生活令人頭痛

Sin Chew Jit Poh 27-10-2011

http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/node/162744?tid=6

(雪蘭莪‧加影26日訊)烏魯冷岳是雪州內擁有最多難民居住的地區,共有超過8千人,包括在愛蘭鎮商業區內造成的民生問題,給社區造成困擾。

加影市議員黃田志指出,加影市議會管轄範圍內面對許多難民的問題,而居住在該區的難民主是來自緬甸。他們在深夜酒醉後滋事,以及從高空亂拋垃圾的問題最令人頭痛。

他說,烏魯冷岳擁有超過8千名難民的數據,是日前出席市議會監督投訴會議的4名聯合國難民最高專員署(UNHCR)代表所提供的數據,惟在愛蘭鎮到底有多少人則不得而知。

策劃進行大掃除

黃田志表示,愛蘭鎮商業區內自從從本月16日起換了收垃圾的承包商後,在短短4天內收了18次的垃圾,每次平均可以回收1噸的垃圾左右。

“承包商指在清潔後隔日,往往商業區內又再出現滿地垃圾。聯合國難民最高專員署的代表也表示接到了有關的投訴。

因此,他們開始在社區策劃進行大掃除的工作,由居住在該處的難民參與,並希望市議會能提供相關用具。”

成立難民工作隊

另外,黃田志表示,加影市議會也已經接到投訴,有難民在深夜酒後惹是生非,因此聯合國難民最高專員署在較早之前已經要求社區內的難民自行成立工作隊伍。

他指出,這個工作隊伍目前已經開始投入運作,比方說,一旦難民發現家人或其他身邊的人沒有回家,就可通知工作隊伍的理事去尋找他們。

“這個工作隊就像是志願警衛團的功能,用意就是要讓難民們自行監督社區內的難民。”

他說,未來若有任何關於難民的投訴,加影市議會都會與聯合國難民最高專員署互相配合,以期能解決問題。

陳倡翰:紓解交通
商業區道路應改單行道

另一方面,首都鎮商業區面對的塞車問題也在監督投訴會議上討論。加影市議員陳倡翰提出建議,將商業區內的道路改成單行道,以改善繁忙時間的交通擁擠問題。

黃田志透露,加影市議會主席已經即時針對這項建議,要求策劃小組作出研究,以確定其可行性。

“如果確定可行,市議會就會按照程序豎立告示牌告知民眾,然後再落實改道的事,並希望有關研究可在下個月出爐。”

黃田志表示,該處平日擁有巴剎、商業區與華小,因此繁忙時間的車流量非常高。

霸佔後巷覆蓋排水系統
申請庭令拆除擴建架構

另一方面,黃田志表示,斯嘉柏蘭嶺花園的一間雙層排屋因非法擴建至佔領後巷位置與覆蓋排水系統,經過當局發出通知與傳票都不獲理會後,當局將申請庭令來拆除有關擴建的架構。

他解釋,由於擴建的部份與原本的建筑物架構是連起來的,執法人員拆除時恐影響原本的架構,因此將向副檢查署提呈申請,以獲得庭令來拆除。

“另外一個類似的個案,則是山力花園的一間店屋,擴建到霸佔走廊的位置,但擴建出來的只是採用玻璃圍起來,不會影響建筑物整體架構,因此市議會將在下個月的傳票屆滿後前往拆除。”(星洲日報/大都會)

Saturday, October 22, 2011

The Star Twisted My Statement

TNB proposed to the state government to shift the 275/132KV hi-tension transmission to a new route after facing protest by the residents at Cheras Hartamas. The alternative route proposed is through Batu 9, Cheras area, whereby Taman Cuepacs, Taman Masria, Taman Okid, Taman Sungai Sering, Venice Hill, Kampung Sungai Raya and others will be affected.

A petition signing session was called on 20th October 2011 at Taman Okid, where I have invited the local media to. The Star Metro, on 22nd October 2011 quoted me saying that ‘the residents want TNB to revert to its original plan to locate the pylon in Cheras Hartamas’. This is untrue. My statement during the press conference was very clear that we do not want the pylon to be built in our residential area and we want TNB to come out with better alternatives so that residential areas can be avoided. I do not want the hi-tension transmission to pose hazard to anyone.

I am also curious on why TNB had only invited certain residents and state assemblyman from UMNO to attend the public hearing held on 16th October 2011 at Dewan Bandaran Kajang when the Member of Parliament for Hulu Langat is Dr Che Rosli Bin Che Mat from PAS. Three Kajang Municipal Councillors including myself, whose zones are involved were neither invited nor informed as well.

The dispute would not happen if the previous state government paid more attention to the welfare of the residents. This can be avoided if they were more concerned of local reaction when they approved the original route for the project back in year 2007.

Furthermore, I would like to commend the current state government for instructing TNB to organize a public hearing before making any decision. This shows that they truly care for the people in every aspect.

33千瓦电缆提升至275千瓦 蕉赖两区商民抗议国能计划


Source:Nanyang Siang Pao 21-10-2011
http://www.nanyang.com/node/391901?tid=460

(加影20日讯)蕉赖胡姬及尔玛斯花园(Taman Emas)商民拉横幅抗议,反对国能提升当地原有33千瓦电缆至275千瓦,也不满当局在处理蕉赖区高压电缆计划上“黑箱作业”,未广泛通知居民出席早前举行的听证会。

当地商民今日在加影市议员黄田志陪同下,举行和平请愿及签名运动,反对国能在本月16日举办听证会上提出的替代路线,即电缆将避开蕉赖金山高原(Cheras Hartamas),却需提升蕉赖胡姬花园现有电缆。

黄田志指出,根据州政府于2007年批准的路线,电缆将从康乐花园途经金山高原、大成园(Taman SegarJaya)、森林保留地、合大岭(Bukit Hartamas)直达皇冠城,全长12公里。

他说,金山高原一带居民于两年前反对此高压电缆路线,雪州经济行动理事会则于两个月前,要求国能寻找新路线。

“令人遗憾的是国能在听证会上声称,是蕉赖金山高原居民提出新路线建议,并已获州政府批准。”

煽动两区居民情绪

黄田志炮轰国能企图煽动两区居民情绪,在蕉赖胡姬及尔玛斯花园居民提出强烈反对后,将根据最初计划建设高压电缆。

他强调,国能在听证会举行前3天,才通知蕉赖尔玛斯花园其中一名居民,众民联议员一律不获通知。

“我们在听证会上才得知,最新的替代路线将有4至5间民宅被拆除,国能若把电缆提升至275千瓦,则有超过1000户人家受影响。”

黄田志指出,国能及前朝州政府当年若举行听证会,事情就不会演变成今日局面。

“我们将把今日收集的签名,呈交给雪州大臣丹斯里卡立。”

Saturday, October 15, 2011

公众聚集蕉赖皇冠城主要进出口 收集签名反大道延长收费


Sources : Nanyang Siang Pao 15-10-2011

http://www.nanyang.com.my/node/390263?tid=511

(加影14日讯)超过50名公众聚集蕉赖皇冠城主要进出口,冒着生命危险向驾驶者收集签名,反对政府“静悄悄”批准格连沙加大道公司延长3年收费。

自皇冠城开路事件后,皇冠城主要进出口不曾如此热闹,同时也罕见聚集大批警察。惟今午加影市议员黄田志和李继香率领逾50名民众,在皇冠城主要进出口高举横幅呼吁大家支持倒大道活动,引起注目。

公众手持多条写着“全民倒TOLL不要大盗收费站”、“Projek Didahulukan Poket Diutamakan”及“工程为本口袋为先”的横幅,高调展开这项活动。

适逢下班的交通高峰时段,四面八方来往车辆如常塞在各路口,大部分车辆及罗里司机也纷纷鸣笛以示支持,场面喧闹。

这项反对延长收费站合约及收集签名活动除了引起公众注意,也引来警方及格连沙加大道公司关注,两造收到消息后,在活动于下午5时前展开已先抵现场。

现场有近50名警员分布在主要进出口及格连沙加高架天桥上下两方,如临大敌,而大道公司也派职员观察环境,就连平时鲜少出现在主要进出口维持秩序的交警,也赶往现场指挥交通。

当民众开始高举大字报时,负责领队的警员阿兹里即刻上前交涉,双方商谈后达成协议,警方允许民众若不不破坏秩序,可以展开为时20分钟的活动。

不过,当市民到车龙中向驾驶者收集签名时,一批警员即刻冲上前抓人。当时黄田志及大批民众也神速蜂拥上前,气氛一度紧张。

庆幸的是大家仍保持冷静,没有发生不快事件,而原本气氛紧张的集会维持40分钟后,和平结束。

黄田志谴责政府 悄悄允许延长收费

黄田志谴责政府在爆发了皇冠城主要进出口事件后,竟然静悄悄允许格连沙加大道公司原本在2027年的收费至2030年。

“如果不是民主行动党蕉赖区国会议员在国会提问此问题,延长收费站合约的事,根本不会浮出台面。”

他讽刺说,政府刚说要检讨收费站但另一厢却暗地里延长收费站合约,这是表里不一的做法。

“到底国阵成员党有多少次在国会提问有关收费站及反对收费站?为何每次都只有民联领袖在国会提出?”

另外,黄田志也说,中国一个没有政治对手的国家,早在2004年施行“收费公路管理条例”,所有的收费站不能超过15年,如果收费站在限期前还清贷款就得停止收费。

他说,国阵政府应向中国学习,不要偏袒私营的大道公司。

警员欲逮捕民众 劝阻被恶劣相向

黄田志说,当时有警员欲逮捕他的同僚,当他上前劝阻时,对方采取非常恶劣态度并阻止他们向驾驶者收集签名。

获允许才收集签名

“我告诉该名警员,我们是得到允许才收集签名,我也劝请对方要收敛他的恶劣及无礼行为,毕竟他们是纪律部队。”

李继香质疑政府延长大道合约标准

李继香则质疑到底政府以什么标准延长大道合约,而且为何大道公司可以主要路口开通后车流减少为由,延长收费。

“早2009年,每天平均有20万车流经过各连沙加大道,到了2010年,车流增加至22万1000车流,到底何为流失车流?”

李继香说,只有公开合约,让人民一目了然才是最透明的做法。

新闻背景

蕉加大道2013年或调整收费

日前公共工程部长拿督斯里沙兹曼针对蕉赖区国会议员陈国伟的提问回答,截至2010年12月31日,蕉加大道所收取的过路费达到5亿5855万令吉,比预计的6亿1340万令吉来的低。而且车流量也只有8亿970万辆,比预计的8亿2280万辆还要低。

有关书面回答还提到,蕉加大道收费站将会在2013年调整收费,工程部正研究各项方案以减低消费者的负担。

延长大道收费也导致蕉赖、乌鲁冷岳、沙登和敦拉萨四个国会选区的花园住宅区居民受到影响。

蕉加大道收费站合约是从1995年9月18日至2025年9月18日,可是在两项“突发”情况下,大道合约被延长至2030年。

原本在2002年检讨调涨大道收费被搁置,以致大道收费站合约被延长2年,从2025年延长至2027年。而大道公司在两年的维修费是1亿4730万令吉,不过政府却在2002年不让大道涨价而赔偿大道公司共1亿515万令吉。

另外,大道公司也在12年内赚了2亿6135万令吉。

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

10 'Bersih T-shirt' councillors given a discharge/身穿黄色净选盟T恤遭提控 10名加影市议员获得假释


Sources : Malaysiakini 05102011

http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/177767

Ten councillors from the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) were this morning given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal by the Kajang magistrate’s court on a charge of “displaying a pictorial and written statement through a shirt for the interest of an unlawful organisation, that is Bersih 2.0".

The 10 had donned Bersih T-shirts during a council meeting on June 29 and were charged a week later, under Section 74(1) of the Societies Act 1966, with displaying symbols or propaganda of an unlawful society.

When contacted, the group’s lawyer Lim Lip Eng (right) said magistrate A Akhiruddin @ Boy Acho made the decision after deputy public prosecutor Mohd Azahari Harun asked for a discharge not amounting to an acquittal.

“When we came to the court, the DPP told the magistrate that he had instructions from the Attorney-General’s Chambers to apply for a discharge not amounting to an acquittal,” said Lim.

This, he said, comes a week after he sent a letter to the AG's Chambers, calling for the charges to be dropped.

"I objected, as I wanted a discharge amounting to acquittal because the charge was defective. They wore the Bersih T-shirts on June 29 but Bersih's illegal declaration was only effective on July 1."

'DPP refused to explain discharge'

Lim said he challenged the DPP to explain the defect but was told that there was no need to argue as the case would no longer go on.

"From the reaction and answer of the DPP, I feel it is political prosecution," said Ng Tien Chee, one of the 10 councillors.

Another, Lee Kee Hiong, was still upset despite the decision.

"We are unhappy. We should have been acquitted and discharged, not given a discharge not amounting to acquittal... the DPP should have been a gentleman," she said.

The other eight are Zulfikar Ali Ariffin, Ong Seng Peng, Lee Learn Eng, Tan Boon Wah, Razaly Hassan, ST Chandra Mohan, Chan Jeong Hon and Mohd Mohiddin Mohd Misbah.

Also part of the legal team was Mohamed Hanipa Maidin.

Lim, who is Segambut MP, said initially 11 individuals were supposed to be charged but Cheong Seow Foon could not make it to court and was told he would be charged at a later date.

"It's very ridiculous... he was not charged after that," said Lim.

Today's decision comes after the a sessions court in Kuantan last month discharged two individuals for wearing Bersih T-shirts, but also refused to acquit them.

Sources : Malaysiakini 05102011

http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/177775

因为身穿黄色净选盟T恤而被控的10名加影市议员今日获得加影推事庭宣判假释。不过,推事庭并未完全撤销他们的控状。

10名加影市议员分别是祖菲卡阿里(Zulfikar Ali Ariffin)、王声宾、李仁英、陈文华、拉查里哈山(Razaly Hassan)、詹德拉莫汉(ST Chandra Mohan)、李继香、陈倡翰、莫哈末莫西丁(Mohd Mohiddin Mohd Misbah),以及黄田志。

他们是在629日和其他6名市议员身穿净选盟T恤出席加影市议会的每月会议,所以被警方援引1966年社团法令第471)条文提控。

他们的罪名是通过T恤展示非法团体净选盟的文字和图像。一旦罪成,他们有可能被判最高5000令吉,或坐牢2两年,或是两者兼施。

10名市议员的代表律师林立迎今早受询时表示,加影推事阿基鲁丁(A Akhiruddin @ Boy Acho)是副检察官莫哈末阿查哈里要求宣判假释后,作出这项决定。

当我们来到法庭时,副检察官告诉推事,他接获总检察署的指示,申请法庭宣判假释。

这也是最新一宗身穿黄色净选盟T恤人士获得假释的案件。早前,因为同样罪名被控的回教党刁曼区部署理主席法兹里(Mohd Fadzli Mohd Ramly),以及砂州公正党美里区部秘书朱海达也获得推事庭宣判假释

指弟弟欠債被打傷‧“阿窿”騙女子7500元 / Terpedaya Panggilan Palsu

Source : http://www.guangming.com.my/node/114933?tid=14

(吉隆坡4日訊)一名女子日前接獲一通來自“大耳窿”的勒索來電,指“弟弟”因欠錢不還而被他們打得頭破血流。她在驚慌下,奉上7500令吉巨款後聯絡上弟弟,才知道後者好端端的在公司上班。根據警方表示,單憑一通來電顯示並無法尋獲真兇,女子的巨款恐怕血本無歸。

儘管報章上一再的報導老千的行騙手段,但仍有不少人被同樣的欺騙手法騙走血汗錢,而受害人在受訪期間,也坦承她並不常留意報章新聞,才會輕易上當。

指弟弟當擔保人

受害人羅鳳娟(30歲,銷售人員)在記者會上聲稱,上週四(29日),中午12時,她的母親接獲一通沒有顯示電話號碼的來電,對方一開始就哭喊著說“阿媽,我給人抓了,他們打到我的頭流血了,我現在呼吸很困難,你快叫他們送我去醫院。”

由於對方一直哭訴,母親也聽不清楚,就將電話轉交給她接聽。

“在我接聽後,對方也是說同樣的話。我便問他你為甚麼會被抓,他說他當朋友的擔保人,並表示他甚麼也不知道。”

羅鳳娟表示,較後她叫“弟弟”讓她和大耳窿交談,一名口操廣東話的男子說,弟弟兩個月前當別人的擔保人,借了1萬5000令吉,現在借款人不見蹤影,而她“弟弟”也無法償還,所以將他毒打一頓。

她說,當時她還與對方理論,應該找的人是欠款人,就算欠錢也不該將人打成重傷。

對方說是“弟弟”一直拖延償還限期,他才會出此下策。

“我向對方表示願意負起責任,但我要親眼看到弟弟才願意全數付款,但對方以不信任為由,拒絕接受我的建議。”

她指出,對方指示她前往銀行提款後,馬上到蕉賴康樂花園的百貨商場,並將錢放在肯德基前的拿督公後馬上離開。

從頭到尾,都不讓她有放下電話的機會。

“我向對方表示,我得先到銀行檢查我是否有足夠現金。

而且,我不可能一次過交完所有款項,擔心最後弟弟仍會遭到不利對待,但對方堅持要將1萬5000令吉提出,分成兩包處理。”

堅持看到弟弟才多付7500元

羅鳳娟表示,她後來仍是堅持只將一半現金放在拿督公前,並要在親眼看到弟弟後,才付另外7500令吉。

“對方表示他已派人將我弟弟送往診療所,現在還在縫針中,因此不能快速出現,並叫我給錢快快離開,而當我回到家中時,對方已掛上電話。”

當時,她馬上致電弟弟詢問情況,弟弟在電話那一頭,毫不知情更表示他一直都在上班,並沒有發生事故,她才知道自己受騙。

可央人代聯絡肉票求證

行動黨加影市議員黃田志呼吁公眾,在面對同樣的情況時應保持冷靜,就算對方不讓你有機會放下電話,至少也寫一張字條,要求其他人代勞聯絡弟弟。

他週二(4日)陪同受害人召開記者會時提到,老千利用親情的心理術讓受害者上當。

當事人雖然是對此事半信半疑,但還是因為擔心弟弟的安危而根據指示奉上現金。

羅鳳娟因在電話中詢問“弟弟”身份時,提及弟弟的名字,以致對方乘虛而入連聲應是,讓在混亂中的她沒時間思考,只能聽從對方的指示。

“我呼吁公眾提高警惕,若遇上類似狀況,可寫字條請家人或銀行職員聯絡,以確保親人是否安全。”

另外,羅鳳娟在事發後前往警局報案,期望討回一個公道,惟警方表示,單憑一通沒電話號碼的來電顯示,是無法查到真兇的下落。

“我認為,警方這樣的說法是個很不負責任的行為,若警方也無法揪出真兇,那市民以後還可依靠誰?我將針對有關警方不負責任的回應,向雪州警方投訴,同時我也會與警方跟進案件的進展。”

因此,他呼吁警方認真看待這類案件,以免不法之徒食髓知味,越來越猖狂。(光明日報)

Sources : Sinar Harian 06-10-2011
http://www.sinarharian.com.my/sh/selangor/content/story9605609.asp

KAJANG – Rasa bimbang seorang kakak tentang keselamatan adik lelakinya setelah menerima panggilan telefon memaklumkan adiknya dipukul oleh ceti haram menyebabkannya kerugian kira-kira RM7,500.

Mangsa, Loh Foong Khia, 30, yang tinggal di Taman Segar Perdana Cheras, dekat sini berkata, dalam kejadian 29 September lalu, seorang lelaki Cina menelefon memaklumkan kepadanya mengenai keadaan adik lelakinya yang parah akibat dipukul ceti haram.

“Lelaki berkenaan memaklumkan adik lelaki saya membuat pinjaman ceti haram kira-kira RM15,000 dan gagal menjelaskan pinjaman berkenaannya serta mengarahkannya melangsaikan hutang bagi mengelakkan kejadian buruk berlaku.

“Saya cuba menghubungi talian telefon bimbit adik namun gagal dan bimbang dengan keselamatan adik saya menuruti arahannya dengan membayar wang RM7,500 dahulu dan bakinya hanya akan dihantar setelah adik lelaki saya balik ke rumah dengan selamat.

“Lelaki berkenaan kemudiannya bersetuju dan mengarahkan saya menghantar wang berkenaan ke sebuah Tokong Cina di Taman Connaught,” katanya pada sidang media di Pusat Khidmat Masyarakat Ahli Majlis Perbandaran Kajang (MPKj) Zon 2, Ng Tien Chee.

Menurutnya, selepas menghantar wang dan pulang ke rumah, lelaki berkenaan memaklumkan adik lelakinya akan pulang ke rumah dalam tempoh 30 minit.

“Setelah hampir 30 minit menunggu namun adik tetapi tidak muncul menyebabkan saya membuat panggilan ke telefon bimbitnya dan terkejut apabila memaklumkan keadaannya selamat dan berada di kedai.

“Adik saya juga memaklumkan dia tidak pernah berurusan dengan ceti haram apatah lagi membuat pinjaman wang dan menyedari keadaan ini keesokan harinya saya membuat laporan di Balai Polis Batu 9, Cheras,” katanya.

Sementara itu, Tien Chee berkata, masyarakat dinasihatkan usah mudah terpedaya dengan kejadian seumpama itu hingga menyebabkan kerugian wang.

“Seharusnya kita mendapatkan maklumat terlebih dahulu atau merujuk kepada pihak bertanggungjawab sebelum mengambil keputusan.

“Kita akan cuba membantu mangsa dan mengharapkan mereka yang pernah menjadi mangsa agar membuat laporan di balai polis berhampiran bagi memudahkan siasatan dilakukan,” katanya.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Family fears monsoon may lead to more trees crashing down

The Star Metro 15th September 2011

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/9/15/central/9490918&sec=central


IN AUGUST, a big tree fell on Umapathy S. Ganapathy’s home and damaged a large portion of the house in Taman Cuepacs, 9th Mile Cheras.

Now, a month later and in anticipation of the monsoon season, Umapathy’s family is having sleepless nights after the ordeal they had gone through.

Damaged home: The kitchen ceiling was damaged by a fallen tree. Fortunately no one was injured.

“The incident happened on Aug 13 at about 6.30pm. My family and I were in the living room when we heard a loud thud like the sound of a thunder. Upon checking, we found a large tree had been uprooted from the steep slope behind our house and had damaged our kitchen,” Umapathy recalled.

According to the 50-year-old retired postman, it was raining heavily at the time of the incident.

“We had a huge branch in the kitchen where it had fallen and damaged the roof and ceiling. Another two areas, one in the bathroom and another in the bedroom, were also damaged badly,” he said.

Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) workers came at 9.30pm the same day to cut the tree, leaving most of the branches behind Umapathy’s house.

Left uncleared: Umapathy showing what remains of the tree that was uprooted from the steep slope behind his home during a heavy storm.

“If any of my family had been in the back portion of the house when it happened, they could have been injured very badly. Now, we are worried that the other trees on the slope will also be uprooted if it rains heavily daily,” he said.

Umapathy is hoping the authorities will build a retaining wall and cut down the trees as a safety measure for those living there.

He also said that it was very hard for him to clear the remaining tree branches behind his house as it was hemmed in on all sides without any backlane.

“Although these houses have been here for more than 20 years, we still do not have certificates of fitness (CF). I believe this is because there is no backlane and this raises safety concerns,” he said.

Umapathy added that fixing the roof of his house had cost him RM9,000 and he could not afford another such incident to happen.

MPKj councillor Eddie Ng, who visited the house on Tuesday, said the problem was a result of bad town planning in the past.

“There is no consideration for safety. The distance between the slope and the house is not more than 20 feet. This is too close for comfort,” he said.

He said the slope was owned by the Pasukan Gerakan Am (PGA) and he would get MPKj to hold a meeting between them and the affected houseowners as well as the residents’ association.

“As a short term measure, we will get PGA to cut down the trees on the slope. We have been sending letters to them for the past two years to do this,” he said.

He added that about three months ago, MPKj had hired a contractor to cut down the big trees along the same slope.

“It was not possible to carry this out on the slope behind the row of houses where Umapathy’s house is because the residents have blocked off the back area to create backyards,” Ng said.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Land owner to stabilise slope next to church



13/9, The Star, Metro http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/9/13/central/9483552&sec=central

By OH ING YEEN
ingyeen@thestar.com.my


TAMAN MUDUN, Batu 9 Cheras residents heaved a sigh of relief when the owner of a piece of land with a landslide-prone slope agreed to carry out measures to stabilise it.

The slope is situated adjacent to the Mudun Chinese Methodist Church where about 400 parishioners, including children and adults, gather for service and meetings every Sunday.

In June, Rev Kok Chin Ming, was alerted by residents about a landslide. When he arrived at the scene, he saw fallen trees and large rocks that had rolled down the slope after continuous rain.

According to Albert Lim, a resident who has been living opposite the 500m-long slope along Jalan Semalu for 28 years, there have been minor landslips for the past 10 years but the occurrence have increased since 2008.
Temporary solution: The slope next to the church where around 400 children and adults gather for service and church meetings every Sunday.

“I’ve complained to the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj); when they came, they only cut the trees and there was no further action. The most serious incident happened in June, and a tarpaulin was placed over it to prevent it from getting worse.

“If a landslide were to happen when there are church activities going on, it would certainly endanger many lives. Who would bear the responsibility?” he said.

Goodland Realty Sdn Bhd, which owns the land, said they would take measures to ensure that the slope would be safe from erosion.

Its director Eee Soon Kee said: “We would survey the lots and conduct soil tests; our consultants will come up with a plan to take stock of the situation.

“We would then engage a contractor to do the necessary earthworks like slope cutting and providing proper drainage,” he said, adding that for now, there are no plans to develop the land.

MPKj councillor Eddie Ng commended the land owner for taking responsibility.

“The cost to strengthen the slope would be around RM950,000,” he said.

He urged the Housing and Local Government Minister to study the Local Government Act.

“Under the Local Government Act 1976 Act 171, when a threat against safety is found, the council has the power to instruct the property or land owner to overcome the threat; failing which, the owner can be charged in court with a maximum fine of RM500 or six months imprisonment or both.

“RM500 may have been a large amount in the 70s but now, it is nothing. I hope this clause could be amended,” he said.

He said the residents had sent registered letters to eight departments and government agencies such as the Prime Minister’s Department, MPKj and Public Works Department but only MPKj and the state government had replied.

山坡築圍牆防土崩 居民放下20多年困擾





中国报雪隆版-13-09-2011 http://www.chinapress.com.my/node/250473

地點:蕉賴姆墩花園

 (加影12日訊)蕉賴姆墩花園基督教衛理公會教堂隔壁長達約500公尺的山坡,27年內發生多次小型土崩,惟多年無法獲得解決方案,居民等待多年后,地主和承包商承諾下周將動工興建圍牆,以免再次引發土崩。

 加影市議員黃田志指出,位于蕉賴姆墩花園基督教衛理公會教堂隔壁的危險山坡在2008年4月3日和10月16日,發生多次小型土崩。

 他說,市議會已鑑定該事件並于2008年12月17日召開會議,會議后獲知該土地為私人土地,市議會無法援助,需由地主處理。

  他說,市議會原本于2010年3月25日與地主前往實地了解情況,惟地主臥病在床而取消該行程,直至今年3月24日,地主委派代表與市議會召開會議。

下週正式動工

 他說,根據1976年地方政府法令的17條,若一片土地的產業對公眾的衛生、健康和安全造成威脅,市議會有權力對此發出指示,要求地主近期內做出解決方案。

 “若地主接獲指示仍未給予解決方案,地主會因此而被控上法庭,並會被罰款500令吉或6個月監禁,甚至兩者兼施,500令吉雖在1976年是一筆很大的款額,可是至今只是一筆小費用,因此希望中央政府可檢討此法令。”

 他今日前往巡視姆墩花園基督教衛理公會教堂隔壁的山坡時,如是指出。

 黃田志指出,因日前地主無法給予承諾何時在該危險山坡進行圍牆工作,因此非正式的曾和多名雪州議員商討,州政府可征用土地法令,征用該土地並交由州政府負責該危險山坡的問題。

 他說,上週該地主已致電並指說已和承包商商討,並在下周正式動工,施工期閒承包商負責人也需和居協代表互相協調和配合。

黃田志:2因素工程拖3年

黃田志說,由于地主病重臥床以及該解決土崩的工程將耗資逾95萬令吉,導致工程延誤3年。

 他說,該花園居協于5月26日已致函向公共工程局、房屋部、土地局、馬華蕉賴區會、首相署、天然資源及環境部、加影市議會及雪州政府求助,可是只有加影市議會和雪州政府短期內給予回應。

 “雪州大臣丹斯裡卡立在接獲有關函件 ,已立即在短時間內致函予加影市議會,要求對方安排官員前往調查,認真看待人民所做出的投訴。”

 地主余孫奇指出,下個星期所委託的承包商將會展開圍牆工作,削減山坡的高度,減低居民的擔心。

 他說,因多年來接獲當地居民的投訴,也瞭解這是地主的工程,而承建圍牆及選件山坡高度的工程,耗資約95萬令吉,不過下周的工程將在山坡的尾端開工。

下雨就怕土崩
★郭進明(39歲,姆墩花園基督教衛理公會教堂牧師)

教會每個星期都會舉辦多個活動,出席者有逾400人,每次舉辦活動都提心吊膽,擔心下雨時,引發嚴重的土崩。

 大家都認為生命受到威脅,因此拜託居協致函尋求援助。

市會虎頭蛇尾
★林偉君(33歲,居民)

該花園設計危險山坡底下設計20多戶居民。

 27年來該土地也發生多次的小型土崩,不過近幾年日益嚴重,雖加影市議會多次來探視,並曾把一些樹木砍掉,可是並沒其余的后續工作。

終獲解決方案
★西瓦(44歲,姆墩花園居協主席)

我擔任2年的居協主席都接獲不少有關該土地的投訴,雖市議會多次前來巡視瞭解狀況,可是卻沒有一個正式的解決方案。

 雖有居民久違多年,至今終獲得解決方案而感到高興。

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

吁廢蕉加收費站‧火箭收集簽名遇阻‧警指非法集會場面一度緊張























Source: http://www.guangming.com.my/node/112605?tid=14
Guang Ming Daily 6-9-2011

(吉隆坡5日訊)烏魯冷岳杜順大火箭行動隊隊長黃田志與加影市議員李繼香等人於週一上午8時, 準備率領一批近30名支持者前往蕉賴9哩往吉隆坡方向的收費站,向途經的駕車人士收集支持廢除“蕉賴加影大道”兩個收費站的簽名時,遭警方指他們非法集 會,導致他們首次準備在收費站亭旁展開簽名的運動受阻,出師不利。

以加影警區交警主任再魯丁為首的警方代表,在黃田志等人準備徒步前往收費亭時,指他們非法集會,給予對方勸告解散,也查詢他們這次活動的目的。由於當時黃田志不慎觸碰再魯丁,導致警方以為他有意襲警,進而抄錄黃田志的大馬卡資料,場面一度緊張。

嘲警大批出動浪費警力

黃田志要求警方讓他在現場召開記者會,警方指黃田志沒有申請召開記者的准證,黃田志反問哪個國會議員或部長召開記者會時申請准,最終警方讓黃田志在現場向記者發表談話。

由於不獲警方批准到收費亭旁展開收集簽名的運動,較後,黃田志帶領支持者前往拉沙沙央花園(Taman Rasa Sayang)主要入口處向途經的駕車人士派發“廢除蕉加兩個收費站”的傳單與展開收集簽名的運動。

黃田志質疑,他們一行人準備在大道站旁展開的簽名運動只是一項和平的行動,既沒有上街亂丟東西或破壞公物,警方卻派出這麼多的警員,包括交警和政治官員等到場,不只“效率奇高”,也有浪費警力之嫌。

5萬人簽名促廢收費站

李繼香指出,這是他們首次準備在蕉加大道收費站展開收集“廢除蕉加兩個收費站”的簽名運動,如今,他們已收集逾5萬人的簽名支持。

黃田志也是加影市議員,他指出,他們已在今年6月展開開始收集簽名的運動,吁請公眾踴躍支持他們“廢除蕉加大道兩個收費站”的運動,收集簽名的目標為10萬人,以便提呈予首相拿督斯里納吉。

首相檢討廢除一收費站

他說,開齋節前,首相納吉宣佈政府將會檢討廢除蕉加大道的其中一個收費站,他們和人民對這項宣佈深表歡迎。

“除了每天經過蕉加大道的駕車人士需付過路費,這兩個收費站影響大道旁花園住宅區的居民,很多駕車人士了避開收費站,繞進花園住宅區,導致這些花園住宅區的居民也深受往來車輛的影響。”

“根據蕉加大道公司的年報資料顯示,除了2005年與2007年的資料從缺外,該公司1999至2010年的淨盈利高達1億4299萬令吉,建築成本卻只有2億7500萬令吉,政府也曾賠償該公司1億515萬令吉。”

他表示,隨著首相納吉宣佈檢討廢除蕉加大道其中一個收費站,巫統烏魯冷岳區部也發文告指該區部已在2009年討論廢除收費站的問題。

黃田志認為,口說無憑,相信選民的眼睛是雪亮的,選民也知道行動黨在蕉加大道興建收費站時,已在做一些事情,甚至6月展開簽名廢除收費站的運動。

“不過,我歡迎巫統跟我們配合,一起展開廢除收費站的運動。”

Monday, September 5, 2011

Protest against Grand Saga toll continues

Source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/174849

The DAP-led citizens' action group demanding the abolition of toll on the Cheras-Kajang Grand Saga Highway continued with their crusade by launching a petition drive at the Batu 9 toll plaza near Cheras.

Nearly 50 of them, clad in yellow shirts with the message,"The Sufferings of Cheras residents. We don't want toll", gathered at the KL-bound side of the toll plaza since early in the morning, aiming to swarm cars in the area, which is usually clogged with traffic.

About an equal number of policemen awaited them at the roadside since early in morning.

However, police did not allow them to gather on grounds they did not have permit. Besides this, the traffic this morning was surprisingly smooth and this put a damper on their plan to collect signatures.

While not entirely cooperative, the police were quite receptive to the group in their negotiations.

A senior police officer at the scene said that they were prepared to be "reasonable" if the anti-toll protesters were willing to approach the issue with "the proper mindset".

Approached for comments, the officer declined to say anything.

"You are Malaysiakini? Then you just get it from them (the protesters)," he said when asked about the negotiations.

After consultations between group representative Lee Kee Hiong and the police, the group was allowed to gather and hold a 10-minute press conference.

'Toll a burden'

Kajang municipality councillor Eddie Ng, who was with the protesters, said that they were there to keep the highlight on the issue.

Ng said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had said the government was looking into closing at least one of the two toll collection plazas on the highway and that the report from the Grand Saga board showed that the company has already recouped the cost.

"The toll is not only a burden to the 200,000 or so vehicles that use the highway daily but also to residents of the surrounding housing estates whose roads have been turned into main roads by motorists trying to evade the toll," he lamented.

Fellow councillor Steven Chan added that the abolition of the toll plazas would benefit a lot of residents in the many housing estates in the area who were forced to use the toll every time they drove out.

Police also allowed the protesters to approach cars passing through the road next to the toll plaza after the press conference ended, escorting them to control traffic and ensure nothing untoward happened.

The group did so for about 20 more minutes before dispersing, as police looked on.

This was in contrast to the stern action of the police in putting down the two-week long protests against the toll in January 2007.

During that period, 21 protesters were arrested, with some claiming injury at the hands of police during skirmishes that ensued, with a few of them suing the police over claims of brutality. All of them lost their cases in court.

Apart from the on-the-ground signature drive, the group has also started an online petition at www.petitiononline.com under the petition name 'Antitoll' to solicit for support from netizens.

Protests against highway concessionaires have intensified of late, after significant toll hikes in recent years and claims that many of the firms have links to politicians and government figures, that they have already recouped their costs and were now making pure profit at the expense of the rakyat.