Suhakam to open inquiry on alleged police violence

Saturday May 31, 2008

KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) will open an inquiry on the alleged violence by the police against four people who were protesting against the building of the barrier at Bandar Mahkota Cheras.

Commissioner Datuk N. Siva Subramaniam said he wanted to know how the Federal Reserve Unit handled the situation on Tuesday night.

“Based on the victims’ accounts and video footage, we do not think that the four people posed any threat to the police,” he said in a press conference at their office here yesterday.

He said Suhakam would be meeting soon with the police to get their side of the story.

At about 11pm on Tuesday, four people in a car were arrested when driving home to Bandar Mahkota Cheras.

The four claimed that the police stopped their car and surrounded it.

They also claimed that the FRU then smashed the car windows. causing them to be injured.

Commissioner Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria, who was also at the press conference, said he wanted real answers from the police for their actions.

“I feel very sad such an incident took place and on the exercise by the officers in uniform.

“We are finding such harsh behaviour a reflection on the police force.

“Therefore, the Home Affairs Ministry and the police must come out and explain,” he said.

Temporary victory good enough

Saturday May 31, 2008

KUALA LUMPUR: The residents of Bandar Mahkota Cheras are happy and relieved that the issue concerning the toll-free access road is settled for now.

However, they wished that it could have been solved much earlier and without the need for the situation to turn tense.

Bandar Mahkota Cheras Open Access Road Committee chairman Tan Boon Wah said the Government should not have let the issue drag on for more than two years.

“However, I am glad that it has come to a happy ending and the rakyat is grateful for the Works Minister’s announcement,” he said in reaction to Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed's announcement that the Cabinet had decided that the road into Bandar Cheras Mahkota should not be barricaded.

Lee Ah Seng, 48, who sustained injuries on his forehead during the scuffle between the residents and alleged thugs said the long wait has been worthwhile.

“If only the Government had listened to us in the first place, all these disputes would not have taken place,” said Lee, a hardware store owner in nearby Bandar Sungei Long.

His friend Pang Nam Onn, 44, said ever since he bought a property in Bandar Mahkota Cheras five-years ago, his main problem had been the morning traffic jams which resulted from the area having more than 20 housing estates.

“Now with the decision to open the access road we will have a choice of two exit points.”

Cabinet orders access road to stay open

Saturday May 31, 2008

By MANJIT KAUR and CHARLES FERNANDEZ

KUALA LUMPUR: It was victory for the residents of Bandar Mahkota Cheras after the Government ordered the Cheras-Kajang Highway operator to tear down the barrier along the access road to their housing area.

Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed, who made the announcement at the barrier site yesterday, said the Cabinet had decided that the road should remain open at least until a court case between the operator Grand Saga and Mahkota Cheras developer Narajaya Sdn Bhd was settled.

The joyful faces of hundred of residents who had gathered to witness Mohd Zin's visit were a stark contrast to those who were at the same spot several times over the past few weeks to tear down barriers which Grand Saga rebuilt four times.

The last episode was on Tuesday night when several residents were attacked by unidentified people.

“Grand Saga has agreed not to re-erect the barricade and not to engage a third party to take action against the Federal Government for the losses that they had suffered for vehicles using the toll-free access road,” Mohd Zin said yesterday.

He promised that there would be a permanent solution.

“I hope all parties, including the residents, will obey the law as the Government is sensitive to the peoples' needs. We need to work together to solve the matter amicably.”

Mohd Zin said the Government would relook its decision once a court decision was made.

Grand Saga is claiming compensation from Narajaya for loss of income since its toll plaza will be by-passed with the construction of the road.

After Mohd Zin's announcement, Grand Saga workers removed the concrete boulders from the middle of the road under the bypass between the Mahkota Cheras and Bandar Tun Hussein Onn access roads.

When met by reporters later, Taliworks Corporation Bhd chief executive officer Abdul Rahman Siraj said the Cabinet’s decision was fair to the residents, Grand Saga and the other parties concerned.

Taliworks has a 55% stake in Cerah Sama Sdn Bhd which owns and operates the highway via wholly-owned Grand Saga.

“The decision has temporarily solved the matter, and I would like to thank the minister for personally breaking the news,” he said.

Abdul Rahman said he hoped to have talks with Narajaya and hoped the ministry would be able to mediate so that both parties would be able to find an amicable solution before the court decision.

He said for the past few weeks, “unpleasant things” had occurred and he assured the public that Grand Saga was not involved in any of the criminal acts.

“Why should we engage thugs, and aggravate the matter?”

In Shah Alam, Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said the state would no longer call for an extraordinary general meeting in Grand Saga now that the Works Ministry had resolved the issue.

“I would like to thank the Federal Government and the Works Minister for making the right decision.”

Federal Government should step in to help

Saturday May 31, 2008

I HAVE read with disgust the ongoing situation at the Bandar Mahkota Cheras junction.

In the end, the residents are the ones who suffered.

The deafening silence of the Federal Government's top leadership has added to the frustrations of the people. The court case needs to be speeded up to clear the air of uncertainty.

Now, with the involvement of unknown bullies coupled with angry residents, the situation could turn ugly. It is time the Federal Government stepped in to resolve this issue.

It is not enough to just let the police and FRU handle this as the residents could not get answers from these apolitical institutions and it only adds to their anger and fuels more distrust.

The safety issue being spoken about by Grand Saga is not valid enough as they did not put forth any action plan to settle this.

Ordinary Malaysians like me do not want to see this prolonged anymore.

For the sake of peace and harmony, people who have the power to change should do something fair and fast.

RON
Kuala Lumpur

Zin: Government can act only after Narajaya suit is resolved

Tuesday May 13, 2008

THE Federal Government has to wait for a court decision on a lawsuit filed by developer Narajaya Sdn Bhd against Cheras-Kajang Highway concessionaire Grand Saga and the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) in 2007 before negotiations could resume on the use of the access road.

Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed said no action could be taken by the federal government for fear of subjudice.

“The Government has held a series of meetings between Bandar Mahkota Cheras residents and the concessionaire to resolve the matter over the access road.

“Under the terms of the agreement signed between the federal government and the concessionaire in 1995, any financial loss due to the leakage of traffic volume from the toll highway will have to be borne by us,” he told Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai during a question and answer session in Parliament yesterday.

Zin said the Government was sympathetic to the plight of around 37,000 residents in Bandar Mahkota, who had dismantled the barricades installed by Grand Saga barring them use of a road allowing them a shorter and toll-free route into their housing areas.

“We understand why the residents have resorted to such drastic action. The main toll road is also highly congested due to the high traffic volume of lorries and cars,” he said.

The standoff had turned ugly on Thursday night when police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse a crowd comprising residents who were trying to dismantle the latest barricade put up by Grand Saga.

To a supplementary question by Tan, Zin said although the Survey and Mapping Department report showed that the land the barricade was on belonged to the Selangor state government, there was still the question of who would bear the financial loss incurred by Grand Saga.

Motion on Cheras issue rejected

Friday May 30, 2008

THE protest over the Bandar Mahkota Cheras road closure, which left several people injured on Tuesday, reached the Dewan via a motion tabled by an Opposition MP who wanted the matter debated. The Chair rejected it.

The drama began when Deputy Speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar rejected the motion by Teo Nie Ching (DAP – Serdang) to debate the road closure issue.

Wan Junaidi said the motion could not be accepted as the concessionaire was involved in a court case with the housing developer over the same issue.

“Discussing the matter here (in Parliament) will tantamount to sub judice,” he said.

Meanwhile, a representative from the Bandar Mahkota Cheras road opening committee handed a memorandum to Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed, demanding that the Government explain whether the toll concessionaire was allowed to barricade the access road.

End to Cheras saga today?

Friday May 30, 2008

KUALA LUMPUR: A solution is in sight to the Bandar Mahkota Cheras access road issue.

Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed is expected to visit the site today and make an announcement, according to highway concessionaire Grand Saga Sdn Bhd.

In a statement yesterday, Grand Saga executive director (business development and corporate affairs) Zainal Abidin Ali said they met Mohd Zin yesterday to discuss the issue.

“After the meeting, we believe that a solution is in sight. The Minister will issue an official statement tomorrow,” said Zainal Abidin.

Grand Saga has in the past few weeks tried to re-erect a barricade to prevent residents from by-passing the toll booth, claiming that the access road was illegal.

However, a statement from Bandar Mahkota Cheras developer Narajaya Sdn Bhd reiterated that it had been granted approval for the access road.

“We wish to place on record that when we launched the BMC housing project, we were granted approval by the relevant authorities to build an access road connecting to the then Cheras-Kajang Highway.

“That approval was obtained before the Government granted Grand Saga the concession over the highway.

“Therefore, in building the access road to connect to the highway, we were merely fulfilling our obligation as required by the authorities,” the statement said.

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, who visited the site yesterday, has asked the parties involved to reach an amicable solution in two weeks.

“I would appreciate if they can put an end to this long-standing fracas,” he said, to applause from residents.

“This has been going on for too long and there must be an amicable solution.

“There is a road, so why close it?” he asked.

Khalid said the problem had to be solved soon or else the state government, as a stakeholder in Grand Saga, could ask for an extraordinary general meeting to discuss the matter.

Every attempt by Grand Saga to block the access road has been thwarted by angry residents, who tore down each new barricade.

One resident, who sustained injuries during a fracas between residents and an unidentified group of people on Tuesday, said he was happy that the issue would soon be resolved.

“However, we are disappointed that it took so long, especially after so many residents were injured (on Tuesday), and two are still recuperating in hospital,” said the man who requested anonymity.

As at 6pm yesterday, the situation at the access road appeared normal although there was a massive traffic jam caused by boulders that had fallen onto the middle of the road under the bypass between the Bandar Mahkota Cheras and Bandar Tun Hussein Onn access roads.

Bandar Mahkota residents take their case to Parliament

Friday May 30, 2008

KUALA LUMPUR: Some 30 residents of Bandar Mahkota Cheras brought their case to Parliament, wielding banners urging the Works Minister to reopen the access road to the housing area.

They gathered outside the Parliament building with banners which read: “Menteri Kerja Raya, Tolong Rakyat Buka Jalan” (Works Minister, please help the people open the road).

A resident, who only wanted to be known as Mas, said the barricade, built by highway concessionaire Grand Saga Sdn Bhd, had created serious traffic congestion for the residents in the area.

“I have to leave my house every day at 5.30am to send my children to school. If I leave at 6am, I would not be able to make it,” said the mother of three, who has been living there for five years.

On Tuesday, Mas was at the site to show support to the residents who opposed the rebuilding of the controversial barricade at about 7.30pm.

She said, all hell broke loose when the crowd started smashing cars and throwing stones. She cracked a bone in her arm in the fracas.

DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, who met the residents outside the Parliament building, asked for an inquiry into the incident in which thugs were allegedly used against residents during the protest.

“There should be a full inquiry into this incident. The residents have a right to object to the building of the barricade, and there should not be any physical violence,” he said.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung, replying to queries by MPs while winding-up the debate on the Supplementary Supply Bill for his ministry, said nine police reports were lodged by the public following Tuesday's incident.

In the confusion, four people in a Proton Wira were detained for allegedly trying to run down police officers.

“There were allegations that the police had used force against the public, but none of the police reports we received were connected to this. I urge those who say they were assaulted by the police to lodge reports so that we can get to the bottom of the matter,” he said.

Chor said the police would not take sides in any situation and assured the House that they were always professional when carrying out their duties.

Syed Hamid refutes allegation on cops

Friday May 30, 2008

KUALA LUMPUR: There is no way the police would have watched civilians being beaten up by others without taking action, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.

He said he needed to know more about what happened during the scuffle between Bandar Mahkota Cheras residents and alleged thugs on Tuesday over the closing of a toll-free road in the housing estate.

“If there is conflict, they (the police) will step in,” he said at the Parliament lobby yesterday.

He was commenting on allegations by residents that the police stood by and watched as alleged thugs began attacking them when they tried to tear down a barricade erected on a toll-free road by the Cheras-Kajang Expressway operator.

“If there are reports that the police did nothing to protect civilians, then of course investigations will be done,” he said.

He said the police statement on the incident was also not given the same weight by the media.

It’s EGM for Grand Saga if talks fail

Friday May 30, 2008

By CHARLES FERNANDEZ

THE Selangor state government wants Bandar Mahkota Cheras developer Narajaya Sdn Bhd and highway concessionaire Grand Saga Sdn Bhd to work out a win-win solution for the benefit of the residents.

Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim believes that if the two companies are willing to meet to seek an amendable solution, the Bandar Mahkota Cheras problem can be over even as early as within two weeks.

If the talks failed, the state government, which holds a substantial stake in Grand Saga, plans to call for an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of the company to discuss the problem.

Khalid visited the scene of the dispute at 1.15pm yesterday, stood on a stone barricade and addressed the crowd.

He told the residents who had gathered there in the hundreds that the two-and-half-year-old saga could be solved within two weeks if the contending firms agreed on an acceptable mutual solution.

“As a stakeholder in Grand Saga, the state government wants to exercise its right to call an EGM if the meeting does not take place between the highway concessionaire and Narajaya to discuss the issue,” he said.

“I hope this would not be necessary if both Narajaya and Grand Saga can settle the problem between them,” Khalid said to applause from the crowd.

He said Grand Saga should not deprive the people from using the road until a solution had been worked out.

“The state government is not pointing fingers at Grand Saga for putting up the barricades. All it is asking for is for the company to cooperate with it in this matter, which otherwise is not helping both parties,” he said.

Khalid said it was not good for Grand Saga and the residents to be involved in constant confrontation over the closing of the access road.

Khalid said that when he met with Narajaya officials, he was told that the access road to the highway was part of the township’s development plan.

Grand Saga has, however, objected to the access road, saying that should the road be allowed, its revenue would be reduced as motorists would be able to bypass the toll.

“This is a business argument but for the sake of the residents, this matter should be resolved immediately. We do not want more people getting hurt if the matter is prolonged,” Khalid said.

State Local Government and Research Committee chairman Ronnie Liu, meanwhile, pointed out that Grand Saga did not have the right to block the access road as the underpass was an old road and was there even before the highway was built.

“The residents are only using a road that was already there. Grand Saga only has jurisdiction over the roads they build,” Liu said.

“If Grand Saga did not have the approval of the Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) to put up the barricades, blocking the access road is illegal,” he said.

On Wednesday, the residents tore down a barricade built by Grand Saga that prevented access into the housing area of some 40,000 residents.

Some of the large boulders removed were left in the middle of the road leading to Bandar Mahkota Cheras and this has created a massive traffic jam at the underpass of the Cheras-Kajang highway between the Bandar Mahkota Cheras access road and Bandar Tun Hussein Onn access road.

On Tuesday, tensions ran high when hundreds of residents gathered to remove the barricade, which was rebuilt a day earlier to prevent access into the area.

Grand Saga had reconstructed the barricade after the residents took it down a few weeks ago.

Cheers as residents pull down controversial barricade

Thursday May 29, 2008

KUALA LUMPUR: Residents of Bandar Mahkota Cheras have torn down a barricade rebuilt by Grand Saga Sdn Bhd that prevented access into the housing area of some 38,000 residents.

Using mallets, car jacks and steel bars, the residents broke down the foundations of the barricade made of large boulders and forced the stones to the ground.

The boulders were then chained to lorries and dragged away to the side of the underpass of the Cheras-Kajang Highway, which leads into the neighbourhood.

By 7.15pm, the first vehicle had managed to inch its way through the two-lane access road, amidst the cheers and loud blaring of vehicle horns from onlookers and residents alike.

Police and Light Strike Force personnel monitored the crowds, which swelled to a few hundred.

More roars of support ensued later when Selangor CPO Deputy Comm Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar, who visited the spot, told the residents that he had advised Grand Saga to stop any construction of barricades in the area.

He said the public would be inconvenienced each time Grand Saga built the barricade. DCP Khalid also urged the Malaysian Highway Authority and the Public Works Department to settle the matter and come up with an amicable solution.

He also urged the elected representative not to incite the residents.

Kajang OCPD Asst Comm Shakaruddin Che Mood, who was also present, was hoisted up by several residents who lauded his support for their cause.

He also persuaded residents to remove several toppled boulders that were blocking cars going into the Bandar Tun Hussein Onn access road.

Several residents then pooled together RM900 to get the job done, saying that a third of the sum would be for the lorry’s petrol while the rest would be used to buy food.

Earlier, two photographers from Sin Chew Daily and China Press were attacked by two unidentified men, who had threatened to beat them if they did not stop taking pictures.

By 10pm, all boulders had been cleared.

Police action on those creating chaos

Thursday May 29, 2008

KAJANG: Police action will be taken against those involved in creating chaos in Bandar Mahkota Cheras, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Ismail Omar warned.

He advised those involved to settle matters amicably. “We will not get involved in this matter but will observe and move in once we find anyone or any party creating unrest,’’ he said yesterday.

Kajang OCPD Asst Comm Shakaruddin Che Mood said police would use photographs published in newspapers and identification by victims to pin-point the group of men who attacked residents with sticks and helmets.

MB: We’ll have an EGM soon

Thursday May 29, 2008

By DHARMENDER SINGH

SHAH ALAM: The state government will exercise its right as a stakeholder in Grand Saga Sdn Bhd to call for an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) soon to discuss the Bandar Mahkota Cheras access road issue.

It has a stake in the highway concessionaire through its subsidiary Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor Bhd, which owns 20% of Taliworks Corp Bhd. The latter holds a 55% stake in Cerah Sama Sdn Bhd that wholly owns Grand Saga.

Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said since the state government held a substantial share in Grand Saga, it wanted to inform shareholders of Grand Saga's actions and to ask them to decide if such actions, which have caused problems for residents, were ethical.

He said the closing of the access road and stand-offs with residents in the area had led to them getting hurt, and the state government wanted to put an end to it.

“We will also ask for an audit of the company’s finances to see if it hired thugs to stop residents from removing the barricades, as claimed by residents.

“If this is true, action will be taken against the company officials involved and its director,” he said after chairing the weekly state executive council meeting here yesterday.

He said he had met, and would write to, Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed for an official decision as to whether the company should be allowed to put up the barricades as highways came under the ministry’s purview.

Khalid said the state government also met senior officials from Taliworks Corp, the Public Works Department and the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKJ) yesterday and had decided to seek Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM)’s clarification as to whether it had given its approval for the barricades, as claimed by Grand Saga.

And, if LLM did not, then the state government would immediately order the removal of the barricades, he added.

“The tussle is between the developer (Narajaya Sdn Bhd) and Grand Saga because the concessionaire wants the developer to pay it for loss of income since its toll will be bypassed,” he said, adding that the matter was already in court.

“There is no need to deprive the people of the use of the road because it will be opened, no matter which way the court decides and the issue is only whether the developer will have to compensate the highway concessionaire.”

Khalid urged residents to be patient while the state government worked out a solution.

Developers must also have social responsibility

Thursday May 29, 2008

I HAVE been following the media reports on the Cheras-Kajang Highway issue involving concessionaire Grand Saga and Bandar Mahkota residents.

According to The Star on May 8, Grand Saga business development and corporate affairs executive director Zainal Abidin Ali said that while he sympathised with the residents for being forced to use a longer route, Grand Saga had to close the access road due to safety concerns.

We urge Grand Saga not to manipulate the word safety as a ticket out of this situation. The developers, as part of their social obligation to road users, must have humanised their design rather than focusing on maximum profit generation.

If safety is of concern, the developers should work together with the residents and other independent parties to study the extent of unsafe factors of the blocked access road and rectify it together with the local government and the Works Ministry.

Some 15 of the 22 highways in the Klang Valley are said to be making profits, as indicated by the Works Minister and this includes Grand Saga. Increasing volume of vehicles, urban migration and land development in areas around the Grand Saga highway will surely ensure profits for the concessionaire for a long time.

The standoff in Bandar Mahkota Cheras is not the first in Malaysia concerning highway construction. If safety was a concern for concessionaires and those offering the concessions, then we would not have highways like the KL-Putrajaya Highway running behind residents’ backyards in Sri Petaling and just few metres away from shop houses in Port Klang.

The residents of Sri Petaling also demonstrated against the highway but failed to do anything and the their house values depreciated.

Cheras is known to be notorious for traffic jams, despite the highways. Most of the highways in Klang Valley have not realised the objectives they were meant for i.e to reduce traffic congestion.

Instead, the unchecked increase in conventional vehicles has resulted in negative social and environmental impacts.

The increased use of conventional fuel-intensive vehicles is perhaps one of the major contributors to green house gasses in Malaysia. During traffic jams, we witness a many-fold increase in travelling time, fuel consumption and emissions.

In the context of the UN guidelines for Consumer Protection and the Rio Declaration, consumers have the right to choose and if consumers choose to practice sustainable consumption, it is the state’s obligation and responsibility to protect and support them.

In the case of Bandar Mahkota Cheras, residents have chosen shorter routes, perhaps saving fuel, time and money. Consumers also have the right to seek redress, a right to a healthy and sustainable environment and the right to be heard.

Inconsiderate and irresponsible land developments indicate a sheer absence of awareness on the seriousness of global warming among policy makers and private companies like the highway concessionaires. It also indicates sheer ignorance towards the environmental and societal needs of the people.

Most construction work of highways, roads and land development along the highways does not effectively engage stakeholders who are directly affected by the development.

Klang, for instance and as reported by the media, has been subjected to unplanned land development resulting in traffic congestion, isolated flooding and, of course, pollution.

We have come across demographic statistics showing the population of Klang reaching 1mil and shopping complexes, housing estates and business centre projects were being approved and former agricultural land being developed for the projects. This kind of irresponsible development does not engage the stakeholders.

Worse still is the plight of residents at Taman Garing, Rawang. Improper maintenance and measures taken to manage flooding and runoffs have caused insurmountable losses to the residents due to mud and flash floods.

We urge that all those involved in the planning of corridors and other forms of land development, from the federal government downwards, have a strong sense of social responsibility in approaching development.

RATNA DEVI NADARAJAN
Director
Malaysian Association of Standards Users

Contempt of court

Thursday May 29, 2008

By DHARMENDER SINGH

THE Selangor government may take legal action against the concessionaire for the Cheras-Kajang Highway for violating an undertaking not to obstruct the access road in Bandar Mahkota Cheras without state approval.

State local government, research and study committee chairman Ronnie Liu said the concessionaire, Grand Saga Sdn Bhd, gave the undertaking in court after Bandar Mahkota Cheras Open Access Road Committee chairman Tan Boon Wah sought an injunction to stop the company from closing the access road.

“The injunction by Tan was struck out but the concessionaire gave an undertaking in court that it would not erect a barricade along the stretch of the access road build on state land.

“We (the state government) are upset that the company has now gone against the undertaking by re-erecting the barricade and we are looking into the possibility of filing for contempt of court proceedings,” he said, when contacted yesterday.

He said the state government’s next course of action would be discussed at the state executive council meeting.

Liu however has appealed to Bandar Mahkota Cheras residents to remain calm and not do anything hasty such as attempting to remove the barricade on their own.

“I urge the residents not to take matters into their own hands and let the state and federal governments to resolve the matter,” he said.

Meanwhile Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim when met at Parliament yesterday told reporters that he had raised the Bandar Mahkota Cheras barricade issue with Works Minister Datuk Ir. Mohd Zin Mohamed and sought the latter’s assistance to resolve the matter soon.

Bandar Mahkota Cheras residents urge Federal Govt to intervene

Thursday May 29, 2008

By YIP YOKE TENG and FAZLEENA AZIZ

RESIDENTS of Bandar Mahkota Cheras are calling on the Federal Government to intervene to end the access road crisis that has been brewing in their housing estate over the last three months.

“This case has gone national and we have brought it up in parliament three times. Blood has already been shed, what if someone dies because of this?,” questioned resident Eric Lee.

The township hit the news once again on Tuesday when residents clashed with workers hired to re-build a concrete barrier across the access road.

Federal Reserve Unit personnel called in to quell the fracas left the scene at 2am yesterday.

About 200 residents returned to the site to remove the barricade’s concrete blocks. They deliberately placed two blocks in the middle of the road to obstruct traffic from Bandar Tun Hussein Onn heading to Kajang, in order to “let everywhere be congested”. Starting at 8am yesterday, residents took turns to guard the area.

At about 1.30pm, they tried in small groups to remove the barricade and even collected money to hire trucks to do the job. Some RM800 were collected instantly but no truck was seen arriving at the scene.

At 3.30pm, the group tried to remove the blocks again with carjacks. Police helicopters were seen patrolling the area for about five minutes.

At 4pm, they successfully brought down three blocks and continued on.

Bandar Mahkota Cheras Open Access Road Committee chairman Tan Boon Wah said as of 11.30pm on Tuesday, 12 injured residents sought treatment at the Kajang Hospital while five others lodged police reports.

He said he was informed that a woman was beaten by a group of eight men, adding that she was in intensive care unit and could not be contacted.

He believed 45% of the people who turned up at the fracas were not Bandar Mahkota Cheras residents, who had been told to leave the matter to the state government, but were nearby residents who championed the same cause.

He urged victims of the fracas to lodge police reports.

“Disappointed, disappointed, very disappointed, that’s all we can say about the whole situation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Grand Saga Sdn Bhd’s business development and corporate affairs executive director Zainal Abidin Ali issued a statement disassociating the company from the altercation between the parties involved.

“Grand Saga wishes to inform that it has also received a report from its contractor that several of its workmen were injured while carrying out their duties. A police report has been lodged.

“Grand Saga was given to understand that the incident was instigated by certain parties. It will be filing a police report and hopes that the police will carry out an investigation immediately,” it read, while extending sympathy to persons who sustained injuries.

In Parliament yesterday, Loong Meng Yee reported Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng denying he had ‘abandoned’ Bandar Mahkota Cheras.

“I was at Parliament on Tuesday and also needed to attend some other pre-arranged functions.

The matter should be left to the court as there are three legal actions pending,” said Lim at the Parliament lobby yesterday.

He also stayed away because he had been informed on Tuesday afternoon that there would be “thugs” present that evening.

“I did not want to face thugs although I am willing to face the authorities,” said Lim.

He added that he had warned DAP members in the area and the residents not to take matters into their own hand over Grand Saga’s action to rebuild the barricade.

“The committee also gave their word they would not remove the barricade after it was erected,” said Lim.

Bandar Mahkota Cheras unwanted toll: Who is behind Grand Saga?

If the road blocked, The residents have to travel 4 to 6.7km (one way) everyday and pay a RM0.90 toll to go to KL.

Grand Saga was awarded the toll concessionaire in 1995.The major shareholder is member of Lims. Who are they to get this contract of the decade?

In 2007, a restructuring had been done where Cerah Sama controls 100% of Grand Saga. Whereas Cerah Sama is now jointly controlled by Taliworks (55%) and Bunga Abadi Sdn Bhd (45%) (where Bunga Abadi is 100% owned by LGB holdings Sdn Bhd).

Family members of the late Datuk Lim Ah Bak @ Lim Geok Bak (former Vice Chairman of Taliworks Bhd) are major shareholders in LGB Holdings Sdn Bhd, where LGB Holdings Sdn Bhd is the largest shareholders in Taliworks Bhd.

Selangor government-listed infrastructure arm Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor Bhd had a 42% stake in Grand Saga in earlier years. KPSB is believed to have sold its interest in Grand Saga in 1999/2000, before it was listed in 2003.

But still Selangor is directly related to Grand Saga. KPSB hold 20% of Taliworks. The Chairman of Kumpulan Perangsang Bhd, Dato' Haji Abd Karim Bin Munisar, is also the Chairman of Taliworks Bhd. The Managing Director of Kumpulan Perangsang Bhd, Datin Paduka Juma'ah Binti Moktar, is a Director of Taliworks Bhd. On the other hand, LGB Holdings Sdn Bhd also one of the top 10 shareholders in KPSB.

By:- Kenneth L

http://mylivingwall.com/v3/index.php/Wall-of-News/Voices/Bandar-Mahkota-Cheras-unwanted-toll-Who-is-behind-Grand-Saga

Standoff over Cheras barrier

Wednesday May 28, 2008

By RASHITHA A. HAMID, FAZLEENA AZIZ and ELIZABETH LOOI

KUALA LUMPUR: Tensions ran high at Bandar Mahkota, Cheras, when hundreds of residents gathered to remove a barricade which was rebuilt early yesterday to prevent access into the area.

Four people were arrested in the incident.

Grand Saga Sdn Bhd, the concessionaire of the Cheras-Kajang Highway, had reconstructed the barricade after it was taken down by the residents a few weeks ago.

A fracas ensued at about 7.15pm when a group of unidentified men armed with sticks and helmets attacked the residents. Several residents were taken to hospital.

Also injured was a photographer from Utusan Malaysia, Roy Azis Abdul Aziz, who was beaten up when he tried to snap some photographs.

Several cars parked at the roadside were also smashed by the group.

The group of men sat on the blocks, not allowing the residents to remove them and threatened to attack those who tried to go near the barricade. However, the group disappeared when the police arrived later.

On May 8, about 1,000 residents from the nearby areas demonstrated at Bandar Mahkota Cheras.

Kajang OCPD Asst Comm Shakaruddin Che Mood said Grand Saga Business Development and Corporate Affairs executive director Zainal Abidin Ali had written to him on Monday informing that they would rebuild the barricade, and requested for security.

However, ACP Shakaruddin rejected the request as there was no court order on the matter.

Grand saga contractors started to rebuild the barricade at 12.30am and finished at about 6pm.

Zainal Abidin said the barricade was built on an “indisputable area” within Grand Saga’s boundaries.

Until last night, five of the injured had lodged reports at the Kajang police headquarters.

One of the victims, who only wanted to be known as Ina, said she and her husband with their four-year-old son were watching the drama when a group of men suddenly attacked them.

A resident, who only wanted to be known as Ken, said he was hit by a helmet and a pipe on his neck and back.

“I was only watching them pairing down the concrete sledge when suddenly a bunch of people arrived and started beating everyone up. I ran after I was beaten several times but some others were injured quite badly,” said the 28-year-old.

Another resident Kenny Ki, 45, said a group of men came in two cars and five motorbikes.

The residents disperse at 7.45pm but gathered again later to remove the barricades.

At 10pm, the Federal Reserve Unit arrived in three trucks and two water canon trucks and gave three warnings to the residents to disperse.

At press time, only a handful of people were still gathering a distance away from the barricade and several policemen remained.

Saga continues as barricades rebuilt

Wednesday May 28, 2008

By FAZLEENA AZIZ

AN unfamiliar group turned up as “observers” as workers from Grand Saga Sdn Bhd, the concessionaire of the Cheras-Kajang highway, reconstructed the barrier at the access road in Bandar Mahkota Cheras yesterday.

Residents who were monitoring the work done by the workers said they were surprised by the presence of this third group.

The group comprising about 20 male individuals left at about noon and appeared again an hour later when the cement was being laid.

Some of the residents who were at the scene claimed the third group were likely “thugs” hired to deal with residents who might stop the workers from doing their job.

The reconstruction of the barrier began as early as 2am with workers assembling concrete boulders to block the access road.

Raymond Yap, 54, a resident Bandar Mahkota said that reconstructing the barricade was not a wise move .

“We would still have to pay toll because many people here need to use the highway.

“There are at least 30,000 people living here and so you can imagine the volume of cars going in and out. We have to drive about 10km via Bandar Sg Long road, which is a waste of fuel.

“I do not understand how is it that they can block the road which is on state government’s land,” he said, urging the state government to help resolve this problem as soon as possible.

National MCA Youth committee member Loh Chew June hopes that a mutual agreement can be achieved for the sake of the long-suffering residents.

“The state and Federal governments should put their political differences aside and see the problem from the residents’ point of view,” said Loh, who also urged the residents to be calm in dealing with the situation and avoid confrontation.

According to a Grand Saga spokesperson, the company was not aware of any group that was monitoring the reconstruction of the barrier.

He added that the residents were free to make a police report if they felt threatened by the presence of any individuals.

Grand Saga to rebuild barricade

Tuesday May 27, 2008

GRAND Saga Sdn Bhd, the concessionaire of the Cheras- Kajang Highway, will reconstruct a barricade at the access road in Bandar Mahkota Cheras.

Its executive director, Zainal Abidin Ali, said in a press statement that the barricade was necessary to protect its interest as well as to ensure the safety of highway users.

According to Zainal Abidin, the original barricade was built to prevent unlawful access to the Cheras-Kajang Highway.

It was illegally demolished on April 21.

Since then, a series of events have occurred which led to further proceedings being instituted in the High Court by a resident of Bandar Mahkota Cheras, including an application to restrain the company from re-erecting a barricade.

This was refused by the High Court while noting an undertaking on the part of Grand Saga to re-erect the barricade within its indisputable concession area.

On May 13, Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim had given Grand Saga, developer Narajaya Sdn Bhd and the Malaysian Highway Authority seven days to reach an amicable solution.

The issue was not resolved after the grace period.

Grand Saga had advised the public to respect the court decision.

Not enough Chinese schools to meet growing enrolment

Tuesday May 27, 2008

THE pupil enrolment in Chinese primary schools has increased rapidly over the years but not the number of schools, Sin Chew Daily and China Press reported.

Sin Chew Daily, quoting a report by Jiao Zong (the United Chinese School Teachers Association) yesterday, said although there was an increase in the number of Chinese primary schools between 2000 and 2008, it was still unable to resolve the problem of overcrowding.

In 2000, it said, there were 1,284 Chinese primary schools and only six new schools were built eight years later to cater to the increasing number of pupils.

It added that of the total number of Chinese primary schools, 1,149 were built before 1956.

The report further noted that there were 18 Chinese primary schools, which had an enrolment of more than 3,000 pupils per school.

“This will definitely result in a learning environment that is not conducive for both teachers and pupils,” the daily said, adding that most of the schools were located in Selangor and Johor.

Khalid assures Mahkota Cheras folks that issue will be resolved

Saturday May 24, 2008

By WANI MUTHIAH and EDWARD RAJENDRA

SELANGOR Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has assured the 38,000 residents of Bandar Mahkota Cheras that the government is with them in their struggle to resolve their access route issue.

The residents are caught in the middle of a right-of-way tussle between Cheras-Kajang Expressway concessionaire Grand Saga Sdn Bhd and Bandar Makhota Cheras (BMC) developer Narajaya Sdn Bhd.

Recently, the long-suffering residents dismantled the barricades erected by Grand Saga barring them use of a shorter and toll-free route into their housing area.

Khalid said the matter was between two business entities and it was up to them to iron out the issue.

“As a developer Narajaya believes it has the right to the land while Grand Saga differs in this view and that is why it resorted to closing the road,” he pointed out.

“Both firms can battle it out in court. If Grand Saga is not successful, the road will be open, and if Narajaya fails in court, the road will also be open, but it would have to pay compensation to Grand Saga.

“The tussle between the two firms will go on until the matter is settled, but in the end the residents will get to use the road,” he added.

Khalid, reiterating that the state understood the residents' plight and would be with them until the issue was resolved, said he had not received any information from Grand Saga, Narajaya or the Works Ministry on their efforts to resolve the issue.

Vincent Tan among richest in Malaysia

Friday May 23, 2008

KUALA LUMPUR: Berjaya Corp Bhd chairman and chief executive officer Tan Sri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun has joined Malaysia’s billionaires’ club with a net worth of US$1.3bil, up nearly US$1bil from last year, according to the latest ranking by Forbes Asia.

Tan is ranked ninth this year compared with 14th last year.

“Berjaya Corp has bucked the trend, with its stock price up nearly three-fold over the past 12 months,” Forbes Asia said in a statement yesterday.

Tan reigns over a US$4bil combined sales network of enterprises spanning industries from gaming to media, telecommunications, consumer products and retail, to real estate.

Sugar king Tan Sri Robert Kuok topped Malaysia’s rich list again as his net worth increased by US$2.4bil over last year to US$10bil.

Kuok, 84, is involved in many businesses, including Hong Kong property and media, and Singapore's palm oil giant Wilmar.

Maxis Communcations Bhd chief Ananda Krishnan came second with a wealth of US$7.2bil, down by US$200mil.

IOI Corp Bhd group executive chairman Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng was in third place, with his wealth increasing US$1.6bil to US$5.5bil.

“A net worth of only US$100mil was needed to make the list this year, down from US$127mil, despite the fact that the ringgit has gained 7% against the US dollar,” Forbes Asia said.

The KL Composite Index was off 5% in the past year, but has fallen 15% since mid-January.

Forbes Asia said the collective wealth of the top 40 was US$46bil, up US$3bil from last year.

Puan Sri Lee Kim Hua, widow of gaming tycoon Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong, was one of three women who made the top 40. She and her family are worth US$3.4bil, ranking fifth.

The other two women are Chong Chook Yew, who runs Selangor Properties Bhd, at number 24 with US$245mil, and Datuk Seri Eleena Raja Azlan Shah at 35th place with US$150mil.

Water meter helps man win RM4m in lottery

Friday May 23, 2008

PETALING JAYA: A businessman and his wife were checking out a bungalow for sale in Selangor when the water meter caught his attention, leading him to a whopping RM4.9mil win in a lottery!

“My wife has always dreamt of owning a bigger house,” he said on condition of anonymity.

“When we were about to leave the bungalow, the water meter outside the house caught my eyes and I went over and flipped it open.

“The running number stopped at 457098.

“I had a hunch they were my lucky numbers,” he said.

He promptly bought a lottery ticket with the numbers 457098 on a RM49 bet.

“I am very happy and now I have more than enough money to pay for the bungalow. The house has brought us luck even before owning it,” he said.

It is learnt that he had paid the down-payment for the bungalow before he went to Sports Toto Malaysia’s head office to claim his winnings.

“We felt good about the house,” he said.

A spokesman for Sports Toto Malaysia confirmed that a single winner had won the first prize of Toto 6D held on May 17 (Draw no 3006/08) with a total winning sum of RM4.9mil.

New landmark for Malacca

Monday May 19, 2008

MALACCA: The 110m Taming Sari viewing tower is set to become the state’s latest tourist landmark and is expected to attract more than half a million visitors annually.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the RM23mil tower had so far attracted 37,000 visitors since its soft launch on April 18.

“Based on these figures, we expect to attract more than 500,000 visitors annually. With ticket charges at RM10 per person, this will translate into a revenue of RM5 mil,” he said on Saturday night in his speech at the opening of the viewing tower.

At present, he added that between 600 and 700 visitors visited the tower daily, with the numbers increasing to 2,800 during weekends and 3,500 per day during holidays.

The gyro-viewing tower, with rides lasting seven minutes, was constructed using Swiss technology and is billed as the highest from the estimated 35 viewing towers worldwide.

Plans were also under way to reconstruct part of the Portuguese A' Famosa Fort, Dutch Middleburg structures and remnants dating to the Malacca 15th Century Sultanate era, which were discovered during the construction of the tower at its initial site next to the Malacca River.

PSD: High-achievers have to compete for scholarships

Sunday May 18, 2008

By HARIATI AZIZAN

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government cannot afford to offer all high-achievers a scholarship for overseas studies, said the Public Services Department (PSD).

“The most common misunderstanding is that academic excellence will guarantee them scholarship. However, the fact is that many excellent students have to compete for a limited number of scholarships and those awarded will be the 'cream of the crop',” said PSD Director-General Tan Sri Ismail Adam in an e-mail interview with Sunday Star.

This past week saw many disgruntled high achievers who had their application for PSD scholarships under its Foreign Degree Programme rejected.

Only 2,000 scholarships were available for studies abroad but a total of 15,217 applications were received, out of which 7,253 were called for interview.

PSD advised those who had failed there to apply for a scholarship under its local programme. A total of 10,000 scholarships for local programmes will be on offer online next month, but many students, especially the non-Malays, are worried about their chances.

On Friday, MIC secretary-general Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said all students who score 10A1s and above in the SPM examination should automatically be offered PSD scholarships after some 140 top students who failed to clinch a scholarship under the Foreign Degree Programme approached him for support.

Ismail, however, stressed that scholarships are a privilege provided by the government rather than a right, highlighting how the growing number of students obtaining straight As in their SPMover the years has made it tougher for the Government to select deserving recipients for PSD scholarships.

According to a PSD source, the trend of students doing more than 12 subjects for their SPM has also pushed the academic criteria up.

This year, for example, although the criteria set was lower, in the selection process, the committee had to push their academic criteria to a minimum of 13A1 in their selection process.

Subramaniam, who is also Human Resources Minister, said the lack of transparency in the awarding of scholarships was a problem, as some students alleged bias towards bumiputra students.

PSD denied the allegations saying 1,100 scholarships for overseas study went to bumiputras and 900 to non-bumiputras this year.

Ismail also said that students who obtained 9As in the 2007 SPM examination were eligible for an automatic local scholarship to pursue Form 6 right up to a degree at a local university or institution of higher learning.

PSD explains policy on grants

Thursday May 15, 2008

WE REFER to the letters published in The Star from 14 -17 April 2008 in response to the letter “Grads prefer to stay on overseas” (The Star, April 13).

The PSD regulations require all sponsored students to return home upon graduation. Medical graduates are required to undergo their housemanship in Malaysia and will be appointed as medical officers by the Health Ministry.

However, there have been an increasing number of cases since 2003 where students have ignored this requirement and not returned home to serve their bond with the government.

Every year, the PSD issues letters to all sponsored students before graduation, requiring them to report back to the PSD after graduation and to register with the Public Service Commission so that they can be appointed into the public service.

Compensation claims by the Public Service Department (PSD) against errant scholars are based on the actual amount spent throughout the entire study period. They are no longer based on the stipulated amount in the contract.

This regulation was imposed on PSD overseas scholars refusing to return home upon completion of their studies without justification.

For those who refuse to return to fulfil their obligations to serve the government, the PSD issues a notice of demand to them or their guarantors (usually their parents), to repay, in one lump sum, the total amount spent on them throughout their studies.

Errant scholars who have disregarded the notice of demand have had their names forwarded to the Attorney-General for legal action against them or their guarantors.

Over the years, the PSD has taken various actions to track down these errant students and to compel them to fulfil their responsibilities, including participating in the Central Credit Reference Information System (CCRIS) maintained by Bank Negara.

In addition, the PSD is gradually sending more students to countries with affordable cost of living and excellent academic standards, especially in medical fields such as India, Indonesia, the Czech Republic, Jordan and Egypt where the expenses are much lower than those in the UK and Ireland.

Another option being considered is publishing the names of those who have defaulted on their loans in the major newspapers.

The PSD is considering imposing a heavier penalty on all our overseas sponsored students who fail to return home upon successful completion of their studies.

It is also considering offering a convertible loan to all future PSD-sponsored students seeking to study overseas rather than a scholarship, as is the current practice.

These students will then have the option to either repay the loan or serve the government for a specified period upon completion of their studies.

The number of years to which a PSD-sponsored medical student will be bonded to serve the government will also be lengthened.

In addition, the PSD will also be working closely with the Public Service Commission to initiate new recruitment strategies for PSD scholars in their final semester of study.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS UNIT,
Public Service Department.

Involved parties given a week to resolve access route issue

Wednesday May 14, 2008

SHAH ALAM: The Cheras-Kajang Expressway concessionaire Grand Saga Sdn Bhd, Bandar Mahkota Cheras (BMC) developer Narajaya Sdn Bhd and the Malaysian Highway Authority have a week to resolve the ongoing tussle over the access route to the township.

Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has given the three parties a week to come up with a solution.

The ultimatum was issued after the state government, Grand Saga, Narajaya and the Highway Authority met for more than an hour at Khalid’s office here on Tuesday.

Khalid’s political secretary Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said Khalid had urged the three parties to be calm and not to resort to any drastic action until they came up with a solution.

“The three parties and Tan Sri Khalid will meet again after a week before a final decision is taken,” he said.

Nik Nazmi said Khalid would announce the state’s stand on the issue if no solution was found.

The issue became heated after the residents demolished a barricade erected by Grand Saga to bar residents from having free access to Bandar Mahkota.

As the barricade was built on state land, the Selangor Government fully backed the residents on the matter.

PSD to impose more penalties

Sunday May 11, 2008

WE REFER to the letters published in The Star from 14 -17 April 2008 in response to the letter “Grads prefer to stay on overseas” (The Star, April 13).

Medical graduates are required to undergo their housemanship in Malaysia to be appointed as medical officers by the Health Ministry.

However, since 2003 an increasing number of PSD (Public Service Department) students have ignored this requirement to return home upon graduation.

Compensation claims by the PSD against errant scholars are also no longer based on the stipulated amount in the contract.

We are also considering imposing a heavier penalty on all our overseas sponsored students who fail to return home.

For those who refuse to fulfil their obligations, we issue a notice of demand to them or their guarantors (usually their parents), to repay, in one lump sum, the amount spent on them.

Errant scholars who have disregarded the notice of demand have had their names forwarded to the Attorney-General for legal action against them or their guarantors.

We are considered publishing the names of those who have defaulted on their loans in the major newspapers.

In addition, the PSD is gradually sending more students to countries with affordable cost of living and excellent academic standards, especially in medical fields such as India, Indonesia, the Czech Republic, Jordan and Egypt where the expenses are much lower than those in Britain and Ireland.

It is also considering offering a convertible loan to all future PSD-sponsored students seeking to study overseas rather than a scholarship as is the current practice.

The number of years to which a PSD-sponsored medical student will be bonded to serve the government will also be lengthened.

In addition, the PSD will also be working closely with the Public Service Commission to initiate new recruitment strategies for PSD scholars in their final semester of study.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS UNIT,
Public Service Department.

Rep: Grand Saga has no right to barricade access street

Sunday May 11, 2008

By CHARLES FERNANDEZ and JADE CHAN

KAJANG: The Cheras-Kajang Expressway operator has no right to barricade the road into Bandar Mahkota Cheras because a survey has found that it is located on state land.

Selangor executive councillor Ronnie Liu said a Survey and Mapping Department report had shown that the land on which Grand Saga Sdn Bhd had earlier erected a barrier to stop residents from using a toll-free road was state land.

The report and a map have been forwarded to state legal officer Datuk Zauyah Lothy Khan.

“Even before the survey, the state government had ample proof that the road was on state land.

“And until today, the highway concessionaire has yet to show documents to stake its claims,” he said at a press conference at the site yesterday.

The residents of Bandar Mahkota Cheras have been engaged in a battle with Grand Saga since 2005 over the use of a road which allows them a shorter and toll-free route into their housing area.

Grand Saga had earlier built barricades across the road but residents had dismantled the barriers.

The battle turned ugly on Thursday night when police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds of residents who were trying to dismantle the latest barricade.

Liu said Grand Saga should just let the matter rest if it could not dispute the state government’s claim over who controlled the land. It should also not stop the residents from using the toll-free access road.

Liu said he would discuss with the Public Works Department to see if another access road running parallel to the highway belonged to the state to avoid another land controversy.

Grand Saga has applied for an injunction against Bandar Mahkota Cheras Open Access Road Committee chairman Tan Boon Wah, Liu and the Kajang Municipal Council to stop them from entering the expressway area.

Tan confirmed that he was served with an ex-parte injunction on Friday night.

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng, who claimed he was injured during Thursday night’s commotion, said he admitted himself into the emergency ward of Selayang Hospital on Friday afternoon as he was in pain.

Relating Thursday’s events, Lim said: “A plainclothes officer grabbed me from behind and some burning hot liquid was blasted into my face, which temporarily blinded me. I then felt punches and kicks all over,” he said.

He said his car was damaged – tyres punctured, wipers ripped off, surface scratched and a number plate broken.

Chronology of events pertaining to Bandar Mahkota Cheras toll-free access road issue

Saturday May 10, 2008

September 15, 2005: The RM16mil Bandar Mahkota Cheras road is opened by developer Narajaya Sdn Bhd with the consent of the Kajang Municipal Council. A few days later, Cheras-Kajang Highway concessionaire Grand Saga closes the road.

October 2005: Grand Saga business development and corporate affairs executive director Zainal Abidin Ali informs council that the closure is due to compensation issues with Narajaya and says the road would only be opened with a directive from the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM).

February 2006: Bandar Mahkota Cheras residents begin signature campaign to protest road closure saying they are forced to use a longer route through Bandar Sungai Long. More than 10,000 signatures are collected. Peaceful protests are also staged over the months.

September 2006: Former Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu tells Bandar Mahkota Cheras Open Access Road Committee members that road is illegal.

December 2006: Committee members led by Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai seek a meeting with LLM representatives but are told the matter would be referred again to Samy Vellu.

January 2007: Grand Saga workers are spotted doing earthworks near site with the intention of putting up toll booths.

May 2007: Samy Vellu insists in Parliament that toll has to be collected at the access road in order to put an end to the long-standing issue.

July 2007: An emergency motion on the matter brought up by Tan Kok Wai in Parliament is rejected. Residents led by committee chairman Tan Boon Wah visit the Prime Minister's office in Putrajaya to present a memorandum.

October 2007: Developer Narajaya files a suit against Grand Saga and the Malaysian Highway Authority at the civil division of the High Court.

April 2008: Selangor state government says road is on state land but appoints surveyors to determine who has right of way. Residents go ahead and demolish the first barricade on April 21.

May 2008: Grand Saga re-erects barricade and residents demolish it again. Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim says a meeting would be sought with the Federal Government to put an end to the issue.

May 21, 2008: Court hearing for lawsuit filed by Narajaya.

Folks have the right to use access road without paying toll, says Khalid

Saturday May 10, 2008

By WANI MUTHIAH and GEETHA KRISHNAN

SELANGOR Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said the state government will be holding a meeting with Cheras-Kajang Highway concessionaire Grand Saga Sdn Bhd and the Federal Government next week.

He said the meeting was to find a solution for the tussle between the concessionaire and Bandar Mahkota Cheras residents over the barricade erected by the former on the toll-free access road belonging to the Selangor government.

“We understand the problem as well as the plight of the people and will seek a quick solution,’’ said Khalid when met by Bandar Mahkota Cheras residents at the state secretariat building yesterday.

He said the residents had the right to use the access road without having to pay toll but added that the problem could only be settled when all relevant parties had discussed the matter.

The residents arrived at the secretariat building yesterday at about 11am in a chartered bus and five cars to hand over a memorandum to Khalid. It was received by the his special duties assistant Mohd Yahya Sahri.

The crowd was also met by state executive councillors Ronnie Liu and Ean Yong Hean Wah.

Liu, who met reporters after speaking to the residents, said the concessionaire did not have the right to barricade the access road as it belonged to the state government.

He lambasted the police for taking sides and said that the police should maintain law and order instead of manhandling the residents on behalf of the concessionaire.

“We have all the proof to show that the land belongs to the state government and we have informed the police about this but the police, which is under the control of the Federal Government, is not paying heed,’’ said Liu.

He added that he had spoken to the Selangor CPO Deputy Comm Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar over the phone but the latter had remained stubborn.

More than 100 policemen, including personnel from the Light Strike Force and the Federal Reserve Unit, were dispatched to the area on Thursday when the residents held a demonstration to protest against Grand Saga Sdn Bhd.

Police personnel fired water cannons several times to ward off the protestors who were riding motorcycles and speeding towards the police barricades.

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng was allegedly assaulted when he pulled the plug of a generator before standing in front of a water cannon to prevent the police from aiming it at the crowd. He is presently recovering at the Selayang Hospital.

“The police must be neutral and not help Grand Saga Sdn Bhd put up the barricade. Since when did the police force go into construction?’’ asked Liu.

He said that he would be speaking to Khalid as well as state legal adviser Datin Paduka Zauyah Be T. Loth Khan to see what action could be taken against the concessionaire.

Liu said the residents also had the right to seek an injunction against the concessionaire as well as seek damages from it through legal recourse.

Bandar Mahkota Cheras residents had been maintaining a 24-hour vigil at the crossroads where the concrete barricade put up by Grand Saga was first dismantled on April 21.

But the tents and garden chairs which residents used while keeping an eye on the road were no longer there on Friday morning. Also missing were self-appointed traffic marshalls who helped to ensure the traffic situation was under control since the traffic lights were not synchronised.

Although small groups of residents were present at the site, the crowd was not as big as the 1,000-odd people who converged on Thursday night where four people including the Bandar Mahkota Cheras Open Access Road Committee chairman Tan Boon Wah were arrested.

To-date, Grand Saga has re-built the barricade twice and on both occasions, residents had broken down the barrier.

“They can keep building the barricade but we will keep destroying it,” said Tan when contacted.

He was released from police custody after a few hours.

With the highway concessionaire and the Selangor state government claiming right of way, the issue is still far from being settled.

One resident, Suraya Haris Ong, said authorities should also view the socio-economic impact on the township with low rentals and vacant shoplots since the barricade was put up in 2005.

IGP sounds warning after protest over Cheras access road turns ugly

Saturday May 10, 2008

PETALING JAYA: Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said there should be no mob rule in this country.

He said police would act against those who organised or incited residents to break the law by gathering illegally and demonstrating.

He was commenting on the protest by about 1,000 demonstrators at Bandar Mahkota, Cheras, against a barricade at a traffic-light junction leading to the area on Thursday night. The residents have twice brought down the barricade.

The demonstration turned ugly at about 10.30pm and police had to fire water cannons and tear gas to control the crowd.

Unsafe driving: Drivers using the access road after the barricade was brought down a second time by irate residents.

“We are concerned as the toll-free access road has yet to be gazetted. If there is an accident, we will not be able to investigate and motorists will have to file a civil suit for compensation,” he said.

“To me, all parties concerned should sit down and find an amicable solution without resorting to mob rule. They should go to the courts and fight for their rights, instead of damaging property and inconveniencing other motorists and residents.”

Police arrested four people after the demonstration. During the commotion, Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng was allegedly assaulted and later warded at the Selayang hospital.

Get injunction against Grand Saga, folks told

Friday May 9, 2008

Story by GEETHA KRISHNAN

BANDAR Mahkota Cheras residents have been advised to apply for an injunction against Cheras-Kajang Highway concessionaire Grand Saga Sdn Bhd for erecting another barricade on the toll-free access road belonging to the Selangor Government.

The advice came from state executive councillor Ronnie Liu in light of the events that unfolded on Wednesday night when Grand Saga installed a new barricade on the road under the watchful eyes of Federal Reserve Unit personnel.

Once again, Bandar Mahkota Cheras residents dismantled the barricade denying them access to the highway. Three people were arrested during the fracas that ensued.

Liu maintained that Grand Saga had committed a serious offence by erecting the barricade. “No party has the right to erect the barricade without the state government's approval and we received no such application,” he said.

The earlier barricade installed in 2006 was demolished on April 21 by residents led by the Bandar Mahkota Cheras Open Access Road Committee. The road has been a major subject of controversy since the right of way is yet to be clearly determined.

Liu said although the Survey and Mapping Department had yet to release its report, the state government had ample proof that the road was on state land.

“We have been informed that the department which is under the control of the Federal Government is not being cooperative because the report should be ready by now. I have asked Kajang Municipal council president Datuk Hasan Nawawi Abdul Rahman to pursue the matter,” he added.

Liu also told residents to seek legal redress for the various grievances they have suffered during the closure of the road.

Four arrested in Cheras demo

Friday May 9, 2008

By ANDREW SAGAYAM

KAJANG: Four people were picked up after they demonstrated at Bandar Mahkota, Cheras, due to road works being carried out at a traffic light junction leading to the area.

The demonstration which saw about 1,000 people, mostly residents from the nearby areas, gathering from 4pm to stop the work conducted by workers.

The protesting crowd played a cat-and-mouse game with the authorities until 10.30pm when the situation worsened.

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng pulled the plug of a generator before standing in front of a water cannon to prevent the police from aiming it at the crowd.

During the ensuing commotion, Lim was said to have been assaulted .

It is learnt that Lim was rushed to the Kajang Hospital by Seri Kembangan state assemblyman Ean Yong Hean Wah and a friend.

Kajang OCPD Asst Comm Shakaruddin Che Mood said police resorted to firing the water cannons several times to ward off the protestors who were riding motorcycles and speeding towards the police barricades.

He said there were more than 100 policemen including personnel from the Light Strike Force and the Federal Reserve Unit at the scene.

The four arrested, aged between 20 and 30, were taken to the Kajang police station for questioning.

On Wednesday, a large group of residents from Bandar Mahkota and Sungai Long in Kajang gathered to protest against the closure of a road that leads to both housing areas.

The residents claimed that the action of the Cheras-Kajang Highway concessionaire, Grand Saga, to place concrete barriers at the road greatly inconvenienced them.

The closure of the road meant that residents had to pay toll and take a longer route to get to their homes.

Residents had demolished the barriers on April 21, two years after they were put up by Grand Saga, which has maintained that it had right of way over the road.

Residents and FRU in stand-off over barricade

Thursday May 8, 2008

By GEETHA KRISHNAN and RASHITA A. HAMID

KAJANG: A large group of residents from Bandar Mahkota Cheras and Sungai Long in Kajang gathered to protest against the closure of a road that leads to both housing areas.

The residents said the action of the Cheras-Kajang Highway concessionaire, Grand Saga, to place concrete barriers at the road greatly inconvenienced them.

The closure of the road meant that residents had to pay toll and take a longer route to get to their homes.

Residents had demolished the barriers on April 21, two years after it was put up by Grand Saga, which has maintained that it had right of way over the road.

Yesterday evening, the concessionaire put the barriers back in place. The angry residents had gathered earlier yesterday to prevent the concessionaire from the placing the barriers.

Tensions ran high when the residents had a stand off with Federal Reserve Unit personnel, who were on standby.

The standoff also caused a traffic jam along the highway in the evening.

The Selangor Government is still waiting for a report from the State Survey and Mapping Department to determine the question of right of way.

Grand Saga business development and corporate affairs executive director Zainal Abidin Ali, who was at the site, said while he sympathised with the residents for being forced to use a longer route, a new barrier would be erected as the concessionaire was concerned about safety issues.

He said the road was now the subject matter of a lawsuit filed against Grand Saga by township developer Narajaya Sdn Bhd.

Residents: Act fast before another landslip occurs

Tuesday May 6, 2008

Story and photo by GEETHA KRISHNAN

A recent landslip in Section 7, Bandar Sungai Long in Kajang, has caused inconveniences for the residents in the area.

The access lane leading to Jalan SL 7/3 and 7/4 has been completely blocked by the mud and debris. According to residents, the landslip happened at 8am a fortnight ago when most of them were leaving for work.

Mud and trees came down the steep slope from a height of 20m to totally cover the lane, located two metres away from the nearest house.

Fencing put up for the privately- owned orchard above also came down.

Section 7 Neighbourhood Watch Committee vice-chairman Simon Rayan said residents had witnessed minor landslips in the area but the latest one was the worst.

“We complained to the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) on April 25 but the council staff who arrived at the scene later only took photos and went away. No effort has been taken to clear the mud and debris yet,” he said.

Committee treasurer Alan Yap said landslip incidents warrant serious action and the council should act before the worst happened.

“Furthermore, the slope is so steep and has not been reinforced.

“We have nothing to protect us from similar occurrences in the future,” he said.

Another resident who declined to be named said the slope had a 60% gradient and only a small portion had concrete reinforcement because one of the residents had hired a private contractor for the work.

Bandar Sg Long Public Services Centre (Dusun Tua state assembly) head Tony Mak said the blocked lane was a hazard to authorities like the Fire and Rescue Services Department and the police if they were required to attend to emergencies.

“More rain is expected during the next few weeks so we hope MPKj will carry out cleaning and clearing works as soon as possible.

“Remedial earthworks should also be carried out with immediate effect to stabilise the soil,” he added.

Residents also collectively complained that the council had failed to maintain the drains and playground in the housing area.

“As a result, residents pooled their own resources and organised their schedules to upkeep the area.

A resident known only as Teng claimed Tenaga Nasional Berhad workers who chopped down some tree branches lately just left the pile there.

“An elderly resident thought she could clear the mess by starting a fire but it spread quickly and burnt up a tree.

“Thankfully, no one was hurt but it shows the lack of responsibility on TNB’s part,” he said, adding that the housing area also needed more streetlights.

There was no response from the council till press time.

Removal of barricade causing traffic havoc

Thursday May 1, 2008

KAJANG: The Cheras-Kajang Highway concessionaire, Grand Saga, is claiming that the removal of the concrete barricade by angry Bandar Mahkota Cheras residents 10 days ago has caused havoc to the traffic situation in the area.

In a statement faxed to the media yesterday, Grand Saga said the situation endangered road users coming from Bandar Mahkota Cheras and other road users converging into the interchange from the surrounding townships.

Grand Saga business development and corporate affairs executive director Zainal Abidin Ali said the junction that was “forcibly opened” did not conform to safety requirements such as traffic lights and safety signs.

The company is calling for the barricade to be put up again until a solution was found.

The barricade was demolished by the residents to allow them toll-free access to the highway.

“Grand Saga's contract is with the Federal Government hence it was awaiting the directive and guidance from the Government on the issue,” he said.

Zainal said the right of way issue is the subject matter of a legal suit between township developer Narajaya Sdn Bhd, the Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) and Grand Saga, pending determination by the High Court.

In another development, Selangor executive councillor Ronnie Liu took the State Survey and Mapping Department to task yesterday for being unable to determine who had the right of way in the issue.

He said he was disappointed with the department for failing to provide the surveyors' report as promised because everything hinged on it. The state government had instructed two surveyors to conduct the study.

The department had promised to provide the report last Friday.