Behind the News......: October 2013

Wednesday 23 October 2013

Aiming for High Income Nation with Third World Mindset

Reading your report, 'firebomb thrown at UKM's student's house', and looking at the picture shown therein, it immediately struck my mind that, while we are trying our level best to be a "high income nation" by 2020, most of us are still mired in mindsets of a third world nation.

First, the Molotov cocktail thrown at a rival's house show that young Malaysians have not learnt to compete fairly and honestly, and most do it better through intimidation and hostile acts. This should never be condoned, and the authorities must come down hard on the culprits.

Second, the photo attached to the report showed a house porch filled with garbage, showing that our University students are not bothered with basic cleanliness at all, and littering is a 'way of life'. That is really sad!

I am not sure whether we should be more ashamed and horrified with the violence shown by the students , or with their dirty habits!

God save our nation!

Worrying: A portion of the porch which is now damaged and (inset) the note which Aishah found on the windshield of a housemate’s car.

Students unable to compete fairly

Friday 18 October 2013

'Unbalanced' price of cheap foreign beer

I refer to your report 'cheap foreign beer pouring into the country, even to established supermarkets', which stated that much duty has not been collected, implying that these are illegal imports? You also quoted the Customs as saying as these cheap beer may have been sold close to its expiry date? I beg to differ, as I have bought San Miguel and Foster's at established places for as little as RM10 for three 330ml cans with expiry dates of more than 8 months.

As these beer cans have official Customs stickers across the top, it is safe to presume that they have all been LEGALLY imported, and proper duty paid. What the Customs should focus on is the DECLARED value of those beer cans that are imported? If a can of imported beer is declared to be of RM1 in value, landed, how much tax will they have to pay? That's the reason why legally imported foreign beer is still so cheap, at retail.

All parties should look into this issue, and find ways to 'balance' the business.

'Unbalanced' price of cheap foreign beer

Tuesday 8 October 2013

Neglected house 48 Jalan 11/10 PJaya

Dear MBPJ/

On behalf of the neighbours, and the residents along Jalan 11/10 PJ, I wish to file a report with MBPJ on the terrible condition of house No. 48 Jalan 11/10. Please see the pictures attached. I also summarise below a list of problems and complaints for MBPJ to consider further action:

The tenants have finally left the house as they could not stand the roof leaking, the back drain have collapsed, and the pipe leading from the toilet is broken.
The immediate neighbour, Mr Chong has directly complained to the owner, who came to collect the rents, that the awful condition of the house has affected the condition of his house, No 46. The owner pretended he did not hear.
The roof might collapse anytime, as the former tenants have complained of serious leaks during rain.
The pictures show that no effort has been made at all to MAINTAIN the house in a 'livable' condition, prompting tenants to leave the place!
The porch of the house is now being used as a dumping ground for bedbug infested mattresses of another neighbour!
Families of rats have been seen staying in the burrow holes behind the house, coming out at night to forage for food. Even cats are scared of these big rats!
Now, we are afraid the only people who will rent the place will be drug addicts, illegal foreign restaurant and car wash workers, and maybe even illegal Nepalese 'guards'

My question to MBPJ is, if the owner persists in allowing the house to fall into such a condition, and if the owner refuses to heed the neighbour's request to maintain the house, what can MBPJ do to help the residents? Do we have to stomach such selfish behaviour?

Dr Chitra, since the house in in Section 11, can't you drive by and have a look on your way home from office? We need help from the authorities to solve this longstanding problem, so please do something. There must be some law to address such stubborn house owners who have total disregard for others, and only care about the rental income!