There is a report on The
Star today, titled "Penang May Ban Low Cost Homes". The
report was written by my friend Ian Mcintyre that quoted me
on this issue. I have no complaint on the content of the
report, but the title of the news report seemed to
oversimplify a complex issue.
Allow me to clarify here. Low cost housing is still needed
in Penang (including Penang Island), as well as other parts
of the country. There are many low income families that
still need it.
The idea that I want to expound here is "Affordable Home
with Livable Environment".
It is a trend nowadays that Developers are building homes
way beyond the means of the general population. Young
working adults find it difficult to even afford a home. The
link houses in industrialized parts of Penang Island is
selling at RM600,000 and above, Condos are selling at
RM350,000 above. It is, without the slightest doubt, way
beyond the means of around 70% of Penangites. However, these
homes are still selling like hot cakes and therefore,
driving the prices higher and higher.
Developers also continue to build Super-link house (3
storeys), Semi-D and Big bungalows. Prices are astronomical.
The building size might be 3000 sq ft and above. I have no
problem with developers building luxury homes, but generally
for a single family (5 members average), we do not need such
big floor space and Penang Island cannot afford to have
these houses because of the scarcity of land. It is a
wastage and environmentally unfriendly too. Imagine how many
air-cond you need to install!
On the other end, developers are building cheap 600-700 sq
ft low cost flats that are selling at RM 42k. It is very
popular among young families, because many people can't
afford link house and this is affordable for most
Penangites. When young people slowly move up their salary
scale, they buy another house and they rent it out to
others. Lack of maintenance and other issues quickly turn
low cost flats into "unlivable" situations. That is the
problem with low cost flats.
My suggestion is that we need to build something in between.
We need more homes between the range of RM100,000- RM
300,000. It should be affordable and with a livable
environment, having good amenities, perhaps a swimming pool,
ample parking space, a garden etc. Land space is optimized
and no wastage of our limited resources and environment. Low
income groups can get help from Federal Government or State
Gov for assistance in terms of financing it. Young people
will have a choice of affordable homes with good living
environment.
I do not think we can Ban low-cost homes, it is simply too
far-fetched! Low cost homes should be sold strictly to
families of the low-income group only.
We should make "Affordable homes" with livable environment
the choice for majority of Malaysians.
I have checked with MPPP regarding this issue. The claims made
by the resident were not true. MPPP has been quick to take
necessary action against the food court. In fact MPPP has
issued 2 notices on Januari 19, 2010. The notices issued were
Notice 72 (1) and 72 (6) under Street, Drainage and Building
Act 1974. Under 72 (6) notice, the occupants are requested to
vacate within 30 days and local authority may after the lapse
of the period enter the building and remove any person or
movable property found therein.
Penang state is facing criticism from multiple fronts.
Mainstream media and UMNO/BN friendly NGOs were criticizing
the MPPP for demolishing illegal hawkers. They were playing up
the sentiments among the population. Ironically, Residents on
the other hand is criticizing the MPPP for not taking action
against illegal hawkers. I urge the residents for not falling
into the trap of UMNO for instigating the unhappiness among
the residents.
For this incident, it is a localized incident. I urge the
residents to remain calm and let the law take its due course.
MPPP is doing their best professionally without fear or favor
according to the law. MPPP will also help the hawkers to find
alternative site for them to continue their business. YDP has
agreed to help the hawkers in order not to affect their
livelihood.
I will let MPPP do their job professionally and humanely.
Saya telah membuat siasatan ke
atas isu ini dengan pihak MPPP. Apa yang telah dipertikaikan
oleh penghuni-penghuni adalah tidak benar. Pihak MPPP telahpun
mengambil tindakan secepat mungkin terhadap kedai makan yang
terbabit. Hakikatnya, MPPP telah mengeluarkan dua notis (saman)
pada 19 Januari 2010. Notis-notis tersebut adalah Notis 72(1)
dan 72(6) dibawah Akta Jalan Raya, Parit dan Bangunan 1974.
Dibawah Seksyen 72(6) Akta tersebut, pengguna tanah
dikehendaki meninggalkan tanah tersebut dalam tempoh masa 30
hari. Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan mempunyai hak untuk memasuki
kawasan itu untuk memunggah dan memindahkan barang-barangan
atau sesiapa sahaja yang masih berada dalam kawasan tersebut
selepas tempoh masa yang diberikan.
Negeri Pulau Pinang kini menghadapi kritikan dari pelbagai
pihak. Media masa dan Badan Bukan Kerajaan yang memihak
segelintir pimpinan UMNO/BN telah melancarkan serangan
terhadap MPPP kerana meruntuhkan gerai-gerai tidak berlesen.
Mereka ini gemar mengapi-apikan perasaan orang ramai. Akan
tetapi, para penghuni pula mengkritik MPPP tidak mengambil
tindakan terhadap gerai-gerai makan tidak berlesen. Oleh itu,
saya menyeru para penghuni Nibong Indah supaya tidak jatuh
dalam perangkap segelintir pimpinan UMNO yang ingin
mengapi-apikan sentimen di kalangan penghuni.
Masalah ini adalah masalah setempat. Oleh itu, saya menyeru
para penghuni supaya bertenang dan biarlah Pihak Berkuasa
Tempatan mengambil tindakan undang-undang yang sewajarnya.
Saya percaya pihak MPPP akan melaksanakan tanggungjawab mereka
secara professional, adil dan mengikut lunas undang-undang.
Yang DiPertua MPPP juga prihatin dan bersetuju membantu supaya
mata pencarian mereka tidak tergugat. Pihak MPPP akan berusaha
mencari tempat lain yang sesuai bagi gerai-gerai makan yang
terlibat.
Saya menyerahkan kepada MPPP untuk melaksanakan tugasnya
secara professional dan saksama.
Terima kasih.
Big Plans for Bayan Baru Mini Library
(Jan 17th, 2010)
The
mini library at the Bayan Baru market will soon boast a host of
activities for Bayan Baru residents, among them a book reading
club and computer classes for senior citizens.
Pantai Jerejak assemblyman Sim Tze
Tzin said there were also plans to induct more volunteers to man
the library in the morning to enable more activities to be
carried out.....Continue
here....
YB Sim's
Speech at the Dewan Undangan Negeri
(May 13th, 2009)
Speech by YB Sim Tze Tzin at the
recent State Assembly Sitting in April 2009. YB Sim touched on
a few matters like economy, land matters, Creative Destruction
Concept, Global City, Education, Crime as well as a proposal
of "The Great Penang Trail" where a 20 feet-wide path could be
designated to link along the coast from Batu Maung all the way
until Teluk Bahang.
YB Sim Tze
Tzin Launches Ambitious Mini Libraries Project to
Rejuvenate Reading Interests
(April 19th, 2009)
Georgetown: Pantai Jerejak State Assemblyman Sim Tze Tzin
today launches an ambitious RM50,000 project to build seven or
more mini libraries across his constituent. He plans to bring
mini libraries directly to where community lives with good
books and internet facilities. He plans to build an
intellectual and cultured community where reading is the hobby
of most people.
Members of the public interested
in donating books and computers to the mini libraries can
contact project coordinator Loh Ker Chean at 012-362 0530 or
kerchean@gmail.com
Roadmap of Mini Libraries
Project by YB Sim Tze Tzin
Happy Tamil New Year
(April 14th, 2009)
I would like to wish Happy New Year to Tamil, Malayalees and
the Sikhs community and friends.
Last Sunday, I was invited to attend a Tamil New Year
Celebration at Kawasan D, Kg Sg Nibong Kecil. I was shocked
and saddened by what I have seen. After 51 years under BN, the
community of Kg Sg Nibong Kecil is still living in poverty.
The entire kampung had 1000 homes, 5000 residents, and they
were all “urban pioneers” (I hate to use this word:
squatters). Kawasan D is mainly Indians, but Kg Sg Nibong
Kecil is majority 80% Malays and some small community of
Chinese. In short, Malays, Chinese and Indians are just left
behind in this kampung.
The kawasan D community was living in a slump area, houses
were small and close to each other. There were many old and
sick people. A man who was undergoing dialysis everyweek
almost cried in front of me because he just couldn’t afford
the bills. A single mother without job asked me to help her
feed the family. A lady who recently met accident, ask me to
help pay for their hospital bill. There were just too many
poor people. They all came up to me to ask for assistant. I
did not know how to help them, frankly. I promised to bring
the Welfare Department to help them. Hopefully, they will get
something.
I too saw hope in the kampung. The hope was with the kids.
They were energetic, cheerful and lovely. I urged the parents
to focus on the kids and make sure they send the kids to
school. I believe education is the only way to ride the
community out of poverty.
I also immediately pledge to set up a mini-library at their
community center called Dewan Hindu Sangam. I will allocate
RM3,000 to buy books to set up this library. Also, I will
install an air-cond at their community center so that the kids
will have a good environment to read and study.
I hope by caltivating the habits of reading, they will excel
in their school and eventually lift their families out of
poverty. Happy Tamil New Year.
Sim Tze Tzin
Petition to the
National Land Council
Kepada:
Y.B. Dato’ Seri Haji Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak
Timbalan Perdana Menteri
Pejabat Timbalan Perdana Menteri,
Bangunan Putra Perdana,
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan,
62502 Putrajaya.
NO. TEL : 03-88881960
Merujuk kepada pekara di atas kami memohon petisi ini
dipertimbangkan oleh Majilis Tanah Negara.
Tujuan polisi ini adalah dengan harapan dimana melalui
pemberian status hakmilik kekal kepada rakyat, harga rumah
mereka akan naik. Maka secara tidak langsung rakyat akan
menjadi lebih kaya, dan masa depan mereka ini lebih
terpelihara.
Ini berasaskan falsafah merakyatkan ekonomi dan fokus kerajaan
negeri adalah kepada rakyat yang berpendapatan rendah. Kami
berharap untuk melahirkan golongan kelas menengah, dimana
pertambahan mendadak kelas menengah akan menjana pertumbuhan
ekonomi yang lebih pesat.
Kekayaan Negara haruslah diagihkan kepada kelas berpendapatan
rendah supaya mereka berpeluang menjadi kelas menengah, yang
akan memacukan ekonomi kerana mereka adalah tunjang negara.
Kita sebagai kerajaan berkongsi matlamat yang sama, iaitu
membela bangsa dan negara. Maka dengan persefahaman itu kami
berharap pihak tuan akan mempertimbangkan permohonan kami,
marilah sama sama kita berganding bahu untuk tanah air kita
yang tercinta.
Sekian terima kasih.
"HARAPAN BARU UNTUK MALAYSIA"
Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Lim
Guan Eng held a dialogue session with residents in Bayan Baru,
Penang on 1 January 2009 on the conversion of leasehold
low-and-medium-cost flats to freehold status.
Continue here.....
Appreciation Letter from
Residence of Jalan Aziz Ibrahim
(Sent via email on 27 Nov 2008)
Dear YB Sim,
On behalf of the residents or Jalan Aziz Ibrahim we would
like place on record our appreciation for preventing the
illegals Wed pasar malam stores obstructing our entrances to our
houses. Though there are still some way to go to clear the
entire problem, we will be patiently awaiting for your next
course of action.
Whatever it is . It has solved
at least 60% of our problems for the time being. Your yesterday
action has definitely bring cheers and smiles among all of us.
We never have such a peaceful Wed night for God knows when until
last night. I overheard one of the old folks commenting that she
was pleased that thing could happen before she went home ( she
died).
Following the above you would
no doubt agree that your last night proactive action has been
greatly appreciated and brought joys to many. Please continue
with your good jobs and bring joys wherever you go . We will
solidly behind you always. I hope you will inspire your fellow
colleagues to do the same.
I hope you will visit us and
join us to enjoy the peaceful Wed night once all the stores are
cleared from our street. Once again we would like to thank you
and may God bless you and your family always.
Sincerely
PGTan & all the residents of Jalan Aziz Ibrahim.
Capacity Building
for Future Leaders in Southeast Asia
(30 Nov 2008)
Institut Kajian Dasar (IKD) is
organizing this project with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.
This project aims to empower a young new breed of visionary
and creative leaders for the Asian region, with special
emphasis on ASEAN. They aim to gather young leaders from all
areas of leadership in the 'school for leaders', as they trust
that Asia's ascendancy could only be ensured with the creation
of a young generation of leaders with the right set of ideas.
Participants consist of those who they believe would be the
movers and shakers of the future, with an impresive track
record of leadership in their respective areas.
YB Sim is fortunate enough to be
the selected participant from young leaders in the Southeast
Asian Region. The program will be held from 30th November to
5th December in Bogor and Jakarta, Indonesia. The participants
will explore foreign policy and business environment in ASEAN.
They will also try to remodel Asian Development. The
highlights of this program is courtesy call to Indonesian
President, visiting the Habibie Center and a dialogue with
ASEAN Secretariate advisor.
Blood Donation
Campaign with YB Sim Tze Tzin
(9 Nov 2008)
A blood donation campaign was
held at the Pantai Jerejak Service Center of YB Sim Tze Tzin
on the 9 November 2008 in support of the Penang General
Hospital Blood Bank.
Continue here.....
Flood mitigation
for Pantai Jerejak Constituency
(28 Oct 2008)
On 28 October
2008, YB Sim Tze Tzin led a team of officers from MPPP, JKR,
Land Office, and JPS to visit the flood affected areas in the
constituency of Pantai Jerejak.
Continue here.....
Newsletter #2 - From the Office of Y.B. Sim Tze Tzin
A multiracial
party is not merely a party that is comprised of many races. In
a body that has fully understood what it means to be
multiracial, the Chinese understands the Malay's worries, the
Malay understands the Indian's heart, and the Indian understands
the Chinese's minds....continue
Interview with
YB Sim Tze Tzin on the first 100 days of being ADUN Pantai
Jerejak.
Government
Meets The People
Sunshine Square Level 4
29 June 2008
On 29 June 2008, YB Sim Tze Tzin organised a
programme at Sunshine Square Level 4 with the theme "Government Meets the
People". About 1,200 people attended this programme which brought the
various important government departments to a centralised location where the
public could easily meet up with them to resolve their problems via a dialog
session. Besides, there were also exhibition booths and a colouring contest for
the children.
