Dear Seputeh resident/ property owner/ business operator,
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SRA Committee Blog
Showing posts with label Seputeh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seputeh. Show all posts
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Message from SRA President On Yahoo Newsgroup Nov 13
Dear SRA members and non-members who are also on this Newsgroup,
Many people have advised me not to be distracted by the loud and sometimes rude comments on this newsgroup but I cannot "tahan" anymore, so I may be rambling a bit but I want to have my say on all these nonsense that is going on. So please bear with me.
Many of us have expressed our thoughts about the green Seputeh we once knew. Having lived here for 39 years myself, I have very similar views.
But the insinuation that the elected committee of SRA is behind the new development or that it has the sanction of the present committee is uncalled for.
For those of us who would bother to recall, these are not projects that have occurred only after the new committee has taken over. Even if they have, it doesn’t take a lot to understand the long approval process and the gestation period required before they can take off.
These projects, even if they have recently started, got their approval much earlier, long before the current committee stepped in to work when the previous committee voluntarily stepped down in Dec 2008. Why the previous committee had not been able to stop them or even talk about them baffles me, with all their DBKL connections, hard talk and self-proclaimed prowess.
Let me reiterate that new tall high density buildings you see on your way up the hill didn’t come about without the previous SRA committee’s knowing.
Requests for minutes of meetings involving the previous SRA Committee were denied. These meetings cover a variety of matters with the authorities and stands taken by the SRA on development projects, correspondences and details of deliberations of the previous committee. Precious time was lost trying to piece together the puzzle. Even minutes of SRA Committee meetings were not handed to us. How can that be considered confidential?
Now individuals are demanding answers, suggesting collaboration with developers on high density development, discrediting and finding fault in everything the current committee seeks to do, when all that was said in the newsletter was that the SRA may not be able to stop the onslaught (just like the previous committee was not able to stop the tall high density buildings mushrooming around us).
This present committee is doing everything we can to engage with the authorities and the developers, when given any opportunity to do so. The goal is to ensure the social impact to the community, strained traffic, and all our common concerns are formally communicated.
The committee does not wish to be embroiled in open baseless debate in a public forum, which is both divisive and counter productive. That is not to say that people can simply accuse and discredit anyone.
There are those who want more clarification on the security scheme before they sign up. That is perfectly valid and the security sub-committee has repeatedly, and in good faith, dealt with these enquiries as best they can. There would always be some who will opt out or disagree. This is perfectly acceptable, as the scheme is voluntary and each individual is entitled to his/her opinion. But opinion alone does not help fight crime.
The committee, together with those who have signed up must not gripe over this. The silent majority, who are quietly footing the bill and have said little, have done it for sake of neighbourhood solidarity and security.
Maybe my mistake is to have an open and transparent style. The security committee has opened itself to scrutiny before, during and right up to the last-minute of the scheme’s launch. Let us ask long-time residents if the previous SRA Committee had ever opened its books and documents to such a level of scrutiny. Yet, we are still open to inputs even from detractors.
For all of you who have dug deep into your pockets to want to make this work, thank you. My wish is that we continue to improve upon any shortcomings as we go along and with more houses signing up, perhaps we could even address some of your concerns to up the level of service and perhaps more guards.
We are especially touched by those who struggle to make ends meet and yet dug deeper to demonstrate their commitment. I respect you sincerely in living your values, and honouring what you agreed when we did the dipstick. It is for residents like you that we find additional satisfaction in serving.
Yet, there those who have no plans to contribute, demand to verify and scrutinise a lot of documents and sought clarification beyond reasonable means, are provided those but are now doing everything to scuttle the scheme. Perhaps these people have lost the plot and instead of fighting crime, they are hell bent on fighting their neighbours. Remember, I too am a retiree with no active income but I am prepared to fork out what it takes to help enhance security.
The issue of addressing collective views and concerns on high density development in the area will perhaps be put into a formal referendum. We can act in greater unison and with greater effect, if we act rationally and in good faith. Suggesting developer collaboration from hearsay or selective interpretation of a factual statement in the newsletter can turn ugly and will do nothing towards bringing about an otherwise powerful united voice.
There is no need to slander or insinuate collaboration when you cannot cough up the proof. The SRA Committee owes its duty to the majority who have voted for them and they are the reason why many in the committee are plodding on. My suggestion is that those who are disgruntled with the efforts of the current committee to again stand for election and let Seputeh decide.
If I do not reply to your responses, it is because I do not believe prolonging this public debate is being productive. If any SRA member has anything to say to the Committee, they can either drop us a note at our SRA letter box at 2, Jalan Teluk Pulai or via email to SRA@seputeh.org.my or to email addresses listed on the committee blog at http://sracommittee.blogspot.com.
Of course, there will still be those who want to continue to comment, rave and rant because they need an audience and this public newsgroup is giving them this audience. Thankfully, this group is not the majority but they are loud.
We are encouraged there are many others who want to contribute and help defend the sanctuary that we have in Seputeh and these people have quietly given their inputs. We salute those who are willing to contribute as we need all the help we can get.
As someone who is old enough to be a father to most of these detractors, I say it is now time for all Seputeh to stand together and put aside petty differences, emotions and disagreement. The SRA Committee that I lead is prepared to do that and we hope all others will, as well.
Regards,
Robert Quah
SRA President
Many people have advised me not to be distracted by the loud and sometimes rude comments on this newsgroup but I cannot "tahan" anymore, so I may be rambling a bit but I want to have my say on all these nonsense that is going on. So please bear with me.
Many of us have expressed our thoughts about the green Seputeh we once knew. Having lived here for 39 years myself, I have very similar views.
But the insinuation that the elected committee of SRA is behind the new development or that it has the sanction of the present committee is uncalled for.
For those of us who would bother to recall, these are not projects that have occurred only after the new committee has taken over. Even if they have, it doesn’t take a lot to understand the long approval process and the gestation period required before they can take off.
These projects, even if they have recently started, got their approval much earlier, long before the current committee stepped in to work when the previous committee voluntarily stepped down in Dec 2008. Why the previous committee had not been able to stop them or even talk about them baffles me, with all their DBKL connections, hard talk and self-proclaimed prowess.
Let me reiterate that new tall high density buildings you see on your way up the hill didn’t come about without the previous SRA committee’s knowing.
Requests for minutes of meetings involving the previous SRA Committee were denied. These meetings cover a variety of matters with the authorities and stands taken by the SRA on development projects, correspondences and details of deliberations of the previous committee. Precious time was lost trying to piece together the puzzle. Even minutes of SRA Committee meetings were not handed to us. How can that be considered confidential?
Now individuals are demanding answers, suggesting collaboration with developers on high density development, discrediting and finding fault in everything the current committee seeks to do, when all that was said in the newsletter was that the SRA may not be able to stop the onslaught (just like the previous committee was not able to stop the tall high density buildings mushrooming around us).
This present committee is doing everything we can to engage with the authorities and the developers, when given any opportunity to do so. The goal is to ensure the social impact to the community, strained traffic, and all our common concerns are formally communicated.
The committee does not wish to be embroiled in open baseless debate in a public forum, which is both divisive and counter productive. That is not to say that people can simply accuse and discredit anyone.
There are those who want more clarification on the security scheme before they sign up. That is perfectly valid and the security sub-committee has repeatedly, and in good faith, dealt with these enquiries as best they can. There would always be some who will opt out or disagree. This is perfectly acceptable, as the scheme is voluntary and each individual is entitled to his/her opinion. But opinion alone does not help fight crime.
The committee, together with those who have signed up must not gripe over this. The silent majority, who are quietly footing the bill and have said little, have done it for sake of neighbourhood solidarity and security.
Maybe my mistake is to have an open and transparent style. The security committee has opened itself to scrutiny before, during and right up to the last-minute of the scheme’s launch. Let us ask long-time residents if the previous SRA Committee had ever opened its books and documents to such a level of scrutiny. Yet, we are still open to inputs even from detractors.
For all of you who have dug deep into your pockets to want to make this work, thank you. My wish is that we continue to improve upon any shortcomings as we go along and with more houses signing up, perhaps we could even address some of your concerns to up the level of service and perhaps more guards.
We are especially touched by those who struggle to make ends meet and yet dug deeper to demonstrate their commitment. I respect you sincerely in living your values, and honouring what you agreed when we did the dipstick. It is for residents like you that we find additional satisfaction in serving.
Yet, there those who have no plans to contribute, demand to verify and scrutinise a lot of documents and sought clarification beyond reasonable means, are provided those but are now doing everything to scuttle the scheme. Perhaps these people have lost the plot and instead of fighting crime, they are hell bent on fighting their neighbours. Remember, I too am a retiree with no active income but I am prepared to fork out what it takes to help enhance security.
The issue of addressing collective views and concerns on high density development in the area will perhaps be put into a formal referendum. We can act in greater unison and with greater effect, if we act rationally and in good faith. Suggesting developer collaboration from hearsay or selective interpretation of a factual statement in the newsletter can turn ugly and will do nothing towards bringing about an otherwise powerful united voice.
There is no need to slander or insinuate collaboration when you cannot cough up the proof. The SRA Committee owes its duty to the majority who have voted for them and they are the reason why many in the committee are plodding on. My suggestion is that those who are disgruntled with the efforts of the current committee to again stand for election and let Seputeh decide.
If I do not reply to your responses, it is because I do not believe prolonging this public debate is being productive. If any SRA member has anything to say to the Committee, they can either drop us a note at our SRA letter box at 2, Jalan Teluk Pulai or via email to SRA@seputeh.org.my or to email addresses listed on the committee blog at http://sracommittee.blogspot.com.
Of course, there will still be those who want to continue to comment, rave and rant because they need an audience and this public newsgroup is giving them this audience. Thankfully, this group is not the majority but they are loud.
We are encouraged there are many others who want to contribute and help defend the sanctuary that we have in Seputeh and these people have quietly given their inputs. We salute those who are willing to contribute as we need all the help we can get.
As someone who is old enough to be a father to most of these detractors, I say it is now time for all Seputeh to stand together and put aside petty differences, emotions and disagreement. The SRA Committee that I lead is prepared to do that and we hope all others will, as well.
Regards,
Robert Quah
SRA President
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Meet Shift Supervisors Syahrul and Mohd Salih
Dear SRA Security Scheme subscribers,
Thank you for your support in making our first-ever Seputeh Security Scheme a success.
Here are pictures and names of the two shift supervisors and six guards who are serving our neighbourhood.
The supervisors are Mohamed Salih bin Mohamed Jalali (in blue) and Syahrul Amri bin Khusaini (in green). They will be the ones who will respond to any call on our Security Hotline 016-2131778. Mohamed Salih prefers to be just called "Mat" while his colleague usually goes by his first name "Syahrul".
The other pictures to be posted here separately are of security guards under their supervision. They are all Nepalis.
Let us make them feel comfortable and welcomed as they work to serve us. A friendly wave goes a long way towards making them feel appreciated.
If there are shortcomings, please note down time and describe what the shortcoming is and email it to seputehresidentsassociation@gmail.com or you may post a comment on this blog with the relevant details.
If it is urgent, you may also immediately call the supervisor at the hotline number.
Best regards,
SRA Security Committee
Saturday, October 31, 2009
016-2131778 SRA Security Hotline Number
Dear Seputeh Residents & Business Operators,
We are happy to announce that, with the support of many amongst you, the SRA Security Committee (SSC) has been able to roll out the security scheme tonight.
The hotline for the scheme is also activated immediately. It is 016-2131778. This phone will be held by the shift supervisor and it is supposed to work 24x7 -- that means it should be on all the time.
SRA committee members and volunteers will continue to meet residents and business operators to invite those who have yet to subscriber to do so. We wish to cover all and to embrace all.
If you have queries or doubts or even if you have heard any whispers anywhere, please feel free to email any committee member listed on the left side of this blog.
To subscribers, please extend your co-operation to the personnel installing Force One Security plaques on your front gate.
For now, we are starting off with just a table and umbrella while awaiting the process of getting cabins and boom gates in place. Please bear with this temporary situation.
What is important is that we target to start on Nov 1 and with all your support, we managed to do so.
At this simple roll-out of security patrols and checkpoints, SRA President Robert Quah gave a short speech where he thanked all subscribers for their support and reaffirmed that Brickfields police would continue their daily patrols and the SRA security patrols would augment security.
In fact, Robert addressed the small crowd through the police patrol car's hailer and this shows the close co-operation that SRA has with the police force.
For those who have yet to sign up, we request you do so to help enhance security. You may drop your form with your cheque at the SRA box at 2, Jalan Teluk Pulai (the provision shop) or contact the volunteer whose name is on the cover letter.
Best regards,
SRA Security Committee
We are happy to announce that, with the support of many amongst you, the SRA Security Committee (SSC) has been able to roll out the security scheme tonight.
The hotline for the scheme is also activated immediately. It is 016-2131778. This phone will be held by the shift supervisor and it is supposed to work 24x7 -- that means it should be on all the time.
SRA committee members and volunteers will continue to meet residents and business operators to invite those who have yet to subscriber to do so. We wish to cover all and to embrace all.
If you have queries or doubts or even if you have heard any whispers anywhere, please feel free to email any committee member listed on the left side of this blog.
To subscribers, please extend your co-operation to the personnel installing Force One Security plaques on your front gate.
For now, we are starting off with just a table and umbrella while awaiting the process of getting cabins and boom gates in place. Please bear with this temporary situation.
What is important is that we target to start on Nov 1 and with all your support, we managed to do so.
At this simple roll-out of security patrols and checkpoints, SRA President Robert Quah gave a short speech where he thanked all subscribers for their support and reaffirmed that Brickfields police would continue their daily patrols and the SRA security patrols would augment security.
In fact, Robert addressed the small crowd through the police patrol car's hailer and this shows the close co-operation that SRA has with the police force.
For those who have yet to sign up, we request you do so to help enhance security. You may drop your form with your cheque at the SRA box at 2, Jalan Teluk Pulai (the provision shop) or contact the volunteer whose name is on the cover letter.
Best regards,
SRA Security Committee
Friday, October 23, 2009
Security Scheme starts Nov 1 -- Sign Up Now
The SRA Security Committee (SSC) is now ready to launch the SRA Security Scheme for Seputeh on Nov 1, 2009. We have gone through a thorough and painstaking process of gathering feedback from residents, evaluating various options and finally selecting a service provider.
Our entire journey – from call for tenders to several rounds of evaluation and finally, awarding the tender to the successful bidder – has undergone scrutiny by 11 residents on Sept 5. These 11 scrutineers are independent from the SRA Committee and the SSC.
Further, they selected from amongst them, three individuals to peruse the process as well as details of the bids and how the SSC made its decision. These three, Mr Tan Chin Shu, Encik Sulaiman Ahmad and Mr Naveen Kumar, went through the documents for two hours on Sept 8 and were satisfied with the transparency and governance standards adopted by the SSC.
Having cleared these two levels of scrutiny, we proceeded into final negotiations with the successful bidder – Force One Security Sdn Bhd – from Sept 8 till end-September. We have now signed the service agreement for patrols to start on Nov 1.
For the scheme to work, we need the support of everyone in Seputeh. Here, we are lucky to have volunteers to be street representatives.
In the next few days, these street representatives and SRA Committee members will visit you to seek your subscription to the scheme.
On behalf of the SRA Security Committee, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join us for a simple "launch" of our scheme on Saturday, 31 October, 2009 at 9 pm at the playground in front of the shophouses along Jalan Teluk Pulai.
Please sign up and help contribute towards enhanced security in Seputeh.
All cheques should be issued to "SRA Security Fund" and all payments will be issued a receipt. We do not encourage you to pay cash but if you do, please insist on an official receipt immediately. Thank you.
Best regards,
Mazlan Kamaruddin
(mazlan_ey@yahoo.com)
Chairman, SRA Security Committee
Hon. Vice-President, SRA
Our entire journey – from call for tenders to several rounds of evaluation and finally, awarding the tender to the successful bidder – has undergone scrutiny by 11 residents on Sept 5. These 11 scrutineers are independent from the SRA Committee and the SSC.
Further, they selected from amongst them, three individuals to peruse the process as well as details of the bids and how the SSC made its decision. These three, Mr Tan Chin Shu, Encik Sulaiman Ahmad and Mr Naveen Kumar, went through the documents for two hours on Sept 8 and were satisfied with the transparency and governance standards adopted by the SSC.
Having cleared these two levels of scrutiny, we proceeded into final negotiations with the successful bidder – Force One Security Sdn Bhd – from Sept 8 till end-September. We have now signed the service agreement for patrols to start on Nov 1.
For the scheme to work, we need the support of everyone in Seputeh. Here, we are lucky to have volunteers to be street representatives.
In the next few days, these street representatives and SRA Committee members will visit you to seek your subscription to the scheme.
On behalf of the SRA Security Committee, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join us for a simple "launch" of our scheme on Saturday, 31 October, 2009 at 9 pm at the playground in front of the shophouses along Jalan Teluk Pulai.
Please sign up and help contribute towards enhanced security in Seputeh.
All cheques should be issued to "SRA Security Fund" and all payments will be issued a receipt. We do not encourage you to pay cash but if you do, please insist on an official receipt immediately. Thank you.
Best regards,
Mazlan Kamaruddin
(mazlan_ey@yahoo.com)
Chairman, SRA Security Committee
Hon. Vice-President, SRA
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
11 scrutineers and 3 "super scrutineers' vetted process
Dear SRA Members,
The SRA Security Committee is pleased to report that 11 residents turned up to volunteer as scrutineers for the process of choosing a service provider for the SRA Security Scheme.
A scrutineers' meeting was held for 2 hours on a Saturday morning on Sept 5 at Sri Langit Condo. (We'd like to thank the condo management for its hospitality in accommodating our group of almost 20 pax!)
The 11 were obviously keen to know what happened and details of the process of selecting bidders. Many questions were posed and doubts aired. SRA Security Committee (SSC) chairman Mazlan Kamaruddin gave an initial briefing after which lengthy discussions took place.
These 11 independent scrutineers were obviously satisfied with the process but they did not have the time to go through the detailed bids and SSC offered to "open all books" if necessary.
The 11 then decided to nominate three from amongst them to conduct a proper due diligence audit of the bids received. The trio were Mr Tan Chin Shu, Encik Sulaiman Ahmad and Mr Naveen Kumar.
This “detailed verification meeting” took place on Tuesday night of Sept 8. The three "special scrutineers" went through the files with a fine tooth-comb and checked relevant documents. They were satisfied with the transparency and due diligence observed by the SSC. With this process duly endorsed, the SSC could proceed to fine-tune the final service agreement.
This is where we are now. Stay tuned.
SRA Security Committee
The SRA Security Committee is pleased to report that 11 residents turned up to volunteer as scrutineers for the process of choosing a service provider for the SRA Security Scheme.
A scrutineers' meeting was held for 2 hours on a Saturday morning on Sept 5 at Sri Langit Condo. (We'd like to thank the condo management for its hospitality in accommodating our group of almost 20 pax!)
The 11 were obviously keen to know what happened and details of the process of selecting bidders. Many questions were posed and doubts aired. SRA Security Committee (SSC) chairman Mazlan Kamaruddin gave an initial briefing after which lengthy discussions took place.
These 11 independent scrutineers were obviously satisfied with the process but they did not have the time to go through the detailed bids and SSC offered to "open all books" if necessary.
The 11 then decided to nominate three from amongst them to conduct a proper due diligence audit of the bids received. The trio were Mr Tan Chin Shu, Encik Sulaiman Ahmad and Mr Naveen Kumar.
This “detailed verification meeting” took place on Tuesday night of Sept 8. The three "special scrutineers" went through the files with a fine tooth-comb and checked relevant documents. They were satisfied with the transparency and due diligence observed by the SSC. With this process duly endorsed, the SSC could proceed to fine-tune the final service agreement.
This is where we are now. Stay tuned.
SRA Security Committee
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Watch out for these robbers
Dear SRA Members,
Please be on the alert. There have been two confirmed cases of daylight robbery in Seputeh in August.
In both cases, robbers entered the house in broad daylight and seemed to be well-organised with possibly even having look-outs for them.
On Aug 9, a Seputeh resident just left his home for about 20 minutes that Sunday morning when his alarm was triggered. He immediately turned back and headed home.
Arriving home some 10 minutes later, he saw that his home was already broken into and called the police. He entered the house with the police but it was too late.
In a mere 10-15 minutes, the robbers had dismantled his CCTV cameras and disabled his alarm system. He suffered quite heavy losses and fortunately no one was hurt because no one was in.
The second robbery was just down the same road and it took place on Tuesday Aug 25 at 2.30pm. Three men jumped over the well-guarded fence to catch three children and two maids unawares.
They tied them up and ransacked the house. They even had the audacity to call in a vehicle to take over the loot. Luckily, no one was hurt in this incident as well. Surely, it must have been traumatic for the victims.
So, folks, let us be more aware of goings-on in the neighbourhood and watch out for our neighbours.
In both these cases, the homes were quite well protected with cameras and alarms but alas, it could not stop or prevent these well-organised robbers.
The police have been urged to step up patrols but let us beware.
Cheers
KH Lim
SRA Vice-President
Please be on the alert. There have been two confirmed cases of daylight robbery in Seputeh in August.
In both cases, robbers entered the house in broad daylight and seemed to be well-organised with possibly even having look-outs for them.
On Aug 9, a Seputeh resident just left his home for about 20 minutes that Sunday morning when his alarm was triggered. He immediately turned back and headed home.
Arriving home some 10 minutes later, he saw that his home was already broken into and called the police. He entered the house with the police but it was too late.
In a mere 10-15 minutes, the robbers had dismantled his CCTV cameras and disabled his alarm system. He suffered quite heavy losses and fortunately no one was hurt because no one was in.
The second robbery was just down the same road and it took place on Tuesday Aug 25 at 2.30pm. Three men jumped over the well-guarded fence to catch three children and two maids unawares.
They tied them up and ransacked the house. They even had the audacity to call in a vehicle to take over the loot. Luckily, no one was hurt in this incident as well. Surely, it must have been traumatic for the victims.
So, folks, let us be more aware of goings-on in the neighbourhood and watch out for our neighbours.
In both these cases, the homes were quite well protected with cameras and alarms but alas, it could not stop or prevent these well-organised robbers.
The police have been urged to step up patrols but let us beware.
Cheers
KH Lim
SRA Vice-President
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Time to serve as scrutineers
This message is sent on behalf of Encik Mazlan Kamaruddin, chairman of SRA Security Committee (SSC).
The SSC has come to the final stage in its process of evaluating the various bids in the tender exercise for a security scheme for the entire Seputeh area.
We have shortlisted three contenders and will soon complete the process and award the security scheme to the eventual winning bidder.
The SSC is now looking for concerned residents to take part in the final process as a scrutineer. There have been many individuals who have expressed interest and to them, the SSC is grateful for their efforts.
We wish to open this to all residents so please pass the word around. The SSC wants more residents to come forward to scrutinise the tender award process. All are welcome.
The SSC is calling for a meeting of all such scrutineers at 10am this Saturday, Sept 5.
Those who are interested to serve as a scrutineer are welcomed to drop an email directly to mazlan at mazlan_ey@yahoo.com. Please provide your full particulars including name, address and mobile number.
The venue of the meeting will be decided later. Mazlan or any other SSC member will contact you to confirm the venue of the meeting. The time and day is fixed at 10am this Saturday.
For and on behalf of SSC.
The SSC has come to the final stage in its process of evaluating the various bids in the tender exercise for a security scheme for the entire Seputeh area.
We have shortlisted three contenders and will soon complete the process and award the security scheme to the eventual winning bidder.
The SSC is now looking for concerned residents to take part in the final process as a scrutineer. There have been many individuals who have expressed interest and to them, the SSC is grateful for their efforts.
We wish to open this to all residents so please pass the word around. The SSC wants more residents to come forward to scrutinise the tender award process. All are welcome.
The SSC is calling for a meeting of all such scrutineers at 10am this Saturday, Sept 5.
Those who are interested to serve as a scrutineer are welcomed to drop an email directly to mazlan at mazlan_ey@yahoo.com. Please provide your full particulars including name, address and mobile number.
The venue of the meeting will be decided later. Mazlan or any other SSC member will contact you to confirm the venue of the meeting. The time and day is fixed at 10am this Saturday.
For and on behalf of SSC.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Seputeh Security Town Hall Meeting Agenda & Purpose
Copy of email to Seputeh Yahoo Newsgroup
Since the last AGM, I have been approached by the SRA Committee to spearhead this security initiative. For the sake of the Seputeh community, I am willing to contribute my time and effort as a volunteer and will try to do my best.
Allow me to clarify the situation.
Deepak is right in that the scheme will be presented for feedback first. This is why the main points of the scheme have been included in the notice sent out to everyone.
It seems that many people are not clear why we are having this Town Hall meeting. Perhaps, a flashback will help.
At the last AGM, a resolution duly proposed and seconded by two members were put to the ballot. It was carried with more than two-third majority. (131 against 46 with 9 abstentions)
Quote
Given that the security situation in Seputeh has not improved since the last Annual General Meeting,
We, the concerned members of SRA, at this AGM note with alarm the rising incidences of snatch thefts and petty crime in our community,
So we hereby resolve to:
Empowering the SRA Committee (The Committee) to take whatever measures necessary towards improving the security of the Seputeh community on the following principles:
a. The Committee explores all avenues of enhancing security and will adopt any paid or unpaid measure for the good of the Seputeh community;
b. The Committee considers seeking funding from any source, including from the Government, provided that the interest of the SRA and the Seputeh community are not compromised;
c. The Committee gives top priority to the welfare, safety and security of the entire Seputeh community;
d. The Committee ensures that any contribution to any security scheme shall be entirely voluntary and no member of the SRA shall be forced or otherwise coerced into paying any money; and,
e. That SRA funds will only be used to benefit members.
Unquote
Based on this resolution, the SRA Committee formed a Security Committee to carry out the intention of the resolution, keeping in mind part (a) and the other four guiding principles.
The AGM also passed a motion that, in the event the Committee decides on any paid security scheme, it should revert with details of the scheme to all residents for them to decide whether to subscribe or not. Please note that the scheme details must be presented to all those whom we want to invite into the scheme – members and non-members. This is why there is a need to hold a Town Hall meeting and not merely an SRA general meeting of members.
The decision to go ahead with a paid scheme has been made by the security committee after considering all options. This recommendation was presented to the SRA Committee and approved. It is now time for the Town Hall meeting where we will meet residents and clarify any enquiries or doubts that they have. It will not be implemented without getting the feedback and perhaps, better ideas from residents on how to do it better.
The Security Committee wants all the main points of the scheme to be widely disseminated so that residents can come with questions and give feedback. We have not awarded the scheme to any company yet. In fact, we have also asked those who know of credible security companies to recommend them to us. These companies can contact us in the usual manner stated in the notice.
We hope to incorporate whatever views and opinions aired by residents at this Sunday’s meeting into the scheme – as far as possible – and as far as the Security Committee agrees that they are sound and credible ideas. I am sure any reasonable person will be aware that while all views can be heard and considered, not all can be implemented. The Security Committee will hear, consider and decide. It is not a question of who is right or wrong but an issue of which seems to be the best solution and approach to solve Seputeh’s security situation.
We have to move on, go ahead and do it. We need all your support and goodwill.
On the agenda of the meeting, Deepak did not list it out because the Town Hall meeting is a single-purpose meeting – all about security. We thought it was obvious but we were mistaken.
So, here is the agenda:
1. Opening remarks by SRA President
· President Robert Quah welcomes residents to the Town Hall meeting and explain the AGM resolution (non-members would not have known about it)
· President introduces the SRA Security Committee
2. SRA Security Chairman briefs residents on main features of the security scheme
3. Residents to give their views and seek clarification
4. Selection of auditors (at least two) for the security fund
5. Call for volunteers to be street representatives
6. Any other business
Hope that clarifies and we will see you both there. Thank you.
Best regards,
Mazlan
Chairman of SRA Security Committee
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Blackouts on May 4 and 5: What Tenaga Did
Dear SRA Members,
We have been hit twice on successive nights (May 4 and 5) by power outage. On May 4, power was restored quickly and we have commended Tenaga. When it happened again, almost at the same time as a day earlier, I was wondering whether Tenaga "pantang dipuji" :)
On May 5, it took much longer due to a "double fault" and Tenaga has apologised for the inconvenience.
Their crews worked throughout the night from 8.45pm, first working to restore power to all sub-stations affected in KL South and had expected it to be done by midnight. Some of you may have been alerted by SMS by SRA.
Then, around midnight, it was found that the cables at the Bukit Seputeh substation "tripped" due to over-load once supply was restored.
Tenaga then brought in generator sets to supply power while the team worked throughout the night. Supply from the gen-sets came on line at 1.45am, so we all had power by that time.
Cable replacement work was completed by 6am this morning. Those early risers will notice that there was a 3-minute interruption in power supply this morning around 6.10am. This was to enable them to pull out the gen-set and plug in the new supply cable.
Even though we don't like the frequent blackouts, we must acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the Tenaga crews. Thank you, Tenaga, but please try to prevent this from happening once too often.
Cheers
KH Lim
Vice-President
We have been hit twice on successive nights (May 4 and 5) by power outage. On May 4, power was restored quickly and we have commended Tenaga. When it happened again, almost at the same time as a day earlier, I was wondering whether Tenaga "pantang dipuji" :)
On May 5, it took much longer due to a "double fault" and Tenaga has apologised for the inconvenience.
Their crews worked throughout the night from 8.45pm, first working to restore power to all sub-stations affected in KL South and had expected it to be done by midnight. Some of you may have been alerted by SMS by SRA.
Then, around midnight, it was found that the cables at the Bukit Seputeh substation "tripped" due to over-load once supply was restored.
Tenaga then brought in generator sets to supply power while the team worked throughout the night. Supply from the gen-sets came on line at 1.45am, so we all had power by that time.
Cable replacement work was completed by 6am this morning. Those early risers will notice that there was a 3-minute interruption in power supply this morning around 6.10am. This was to enable them to pull out the gen-set and plug in the new supply cable.
Even though we don't like the frequent blackouts, we must acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the Tenaga crews. Thank you, Tenaga, but please try to prevent this from happening once too often.
Cheers
KH Lim
Vice-President
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
SRA Committee Empowered on Security, To Revert With Details
Dear SRA Members,
The SRA at our 11th AGM has adopted a resolution on:
Empowering the SRA Committee (The Committee) to take whatever measures necessary towards improving the security of the Seputeh community on the following principles:
a. The Committee explores all avenues of enhancing security and will adopt any paid or unpaid measure for the good of the Seputeh community;
b. The Committee considers seeking funding from any source, including from the Government, provided that the interest of the SRA and the Seputeh community are not compromised;
c. The Committee gives top priority to the welfare, safety and security of the entire Seputeh community;
d. The Committee ensures that any contribution to any security scheme shall be entirely voluntary and no member of the SRA shall be forced or otherwise coerced into paying any money; and,
e. That SRA funds will only be used to benefit members.
The resolution was carried by a majority of 131 for, 36 against and 9 abstaining.
The AGM also adopted a motion that the Committee, when duly empowered, must revert with details of any security scheme and to seek a consensus including calling a "Town Hall" meeting of all residents.
The Committee, at our first meeting on April 12, appointed a security working group to study all options. This group comprises President Robert Quah, Vice-President Mazlan Kamaruddin, Vice-President K.H. Lim, Committee Member Dr Balaeswaran and Committee Member Wilson Szeto.
Watch this space for updates in the next few weeks.
Best Regards,
Robert Quah
President
The SRA at our 11th AGM has adopted a resolution on:
Empowering the SRA Committee (The Committee) to take whatever measures necessary towards improving the security of the Seputeh community on the following principles:
a. The Committee explores all avenues of enhancing security and will adopt any paid or unpaid measure for the good of the Seputeh community;
b. The Committee considers seeking funding from any source, including from the Government, provided that the interest of the SRA and the Seputeh community are not compromised;
c. The Committee gives top priority to the welfare, safety and security of the entire Seputeh community;
d. The Committee ensures that any contribution to any security scheme shall be entirely voluntary and no member of the SRA shall be forced or otherwise coerced into paying any money; and,
e. That SRA funds will only be used to benefit members.
The resolution was carried by a majority of 131 for, 36 against and 9 abstaining.
The AGM also adopted a motion that the Committee, when duly empowered, must revert with details of any security scheme and to seek a consensus including calling a "Town Hall" meeting of all residents.
The Committee, at our first meeting on April 12, appointed a security working group to study all options. This group comprises President Robert Quah, Vice-President Mazlan Kamaruddin, Vice-President K.H. Lim, Committee Member Dr Balaeswaran and Committee Member Wilson Szeto.
Watch this space for updates in the next few weeks.
Best Regards,
Robert Quah
President
Fruitful Meeting With Waterworks on April 14
Dear SRA Members,
SRA President Robert Quah, Vice-President Mazlan Kamaruddin and I met officials from Syabas and Tenaga Nasional for two hours on Tuesday evening to discuss ways of reducing incidences of water cuts due to pump failure and electricity disruption.
Top line result:- Hopefully, water cuts due to pump failure will be reduced tremendously through 3 steps:
1) Installing an SMS-based early-alert system that gives Syabas about 4 hours lead time to take remedial measures in case of pump failure, and
2) Adjusting current automatic pump circuitry to enable any one working pump to take over the duties of a failed pump, and
3) Putting a spare water tank on standby to add to the buffer capacity of the service reservoir.
Item 1 was done last Friday -- one day after meeting SRA President -- while item 2 will be done once Syabas technical department figures out how to fine-tune the electrical relay system. Item 3 will be implemented soon.
Now the background: This meeting resulted from a series of emails between your Committee and Puspel customer service centre arising from last Wednesday and Thursday's pump failures.
The Syabas team was led by Encik Mohd Azmi Jamaluddin, the senior technical manager for Syabas Wilayah KL, while Tenaga was represented by Nur Zaidi Mohd Yusup who is in charge of Seputeh.
Actually, Encik Azmi and the Syabas General Manager had visited Robert last Thursday itself to show their concern and to assure the SRA that they were doing their best under the circumstances. This came about after the Committee sent an email to the Puspel centre expressing our displeasure with the water cuts on two consecutive days. We had wanted to meet them on Saturday but they asked for more notice and suggested Tuesday.
Here is the Puspel email reply, time-stamped late Thursday afternoon, which I am reproducing in full:
On Thu, Apr 9, 2009 at 4:49 PM, Puspelwrote:
> Dear Sir,
>
> Thank you for your email.
>
> Our General Manager and Senior Technical Manager of SYABAS Kuala
> Lumpur met Mr. Robert Quah (President) at 12.30 pm at his house to
> explain on this matter. We would like to convey our appreciation for
> his understanding. We would then like to proceed to visit you but were
> informed that you are at work.
>
> We are sorry for the inconvenience caused as the interruption happens
> as a result of faulty TNB cable due to old age. It was repaired
> yesterday but the cable was damaged again this morning. TNB contractor
> is in the midst of replacing the faulty cable now and it is expected
> to be completed by this evening. This is hope to be the long term solution.
>
> Notice of the interruption was not given earlier because the
> interruption is unscheduled. Nevertheless, we have issued water
> tankers and 5 litre bottled water immediately upon the problem arising
> today. For your information, in the past, the water interruption was
> due to unavoidable reasons as a result of at least 4 cases of pump
> trips and 3 cases of pipe bursts.
>
> Should you still insist on meeting with us, we are very sorry as we
> could not make it this Saturday due to prior arrangement.
> Nevertheless, we would like to suggest this to be on Tuesday. Should
> you have any queries, please do not hesitate to call our Senior
> Technical Manager, En. Mohd Azmi Jamaluddin at
>
> Thank you.
>
> "Towards Excellent Water Services"
>
> Regards,
>
> NAZRATUL HUDA IBRAHIM
> PUSPEL
> SYABAS
> Toll Free: 1-800-88-52-52
Here are the details:
After our strongly-worded complaints to Puspel, the Syabas team swung into action. We will give credit where credit is due. They immediately ordered an early-warning system for the service reservoir (the one in front of Sri Langit's main entrance). It was installed on Friday.
At Tuesday's meeting, the SRA officials found out that the early warning system works on the basis that if the water level drops to four feet above the strainer which covers the outlet pipe (meaning only four feet of water left in the reservoir), an SMS will be sent to Encik Azmi and another officer called Encik Mohd Rozam.
We asked how long could four feet last at an average consumption rate and we were told 2-3 hours. This means if the pumps fail, they would be alerted only when the water level dropped to four feet.
We suggested the threshold be raised to six feet and they agreed. This will give Syabas at least 4 hours to solve the problem. This change from 4 feet to 6 feet will be implemented by this Friday, they promised.
As for the pumps, there are two at the pump house along Jalan Taman Seputeh. Each pump is designated to work a 12-hour shift and the shift-change is automated by a timer. This means when the water level at the service reservoir drops to 1 foot from the overflow pipe, the pump will start. When the level reaches the overflow pipe, it will stop. But, if the pump that is "on duty" happens to break down, it will not work when the "signal to pump" is sent from the service reservoir.
We strongly suggested that Syabas engineers look into installing some kind of an auto-relay system that can "override" the 12-hour shift if one pump breaks down. In other words, if one pump fails, it should trigger an "override" command to the other pump to take over its "shift" even if it is not scheduled to be "on duty".
They agreed that this could be done but they had to bring this idea back to their engineers to study and will revert.
The Syabas team also assured us that the pumps are manually checked twice a day. This means any such an "override" situation could be easily detected by humans within 12 hours and the faulty pump repaired or replaced. So, there is no risk of one pump working all the time and then "burning-out".
The third idea of using a spare storage tank was agreed immediately. Using this tank will perhaps buy us a little bit more time before the taps run dry -- for high-ground homes, it could mean an hour.
As for Tenaga, Encik Zaidi assured us that the pumphouse is considered a priority installation and Tenaga monitors supply to it round-the-clock. He said if there was a supply failure from Tenaga's side, it would know immediately and a "flying squad" would be despatched.
However, it would not be able to detect any electrical "trip" within the pumphouse. This would be akin to the ELCB trip-switch that you have in your homes. Once it is tripped -- whether by a short-circuit or by lightning -- you would have to manually reset it.
The Syabas team has resolved this by installing a seven-pole surge protection relay into the pumphouse electrical system to prevent trips. Once the ELCB trips, it will also RESET ITSELF after 1 minute. So we have double protection now -- surge protection as well as auto reset of ELCB trips!
Now, dear SRA members, the Committee is happy that Syabas and Tenaga have come together to reassure Seputeh residents of their efforts in reducing pump failures. For that, we are indeed grateful.
What is more important to us is this: --
For many, many years, we had to wait until our taps run dry and then we call Waterworks. Even up to last Thursday, that was the situation.
Now, Waterworks have put in pre-emptive measures to ensure integrity of power supply and early warning of pump failure. Even if the pumps fail, they will be alerted at least 4 hours before our taps run dry.
With this lead-time, they will try their best to avert a dry-tap situation.
Now that is what I call progress.
Thank you, Syabas.
Thank you, Tenaga.
And thank you, SRA members, for being patient all these years.
Cheers
K.H. Lim
Vice-President
P.S. A caveat: Your taps may still run dry if there are burst pipes or leaking mains but that is another story :)
SRA President Robert Quah, Vice-President Mazlan Kamaruddin and I met officials from Syabas and Tenaga Nasional for two hours on Tuesday evening to discuss ways of reducing incidences of water cuts due to pump failure and electricity disruption.
Top line result:- Hopefully, water cuts due to pump failure will be reduced tremendously through 3 steps:
1) Installing an SMS-based early-alert system that gives Syabas about 4 hours lead time to take remedial measures in case of pump failure, and
2) Adjusting current automatic pump circuitry to enable any one working pump to take over the duties of a failed pump, and
3) Putting a spare water tank on standby to add to the buffer capacity of the service reservoir.
Item 1 was done last Friday -- one day after meeting SRA President -- while item 2 will be done once Syabas technical department figures out how to fine-tune the electrical relay system. Item 3 will be implemented soon.
Now the background: This meeting resulted from a series of emails between your Committee and Puspel customer service centre arising from last Wednesday and Thursday's pump failures.
The Syabas team was led by Encik Mohd Azmi Jamaluddin, the senior technical manager for Syabas Wilayah KL, while Tenaga was represented by Nur Zaidi Mohd Yusup who is in charge of Seputeh.
Actually, Encik Azmi and the Syabas General Manager had visited Robert last Thursday itself to show their concern and to assure the SRA that they were doing their best under the circumstances. This came about after the Committee sent an email to the Puspel centre expressing our displeasure with the water cuts on two consecutive days. We had wanted to meet them on Saturday but they asked for more notice and suggested Tuesday.
Here is the Puspel email reply, time-stamped late Thursday afternoon, which I am reproducing in full:
On Thu, Apr 9, 2009 at 4:49 PM, Puspel
>
> Thank you for your email.
>
> Our General Manager and Senior Technical Manager of SYABAS Kuala
> Lumpur met Mr. Robert Quah (President) at 12.30 pm at his house to
> explain on this matter. We would like to convey our appreciation for
> his understanding. We would then like to proceed to visit you but were
> informed that you are at work.
>
> We are sorry for the inconvenience caused as the interruption happens
> as a result of faulty TNB cable due to old age. It was repaired
> yesterday but the cable was damaged again this morning. TNB contractor
> is in the midst of replacing the faulty cable now and it is expected
> to be completed by this evening. This is hope to be the long term solution.
>
> Notice of the interruption was not given earlier because the
> interruption is unscheduled. Nevertheless, we have issued water
> tankers and 5 litre bottled water immediately upon the problem arising
> today. For your information, in the past, the water interruption was
> due to unavoidable reasons as a result of at least 4 cases of pump
> trips and 3 cases of pipe bursts.
>
> Should you still insist on meeting with us, we are very sorry as we
> could not make it this Saturday due to prior arrangement.
> Nevertheless, we would like to suggest this to be on Tuesday. Should
> you have any queries, please do not hesitate to call our Senior
> Technical Manager, En. Mohd Azmi Jamaluddin at
>
> Thank you.
>
> "Towards Excellent Water Services"
>
> Regards,
>
> NAZRATUL HUDA IBRAHIM
> PUSPEL
> SYABAS
> Toll Free: 1-800-88-52-52
Here are the details:
After our strongly-worded complaints to Puspel, the Syabas team swung into action. We will give credit where credit is due. They immediately ordered an early-warning system for the service reservoir (the one in front of Sri Langit's main entrance). It was installed on Friday.
At Tuesday's meeting, the SRA officials found out that the early warning system works on the basis that if the water level drops to four feet above the strainer which covers the outlet pipe (meaning only four feet of water left in the reservoir), an SMS will be sent to Encik Azmi and another officer called Encik Mohd Rozam.
We asked how long could four feet last at an average consumption rate and we were told 2-3 hours. This means if the pumps fail, they would be alerted only when the water level dropped to four feet.
We suggested the threshold be raised to six feet and they agreed. This will give Syabas at least 4 hours to solve the problem. This change from 4 feet to 6 feet will be implemented by this Friday, they promised.
As for the pumps, there are two at the pump house along Jalan Taman Seputeh. Each pump is designated to work a 12-hour shift and the shift-change is automated by a timer. This means when the water level at the service reservoir drops to 1 foot from the overflow pipe, the pump will start. When the level reaches the overflow pipe, it will stop. But, if the pump that is "on duty" happens to break down, it will not work when the "signal to pump" is sent from the service reservoir.
We strongly suggested that Syabas engineers look into installing some kind of an auto-relay system that can "override" the 12-hour shift if one pump breaks down. In other words, if one pump fails, it should trigger an "override" command to the other pump to take over its "shift" even if it is not scheduled to be "on duty".
They agreed that this could be done but they had to bring this idea back to their engineers to study and will revert.
The Syabas team also assured us that the pumps are manually checked twice a day. This means any such an "override" situation could be easily detected by humans within 12 hours and the faulty pump repaired or replaced. So, there is no risk of one pump working all the time and then "burning-out".
The third idea of using a spare storage tank was agreed immediately. Using this tank will perhaps buy us a little bit more time before the taps run dry -- for high-ground homes, it could mean an hour.
As for Tenaga, Encik Zaidi assured us that the pumphouse is considered a priority installation and Tenaga monitors supply to it round-the-clock. He said if there was a supply failure from Tenaga's side, it would know immediately and a "flying squad" would be despatched.
However, it would not be able to detect any electrical "trip" within the pumphouse. This would be akin to the ELCB trip-switch that you have in your homes. Once it is tripped -- whether by a short-circuit or by lightning -- you would have to manually reset it.
The Syabas team has resolved this by installing a seven-pole surge protection relay into the pumphouse electrical system to prevent trips. Once the ELCB trips, it will also RESET ITSELF after 1 minute. So we have double protection now -- surge protection as well as auto reset of ELCB trips!
Now, dear SRA members, the Committee is happy that Syabas and Tenaga have come together to reassure Seputeh residents of their efforts in reducing pump failures. For that, we are indeed grateful.
What is more important to us is this: --
For many, many years, we had to wait until our taps run dry and then we call Waterworks. Even up to last Thursday, that was the situation.
Now, Waterworks have put in pre-emptive measures to ensure integrity of power supply and early warning of pump failure. Even if the pumps fail, they will be alerted at least 4 hours before our taps run dry.
With this lead-time, they will try their best to avert a dry-tap situation.
Now that is what I call progress.
Thank you, Syabas.
Thank you, Tenaga.
And thank you, SRA members, for being patient all these years.
Cheers
K.H. Lim
Vice-President
P.S. A caveat: Your taps may still run dry if there are burst pipes or leaking mains but that is another story :)
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