'KLIA East @ Labu’ gets government go-ahead: Airport part of 'massive city'

The cabinet has given the green light for a new low-cost carrier terminal on a 2,800-hectare site in Labu, Negri Sembilan, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said.

Ong said the new LCCT would be built under a private finance initiative by conglomerate Sime Darby Bhd and budget airline AirAsia.

The airport will anchor Sime Darby's "massive integrated city" development in Labu, which includes five townships with services in education, health, sports, high technology, recreation and entertainment.

The RM1.6 billion terminal will be funded by Sime Darby and joint-venture partners which could include AirAsia and Malaysia Airports Bhd.

Ong said the new terminal was needed as the current facility in Sepang would not be able to cope with the increased passenger volume.

Under its final expansion phase, after which there will be no more room for growth, the Sepang LCCT will have its capacity increased to 15 million passengers a year, a figure industry sources say is likely to be exceeded by 2011.

Including its Thai and Indonesian affiliates, AirAsia flew some 18 million people this year. The new terminal will be built to accommodate 25 million passengers a year, and last on present forecasts until 2030.

Ong said he could not give a timeline on when work would start on the new LCCT.

"It is up to them as to when they want to start work. For our part we will make sure there is connectivity between the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the new LCCT.

"We want to ensure passengers will be able to move from both places speedily, smoothly and efficiently."

To be called "KLIA East@Labu", the new terminal is slightly closer to central Kuala Lumpur than the present LCCT and will boast connectivity by both road and rail.

A 7km branch road will link it with the North-South Expressway and a 3km spur line will be built from the railway station in Labu -- a stop on the KL-Seremban KTM Komuter route.

Welcoming the project's approval, Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan said the KLIA would be connected to the new terminal by a 7km Express Rail Link (ERL).

Industry sources said a ground-breaking ceremony was being slated for late next month with construction planned for completion in two years.

When the new facility is commissioned, the Sepang LCCT, which has more than recovered its cost from the explosive increase in passenger numbers over the last two years, will serve other budget carriers, such as Singapore's Tiger Airways.

Mohamad said the siting of the new terminal near Kampung Gadong Jaya in Labu would boost economic growth in the state.

"The location is not far from the existing terminal. It will be an extension of the KLIA.

"When the airport is built, the state can expect economic development, such as housing estates and business centres, in the surrounding areas," he said. -- By : V. Vasudevan , NST

On November 13, 2008 we blogged: “New LCC Airport in Negri Songo”

New LCC Airport in Negri Songo

MAB have identified the site which they believe will be ideal for Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) operations and will also provide a link to the Express Rail Link (ERL).

Negri Songo will have an airport when the integrated 2,800-hectare corridor development project near Kompong Gadong Java in Labu is developed, Negri’s premier said according to reports Thursday.

Mamak Bendahara DS Mohamed el-Hasan said the development of the airport would be undertaken by Sime Darby.

He said the working paper on the project had been submitted to the cabinet. He added that the development of the airport would further boost economic growth – riba, in the state.

“The modern economic zone would also have medical, education, sports and tourism facilities.”

El-Hasan also said UAE, a Dubai-based company, had agreed to develop a 400-hectare plot in Sendayan into a tourist town with hotels and a F1 One village.

They are in final discussions with the government to put these plans into effect. They are considering turning the existing Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) into a cargo transportation hub when the new LCCT is ready in the next three to four years. – [cheetah@enstek]

‘Correct, Correct, Correct team’ in action?

O pretender, what is this?




Isu lompat parti :Minggu pertama sidang Parlimen berlalu sepi

You are all smooth talk and rhetoric. Our house is in ruins. You turn around and around in circles without moving from your spot, as if you were the camel at the mill. Perhaps you have been cursed by one of the saints of Allah.

The eyes of your perceptive faculty have gone blind. You have neglected Allah (swt), so He has let you get lost way along the path. The eye of your intention (niyyat) was one firmly fixed on the road to destination, then your concerns (himmah) multiplied and the wings of your intention ceased to fly, so you were left as a lump of flesh between this world and the next. Now, you need a champion of the truth -- as-sadiq, to pray for you after the reemergence of this legacy ultra force.

Beware! that things do not produce effects by themselves; fire does not burn because of its nature – tabi‘eyyah, nor does water irrigate because of its natural inclination. The fire of Namrod did not burn Abraham (as). Al-Khawlani (ra) was not burned when he was cast into the fire. The salamander is not burned by fire --- so understand.

cetusan-hati : ada ekor, baru cam kepala









thesaurus: pretender (n.) aspirant, leader of the opposition, aspiring leader, candidate, opponent, claimant.

Human Rights:Shelter => HOC - MAPEX 2008

KEC Medina: Wanted - Malaysian partners

source: BusinessTimes By Azlan Abu Bakar alan@nstp.com.my
KNOWLEDGE Economic City Developers Co Ltd (KECD) is in talks with Malaysian companies to rope them in as partners and long-term investors for the US$8 billion (RM26 billion) Knowledge Economic City (KEC) development in Medina, Saudi Arabia.
Its chief executive officer Tahir Mohammed Bawazir said the company has identified several interested parties and hopes to conclude some deals soon.
"We plan to leverage on the expertise of Malaysian companies from various sectors and hope more will come in as partners and investors," he told Business Times in Kuala Lumpur.

Tahir said that as the project develops, KECD will continue to seek investors, partners and sub-developers as well as establish joint ventures with strategic partners to develop and operate key component areas.
Since its launch in 2006, KECD has signed memorandums of understanding and contracts with several Malaysian companies and the government.
They include Malaysian Multimedia Development Corp, HELP University College, Multimedia University and, the latest, iTopia Sdn Bhd.
Consultancy contracts have been awarded to MSC Technology Centre.
"The project is expected to bring about 10 billion Saudi riyal (RM9 billion) a year into the region once it is completed by 2020," Tahir said.
The KEC is one of four economic cities being developed in Saudi Arabia to boost regional development by focusing on intellectual property, knowledge-based, medical, hospitality, tourism and multimedia industries.
Other economic cities being developed by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority are the King Abdullah Economic City, Prince Abdul Aziz ibn Musaed Economic City and the Jizan Economic City.
The five million sq m KEC includes a theme park, educational institutions, integrated hospitality complex (with private medical centre, nursing and medical schools, senior assisted living community), residential, commercial and retail components.
"KEC Medina aims to utilise Saudi Arabia's second competitive advantage after energy - its strategic location as a link between East and West," Tahir said.
The project is expected to create more than 20,000 jobs and accommodation for about 150,000 people.

Sepang Council aims for speedier delivery system in Cyberjaya

The Town Council of Sepang (MPS) says it will take various measures to enhance the delivery system here including speedier issuance of licenses and business permits for the convenience of investors and residents of Cyberjaya.

As one of the stakeholders of Cyberjaya, MPS will continue to enhance facilities here to ensure that it is a reknown (renown - ed.) global IT town, MPS chief, Tuan Azizan Mohd Sidin said.

He said MPS regularly discussed with other stakeholders such as Setia Haruman, Cyberview Sdn Bhd and Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) towards its objectives for the town."At the moment, we have 416 MSC status companies operating here. From that, 30 are multinational companies (MNCs) and 386 companies are small and medium enterprises involved in the Information Technology (IT) business,” he said at a ground breaking ceremony for the development of Showroom@Cyberjaya here, today.

Also present at the function were Chairman of Kumpulan Emkay Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal Abu Bakar and Director of Lucky Cottage Sdn Bhd Peter Teh.
Tuan Azizan said Cyberjaya offered a completed enterprise space of 3.0 million sq ft excluding another 500,000 sq ft from MKN Embassy Techzone and 85,000 sq ft from Kumpulan Prima.

In terms of its population, Cyberjaya is unique as the MNCs here operate at odd and irregular hours, he said.

"We have about 35 workers in the day time and in the night about 14,000 people work. Hence, we also need recreational based night entertainment for the workers who comprise knowledge workers,” he said.

He also expressed hope that fast food restaurants such as McDonald, A&W and Burger King will take up tenancy at the upcoming Showroom@Cyberjaya building here.

KL City Plan 2020: KLites, time to speak up!

taken from nstonline:azira shaharuddin

KUALA LUMPUR: If you are unhappy with the air, the water, the streets you walk or issues related to the city, now is the time to speak out.

After more than 20 years of preparation, the Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020 is ready, and its draft copies can be viewed by the public from today.

The places to see the draft plans are City Hall (main lobby), Berjaya Times Square, TTDI Community Centre (library), KL Sentral (level 1), Gombak Community Centre, Carrefour Wangsa Maju (ground floor), Bandar Tun Razak Community Centre, Tesco Ampang, Kampung Kerinchi Community Centre, and Mid Valley City (level 1 and 2).

KLites have until June 30 to give their opinions on the draft plan to City Hall or voice their objections. After the deadline, the plan will be approved. Among the locations earmarked for development are Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Berjaya Times Square, TTDI Community Centre (library), KL Sentral station and Mid Valley City.
With the availability of the draft plan, the public can now have a good idea of how KL is going to be developed in the future.

Seputeh MP Teresa Kok said she hopes the views and requests of the public are accepted by City Hall and incorporated into the plan.

She urged members of the public to get a copy of the plan (which will be on sale from today), study it and voice their opinions.

Teresa said she was invited twice for meetings with City Hall to formulate the plan but she could not attend as the notice was given at the last minute.

"It gives the impression that Kuala Lumpur City Hall doesn't want to consult the MPs," she said.

Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai said: "Members of the public should get a copy of the book as this has important consequences on our way of living in the future.

He said the plan defines usage of land in the city and other important aspects of town planning such as public transport, basic amenities and green lungs.

He suggested that Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique allow all the Kuala Lumpur MPs to attend the meetings to study proposals and objections by KLites and residents' associations.

"We are representatives of the people, we know our areas well, he said.

Tan said he would meet soon with residents in Cheras and tell them what would happen to their neighbourhoods.

"I will gather their feedback and give it to City Hall on their behalf."

Local government and city planning expert, Derek Fernandez said the draft plan is a detailed zoning and development plan of Kuala Lumpur as required by law since 1984.

"It's an important plan to determine locations of the high rise projects, green lungs and many more. It's like the architect plan of a house such as the location of the bathroom, bedroom but on a bigger scale," he said.

Derek said if the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2020 is approved with everything clearly spelt out, it would lead to fewer disputes with the residents and the local authorities.

"If the plan is too general, it can give rise to contentious issues. But once the plan is gazetted, there would be no more public hearing and the residents have to comply with everything in the plan," he said.

He said city folk should ask for the right to be heard even after the plan was approved as even the Petaling Jaya Local Draft Plan 1 allows it.

PM: RM11.8b to build Putrajaya

source: the malaysian insider
KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 ─ RM11.8 billion. That's the cost to develop Putrajaya, the new federal government administrative centre. To be exact, it is RM11,831 million.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi disclosed this in a written reply in the Dewan Rakyat to Liew Chin Tong (DAP-Bukit Bendera) yesterday.

Abdullah said it covered the construction of government offices and quarters, the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) and the official residences of the prime minister, deputy prime minister, ministers and judges.

"Apart from that, it also covered the development of infrastructure such as tunnels, roads, bridges, towers as well as public amenities like parks, squares and lakes," he said.

Abdullah said the government offices in Putrajaya were constructed under the build, lease and transfer method. Putrajaya Holdings constructed the buildings on government land, leased them to the government for 25 years at a monthly charge of RM2.50 per sq ft and, at the end of the concession period, transferred the buildings to the government.

The prime minister said the government paid Putrajaya Holdings an annual rent of RM929.7 million last year. It paid RM878.1 million in 2006, RM732 million in 2005 and RM434 million in 2004. ─ Bernama

iProperty.com Malaysia Wins Best Property Portal Award

text taken from bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- iProperty.com Malaysia has been named the country's Best Property Portal in the CNBC Asia Pacific Property Awards 2008.
Other property portals within the extensive iProperty.com network, including Singapore, Hong Kong and the Philippines, also clinched similar awards for their respective markets.

iProperty.com is the first company to have ever won an award in four countries for the same category at the International Property Awards, iProperty.com said in a statement today.

The CNBC Asia Pacific Property Awards is part of the International Property Awards, which began in 1995 in London, and has since established itself as the premier annual programme that distinguishes Asia Pacific companies with the highest levels of achievement in a range of property-related fields in 21 categories.

Winners are usually identified as companies and individuals raising the standards by providing excellent skills and services and continually reaching new heights in quality and innovation.

Patrick Grove, Executive Chairman of the iProperty.com Group, said: "In Malaysia, we are already the clear market leader in the online property space, with over 35,000 quality property listings by over 1,500 accredited real estate agents and the country's top developers."

He said the prestigious win definitely reinforces its position in Malaysia and the region as Asia’s leading online property group.

Malaysian phased pullout of troops to begin May 10: minister

Source: AFP via MSN Malaysia News
Malaysia's foreign minister says his country will pull out its peacekeeping forces from the troubled Philippine province of Mindanao in a phased withdrawal beginning May 10.

Rais Yatim, who was on a two-day working trip to the Philippines, said his government was unable to continue with an unlimited deployment in the international monitoring team (IMT), according to a foreign ministry statement released late Wednesday.

Rais said he hoped the Malaysian decision would "give an opportunity to both groups to reevaluate the issues under discussion in the context of the peace process," the statement added.

He said however that Malaysia was committed to helping resolve the Philippine situation.

On Wednesday Rais met with Philippine President Gloria Arroyo and foreign secretary Alberto Romulo following a call from Manila for Malaysia to continue to support the peace process in the country's south after its pullout.

Last month, Malaysia said it would not send more monitors of a 2003 ceasefire between Manila and separatist rebels in Mindanao once their current mandate expires in September.

Manila and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) struck a deal last November to create a Muslim homeland in the country's south but further talks have not been successful.

Malaysian troops have made up the bulk of an international team that has been monitoring the ceasefire since 2004.

updates:
Malaysian troops begin pullout from troubled Philippine south
Agence France-Presse - 5/10/2008 8:36 AM GMT
Malaysian soldiers who were monitoring a ceasefire between the Philippine government and Muslim separatists on Saturday began their pullout from the troubled southern island, eyewitnesses and airport officials said.

The withdrawal of 40 Malaysian troops from four cities in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao will leave just 21 Malaysian soldiers in the south.

A Malaysian military cargo plane flew to the cities of Davao and General Santos to pick up contingents there before stopping in Cotabato and the port city of Zamboanga before returning to Malaysia.

The head of the monitoring team, Major General Bin Yashin Daud, earlier said that the rest of the team, who are still in Cotabato City, would return to Malaysia when their mandate ends in September.

Malaysian forces had made up the bulk of the international team monitoring a ceasefire signed in 2003 between the Philippine government and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which was intended to pave the way for peace talks. -- MORE

Libya sends peacekeepers as Malaysia pulls out: Philippines
Agence France-Presse - 5/12/2008 10:46 AM GMT
Libya is to boost its peacekeeping force in the southern Philippines, a Filipino official said Monday, as Malaysia began pulling out its troops amid an impasse in peace talks with Muslim separatists.
President Gloria Arroyo asked Libya to help as Malaysia began a phased withdrawal of its 40 soldiers and policemen from the southern island of Mindanao.
Tripoli, which already has six monitors on Mindanao, has agreed to send 25 people to fill the void left by the Malaysians, said Jesus Dureza, an Arroyo adviser on the peace process.
The small multinational peacekeeping team has been monitoring a ceasefire between Manila and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) since 2003 and is credited with reducing conflict and tensions in the region.
Manila's political settlement with the 12,000-member MILF has become bogged down in recent months over the breadth of territory to be put under the rebel group's control.
Kuala Lumpur said last week it would not continue with an unlimited deployment in the monitoring team without any apparent progress in the peace talks, sparking fears of renewed civil war.
"The Libyan government has agreed to send 25 ceasefire monitors to assist (and) sustain the ceasefire in Mindanao," Dureza said in a statement.
Spokesmen for the Libyan embassy here could not be reached for comment late Monday.

Three-phase plan to develop Sabah: Visiting foreign journalists given briefing on the SDC

text taken from nstonline
KOTA KINABALU: Journalists from 17 countries, including South Africa and Ukraine, are expected to report on steps being taken to turn Sabah into one of the most liveable places in Asia within two decades.

Institute for Development Studies Sabah (IDS) executive director Datuk Dr Mohd Yaakub Johari told 30 visiting journalists that the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) blueprint, launched in January, will make this vision come true in three phases.

He said the first phase focuses on addressing the basic elements to support tourism development and laying the foundations for future growth. World-class tourism infrastructure and services will be put in place, including nurturing a vibrant arts and culture scene.

"Phase two will focus on strengthening Sabah's position as a premier eco-adventure destination through conservation, research and sustainable development of new tourism products anchored by signature resorts.

"Phase three will see Sabah being transformed into one of the most liveable places in Asia - a bustling metropolis within a tropical paradise," Mohd Yaakub added.

The journalists, who spent six days here, attended a briefing on the state's development corridor on Tuesday.

Apart from several Malaysians, the other journalists were from Zimbabwe, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Laos, Seychelles, Brunei and Indonesia.

Mohd Yaakub said among the major goals of the SDC was to triple Sabah's per capita gross domestic product to RM14,800 during the 18-year period set for the plan.

The SDC is also expected to create 900,000 new jobs, reduce unemployment to 3.5 per cent and eradicate poverty.

Mohd Yaakib said agriculture and specific projects, including the Pulau Banggi High Impact Rural Development Programme that will see 4,000ha of land developed into rubber plantations by Felcra Bhd, will help eradicate poverty in rural areas.

"Other poverty eradication measures include encouraging the low-income group to participate in planting cash crops."

He also said oil palm would remain the leading agriculture crop and that integrated farming such as livestock breeding would be encouraged at plantations.

He said to lure investors, competitive incentive packages would be offered to promote the agriculture, services and manufacturing sectors in the state.

Penang to work with federal govt on NCER projects for the sake of the state and its people

taken from NST: By : Audrey Dermawan

GEORGE TOWN: The state government has agreed to adopt the Northern Corridor Implementation Agency Act 2007 for the smooth implementation of all projects under the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER)
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state executive councillors gave their endorsement during Friday's exco meeting, after two months of extensive discussions. He said he believes Penang is the first Pakatan Rakyat state within the NCER to adopt the Act. The other two PR state governments, Kedah and Perak, have not made any public statements.

Despite reservations from various quarters that the Act would give more power to the federal authority which is promoting the NCER, Lim said the state government was prepared to work with the federal government in the interests of the people. "This is a very important decision. We are willing to co-operate with the federal authority to ensure the people here benefit from the various development projects, such as the Second Penang Bridge and the monorail project.
"I also want to give my assurance that the people's interest will not be compromised in any way," Lim said after a courtesy call by the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (Penang branch) yesterday.

Lim said he received a letter from the prime minister, dated March 28, requesting him to adopt the Act.

The Act was passed in Parliament last year and signed by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin on Feb 5. It was gazetted on Feb 14.

"I will hand over a letter on the state's acceptance to the prime minister personally," said Lim.

The NCER was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi last July. Sime Darby Bhd was given the task of master planning the NCER, while the job of implementing the project fell to the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA).
The long-term development plan, which covers Perlis, Kedah, Penang and northern Perak, is aimed at unleashing the economic potential of the northern sector of the peninsula and and raising the income of its people.

There are 11 members, including the prime minister, the deputy prime minister, the Menteris Besar and Chief Ministers of the four states, two federal ministers, a civil servant and two representatives from the private sector in the NCIA. Lim is the sole representative from Penang.

Asked to comment on the alleged land scam in the state, Lim said he would give former deputy chief minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rashid Abdullah another two weeks to meet with him to discuss the issue. The original deadline was April 28, but Lim said he was extending it after a statement by deputy opposition chief Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya that the matter was best discussed in private rather than in public.

Update
Guan Eng tells PM: Penang has adopted Northern Corridor Act
KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — The Penang government today formally informed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi it has adopted the Northern Corridor Implementation Agency (NCIA) Act to manage the implementation of projects under the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) programme.
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng conveyed to Abdullah the Pakatan Rakyat government's adoption of the Act at a 20-minute meeting he had with the prime minister at the latter's office at Parliament House.
The Act paves the way for the setting up of the NCIA, the agency responsible for developing socio-economic related strategies, policies and the overall direction of the NCER.
The state executive council unanimously agreed on May 3 to adopt the Act.
Lim told reporters at the Parliament lobby that the meeting with Abdullah was to inform the prime minister of the state government's decision to implement the Act from May 15.
The NCER programme is a federal government initiative to accelerate socio-economic growth and elevate income levels in Perlis, Kedah, Penang and northern Perak. — Bernama

WiEF: Iskandar Malaysia hits 70pc investment target, says IRDA ceo

Taken from NST - By : Hamidah Atan in Kuwait
ISKANDAR Malaysia, the country's southern economic corridor, is progressing well. More than 70 per cent of the US$14.9 billion (RM47 billion) investment targeted by 2010 had already been achieved, Iskandar Regional Development Authority chief executive officer Datuk Ikmal Hijaz Hashim said.

He was speaking to Malaysian journalists on the sidelines of the fourth World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) , of which Malaysia is the chair. Speaking after a parallel session on "Infrastructure And Real Estate Development" where he was one of the presenters, Ikmal said commitments had been received for investments valued at more than US$10.4 billion.

Ikmal said the ambitious project was well-positioned in view of its strategic location. A comprehensive development plan that stretches until 2025 had also been laid down and this would further promote and facilitate economic development.

An international destination resort on 1,200 hectares, a cyber city, golf village, creative park and a heritage district are among the distinctive features planned for Iskandar. It would also see 1.46 million high-value jobs created by 2025. "There are already many industries operating in the region, including petrochemical, tourism and services. All this will be strengthened with healthcare services, education, financial and creative industries," said Ikmal.

Eighteen months after its launch, Iskandar is now entering Phase 3 of its development. "In July, Johor's new state administrative centre will be completed. This will add vibrancy to the area," Ikmal said.He also said that Iskandar remained one of Malaysia's favourite places for foreign direct investments. Twenty-six developers are already involved in the project. "We have big names such as UEM, Sime UEP Properties Bhd and Gamuda."

The Iskandar Regional Development Authority will launch a security blueprint to make the region safe for investors as well as local residents. "Besides the deployment of more security personnel and police officers, the government will invest about RM300 million to build 30 police stations in the area." Ikmal said consultants would be appointed to carry out a study on the blueprint, which was expected to be ready within four months.

Meanwhile, UEM Group international business senior director Datuk Rosli Sharif said through WIEF, the group was able to showcase its capabilities as well as past, present and future projects in Malaysia such as the Nusajaya, North-South Expressway, second Penang Bridge, and the Bukit Jalil Sports Complex. They also showcased projects outside the country, including the construction of highways in India and Qatar. UEM is a platinum sponsor for the forum. "By participating in WIEF, we hope to be able to attract potential business partners, especially from countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Qatar."

Expats go to court over 'dream homes'

An expatriate, who bought what he thought was his beach-front dream house, is taking his nightmare to court.

Roger Crowhurst, a 65-year-old journalist for a four-wheel-drive magazine, his wife from Sabah, Nyuk Ling@Semenanjit, and four other expatriate couples filed an application for judicial review against the Papar district council and the Local Government and Housing Ministry.

They are looking to have the respondents take responsibility for their homes in the Palm Beach Villas in Kinarut, which have been left in a dilapidated state. "We have been trying to get our developer to look into various aspects of our living conditions such as general maintenance, safety and common facilities servicing these villas, but they have declared themselves free of responsibility," said Crowhurst.

He said basic facilities such as lighting, road, drainage, security, garbage disposal, sea defence, and common facilities of the residential area had not been taken care of. The judicial review seeks to get the two respondents to take up the duties in respect to all the safety and administrative functions of the housing residence.

It also seeks to get the ministry to replace the management of the Papar district council and appoint a party to repair or demolish the boardwalk servicing the housing residence which had become dilapidated and hazardous. "When we bought the place, we were promised a paradise, but now it is not even decent living. "The boardwalk is damaged from coastal erosion, the beams are falling apart, the lights are out, no one is sweeping the debris on the road or collecting the rubbish, and no one is taking responsibility for all this.

"Everyone we approach says they are not responsible for our problems. We feel abandoned and after spending our hard-earned cash on these properties, we are getting a very raw deal," said Crowhurst. Rodney Parsons, a 60-year-old helicopter engineer who in here under the Malaysia My Second Home programme said that he was disappointed with the shoddy treatment from the authorities.

"We have asked several people to help with the repairs for six months, but nothing is being done," he said.

Source: http://www.emedia.com.my/detailnews.php?nid=918&cid=N01