Keeping Johor Bahru Clean (3)

Toilet Demolished

JOHOR BARU: A newly built public toilet located along the Jalan Skudai stretch near Pantai Lido was demolished by the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) within 24-hours after the structure was completed.
The public toilet, costing thousands of ringgit, was completed on Thursday but was demolished the next day.

Gone: An excavator demolishing a newly completed public toilet located along Jalan Skudai in Johor Baru recently.

According to sources from MBJB, the city council had nothing to do with the construction of the public toilet as it was a project under the Iskandar Malaysia Regional Development Authority (Irda).
“The public toilet is part of Iskandar Malaysia’s coastal highway project and previously there was a public toilet in that area but it was demolished for the road widening project.
The stretch is a well-known place for the public and couples to loiter especially at night to enjoy the sea breeze and also for relaxation.

Source: The Star - Thursday, May 26, 2011

***Purely public interest to built and to demolish?

Luckily I'm no regular public toilet user.

Or if I were to use it, its either side of both Checkpoints, in Singapore or JB.

Another thing, travelling westwards to KL upwards I can have peace of mind. 

Public amenities are well maintained along PLUS roads.

It's an issues again, when going to Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan. 

Again, it's the toilet issue for me. 

More or less, similar situation as below:  

Pathetic Sight Of Sri Lalang, Mersing Public Toilets 
by Steven Chen

Picnickers visiting the Sri Lalang beach in Mersing felt ashamed to see the pathetic conditions of the public toilets there.
From the assessment made by Komunitikini, the damaged public toilets amenities have been left untouched for a long period of time.
Broken toilet bowls flooded with human wastes, water pipes leaking , drainage system choked with rubbish and the nauseating scent are just too unbearable for any picnickers.
One visitor to the area, Halimanton Abdullah, 17, said that she is not blaming anyone but just wanted the relevant authority to resolve the problem immediately.
She hoped that the relevant authority will rebuild the drainage system and the public toilets immediately as Mersing is a widely known as a tourist attraction area and the dismayed conditions of the public amenities is very damaging to the image of the town.
Eighteen years old Nazarudin Zainudin shared the same opinion and stronly urged the relevant authority to rebuild the public amenities without further delay.
Meanwhile, the secretary for the Mersing district council, Mohd. Johari Tarmizi said that the council is aware of the problem and the council is in the process of appointing a contractor to repair the damaged amenities soon.

Source: Komuniti Kini - March 17, 2011


***The above pathetic state reminds me of enforcement way many, many, many years ago read in NST  2003. 

Stiff Fines Soon For Not Flushing Public Toilets
Shahrum Sayuthi

JOHOR BARU, Aug 13: Failure to flush public toilets could mean a fine of RM1,000 under a new ruling to be enforced in Johor soon.
State Executive Councillor Datuk Jimmy Low Boon Hong said the penalty would be provided for under the Public Toilet By-law (Municipal/District Council) 2003.
The by-law, which was approved during the Johor Executive Council meeting chaired by Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman here today, is now awaiting endorsement by all 16 local authorities in the State.
"Once adopted by the various city, municipal and district councils, it will become effective immediately," said Low.
The ruling, which also provides for a RM1,000 fine for shop and restaurant owners with dirty toilets, makes Johor the first in the country to introduce such tough legislation. It also comes on the heels of the National Clean Toilet Campaign 2003 which was launched here last month. Following the event, the State Government formed "flying squads" comprising officials from local authorities and the Health Department to check on the cleanliness of public toilets.
Low, who heads the State Local Government Committee, said the by-law would be strictly enforced by local authorities as part of the Johor Government's drive to keep public toilets clean.
"The instruction to the local authorities is clear. They have to be serious in enforcing this by-law and make no exception against any offender," he told reporters after the State Exco meeting here today.
The by-law also provides for a maximum fine of RM1,000 for those who do not turn off the tap, damage facilities, draw graffiti or act indecently while using public toilets.
Low said copies of the bylaw with the stipulated penalties for the offences would be prominently displayed at all public toilets.
Low said the State Government had also instructed the local authorities to upgrade public toilets under their jurisdiction by fitting them with the more reliable "push button" flush systems.
He said the conventional individual flush tank system currently used at most public toilets was too prone to damage and harder to maintain.

Keeping Johor Bahru Clean

JB City Councillor Slams SWM For Inefficiencies 
by Steven Chen on 20 May, 2011

SWM Environment Sdn. Bhd. (SWM) was slammed for failing to carry out its solid waste collection contractual obligations satisfactorily.
Johor Bahru city councillor, Yahya Jaafar ticked off SWM for not performing its cleaning and solid waste
collection as scheduled.

He quoted an incident in Majidee zone area where the wastes in that area were left piling up for two weeks at one time.
Residents in the said area and other areas within the city are certainly not happy and satisfied with the state of affairs of uncollected rubbish and waste incidences where they are forced to put up with the unpleasant sight and the nauseating stench.
Some residents have even resorted to open burning their wastes when the stench get unbearable.
Maimunah Muda, 58, who has been staying in the Kampong Melayu Majidee over the last 23 years said that wastes in her area are collected once in every five days instead of alternate day.
“It has been like that for the last two months and making our surroundings filthy and smelly”, she added.
Another resident, Fatimah Hussein, 60, said that she has to resort to burning the wastes as the waste bin has overflowed and waste stench gets unbearable .
Councillor Yahya said, he had reports stating that SWM rubbish trucks are having difficulties obtaining PUSPAKOM road worthiness certifications where eight out of ten trucks sent for inspections failed the tests.
He urged the state government to take necessary to resolve the problem and also look into the options of appointing more than one concessionaire in managing the city cleaning and solid waste collection services.
Meanwhile, SWM corporate communication officer, Shahrul Amir Abdul Rahman said that SWM did received complaints of uncollected solid wastes from residents in Kampong Melayu Majidee three days ago.
He admitted that fact that at times SWM do encounter problems of waste dump trucks breaking down but nonetheless SWM has always managed to send back-up trucks and teams to cover the affected areas.
“The public can lodge a complaint with SWM if the wastes in their area are not collected after three days”. he said when contacted by reporter.

Footnotes:
SWM ENVIRONMENT SDN. BHD. (SWM), formerly known as Southern Waste Management Sdn Bhd was established in line with the Malaysian Government’s decision on the National Privatization of Solid Waste Management.
It was subsequently awarded the task of managing the storage, collection, transfer, haulage, intermediate processing and disposal of solid waste in the Southern Region of Peninsular Malaysia by the Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department on December 21, 1995.
In April 1996, SWM was directed by the Government of Malaysia to take over the solid waste management and public cleansing services from all Local Authorities within the SWM concession area (Johor, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan) on an interim basis.
SWM had progressively since 1997 taken over the management of solid waste and public cleansing from all the Local Authorities within its concession area.
It is a transition toward the implementation of the full privatization.
The concession will cover a period of 20 years and serve a population of 4 million people. 

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Johor Bahru’s Rubbish Collection Controversy 
by Steven Chen on 20 Mar, 2011

SWM Environment (SWM) Sdn Bhd has denied that its representative has asked shop owners in Taman Megah Ria, Masai, to pay RM150 for rubbish collection. This was conveyed by its head of communications, Sharul Amir Abdul Rahman, at a press conference here yesterday.
SWM is the main contractor appointed by the state government to manage solid waste collection and disposal in Johor.
Sharul said that the company immediately investigated the allegation after  it was reported in the media and found that the shop owners did not furnish proof of payment being made.
He added that there is no charge for any solid waste collection service provided by SWM provided that additional services are officially requested for, and made to any waste collection company registered and approved by the local authority.
According to procedure, all such payments must be acknowledged in the company’s official receipt or on an official letterhead. Sharul said that SWM will not hesitate to take strong action against of the company’s contractors who flout the rules.
SWM will also be discussing with the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) about payments for additional waste collection and disposal services, especially in commercial and industrial areas, as this involves the local council by-laws.
He also commented that the local council can fine any commercial premises that do not provide adequate solid waste bins.
Members of the public can call SWM hotline 1-800-222-800 or  go to swmresponz.swmsb.com for more information.  

Both Sources: Komuniti Kini 

The Never Ending Potholes Stories in JB, Jalan Berlubang (3)

Workers, for a week, are now making external toilet near the mango tree beside the kitchen of My house.
There is a deep cave in spot, more than a foot, at the front corner of  the house.

Having seen motorists involved in accident and death, because of unavoidable but should-be-covered potholes by MBJB, I shudder to think what the corner of My house can attract - fatal fall, the least.

I had reminded My Husband to tell the workers to help covering the pothole with the cement they were and are going to mix again, but they seemed to be reluctant, beyond their scope of work.

If it is their family members were to be injured at the pothole where they were reluctant to cover, what they are going to say to themselves?
How they are going to appease their troubling conscious?
Don't they live their lives with regrets?

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Residents Anxious Over A Deep Cave In Spot At Taman Ungku Tun Aminah
by Steven Chen

A deep cave-in hole has caused a major concern for the residents in Taman Ungku Tun Aminah. Despite filling up, the hole seems to cave in deeper, when ever the drains overflow during a heavy downpour

A three metres deep cave-in hole along a road shoulder in Jalan Laksamana 3, Lorong 4, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah is causing a lot of anxieties to the residents.
A resident who has been staying in the area for over thirty years, Mariamah Farid, 65 said she is feeling jittery and uneasy with the cave-in road shoulder which occurred just beside the corner of her house.
She said that the frequent overflowing of the drain and minor flooding after a heavy downpour may have resulted in the cave-in.
Komunitikini was told that, ever since the drain in the area has been covered with concrete cover which is meant to prevent water overflowing from the drain, the cave-in worsens.
Just two weeks after the contractors covered the drain, they came to fill-up the cave-in hole but after five days of filling up, the same spot started to caving in again. Said Mariamah.
Adding further, she said that her son went and took a measurement on the caved-in hole and was shocked that it was three metres deep.
She is worried some nasty incident may happen to her children and grandchildren who used to play outside the compound of the house if the caved-in hole is left open like that.
She said she had contacted JKR about the matter and was asked to refer to the local authority that is responsible for the drain maintenance.
Taman Ungku Tun Aminah is under the administration of Perbandaran Johor Bahru Tengah.
Mariamah did call the local authority several times but all her calls went into a voice recording system.
Meanwhile, the local authority said that they will follow-up on the matter.

Source: KomunitiKini - April 14, 2011

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Local Authorities: Potholes Drive Residents Potty
M. NAIR, Johor Bahru, Johor
letters@nst.com.my

Some residents patch up potholes in housing estates themselves.

JOHOR Baru is a city with a great deal of history as it was established in 1855 and gained city status on Jan 1, 1994. It has undergone vast development but the state of the roads is a blight to motorists. The wet weather towards the end of January certainly proved how inferior they were.

Since then, nothing much has been done by the city council to improve the situation. It just does patch-up work.

It is surprising that it allows this situation to remain when all the affected stretches are within city limits and it doesn't have any reason to point the finger at the Public Works Department.
Many complaints have been made but it seems that the city council is immune to this. Its standard answer is that it had not been notified or that it would look into it.

Because of the council's inaction and out of frustration, some residents in housing estates patched up the potholes.

What is the point of having a colourful and informative website with abundant avenues for the public to complain when it cannot address basic complaints promptly?

Source: NST - March 22, 2011

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Pothole That Cost A Llife
By TEH ENG HOCK

JOHOR: It cost a life to get a pothole patched up.
Tan Cheng Ming, 20, was riding pillion on a motorcycle last Friday at 4am when the machine hit a pothole that was about as wide as a manhole and 5cm deep.
The impact caused Cheng Ming to be thrown off the motorcycle, and he sustained head injuries upon landing. He was rushed to the Sultan Ismail Hospital but died there.
His friend, Tam Tok Wei, 20, who was driving, escaped with minor injuries while the motorcycle was barely damaged except for some scratches and a bent front wheel.
Cheng Ming’s father, Robin Tan, said the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) patched up the pothole in Jalan Daya, Taman Daya, about two days after the accident.
“When there is a loss of life, only then will they act. We have to bring this up to the authorities, because we don’t want others to lose their loved ones, too.
“The street lights along that road are also not so bright as they are shaded by trees, so the rider might not have seen the pothole at night,” Tan told The Star.
The 53-year-old taxi driver said that with the exception of highways, many roads in Johor Baru are riddled with potholes.
Tan said they had started planning for Cheng Ming’s 21st birthday celebration next month when the accident occurred.
“Twenty years of love, and just like that, because of other people’s mistake, my son paid with his life,” he said.

Danger to road users: A photo of the pothole in Jalan Daya, Taman Daya in Johor Baru which the motorcycle Tam and Cheng Ming were riding hit last Friday.

Source: The Star - Friday, August 24, 2007

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Complaints On Potholes Pour In For JB Council 

JOHOR BARU: The telephones at the Johor Baru City Council are ringing off the hook with the public calling in to complain about potholes after The Star highlighted Panjang, the pothole patcher.
City council public relations officer Lokman Sulaiman said the number of calls to the council’s hotline had gone up following news reports last month about a 63-year-old man who went around covering up potholes in the city. He declined to give his name, merely calling himself Panjang.
“We received 12 calls today from people complaining about potholes,” Lokman said.
He said the hotline, which was set up 10 years ago, received about 150 complaints each month.

HOLE-Y TASK: Workers hired by Johor Baru City Council patching up potholes along Jalan Merdeka in Kampung Melayu, Johor Baru.

Meanwhile, Panjang, who has become a local hero of sorts, need not go about his back-breaking tasks much longer. Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said the city council should bear the responsibility of maintaining the city's roads.
“We appreciate what he has done, but he should be relieved of what he is doing,” Ghani told reporters yesterday.
However, Ghani stopped short of saying whether Panjang would receive an award from the state government in recognition of his efforts.
Repair works have accelerated following public complaints about potholes.
The task is divided into three phases. The first stage began in December last year.
“Every phase is divided into three zones – the city, the western and eastern zones,” Lokman said, adding that the council had already spent RM1.2mil to patch up potholes around the areas under its jurisdiction.
“We allocated RM200,000 to every zone.”
The city zone covered roads such as Jalan Wong Ah Fook and Jalan Abu Bakar, while the western and eastern zones covered roads in housing areas along Jalan Skudai and Jalan Tebrau, respectively.

Source: The Star - Thursday, February 9, 2006

***I was out of the gate to get some cooked food for the workers this afternoon.
I did not intend to cook, as We had a place to go, and I have yet to finish yesterday's jackfruit in coconut milk and fried chicken.
It is not nice to give them what they ate yesterday, so I bought Mayong (???) fish in chilli and pumpkin in coconut milk.

I've got the surprise of My life. 
The pothole I mentioned, and other smaller ones, were all covered. 
Not with cement and gravels, but gravels and sand.
I asked My Husband if He did it, but no, the answer. 
He did go out to attend to it Himself, after the last time I spoke about it, and He found out all, big and small, were covered. 
He had completely forgotten to tell Me, though.

Did anybody hear Me out? 
Or another Panjang around My area? 
So, this is going to be the last of "The Never Ending Potholes Stories in JB, Jalan Berlubang?" 
GOD Willing.

To you, the good-hearted being, THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!!!  

The Never Ending Potholes Stories in JB, Jalan Berlubang (2)

Family Sues JB Council, Mayor Over Son's Death

JOHOR BARU: A couple yesterday filed a suit against the Johor Baru City Council and the city's mayor over the death of their son who was killed when he was flung from a motorcycle after it hit a pothole two years ago.
The accident occurred in Jalan Daya in Taman Daya here at 3am on Aug 17, 2007.
Tan Cheng Ming, then 20, was riding pillion with a friend.
Tan suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to Sultan Ismail Hospital.
He, however, succumbed to his injuries the same day at 8.50am.
His friend who rode the motorcycle escaped with minor injuries.
Tan Nguang Chiang, 55, a former taxi driver, and his wife Kok Yoke Hing, 54, filed the suit at the Sessions Court naming the city council and the mayor as first defendant and second defendants respectively.
The claim stated that the accident had occurred due to the negligence of the local council and the mayor for not doing enough to patch up pothole-riddled roads in the city.
The couple are claiming special damages amounting to RM5,680 for funeral expenses and miscellaneous costs incurred in transportation to hospital and lodging police report.
They are also claiming for general damages amounting to RM134,400 which is RM700 per month for 16 years.
The couple claimed that Cheng Ming was working as a cook earning a monthly salary of about RM1,400 out of which he contributed RM700 a month towards household expenses.
The couple is represented by counsel Norman Fernandez, who later told reporters that he had written numerous letters to the council on behalf of his clients for an amicable settlement of the case.
He said the council, however, declined to respond, which prompted the filing of the suit.
Tan said nothing could bring his son back but there had to be closure on his death so that the family could move on with their lives.

Source: New Straits Times, January 22, 2009

******

Johor Bahru, the southern gateway to Malaysia, sure has its authorities on their toes.
But visitors greeted with potholes, is authorities all-ready on their toes?
Good job done?
The road conditions is sure to entice all first-time visitors.
It will be marvelled and remembered, especially by first timer, spending their time in JB.

Potholes of all sizes, tantalise the adrenalin of those raring and daring adventurous blood, but not the subtle ones.
Worst still, if greeted by streetlights along most roads which are seldom lit.
It is not earth hour all year round.

This man, fed up with the never ending trivial issues that had become mountain, took thing in his hands.

Mission To Fix Potholes   

JOHOR BARU: Fed-up with the increasing number of potholes all over the city here, especially during the recent rainy season, one man has stepped forward to make a difference.
The man, who wanted only to be known as Panjang and did not want to reveal much about his background, has taken it upon himself to cover up potholes wherever he finds them.
“I am fed-up with the increasing number of potholes around the city which poses a danger to motorists.
“I have no problem doing this sort of work. Anyway, it is for the good of the people,” he said, adding that he decided to act as the authorities were slow in repairing the roads.

CONCERN FOR MOTORISTS: Panjang filling a pothole with stones and pebbles on a busy road before sealing it with cement in Johor Baru Friday.

The 63-year-old man rides around on his bicycle looking for potholes, which he first fills with stones and pebbles and then seals with cement. The man, who claims to have been covering potholes for the past two years, has also risked his life many times covering holes in the middle of the road without proper signage.
Recently, a motorist knocked into his bicycle, which he had parked behind a car, while patching a hole along busy Jalan Maju.
“Some people think that I am a mad man and have scolded me for doing this,” he said.
The number of potholes around the city has increased, especially during the recent rainy season. The holes have also brought traffic to a crawl, especially during peak hours.
Some of the affected stretches are Pasir Gudang Highway, Jalan Ayer Molek, Jalan Tampoi, Jalan Tebrau, Jalan Bakar Batu and the roads near the Larkin bus station.
Motorist Azlan Affandi Saufee Affandi, 22, said he spends RM200 every two months on wheel alignment and balance due to the potholes.
“I have tried many times to avoid them but some are just too wide,” he said, adding that it was frustrating driving around the city.
Another motorist, Fadhilah Mohd Khalid, 22, a private college student, said the road near her home in Desa Skudai was pitted with potholes.
“It is like the road has been hit by a meteor shower,” she said.

Source: The Star - Saturday, January 21, 2006

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Support Pours In For JB Pothole Patcher 

JOHOR BARU: Odd-job worker Panjang, who has become a folk hero of sorts in this city for his determination to cover every pothole he sees, is surprised at the attention he is getting and the support of well-wishers who give him cement to help in his patchwork.
The 64-year-old man also received food and two bicycles to help him move about.
“I am overwhelmed by these gestures. I am just a simple man who is trying to do my bit to prevent accidents,” he said while patching up more holes yesterday.

FOR A NOBEL CAUSE:Panjang fixing potholes along Jalan Maju in Johor baru using his bare hands.

“I got at least two bicycles and food from people in recent weeks,” he said, adding that he has given away one bicycle to a friend who needed it. Panjang, who had earlier refused to talk much about his background, said he came from a wealthy family in Penang.
He said he was a businessman once and had worked in Singapore for almost 25 years.

Panjang: Received cement, food and two bicycles.

“My uncle, who died some time ago, inspired me to do good for others,” he said. Panjang, wearing a tattered T-shirt and pants, also makes a living selling Chinese health magazines.
He speaks fluent English.
Last month, The Star reported that Panjang, who declined to disclose his real name, had taken it upon himself to cover potholes wherever he found them as they were posing danger in the streets.
Once while he was patching a hole along busy Jalan Maju, a motorist knocked into his bicycle that he had parked behind a car.
Panjang, who claimed to have started his crusade against potholes two years ago, had risked his life many times covering holes in the middle of the road without proper warning signs.
He said he has done odd jobs that allowed him to know the right mixture of sand and cement to use in sealing potholes.
He could not tell how many potholes he had sealed so far but said: “I have patched up many potholes around Jalan Maju, Jalan Serampang and Jalan Perang.”
With hands full of scars and a set of stained teeth, Panjang said while some people had warmed up to him, some continued to ridicule and throw insults at him.
“This will not deter me from carrying out my task and I am more determined,” he said, adding that he never asked for anything in return for his service.

Source: The Star - Tuesday, Februaury 7, 2006

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The company that is awarded with pothole patching, sure, with employing Panjang, part of a solution is reached.

At least at places where Panjang  is able to reach with his bicycle around Taman Sentosa, the company can rest assured that there is no pothole that is awaiting death on that road.  

The Never Ending Potholes Stories In JB, Jalan Berlubang

Potholes In The Heart Of The City Causing Havoc For Motorist

JOHOR BARU: Scores of motorists using a ramp connecting Jalan Tun Razak to the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex are driving through potholes despite remedial works by the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) .
To make matters worse, traffic in front of the Danga City Mall during peak hours is almost at a standstill.
When met by StarMetro, motorist S. Kumar, 32, said he was disappointed with the poor maintenance of the road.

A big hassle: Traffic is brought to a standstill for at least 1km during peak hours at the ramp from Jalan Tun Razak heading to the CIQ complex due to the road which is damaged and in bad condition.

“It is right in the middle of the city and the stretch should be strengthened with better quality bitumen as heavy vehicles plied the route to the CIQ,” he said.
Kumar, an angineer, said the Iskandar Malaysia project had resulted in heavier traffic along roads in the city.
Another motoris businessman Syed Abdul Rashid, 47, said the traffic snarls were getting very bad.
“I have complained in vain about it,’’ he said, adding that the Public Works Department and council should focus on repair works on Jalan Tun Razak, the Middle Ring Road and Jalan Tebrau.
Commenting on the issue, Mayor Mohd Jaafar Awang said shoddy patch-up work was only temporary measure.
“Maintainance of roads comes under the PWD’s jurisdiction and the council was only patching up the potholes as a short-term measure as it takes longer for the PWD to conduct repairs,” he said.
Mohd Jaafar said the council had three mobile Fast Action Units which went around looking for potholes and other maintenance problems.

Source: The Star - Thursday, March 31, 2010

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Iskandar project or not, potholes are permanent features on Johor road.

Raring for the massive Iskandar project and potholes lying low on all around JB roads not visible?
Many a time, potholes award trophy to road users, especially on their knees.
Minor injury to those walking, and major ones running on the road.
So, beware joggers!

A great wonder Johor Bahru, JB, is nicknamed Jalan Berlubang (Hole Road).
The city where potholes is a must!

I had blogged about it sometime ago.
It seems there is a pothole at every other kilometer that can cause a dent to your pocket, changing badly damaged rim and tires.

Matters are made worse during rain as potholes are covered with water.

Nobody can believe there is a housing estate, Taman Impian Emas (Golden Hope Garden. Marvellous name!) in Senai.
The road that leads to it, Jalan Kempas Lama, seems leading to nowhere, full of potholes and uneven surfaces.
Accident is prone when heavy rain, as cars and motorcyles weighing to avoid the muddled and muddy surface.

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This is a newspaper report, appeal from public to relevant authority.
It is about have been there for a long time pothole, not along Jalan Kempas Lama, but not far from the Larkin Market.

City Council Urged To Repair Pothole

The pothole in Jalan Langkasuka is causing distress to road users. — Picture by Bharuddin Sulong

MOTORISTS plying Jalan Langkasuka in Larkin, Johor Baru, are appealing to the Johor Baru City Council to repair a half-metre deep pothole in the middle of the road. The pothole, which appeared during the recent rainy season, has been slowing traffic down for the past two weeks.

The hole is a danger to unsuspecting motorists at night and to those who seldom use the stretch of road.

Motorist Mahusin Idris, 35, from Taman Abad, here, said those who had driven into the the hole had damaged their vehicles.
"Some of my friends had to fork out about RM300 to replace their bumpers which they said were damaged from the impact of crashing into the pothole."

Mahusin said motorists are fearful that the pothole may cause a fatal accident.

Mohd Darwis Hashim, 42, blamed the City Council's Quick Action Unit (UTF) for lack of alertness.

"I have urged the council to take immediate action before tragedy strikes," he said.

He said the pothole gives a bad image to the city as it is opposite Hotel Seri Malaysia.

Source: New Straits Times - February 13, 2011

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I wonder if indeed, the state ministers never encounter potholes?

I had seen many accidents, due to potholes factor.
Some motorists were caught offguard, especially when they are in congested areas. 
The road, choking with cars and bikes all over, especially peak period along Jalan Tebrau when workers are going to and from working in Singapore.

Suddenly new pothole, not the one familiar and permanent, appears from right beneath the car infront. Motorists cannot evade the pothole, as usually there are many on motorbikes behind them. 
Riding through the pothole - be safe, involve with an accident or ending up dead is their luck.
They have to be brave, bracing and preparing themselves for the impending jolt. 
Just pray hard that they will not be thrown off bike. 

"Q: Johor Baru is nicknamed Jalan Berlubang (JB) as it is riddled with potholes due to poor maintenance. What do you plan to do to overcome this?
A: MBJB has a special task force set up to deal with potholes and fallen trees. We cannot afford to go all out to curb the problem but the team can be mobilised when notified. It also does rounds at night to check on street lights. I promise to take immediate action when we get information from the public. I have told my staff to report any problems that they notice. They live in Johor Baru and are the best eyes and ears for the council. I have given my mobile number to my staff so that they can contact me when they find a problem. This is working as I am informed daily through SMS about potholes and traffic and street light not functioning..."

These are answers by Johor Bahru mayor Mohd Jaafar Awang when asked by The Star on February last year about potholes in JB. He had set his priorities to rid JB of its unsavoury image.
More of the questions and answers can be read here.

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I had even seen deaths, due to the irresponsibility of those responsible.  

Hairdresser Killed In Pothole Mishap

JOHOR BARU: A 36-year-old hairdresser was killed when she fell off a motorcycle which hit a pothole.
Lee Nyam Kan was riding pillion on a motorcycle ridden by her husband when the rear tyre punctured as it went over the pothole, causing both of them to lose balance and fall.

Lee: Flung from the bike she was on after it hit a pothole.

Lee, who was wearing a helmet, died of head injuries on the spot.
Lai Nyok Lim, a 48-year-old bus driver who works in Singapore, said he was sending his wife to work in Larkin when the accident occurred at Jalan Kempas Lama at 10.10am on Friday.
Lai sustained minor injuries on his left arm and leg. Lee was cremated on Sunday.
Lai, who has a six-year-old daughter, sought the assistance of Skudai assemblyman Dr Boo Cheng Hau on the matter.
Dr Boo urged the Johor Baru City Council and the Public Works Department ato seriously look into the matter, as this was not the first time a death had been caused by a pothole.
Johor Baru (North) deputy OCPD Supt Mohd Akhir Ishak said Lee died of head injuries and police are investigating the case under Section 41(1) Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving.
He said Lee’s helmet could have become loose and fallen off when she hit the ground.
He added that the pothole was less than a foot deep.
Two years ago, Tan Cheng Ming, 20, fell from his motorcycle and died later from head injuries after running over a pothole in Jalan Daya, Taman Daya on Aug 17.
On Feb 27 last year, Koh Siang Lee, 63, was badly injured when she fell through an uncovered manhole into a metre-deep drain during a Chingay parade. She died of her injuries nine days later.

Source: The Star - Wednesday, June 3, 2009

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Pothole That Cost A Life

Cheng Ming: Sustained head injuries upon landing

JOHOR: It cost a life to get a pothole patched up. Tan Cheng Ming, 20, was riding pillion on a motorcycle last Friday at 4am when the machine hit a pothole that was about as wide as a manhole and 5cm deep.
The impact caused Cheng Ming to be thrown off the motorcycle, and he sustained head injuries upon landing. He was rushed to the Sultan Ismail Hospital but died there.
His friend, Tam Tok Wei, 20, who was driving, escaped with minor injuries while the motorcycle was barely damaged except for some scratches and a bent front wheel.
Cheng Ming’s father, Robin Tan, said the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) patched up the pothole in Jalan Daya, Taman Daya, about two days after the accident.
“When there is a loss of life, only then will they act. We have to bring this up to the authorities, because we don’t want others to lose their loved ones, too.
“The street lights along that road are also not so bright as they are shaded by trees, so the rider might not have seen the pothole at night,” Tan told The Star.
The 53-year-old taxi driver said that with the exception of highways, many roads in Johor Baru are riddled with potholes.
Tan said they had started planning for Cheng Ming’s 21st birthday celebration next month when the accident occurred.
“Twenty years of love, and just like that, because of other people’s mistake, my son paid with his life,” he said.

Danger to road users: A photo of the pothole in Jalan Daya, Taman Daya in Johor Baru which the motorcycle Tam and Cheng Ming were riding hit last Friday.

Source: The Star - Friday, August 24, 2007

to be continued...

Lost, Warring Just Posters (No, Not Money Lenders)

Few days ago, an overturned lorry [(here's the video) - Thanks to Vijaya Kumar Rahman, Citizen Journalist of Malaysiakini], carrying money lender sticker had caught fire, while negotiating to take the corner from Pasir Gudang Highway to Johor Jaya in JB.
Fire from the lorry spread to the nearby bushes but was curbed by firemen from Johor Jaya fire station from spreading.
The driver managed to escape through broken windscreen with minor injuries.

******

Empty spaces in public places rarely remain bare for long.
They are ideal spots for free advertisements promoting all kinds of services.
Almost 95% of all the illegal posters and stickers placed in public places in the city of Johor Bahru are of moneylenders, loan sharks or “Ah Long posters”.
The balance 5% offered herbal remedies to improve sex lives, household services, premises for rental and transport repairs.

The free advertisements for these money lenders can be found all over JB. 
It seem to dominate every nook and cranny of the city. 
They have been menacing JB as long as I can remember, and is a great public nuisance.
Not enough has been done to put a stop to the illegal activities.

The stickers are commonly seen at bus stops, lamp posts, signboards, telephone booths, telecom boxes at the roadsides,

Ah Long advertisements pasted on a power unit in Johor Bahru.

Tenaga Nasional Berhad’s substations, trafffic lights, on trees, walls, and any stickable places we can least imagine.
These public amenities are free advertisement boards.
They are defaced with colourful posters and stickers, aiming to lure money desperados and those who are in hard times, to open an account with these 'big hearted big brothers". 

It seems as though Johor Bahru is the land of ABC,

not "air batu campur" as above, but


"Ah Long" (Chinese money lender),  
"Buku Tiga Lima" (three fives booklet), also known as "buku hutang" (credit book), and  
"Chetty" (Indian money lender).

The worst of all is when road signage is not spared.
Road signs are the most favourite places by illegal moneylenders, posing great problems.
Some posters lead to confusion among motorists, posing danger to them.
It's a common problem all over Johor Bahru, creating problem for others looking for directions.

******

For years, We used to rely NOT the road signs which usually are mounted with money-lending stickers, but TNB lamp posts whenever in unfamiliar places.

If not, then it is just guessing game finding Our ways in unfamiliar areas, if residents were out of sight, or not well versed with their own neighbourhood.

Once again, thanks to Vijaya Kumar Rahman for his effort here, sharing with viewers, what the stickers had done to residents in Taman Molek.
The housing estate's chariman, Haji Idris Md Yusof, on finding the proper authorities to handle this case said,

“When I had a dialogue session with the police, they said I have to refer to the (Johor Bahru) Municipal Council (MPJB) as it is not their jurisdiction. When I referred to MPJB, they said they don’t have the power to arrest,” he said.
The above, Taman Molek UMNO branch chief said, the ‘Ah Longs’ use teenagers to paste the stickers for them, who are not aware of the traffic rules.
They stick them at any stickable posts they see.

“Once there was a Bengali woman who questioned a man who was sticking the fliers, but he threatened that she won’t be alive if she makes any noise about it,” he added, on the sticking assignments carried out by large, intimidating-looking men.
The public is urged to call the council’s toll-free number 1300-88-1406 to complain about such posters.

But new posters would be up, soon after the old ones removed. 

No free advertising: An anti-vandalism unit member scrapping off some illegal moneylending posters on TNB substation in Johor Bahru. Photos: The Star

Vandalism is rampant in Johor Bahru.
They removed drain covers that can cause fatal accidents as they have no regard for safety and the law.
Then there are road signs sprayed by vandals.

The anti-vandalism unit with ten men was formed at the start of last year, roaming the city in a van, equipped with scrappers, pails and ladders to remove illegal notices and stickers put up by Ah Longs.

But according to Haji Idris, MPJB appointed contractor to remove the stickers, are furthering the mess.
They just tore them apart, did not remove the stickers completely.
It thus makes greater mess in the surrounding areas.
The removed stickers left many ugly sights, an eyesore, of jobs halfway done.
There is no proper provision in law as of yet to nip these activities.

****** 

Just a couple of weeks ago, while cleaning the porch area, the sight of an elderly person surprised Me.
I saw posters were being put up, alas, at again, the road sign opposite My house.

I wonder if those distributing money lenders' calling cards and fliers, putting up banners or sticking leaflets have any guilty conscious.
What they did had created great environment and social problems.

In Muar, two youths were handed to the district police station.
They were alleged to be involved with illegal money lenders.
They were nabbed while putting up posters advertising Ah Long's business.
They were each paid RM1,000 a month in addition to daily food and petrol allowance.

If indeed, youngsters are used, their parents should be informed and warned of the consequences.
There will be at least some restrain in the irresponsible parties.
It thus show the authorities are serious about tackling the issue.
The action will erase the lackadaisical attitude assumed by the public.

******

Now, the “cash available” offers are at our doorsteps.

Name cards, besides fliers, are not placed in mail boxes.
They were thrown into the gate.
The practice is daily occurance at My house.
It becomes litters strewn on verandah before long.

******

Last year, We received many SMSes mostly in Chinese, offering cash up to RM500,000. 
How did they get Our numbers? 
Data base being sold?

In 2005, the government announced a registration requirement to enable authorities to track users, to prevent criminal activities conducted over the cellular telephone networks.
Then the Home Ministry announced 6,000 cellphone numbers belonging to Ah Longs were disconnected nationwide in 2009.
Out of 484 reports lodged in 2009 under the Moneylenders Act 1951, Johor topped the list with 118 cases.

Authorities concerned, can demand telecommunication companies cooperation in monitoring these phone-borne crimes.
If efforts are not kicked in, seeing and hearing no evil, before long, advertising and calling borrowers on tv is the next option.

******

It is high time for the Iskandar Regional Development Authority play its part to ensure the relevant agencies rid JB of growth of these advertisements which are becoming a nuisance.
It can pressure the local councils to do more, organising groups and squads removing, tearing down, cleaning the affected spots and leaving no mess around.
Surveillance teams can be deployed to nab the culprits red- handed.

While the Iskandar project is changing the landscape of Johor Baru at full speed, surely the illegal publicity paraphernalia advertising various financial services, scattered around the city, dominating every nook and cranny, will have a lasting impression in investors' minds.
How if these investors are to see them at bus stops, lamp posts, signboards, telephone booths, telecom boxes at the roadsides, TNB substations, on trees, walls, and any stickable places we can least imagine?

******

Majlis Bandaran Johor Bahru ( Johor Baru City Council) was given a four-star rating by the Housing and Local Government Ministry.
It keeps the city clean, safe and conducive for everybody?

One wonders how it got this grading when even a trivial war, fighting illegal posters, seems to be an enormous task, cannot be won?
It is just about getting rid of these posters and stickers, tidying up the place, and leaving no unsightly mess.
With concerted effort, it can be done, until the unsightly mess disappear forever.

******

Under the Minor Offences Act, anyone affixing advertisements, bills, notices, paper or banners on any property without authority is liable to a jail term not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding RM1,000, or both.
A paltry sum, with unlike enforcement that the "advertisers" are brazen enough to put up their advertisements with their mobile phone numbers emblazoned boldly across for all to see.
The enforcement authorities have not seen any?

Then, it is emboldening loan sharks.
These people are having field days putting up leaflets and posters all around.

Now, with unlike enforcement, they are putting up huge banners and buntings, nicely erected in the middle of many major roads.
Turning blind eye can worsened societal plague.

Buntings and posters in Bandar Baru Uda, JB

Worst of all, these posters are strategically placed at traffic light junctions which I've seen at Jalan Tebrau and Pasir Gudang.

******

A very good read that stirs mix reactions, frustration and smile: Scratch And Find Your Way There.

Whose Haven Is Johor Bahru?

It was reported in The Star 2 days ago that residents of Taman Majidee are living in increasing fear for the past 20 years as criminals are getting more daring and aggressive.

The neighbourhood used to be a nice place to live in the 70s but now no one can walk the streets alone without worrying about snatch thieves and robbers.
Many residents hope for a stronger police presence in the neighbourhood to curb multiple crimes, especially house break-ins. The question lingers of why the police had not been keeping an eye on the neighbourhood with the high crime rate there.

Zainab Ibrahim, 54, a retiree living with her daughter, son-in-law and 2 grandchildren, had her house been broken into at least 10 times in the past 30 years. She had also been a victim of snatch theft 3 times last year.

Low, 57, a businessman echoed Zainab’s sentiment that the crime rate in the area was much lower 20 years ago.
He owns a shop lot in the area and it is disturbing that so many crimes occur on a monthly basis.  

A retired doctor Another resident, Govind, 71, said crime was a common occurrence in the neighbourhood.

Almost every month, a house is robbed so it is no more a surprise news hearing about the robbery attempt on June 1, about 300m from his house, where robbers used a woman as a human shield when pursued by a security guard.
In the robbery attempt, a 19-year-old girl, a Datuk's daughter, suffered head injuries in the botched heist at her house has died around 10.45pm on Thursday.

The security guard opened fire on the 3 robbers while trying to escape with stolen goods on Tuesday night.
It was earlier reported that one robber involved in the heist was shot dead and another shot in the leg by the security guard.
The third robber was arrested after a car chase near Taman Kebun Teh.

Johor Baru (South) OCPD Asst Comm Zainuddin Yaakob said that police would step up patrols in the housing estate. “We are aware of the residents’ concerns. We will increase patrols as well as police presence,” he said.
He urged anyone with information on any crime related cases to contact the police hotline at 07-2212999 or the nearest police station.

Upon reading this, and reading the police statement of  "we will increase patrols and he urged anyone with information on any crime related cases to contact the police", my instinct of the ever increasing crime rate will never dip with such answers given.

I am about to share my story with readers in this blog when my eyes caught another news of JB city council taken to task for inaction.

The Johor Baru City Council has been taken to task for failing to act on public complaints despite numerous calls from local representatives.
Johor Baru MCA division chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic) said the council must take drastic action in dealing with the people’s complaints or face the wrath of the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC).
“We feel disappointed over the lack of cooperation by the city council in taking action on complaints.
“For example, the residents in Taman Century have been complaining about excessive noise from nearby nightclubs, but they (city council) have not taken action,” he told newsmen after the division’s annual general meeting, which was launched by MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
Dr Wee said the people in Taman Century wanted the council to ensure that the clubs kept out the noise but to no avail.
“Lack of action by the city council reflects badly on the Barisan Nasional government.
“If the mayor does not take action on public complaints, then the party has to report the matter to the MACC,” he said.
He added that he and Johor Baru MP Datuk Shahrir Samad had visited places which the people had complained about.
“The people’s concerns must be heard and acted upon quickly. The cooperation of the council is paramount towards ensuring the people’s support for Barisan here,” he said.
On the AGM, Dr Wee said that the party had grown more stable under the leadership of Dr Chua.
“The Chinese community is happy that the party is voicing their concerns on various matters,” he said.

Today, JB's mayor has defended the MBJB.

Mayor Mohd Jaafar Awang has defended the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), which has been criticised for allegedly not being proactive towards complaints.

The city council, he said, was doing its part to address issues brought to its attention but it could not promise that all the problems could be solved.
He said the council was trying its best but “it is premature to say that it has not been taking any action on the complaints”.
Jaafar was responding to remarks made by Johor Baru MCA division chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong on Sunday that MBJB had failed to act on public complaints, even those raised by local representatives.
Dr Wee cited the example of Taman Century residents, who were upset about the loud noise from nearby nightspots, but MBJB allegedly did not act on the complaints.
Contacted by The Star, Jaafar said it was unfair to blame MBJB as “we are only human and cannot assure that all problems will be solved”.
“All problems are noted during council meetings regardless if they are brought up by local representatives or the public. And we always follow up on them,” he said.
Jaafar also said that Dr Wee should forward details of the grouses he received to the council.
“We would also like to urge residents who have complaints to come to our office every Thursday from 2pm to 5pm if they feel that their problems are inadequately addres­sed,” he said, adding that no appointment was required.
Jaafar said the city council had also received complaints via telephone.
“As for the residents in Taman Century, I would like to state that we have visited the area but we did not find that the noise was disturbing,” he said.
Besides MBJB, he said the district office was also in charge of issuing entertainment licences and it was equally responsible for taking action against loud entertainment outlets.

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As for now, JB is all defended. Save my breath.