RM500,000 in the offing for councillors

PASIR Gudang City Council (MBPG) is giving its councillors the opportunity to improve public areas and facilities under the “Yok Tinjau” plan.

Introduced in 2021 and now in its third year, “Yok Tinjau” encourages councillors to think of projects that will benefit the zones assigned to them.

Pasir Gudang mayor Datuk Asman Shah Abd Rahman said each councillor could propose up to four projects for their zones.

The projects must not exceed the RM500,000 budget allocated to each councillor, he said.

Madyasir showing a huge crack at the multipurpose hall on Jalan Sungai Masai, which was a result of a landslide.

“The plan is a significant move to boost local development and improve residents’ quality of life,” said Asman Shah.

He said the councillors had been tasked with identifying and proposing projects addressing specific needs and aspirations of the Pasir Gudang community.

Mahendran: Mosque needed in Bestari Perdana to cater to population growth.

The goal is to ensure that the funds are used in a way that maximises positive impact and promotes community development, he emphasised.

Asman Shah said the councillors could propose a variety of projects including infrastructure improvements, social services, recreational facilities, and environmental sustainability initiatives.

He added that given Pasir Gudang’s diverse nature, the projects were expected to reflect the unique needs of different neighbourhoods and demographics within the city.Ideas for Scientex

Zone Scientex councillor Leong Yew Seng said he had proposed rebuilding of the Sungai Kim Kim riverbank along Jalan Kancil 11.

The riverbank was destroyed during a landslide last year.

“According to the contractors, the riverbank was damaged due to the presence of natural spring water underground.

Teh wants a walkway built for convenience of students from three schools in Kota Masai.

“Water flow was blocked, creating stress on the wall which subsequently caused the landslide.

“We initially thought it was due to a burst underground pipe, but Ranhill SAJ checked and found there was no leakage,” he said, adding that the project might need assistance from the Federal Government through the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID).

Leong said he was also proposing to upgrade an old, abandoned futsal court in Jalan Pelanduk.

“The futsal court is small and without a roof, so it is extremely hot in the daytime.

“If it rains, there is no shelter for those using the court.

“The fence is also broken and the metal frames are rusty.

“I would like MBPG to upgrade the futsal court and put in spotlights so the area is bright at night.”

Leong is proposing to upgrade an old futsal court in Jalan Pelanduk, Taman Scientex.

He also mentioned the need for a covered walkway and road hump in front of Sekolah Agama Taman Scientex.

He said there were cases of irresponsible drivers speeding in front of the school.

“But the narrow road becomes congested on school days when parents drop off or pick up their children,” he added.Cendana’s emergency plan

Cendana Zone councillor Ishak Mohd Yusoff is planning for an emergency route behind Taman Cendana flats from Jalan Cendana 9 to Jalan Cendana 12.

“The housing project was built over 30 years ago and it did not include emergency exits, especially for large vehicles like fire engines,” he explained.

“At the moment, there is only one way in and out of these blocks, which is very dangerous if an emergency occurs.”

He noted that the situation was made worse by residents parking their vehicles along the road, making it even narrower.

“So only one vehicle can go in and out at a time.

“If a resident hosts an event like a wedding, the traffic congestion will extend all the way to the main road,” said Ishak.

Ishak: Emergency exit sorely needed in Taman Cendana for large vehicles like fire engines.

He also plans to move all the roadside traders from Taman Cendana flats to the new Semai Niaga hall.

“The hall is currently being upgraded. Once it is completed, we can relocate the petty traders.

“There is also a need to improve public toilet facilities near Semai Niaga,” he added.Mosque for Bestari Perdana

Meanwhile, Kota Bestari Zone councillor S. Mahendran is proposing to build a mosque at Bestari Perdana.

“There is an ongoing housing development in Kota Bestari. Based on the developers’ plans, we expect significant population growth in Kota Bestari.

“At the moment, there is only one surau in Bestari Perdana and Muslims have to drive all the way to the Kota Masai mosque for Friday prayers.

“I plan to submit this proposal to MBPG and the state government, as it will cost more than RM500,000,” he said, adding that a plot of land had been allocated for a mosque at the location.

Road signs have been placed as a temporary measure to address congestion in front of Sekolah Agama Taman Scientex.

Little India in Masai

Masai councillor Madyasir Ahmad Basir wants to turn Jalan Ara in Taman Rinting into “Little India Pasir Gudang”.

“There are 30 shops along the road, 13 of which sell Indian products like clothing and religious items,” he said.

“When the shops are decorated for Deepavali, the area becomes very colourful.

“We have Kampung Melayu and Chinatown in Masai, so we need a Little India to promote our city’s multicultural identity.”

Madyasir said his second proposal was regarding a multipurpose hall on Jalan Sungai Masai, which was unstable due to a landslide.

“The hall was built on a hillside. Over the years, the soil underneath shifted, causing a massive crack in the building’s foundation,” he said, adding that the building would have to be demolished and rebuilt.

“I also plan to instal a road hump and blind-spot mirrors between Jalan Bunga Raya and Jalan Berkek in Taman Bunga Raya because of the number of accidents occurring there,” he said.

Walkway woe in Kota Masai

Kota Masai Zone councillor Teh Siew Boey wants a walkway to connect Jalan Bacang 1 and Jalan Bacang 7 to SMK Kota Masai, SK Kota Masai and Sekolah Agama Taman Kota Masai 2.

“There is a shortcut now but it is not a proper road.

“Students have to pass through bushes and dirt roads to get to school.

“Motorists have to go to the main road to make a U-turn to Jalan Bacang 8, where the schools are located. This adds to traffic congestion.

“With a proper walkway along the shortcut, parents can drop off or pick up their children there,” she said, adding that the new shortcut would cost around RM100,000 to build.

Road hump and blind-spot mirrors are expected to help improve road safety in Taman Bunga Raya, Masai.

Teh said a flash flood hotspot due to a damaged drain was of concern between Jalan Ciku 18 and Jalan Ciku 22 in Kota Masai.

“MBPG tried repairing the drain previously but it broke again. Over time, the soil has eroded and rocks have clogged up the drain.

“I want MBPG to address this drainage issue to prevent future floods,” she said, adding that the drain led to the Sungai Kim Kim tributary.