Bandar Botanic Layout Plan

Bandar Botanic Layout Plan

Tuesday 30 June 2009

BBRAeNEWS No.151 - Prevent heat stroke

BBRA Doctor's Page.

Prevent heat stroke when exercising in the summer
Tania Leach, DC Recreation Examiner.



No matter where you live, when you go outdoors for your summer exercise and entertainment it’s important to not only enjoy the sun but also protect yourself from heat stroke. While I am not a doctor I’ve lived in the dry hot desert for many years and now I live in the hot humid weather that we all love SO much, and consequently over the years I have come up with some tricks for myself when it comes to ensuring my sun safety in the great outdoors. Here are some to help you on your way to enjoying a fabulous summer!



Stay hydrated: Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, muscle cramps, fainting and heat stroke. Make sure you are hydrated before you head out. You will find it hard to maintain hydration if you were already dehydrated. You should consume enough water to have clear or pale yellow urine (sorry for the graphic but it's true!). Keep drinking when you return from your work out too.



Take water or sports drink with you so you are not relying on public water fountains. They may be broken or not where you ideally need hydrating. Also you need to be replacing the salt and minerals you are losing through sweating, so taking some specialized sports drink with you will be more effective than just drinking water. I always take one bottle of water and one water mixed with orange juice (5:1 approx respectively) when going on bike rides, but I’m not a hard core athlete so I try to avoid the sugary sports drinks and the calories they include, and the orange juice seems to be enough for me. However, Sports drinks are essential and more effective if you are a serious athlete or are going to be spending a good part of the day out in the sun. So be smart and take what you need with you.



Acclimatize: If you have not been in a warm climate but travel to one. Take some time to become accustomed to the heat. Allow several days before attempting vigorous outdoor exercise, and make sure you hydrate well during those transition days.



Avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day: Get out early or late in the day, usually eary is coolest.



Wear lightweight and light-colored clothes that allow air to pass through them.
Avoid eating hot or heavy meals before going out, it will add heat to the body.
Limit sun exposure: Always wear sunscreen (I favor the oil-free Coppertone as I find it allows my skin to breathe better when exercising). Given the opportunity try to find areas to exercise that provide some natural cover from the sun, like tree-covered paths. Sunburn also decreases your ability to cool yourself so other than the obvious negatives to getting sunburn, it’s not good for your hydration either if you get over-exposed to the sun.



Use your noggin: You will know when it’s too much, so don’t plod on just because you set the time aside and put your shoes on. If you are out and about and get too hot, mosey on home in a relaxed manner (if you can’t find a cool place to chill out first!).



If you find yourself with any symptoms of heat stroke, go straight to the doctor. It is very dangerous

Monday 29 June 2009

BBRAeNEWS No.150 - After the Walk.

Dear Residents,
Thank You,
A Thank You speech from the President of BBRA.

Dear All,

BBRA Walk & Talk on 28th June 09 @ 6.00pm

Thank you for all that came for the walk and making it happened.
I'm very happy that everyone enjoyed the walk and also burns some calories..... actually one of you residents told me that the total distance of jogging path is 4.6km! So at least we did 2km yesterday. I believe when we walk together, we talk and laugh along the way, we didn't feel the distance. Yesterday was the second, but I can already see and heard positive comment from the a few residents that came along. One of the comments is about the publicity of the walk, many who joined was invited personally by committee members and not because they are aware/read from the blog. Probably next time BBRA would do a banner for more awareness of the next event.
These are suggestions for our next walking event:
1) create a name for the event e.g. Unity walk, 1BB walk, BB family walk etc...resident, pls suggest.
2) BBRA to provide water and also would open table for members to pay subscription and promote BBRA. In fact yesterday we got one resident wanted to join BBRA.
3) try to promote this event as family walk and not only for the parents / members.
4) to distribute our Suara Botanic / flyers.

Once we have say 100 residents joining this event, it can evolve into family days, tree planting/ green day, sports carnival and so on.

I also would like invite our MP and also MPK to join us in the coming event. I believe many residents would like to meet their MP personally and also to see MPK in action issuing summons to the bikers.

Let us think and act positively to make this an event that ALL of us can feel proud of.

Once again, thank you and keep the good participation and let us do it again. Together we make it happen.

Nor Halim
President BBRA













Friday 26 June 2009

BBRAeNews No.149 - Are we to suffer the same fate?

Dear Residents,
please spare a thought for our Botanic garden. Let us be an example and a community to show that we care for our parks and environment. We must start now to preserve and work together with authorities to prevent our park from ending like what has happened in the report. Do we want our park to suffer the same fate?

Park by day, menace by night


New Straits Times, 2009/06/24, by
Noel Achariam





Adrian Lim says the number of snatch thefts has increased in recent months
Adrian Lim says the number of snatch thefts has increased in recent months

KUALA LUMPUR: In the daytime, it is an idyllic park frequented by families and health buffs out for a stroll or a jog.

Anglers bring their motorcycles into the park although the rules prohibit it. — Pictures by P.C. Lim, Ahmad Irham, Saifullizan Tamadi and Supian Ahmad
Anglers bring their motorcycles into the park although the rules prohibit it. — Pictures by P.C. Lim, Ahmad Irham, Saifullizan Tamadi and Supian Ahmad

Faulty lights at the park leave visitors worried for their safety.
Faulty lights at the park leave visitors worried for their safety.

When the sun goes down, however, the Taman Tasik Permaisuri lake garden in Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, turns into a sinister place with increasing incidences of snatch thefts and muggings.

Frequent visitors to the park claimed that it had also become a haunt for drug peddlars and rebel rousers.

Evidence of a wild night out can be seen in the garbage and empty bottles of cheap liquor littering the park the next day.

Rules prohibiting motorcycles from entering the park are blatantly ignored by anglers and there have also been claims of illegal racing.

To make matters worse, parts of the park are shrouded in darkness due to faulty street lights and many have taken advantage of the situation.

Concerned for their safety, many residents of Cheras are beginning to shun the once-popular park. Many claimed that they no longer feel safe walking around the park, especially at night.

Jogger Adrian Lim, 55, who frequents the park with his family, claimed that snatch thefts at the lake had been rampant in recent months.

"Last month, when we were taking a walk there around 8pm, two guys on a motorcycle came out of nowhere, pushed my daughter to the ground and snatched her necklace.

"We couldn't do anything because they sped off on their motorcycle.

"My daughter was traumatised by the incident and vowed never to come back to the park again at night," he said.

Lim said the park's rules prohibited motorcycles from entering its compound.

"I have no idea why no one is monitoring who is coming into the park. Shouldn't City Hall officers who are manning the park prohibit the motorcycles from entering?" said Lim.

Abdul Zubir Ahmad, 45, who visits the park twice a week, said he was cautioned by other joggers against walking around the park after 8pm.

He was also told to look out for suspicious characters after several snatch thefts in the park in recent months.

"I stopped walking around the park months ago. The joggers have told me to avoid the areas where there are no lights," he said.

Another visitor Badrul Hisham Baharuddin, 24, said the park is sometimes turned into an illegal race track.

"The place is packed with motorcyclists who ride around the park and make a lot of noise," he said.

Nurse Nurasyrani Mohd Yunus, 28, who goes to the park with her husband, urged City Hall to take stern action against those who break the park's rules.

"The council must conduct more enforcement here. This is a park for the public and not for thugs," she said.

Wednesday 24 June 2009

BBRAeNEWS No.148 - A page from the Diary of A Resident.

A Page from The Diary of A Concern Resident on 21-JUNE,09

Sunday 21-JUN-09: 0800 hours

A concern resident decides to write about what has happened in Bandar Botanic.

Damaged Lamp Post on the southern shore.
Vandalism of TMO lamp posts
This morning at 8.00am, I went for a walk around the Botanic Lake and proceeding from Jenaris, I went anti-clockwise directions. After the Phase 4 bridge, I was dismay to notice two TMO Lamp Posts broken down by vandalism and laying on the ground, on either side of the river banks. The Halon lamp covers and electrical wirings were all broken out and detached.
Damaged lamp post on the northern shore.
Vandalism of TMO Gazabo bench
Further down the pathway, at the Gazabo, I noticed some wooden planks of the Gazabo benches were broken and missing, again by vandalism. I construed that vandalism is an environmental crime.
Graffiti on the floor of the Gazabo
Looking for high class arts entertainment? Well, not here in Bandar Botanic. Grafitti, the urban art of the people is a crime. To me it is bad culture of uneducated urban people. I stop and take a moment and found this on the floor of one of the Gazabo. Spray-painted sprawl on the floor. The message of these cryptic writings have no meaning to most people. It is the language of graffiti writer/s and gang member/s. Disgusting indeed as it will cost taxpayers money to clean it up.
Vandalism to TMO Sign Post
Again, further down in from of Angsana Phase, I was very angry to see one piece of wooden sign of the Wooden Decorative Sign Post broken and on the ground.
Rubbish thrown by hooligans last night’s party
I did an anti-clockwise, and cross the basketball court and badminton court and notice lots of rubbish papers, empty bottles thrown by last night people who were having a party there. After the party, they do not even have the sense of responsibility to pick up all the rubbish.

Ruffians Cyclists from Bukit Tinggi
I did notice there are about 4-5 ruffians cyclists enthusiasts cycling very, very fast on their sports bicycles round the lake’s pathway, oblivious to the old men, women and children walking there. These cyclists would just rings their sports cycles and speed pass you at very high speed.
They are becoming ridiculous and annoying. They are also endangering others path walkers. Perhaps they should be required to take a test and have insurance because they could cause accidents and they get away with it.
Points of interests
As usual on a Sunday morning, there were many Joggers young and old, of many races and religions. I noticed that quite a many are also Muslim from either the botanic garden and some are from the Low and Medium Costs Flats. There are also a couple of stroke residents who literally had to drag their leg along. They told me it was the most pain ever just to sit or stand, getting out of bed was extreme pain. Just imagine how they would have to stop to avoid those ‘mad’ cyclists from Bukit Tinggi. Nowadays, you will also notice many dead fishes around the lake. Empty liquor bottles and rubbish are plenty.



BBRAeNEWWS No.147 - Flu H1Ni Alert No.4


H1N1 ALERT No.3
The Star Newspaper
Published: Wednesday June 24, 2009 MYT 9:47:00 AM Updated: Wednesday June 24, 2009 MYT 1:46:45 PM

A(H1N1): 12 more cases, 10 imported and two locally transmitted; total cases now at 80 (Update)
By NG CHENG YEE, GLADYS TAY and AUSTIN CAMOENS

PUTRAJAYA: Twelve more cases of the Influenza A(H1N1)had been reported, says Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
He said of the number 10 were imported cases and two were locally transmitted bringing the total number of cases in the country to 80.
Meanwhile, Johor has reported its first confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) case of a 19-year-old female student who returned from Melbourne via Changi Airport Singapore on flight SQ0238 on June 22.
Johor Women, Family, Community Development and Health committee chairman Dr Robiah Kosai said the student had been in Melbourne for the last six months.
She said the girl’s parents and two siblings had fetched her from the airport on a Johor Baru-Singapore taxi.
“The student did not show any symptoms of fever or influenza when she entered the countries (Singapore and Malaysia) but developed the symptoms when she arrived home in Johor Baru,” she said, adding that she tested positive on the night of June 23.
She added that the student was being treated at Hospital Sultanah Aminah while her family members are quarantined at home for a week.
“The 36-year-old taxi driver and his family are also quarantined at home for a week,” she said at a press conference adding that the staff from the Health Department would monitor their condition.
Dr Robiah said the student’s 16-year-old brother and sister, 17, are studying at Sekolah Datuk Jaafar and SMK Infant Jesus Convent respectively.
“Today (June 24), a team from the health department will be visiting the schools for investigations,” she said adding that the patient’s grandmother had passed away in the morning due to old age.
Dr Robiah said that the officers from the health department would assist the family throughout the funeral services to ensure they do not expose anyone else to the virus.
She added that the State Welfare Department would also provide assistance to the taxi driver as he would be losing a week’s earnings due to the quarantine order.
State Tourism, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Hoo Seong Chang urged frontliners in the tourism sector to increase their precautionary measures such as wearing mask when dealing with clients.
“They include taxi drivers, tourist guides and those working in the hotels,” he said, adding that these people usually come in contact with foreigners.
Hoo advised people against traveling to countries reported with the virus.
“If they have already taken their annual leave, they can consider travelling locally or postpone their holidays,” he said.

BBRAeNEWS No.146 - U-Tubes

You-Tubes Videos on Botanic Issues
Date: Saturday, June 20, 2009, 5:46 PM
Dear Residents,

On Saturday, June 20, 2009, we have received two youtube video clips from a resident in Phase 6, which we would like to post for your awareness and opinions.


Some videos to ponder…..

Botanic park dead fishes

Botanic park illegal motorcycles
Questions:

Dear residents,
What is your opinion?

One resident’s comment was “Those responsible for upkeep and enforcement are lacking and conspicuously missing”.

Perhaps, there may be other reasons too? Let us hear about what are your reasons and opinions…?

Monday 22 June 2009

BBRAeNEWS No.145 - Official opening

Shell & Burger King opened at neighbouring Bukit Tinggi

It was a carnival feeling at the official opening of the joint Shell petrol station and the first Burger King in Klang's Bandar Bukit Tinggi 2 last Saturday, 20 June 2009.

AIMS Sdn Bhd, the owner who made the opening possible for the first of its kind Shell petrol station invited the resident associations in the vicinity including Bandar Botanic Residents Association to witness the memorable event.

This is the first Shell Petrol Station that has a double storey shop-lot, Burger King, and lifestyle food centre.

To show support to the local communities, AIMS Sdn Bhd treated resident associations from Bandar Bukit Tinggi 1, Bandar Bukit Tinggi 2, Bandar Botanic as well as an orphanage home to cultural performances and a token of appreciation in the form of donation. Likewise, the BBRA were given a donation of RM500.

We would like to officially thank AIMS Sdn Bhd for their kind donation and we wish them continued success in the neighbourhood.









Mr Ang of AIMS Sdn Bhd meeting with BBRA representatives (from left) Mr R. Selvaraj, Mr Jacob Mathews and En Nor Halim









Local resident association representatives of Bandar Bukit Tinggi 1, Bandar Botanic, and Bandar Bukit Tinggi 2 with MPK councillor Mr Tee Boon Hock










BBRA President En Nor Halim receiving the cheque from AIMS Sdn Bhd

BBRAeNEWS No.144 - Disturbing the Peace

Disturbing the Peace – BB Police Swift Response.
- Andrew Sum


Don't you disorderly people get that we don't NEED ILLEGAL INVADERS that come to our Bandar Botanic homes to violate our laws, breathe our air, drink our water, take our resources and occupy our lovely garden and causing disorderly conduct . Disgusting, shameful, despicable and highly barbaric. Yes, these are the words I would use to describe those alien outside people. Is this what their parents preach? It is another example of how arrogant and without reason these people are.

What we do need are people who come here, contribute and assimilate to our Society and become upstanding citizens.

Gone were the days where people had uttermost respect for the elders.


Gone were the days when people acknowledged the old and the fragile and gave them space to rest.

A few days ago on 19th June,09 , almost midnight(Friday) some vehicles of young girls and boys school students assaulted our Bandar botanic gardens and drove their cars after cars right into the badminton court to have BBQ party and loud Music near the homes.
These outsiders’ aliens did not get permission or authorization from the Residents Association but just assume that they can just come in and disturb the peace in the middle of the night.
Some worried residents called me and indicating their outrage at their act.
The resident friend, who called me, would be among the first to stand by my side to help protect this, his adopted garden, in the event of a disturbance by ILLEGAL INVADERS, that is the kind of guy he is. His sms to me was urgent. His second sms signaled more cars driving in. I contact the President of the BBRA, who informed the police.


In the words of the President of BBRA,
Saturday, June 20, 2009 12:55 AM/ e-mail.

Dear all,
I received SMS from Mr A at 10.30 pm today(19-6-09) informing about a group of non resident gathering and also driving their car to the badminton court.
Immediately I called Koperal Awie from pondok polis BB to investigate the matters. He is not available becoz doing his 'Operasi' in Sentosa but promised to send his men to the site immediately. Less than 15 minutes he called me to informed that the group consist of young boys and girls from the school nearby and having bbq. they were given warnings about driving the car into the green area and also asked to stop all activities by 12 midnight.
At 11pm, I went to the site to do my own checking. The car has been moved back to roadside and the group consist of boys and girls of Indians and Chinese are still having their bbq party.
At 11.50pm, Koperal Awie called me again to say that he already arrived at the site and giving the group 10 more minutes to move out from the area.

I was really impressed by the prompt action by him and the team. I believe many of us can do the same by directly calling them. By fostering good relationship with them, we would be living in a better place.

Thanks again to Mr A and his 'BB neighbour' and also bravo to our pondok Polis BB team.


In the words of BBRA Blog administrator:

I would like to give credits to where credits should be rightfully due namely:

1) The Giver – He is the alert and responsible resident who sms me frantically & urgently. In his final sms the next day, he says “I just want to do my part and hope that no bad things happened to the resident, as well as our own family. Sorry if I have disturb you last night. Happy weekends. Cheers.’ and ‘ haha, as rakan cop always say, they r short of man power for the patrol, so I just do it for them.” (His name is Mr K… of Jenaris. I would like to keep him as anonymous in order to protect good residents like him and his family).

2) The Receiver – The BBRA President who immediately alerted the Police and too personally went out to make a spot check.

3) The Enforcers – The Police, who did a good job maintaining peace and non violence.

Residents - What is your opinion of these outside influences, be they hooligans or school students.

Should we residents allow them to come into our garden or chase them out?



Sunday 21 June 2009

BBRAeNEWS No.143 - Flu H1N1 Alert No.3

H1N1 ALERT No.3
The Star Newspaper - Sunday June 21, 2009
11 year-old girl among new A(H1N1) cases

PUTRAJAYA: An 11-year-old girl from a Chinese vernacular school in Kuala Lumpur is among seven new confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) cases, bringing the total number to 42.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the pupil had gone to Melbourne on holiday with her family during the school break and travelled with her grandmother who also contracted the flu.
She returned on AirAsia X flight D7 2723 at 7am on Tuesday via the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal and went to school the next day.
“On the second day of school, she developed a fever and was sent to hospital. It was confirmed last night (Friday) that she was infected,” Liow told a press conference after launching the 10,000 Steps Healthy Lifestyle Campaign during the ministry’s Family Day here yesterday.
He said that as of Friday night, the girl’s 46 classmates were placed under home quarantine.
There was no need for parents and teachers to panic, he said, as this was still an “imported” case.
If a locally-transmitted case was reported at the school, Liow said the ministry would order the National Security Council to close the school and initiate “cleaning” activities.
Any closure of schools because of Influenza A (H1N1) cases is to last seven days, which is the period set for home quarantine.
“I have also told the Health director-general to meet with the Education director-general to look into measures that we can introduce, including screening at schools to detect cases earlier,” he said.
Liow called on state governments to check with the Health Ministry before making any announcements on any new cases or ideally, leave it to the ministry to make public such information.
“Our worry is that if there are quarters giving information on cases confirmed after our cut-off time, newspapers will carry varying figures and this will create confusion among the public,” he said.
On the 10,000 Steps Healthy Lifestyle Campaign, Liow said the ministry started the campaign after looking at the worrying trend of rising lifestyle-related diseases in the country.
“I also urge office workers to get off the lift two floors below their office level when they go to work and walk up the stairs,” he said.

Friday 19 June 2009

BBRAeNEWS No.142 - Walk & Talk Update


Walk & Talk

Malay Mail - Friday June 19, 2009
Bandar Botanic walking tour

BANDAR Botanic Residents' Association (BBRA) will hold its second "Walk & Talk" walking tour around the Botanical Lake.

The event will take place on June 28.

It will start at 6pm at the basketball court at Central Lake.

The association is inviting Bandar Botanic residents to participate in this community initiative, which will help participants meet and greet new friends, keep fit as well as increase their knowledge about (their) home in the gardens.

BBRAeNEWS No.141 - Flu H1N1 Alert.

H1N1 ALERT No.2

Case 1
The Star Newspaper - Friday June 19, 2009
Four more imported cases detected

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia recorded four more imported cases of influenza A(H1N1) yesterday, bringing the total number of patients to 27.
Bernama reported health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican as saying that 12 of the 27 patients had fully recovered while the rest were responding well to anti-viral treatment.
Of the 27 cases, 16 were Malaysians, one a permanent resident and 10 foreigners, he said in a statement.
Dr Ismail said 160 close contacts of the patients, including 20 who had been in contact with the 17-year-old girl, who is Malaysia’s first locally transmitted case, were under quarantine.
All of them, he added, were in stable condition and did not show any symptom of the disease
The virus has so far infected 39,803 people in 88 countries, and caused 167 deaths.
Local transmission of the disease has been reported in 22 countries, including Malaysia, which recorded its first case on Wednesday.
In Ipoh, Perak Health Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said a 22-year-old Malaysian woman who came down with the virus was responding well to treatment.


Case 2

The Star Newspaper - Friday June 19, 2009
Those who hide flu illness to be punished

KUALA LUMPUR: People who have contracted the A(H1N1) flu but withhold this information from the authorities will risk being fined or jailed.
“We have no choice but to be stricter as this is the only way to keep the disease from spreading further,” Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said yesterday.
Those who contracted the disease overseas but withheld the information could be charged under the Disease Prevention Act, 1988 and are liable to a RM10,000 fine or two years’ jail or both.

Thursday 18 June 2009

BBRAeNEWS No.140 - How Safe is Safe.


"How safe is safe - Living in a Gated Community"
For the sake of the residents, and for awareness, we would like to post into the blog a Letter recently received from A Resident of Ambang Botanic, a Gated Community. (The writer declares his wishes to remain anonymous). BBRA is thankful to this kind resident for providing this feedback and BBRA likes to share it with you, with the resident’s permission.

Quote
Let me refresh a bit:
With the recent break-ins at Bandar Botanic residences, there were some hot news via e-mails and SMS flying around from one another. Things seem to be hot and spicy at the spur of the moment. After some time, it takes a silence. Well, if you are not the victim, then things would have disappeared into a corner of the mind. But bear in mind, history will repeat itself.

Well, if some of us would remember, people jumped the bandwagon as to why not
- we become a gated committee
- change the KSS
- install CCTV
- watch out for the wiralah, wajalah, mercs, BMWs, ... roaming in our neighbourhood
- we should watch out for each other
- blah blah, ...

Enough said, I just like to give you my views:
Of A Gated community:
- don't get carried away. How many of you are aware of the break-in at Ambang Botanic. Ambang is a fenced up community. Fenced all around Ambang includes the Phases namely 15, 16, 17 & 18 (something we were told not easy to climb lah, galvanized lah, ) ... SOMEONE MANAGE TO;
- CCTVs at the main entrance, CCTVs attached to every lamp post around the fence ... STILL IT HAPPENED;
- security guards manning the gates, CCTVs, ronda by security, ... STILL IT HAPPENED;
- every resident is provided with a smart tag to their vehicle and visitors do report to the security seeking permission of the resident to visit them, special passes for piano teacher, tuition teacher, what not ... STILL IT HAPPENED !

YOU CAN BRING IN ALL THE SECURITY SYSTEMS YOU WANT, STILL SOMEONE IS OUT THERE TO BEAT IT (as Michael Jackson said) JUST BEAT IT, BEAT IT.

With all the above,
- gated does not mean a full proof system;
- security is only a deterrent
- bear in mind: gated can cause a bomb, also subject to how many of the residents are in for it when it comes for the outlay for fencing
- Periodic maintenance
- don't forget the expense of the CCTV not only to install but also to man the system


Having said the above, as I have proposed
'HOW DO WE MANAGE THE ABOVE RISK in the event a resident becomes a victim to break-in.'

While everyone looked at how to prevent, which is of course a good thing, going to the root of the problem, a thought that crossed my mind is what we shall do IF IT HAPPENS DESPITE ALL THE PRECAUTION. Yes, I take my vitamins, exercise regularly, control my diet, no smoking, no drinking, no drugs, NO THIS, NO THAT but still once in while, I do fall sick.

Well thinking of how to handle if the unwanted happens, I think we should be able to manage the risk.

How do we do that?

I would like to bring forward to you all, is to insure for those valued items in your premises. I am not trying to sell a insurance policy and make money. My aim is to bring about the awareness to some of the interested parties and those who are ignorant.


Keep thinking……

In the meantime, I still have to pay my gated RM200 every month ... out of no choice…

- A frustrated Ambang Botanic Resident
Unquote
Residents - What is your opinion of this letter? He says whether he likes it or not, he still have to pay the $200 Gated fees. Is there any other choice? Any other solutions which U may think of ?

BBRAeNEWS No.139 - Influenza ALERT.

Influenza A (H1N1) ALERT
The Star Newspaper
Published: Tuesday April 28, 2009 MYT 1:26:00 PMUpdated: Monday May 18, 2009 MYT 1:04:45 PM



Foreign tourists wearing protective masks stand in the main Zocalo plaza in downtown Mexico City, Monday. (AP Photo/Enric Marti)

What is the A (H1N1) influenza?
It is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. It regularly causes high flu outbreaks in pigs but with low death rates. There are four main sub-types of the virus, but the most recent isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.
How does it spread?
Influenza A (H1N1) viruses do not typically infect humans though they do occur through close proximity or contact with infected pigs or contaminated areas. Cases of human-to-human spread have been documented.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms are similar to those of regular flu:- Fever- Lethargy- Runny nose- Cough- Sore throat- Lack of appetite- Vomiting and diarrhoea in some cases.
How common is the A (H1N1) flu infection in humans?
In the past reports of about one human A(H1N1) flu virus infection had been received every one to two years in the United States. From December 2005 till February 2009, 12 cases have been reported.
Has this strain of flu been seen before?
No. Flu mutates constantly, so it is common for new strains to emerge. Pigs can also be infected with both human and avian influenza, and the current circulating A (H1N1) flu strain appears to contain genetic elements from all three.
Can the A (H1N1) flu be treated with antiviral drugs and flu vaccine?
The A (H1N1) flu is resistant to two common drugs – Amantadine and Rimantadine. The A (H1N1) flu viruses are very different from human H1N1 viruses. Therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection. However, a “seed vaccine” has been specifically tailored to this swine flu and will be manufactured if officials deem it necessary.
Can people catch A (H1N1) flu by eating pork?
No. The A (H1N1) influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 70ºC and above kills the swine flu virus.
How long is someone with the A (H1N1) flu considered contagious?
People with the A (H1N1) influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic; possibly for up to seven days following the onset of the illness. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What can I do to protect myself from the A (H1N1) flu?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against the A (H1N1) flu.
However, you can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by:
- Covering your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the waste basket after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also helpful
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. - If you get sick with influenza, stay at home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Consult your nearest healthcare facility if you think you have any of the symptoms.
What precautions are in place in Malaysia?
- The Health Ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya has started a 24-hour monitoring of the situation. The public can call 03-8881 0200/300 for enquiries.
- Those returning from Latin American countries and found to have flu-like symptoms will be quarantined.
- Health Ministry officials are conducting health screenings on passengers arriving from the United States.
- Thermal scanners will be placed at international airports to speed up the screening process for A (H1N1) flu.
- Public and private medical practitioners have been instructed to report to the district health office any patient with influenza-like illnesses or severe pneumonia symptoms and who had travelled to the affected countries after April 17.
-
Travel Advisory from the foreign ministry
Where can I get more information?
For more information, go to the Health Ministry (
www.moh.gov.my) or call the Ministry's hotline at (03) 8881-0200/300.
Useful Links:Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
http://www.kln.gov.my/ World Health Organization: www.who.int Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov Homeland Security Department: www.dhs.gov WHO A (H1N1) flu page: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html


BBRAeNEWS No.138 - The H1N1 Virus.

Dear Residents,
The H1N1 Virus
- Andrew Sum
Ever thought deeply of H1N1 affecting Malaysia-Bandar Botanic on a large scale? Touch Wood!

Today, I would like to touch on this health issue which is of paramount importance to all of us. I am sure every resident are very concern of this world wide spread of this flu virus reaching our shores. We shudder to think what would happen to us if any of us are being affected. Do you want the whole of Bandar Botanic to be quarantine? Touch Wood, Touch Wood, again and again!!!
The Star Newspaper: Thursday June 18, 2009

Infected teen girl has unwittingly exposed 20 people to A (H1N1) virus
By DHARMENDER SINGH
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has recorded its first locally-transmitted A(H1N1) case – a 17-year-old girl who had contact with a patient. She is the country’s 23rd confirmed case.
However, she was not identified earlier and had exposed 20 other people to the flu virus before she sought treatment at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC).
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the girl had flu symptoms on Sunday and sought treatment the following day after developing a fever.
Investigations revealed that the girl had contact with the 12th patient, he said in a statement yesterday.
She was not placed under quarantine earlier as she was not among those identified as having contact with the 12th patient and consequently exposed 20 others to the virus.
Dr Ismail said it was vital that all those confirmed as having the A(H1N1) flu give their fullest co-operation by providing complete information on people who had contact with them as this was the only way to avoid local transmission.
“Action can be taken under the Disease Prevention and Control Act 1988 if they fail to provide complete information to us,” he said.
Dr Ismail said four more confirmed cases were also reported in the 24 hours up to 9am yesterday including a 23-year-old local university student who was part of a group of 12 students and lecturers that went on a seven-day visit to Australia from June 7.
The male student had been on the same flight as another confirmed case, who was on the AirAsia X flight D7 2723 (seat 37J) that landed at the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal at 7.15am on June 14, he said.
The student developed fever about five hours after landing and sought treatment at a private clinic at 9am the next day before being referred to Tuanku Jaafar Hospital in Seremban.
He was confirmed as having the flu at 6pm on Tuesday and the Health Ministry is now tracing 37 contacts including flight passengers, members of the group, relatives and staff at the private clinic where he first sought treatment.
Dr Ismail said the 21st confirmed case involved a 20-year-old studying in Melbourne, Australia, who travelled home for the holidays on board Malaysia Airlines flight MH128 (seat 20K) that landed at KL International Airport at 6am on Tuesday.
The 22nd case was a 54-year-old who had returned from Manila on board the Malaysia Airlines flight MH 705 (seat 32H) that landed at KLIA at 8:25pm on June 12.

BBRAeNEWS No.137 - The 5th Cordial Visit to TMO.

The 5th Cordial Visit to TMO.
-Andrew Sum

On 15th June, 2009 at 11.30am, I paid a cordial and friendly visit to Mr Goo of TMO and discussed on the followings:

1. Courts Lightnings – 4 Lamp Posts at the Basketball courts are still out of order and not functioning. I reminded Mr Goo on this. He says he is aware of this.


2. U-Turns at Main road – The plastic blocks needs replacements with concrete blocks , I reminded Mr Goo on this. He says he is still looking for a Heavy Lift Clamps to move the concrete blocks up from other areas.


3. Concrete 2 feet Wall – The concrete 2 feet wall, Mr Goo said that this will be built by local contractors. Tenders is not necessary. Me Goo is aware.


4. Orchid Plots- Mr Goo said that the replanting of new young plants is not possible during hot weather. He will have to wait for a more cooler weather. However, this morning on 18th June, I notice some of the plots are being planted already, in view of the rain the last few days.


5. Pump No.2 – The proposal is already up. It will be fix by the end of this month.


6. Transplanted trees along highway-Many dead and dried trees are being dug up by TMO sub-contractors and already replanted with new fresh young trees by his contractors. Mr Goo says it is part of the Contract of tender to his sub-contractors. He assures the residents not to worry.


7. Littering- I advice Mr Goo to sent a letter to the Town Councils MPJ to complaints of littering of rubbish such as plastic wrappers and empty liquor bottles into his lake, in order to protect TMO interest. He says he will do so, and cc a copy to BBRA.


8. U-Turns at 99 Supermarkets- His contactors had already trimmed the plants there so that the drivers can see. However, he will get his contractors to clear the plants about 10 feet away from each corner.


9. Police Pondok- Mr Goo has already received the letter written by the Police, with the help and joint affort from BBRA Vice President Mr Jacob Mathews and BBRA Treasurer Mr Jacob Thomas, on the request for help to remove the zinc partitions, on 17th June,09 (Wednesday). This was discussed in the Police meeting the residents, at the opening of the Bandar Botanic Police Pondok. Understand from Mr Goo, he has already seen the Police Officer En Daud and had already discussed the arrangements to open part of the zinc partitions. Mr Goo will act on it.

10. TMO Hall for monthly BBRA meeting- Corrections, as a token of appreciation and BBRA being a registered association, TMO permit the committee to use the hall free of charge for the mutual good cooperations.

Wednesday 17 June 2009

BBRAeNEWS No.136 - BBRA Walk & Talk

BBRA Walk & Talk

Let’s Walk & Talk ! Join our regular 2nd historical walking tours round the Botanical Lake.

Date: 28th June 2009
Day: Sunday

Time: 6.00pm evening
Start Venue: Basketball Court, Central Lake.









“Let’s Walk & Talk has helped us meet and greet new friends, keep fit and expand our local knowledge of our home garden.

“Do you want to meet new friends and get to know one another, to wanting to meet people and learn about our culture but it was very difficult. These walks will give you the chance to do this. We are inviting you and your neighbors to join us for this historical walking tours.

This BBRA community initiative, ‘Let’s Walk & Talk’ is indeed a great way for people to stay healthy, meet people and learn a little something about our Botanical home. It is also another way of keeping everyone abreast of developments. The 1 hour walking tour will encompass many sites and discussions of importance.

Be part of this unique historical walk.

The ongoing success of the past walks is hugely due to the commitment of our wonderful volunteer walk leaders & volunteers and residents who took part.

BBRAeNEWS No.135 - MPK fights open burning.

Klang council fights open burning
Constant surveillance proves effective in curbing problem

By Nevash Nair
nevash@mmail.com.my The Malay Mail

Klang Municipal Council’s daily monitoring of open burning has forced irresponsible farmers and land owners to stop the practice.

Johan Setia, one of the most prone areas for open burning and a major cause for the poor air quality in the Klang Valley, has improved tremendously over the past month after the council started monitoring the area daily.

It started monitoring hotspots in Klang round-the-clock since last September and will continue doing so throughout this year.

Officers also produce a daily report accessible on their website that clearly shows an improvement in the situation.

It was learnt that the open burning was caused by irresponsible farmers who were clearing their land after the recent harvest season.

"By burning, farmers can cut costs, as they do not have to hire more hands to help clear the land. Also, by setting fires, the farmers get to clear a larger area in a shorter time," said a source.

Residents of Bandar Botanic slammed the State government for not being proactive against open burning and called for immediate action.

Soon after, State executive councillor for Environment, Tourism and Consumer Affairs Elizabeth Wong ordered the council to carry out z4-hour surveillance to curb the problem.

A resident of Bandar Botanic, Bala Kumatan, 53, applauded the council's hard work and the State government for taking action to stop open burning.

"This is the first time I believe the council is working round the clock to stop irresponsible farmers engaging in open burning. I read their report every day on their website and we know that the officers are doing something. The conditions have been improving, so kudos to them."

Another resident said she wanted the council to carry on the 24-hour monitoring throughout the year and not just during the dry season.

The Fire and Rescue Department is also working with MPK to put out open fires.

Anybody with information on open burning in Klang can call the council's 24-hour hotline at 03-33714404.

Tuesday 16 June 2009

BBRAeNEWS No.134 - An Imaginery Hypothetical Case of Lake becoming Ochid Farm.

Community orchard to replace retention pond.
Story and photo by SALINA KHALID

The Star Metro, Tuesday 16, June 2009

Dear Residents,
Lets consider an imaginery hypothetical case. Do you want Bandar Botanic lake to be like our Shah Alam neighbor? Here is a little something for you to ponder during your week-end and think of your children, grand-children when you ponder! Dont be so heartless!
A retention pond which has become a nightmare for the residents of Taman Puteri Subang in Section U5, Shah Alam, will be turned into a community orchard.
The project, to be implemented by the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), will be carried out in stages. It will be a pilot project and if successful will be copied for other areas.
Soon to change: Mohd Tahir looking at the retention pond that is covered with thick undergrowth during a visit to Taman Subang Puteri on Sunday.
“We are turning the 1.5ha retention pond into a community orchard for the residents to enjoy.
“We hope to do the land-clearing sometime this month and start planting trees by next month.
“This is the first time we are doing this project,” MBSA Park and Recreation director Mohd Tahir Man told reporters on Sunday after attending a meeting with residents in the area.
The meeting was chaired by MBSA councillor A. Sivarajan who is also Zone 18 (including Section U5) residents’ representative council (MPP) chairman.
Also present was Taman Subang Puteri residents association chairman Mohd Khairy Buyong.
Tahir said they hoped the programme would solve the problems faced by the residents with regard to the retention pond.
“We are planning to plant about 200 fruit trees in the area.
“We hope to include other features like jogging track and reflexology path, too,” he said.
Some of the species to be planted are those that are hard to find in the market such as nam-nam, yellow rambutan, cermai and asam kandis. There will also be dokong, ciku, jackfruit, rambai, pulasan, mangosteen, and soursop trees.
Residents can also grow vegetables for their own consumption in the area.
“We hope this orchard will also serve as a learning ground for the community especially children as many do not know how these fruit trees look like.
“At the same time we hope this orchard will bring the community together since they have the ownership of the place and have to take care of it,” he said, adding that each tree would be labelled.
At the same time, he said the city council together with the Agriculture Department would help with expert advice and equipment to ensure that the project was a success.
The pond, which is located in front of their residential area, between Persiaran Kejora and Persiaran Angkasa, has been the source of headaches for the residents in the past few years.
It is an eyesore since most of the houses are built facing the poorly maintained pond. It is also home to snakes and monitor lizards.
The residents claimed that the thick undergrowth had also contributed to the dengue cases in their neighbourhood.
“We had caught two snakes in the area before and one of them was inside the house,” said Khairy.
He added that as a resident, he welcomed the move and thanked the city council for it.
“We are not hoping so much for the fruit harvest but to get rid of an eyesore in our midst,” he said.
Khairy said he would meet the residents to divide the tasks of upkeeping the area.
Tahir said the retention pond was located on state land and the MBSA had been entrusted as its caretaker.
Work to gazette the piece of land as a green area for the community is being carried out.


Friday 12 June 2009

BBRAeNEWS No.133 - Alam Flora

Dear Residents,
-Andrew Sum.
On the request of residents, I have written and spoken to Alam Flora and they have come back with some very positive reply and actions: Here are 2 letters one pertaining to working hours and the other pertaining to rubbish dirty water/liquid spills.

KEPADA,
ALAM FLORA SDN BHD, KLANG
ATTN: ENCIK FAUZI
Tuan,
11th June,2009 Thursday.

1) MENGAMBIL/MENGANGKUT SAMPAH-SAMPAH SEPERTI YANG TELAH DI JADUALKA


Recently residents have requested to for us to speak to you, to instruct your sub contractors to come for rubbish collections as per your schedule time table that is at 7.00am to 5.00pm and not earlier than than.

Recently, your contractors have been coming into Bandar Botanic at around 3.00am - 5.00am and have been disturbing the residents which causes the dogs to back and they find it difficult to sleep. Many of them needs a good night sleep before they wake up again at 4.30am to go to beat the traffic rush.


Actions Taken: Encik Mohd Fauzi of Alam Flora called me yesterday and assured me that the correct schedule for rubbish collections is from 7.00am up till 5.00pm every day for residential areas only – thus Bandar Botanic included. However, I told him that as long as his sub contractors gives the residents some time to sleep from 10.00pm till 7.00am, then it is okay their sub contractors can come at any time.
Encik Fauzi further ask me to give a letter to the KKS to now allow the rubbish van to come in during this time, I told them that it is best if Alam Flora can give us an official letter to this effect, so that we can on forward to BBRA and the KKS.


2) KERJA-KERJA MEMAMATKAN SAMPAH

I do have one suggestion though regarding the garbage collection.After collecting some garbage, the driver activates a mechanism to compactthe litter, causing foul smelling liquid to pour out and spill onto theroad.This compaction is done indiscriminately; many a times right in front ofour houses. It takes quite a rinsing from the garden hose to flush awaythe leacheate/smell.There is no denying the need to compact the garbage, but can we requestAlam Flora to instruct their drivers to carry out this activity outside thevicinity of residential units.

Actions Taken: Yesterday evening Encik Fauzi called me at 6.00pm and told me he will be arranging the Alam Flora water van to wash the area off spills tomorrow at 7.00am starting from Bungor area and then proceed to the whole of Bandar Botanic.
This morning, they were there washing the Bongor 1, as promised. Encik Fauzi was personally there and I had a short conversation with him and thank him. He will be getting his sub-contractors to repair the leakage rubbish van for long term measures. I hope the residents are happy and satisfied over this explanations by En Fauzi.