The Star Online: Metro: Central
The Star Online: Metro: Central |
| Residents worry about cracks in houses Posted: 08 Jul 2011 06:38 AM PDT CRACKS have started to appear on the walls of houses in Taman Puncak Saujana Section 3 in Kajang and the residents are fearing for their safety. Mohd Saberi Ramli, who lives in Jalan 3/2, said he noticed cracks appearing on the kitchen walls on June 20. "The cracks have since become bigger," he said, He added that a construction project was being carried out behind his house since April. "I have notified the developer and made a police report. I want the developer of the project to patch the cracks," he said, adding that the kitchen is in the extended back part of the house. Kajang assemblyman Lee Kim Sin, Kajang Municipal Council representatives and both developers of Taman Puncak Saujana and the construction project visited the site yesterday and had a discussion. "Both developers have to submit a report and the council's engineering department will investigate the cause of the cracks. "We will then organise a meeting involving both developers and residents," Lee said. He added that there should have been a backlane behind the affected houses for safety measures but there was none due to the lack of enforcement by the council. "The council should also be responsible for ensuring that the project is carried out according to the building plan and monitor the development before issuing the Certificate of Fitness. "The consultant engaged by the developers should also be held responsible," he said. The affected residents have also requested for a retaining wall and lights along the back of the house as there were break-ins. Representatives of the developer declined to comment. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price. |
| Don’t expect the fairer sex to submit to the stereotype Posted: 08 Jul 2011 06:21 AM PDT CHANGE is a great thing. Once upon a time women were not allowed to vote, drive a car and participate in competitive sports. Today, women can do anything they aspire to. However, we still know that in today's society, an ambitious female still has her work cut out for her. There are still many people who stereotype because of their belief that women should only be homemakers. Recently, I interviewed some female professionals making a name for themselves in a male-dominated industry. I spoke to two female night club DJs (Disc Jockeys), Patricia Sue-Lin Knudsen and Miss Universe Malaysia 2010 Nadine Ann Thomas — two ambitious, successful and driven ladies who don't accept traditional stereotypes. I am sure many of you are thinking, how can two beautiful girls struggle to establish themselves in the entertainment industry? It's not about beauty; it's about getting into the circle and sticking with it. Contrary to popular perception, you do need a high level of skill and music knowledge to be a DJ. See, stereotyping again! Both girls are new to the industry, but during our interview, both said they certainly have had their fair share of knock backs, not because they can't do the job, but due to their gender. According to Nadine, "I won't deny that some men disregard female DJs as just a pretty face, making excuses that because we have a better sex appeal we do not have to be as good." Despite the barriers, these girls still have to earn a living, and they're doing an awesome job of it! "I can be the best, regardless of my gender," added Nadine. Malaysia has this really cool competition going on at the moment, Astro Hitz Spin Master 2; a reality competition to encourage newcomers to try the industry and to show that they have what it takes to move to the next level. "I think the show is great!!! I am sure there are many bedroom DJs who have immense talent, but don't know how to go about showing it," says Patricia. "We have got to see more girls trying out in competitions like this, and realising that gender is not a barrier". So what is our conclusion here? It's really about the fact that there are some cool opportunities out there, but like with so many, people have to just take that first step. Recently, the government announced that in the next five years the private sector has to ensure that women make up at least 30% of decision-making positions. I hope this becomes a reality because I am a firm believer that the work place needs a good equal balance of men and women to make things work. With all these changes, let's hope for more female icons. Ladies, no industry or job is easy. Just ask Nadine and Patricia. Success also comes to those with the right attitude – "I want to be the best DJ out there, not the best female DJ, just the best DJ," adds Nadine. For me I wrote this story because I am a firm believer of the underdog. I am sure many of us want to see more female icons, because the next time our international friends were to ask us if our female icons can lead? I am sure we want to respond and say, "Woooooo-Man, they definitely can." ■ Ben Ibrahim works as a TV Presenter, Producer, and MC. For information about Ben, log onto www.benibrahim.com, Benb.ibrahim@gmail.com, Twitter@BenIbrahim Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price. |
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