The Star Online: Metro: Central
The Star Online: Metro: Central |
| Inconsiderate residents hurl rubbish and more from apartments Posted: 22 May 2013 03:58 AM PDT MORE apartments and condominium projects are being developed in the Klang Valley to cater to the needs of urban folk. However, based on reports of unsavoury habits of some, the question that arises is whether Malaysians are ready for a high-rise lifestyle and if creating awareness and taking enforcement measures will help. Apart from being noisy and inconsiderate, some residents are dumping garbage indiscriminately and even throwing them down from the upper floors. Valerie Chan, 32, who lives in Damansara Perdana, was a victim of such irresponsible behaviour. "I was entering the lobby from the carpark when suddenly I felt something hit my head. I was shocked to see that it was a bag of rubbish. "I was not hurt, just a little dizzy but such action is totally unacceptable," said Chan. She reported the incident to the apartment's Joint Management Body (JMB) but nothing came out of it. Kamelia Osman, 29, had a bad experience when she first moved into her apartment in Cheras in 2011. "One evening, I found the roof of my car smeared with bread spread with jam. I was so annoyed and reported it to the security guard who suspected that it was the work of some naughty children," she said. Another apartment resident in Subang Bestari, who wanted to be known only as Mohammad, said his car was badly damaged after two fire extinguishers thrown from the upper units landed on the vehicle. "The parking lots are not covered and I have seen rubbish thrown from upper floors, littering the area. Imagine if the cylinders had hit someone instead of my car. "I made a police report but the case has not been solved yet. "However, I was compensated by my car insurance company," he said. Former Condominium, Apartment and Highrise Committee adviser Peter Chong said such cases were rampant at high-rise buildings, especially at low-cost flats. "Some victims are unable to claim for losses from JMB," he said. Meanwhile, former Selangor Housing, Building Structure Administration and Squatters committee chairman Iskandar Abdul Samad said the acts were committed by irresponsible individuals. "Some do not have a sense of belonging or the need to care for the environment they live in," he said. Iskandar said there were ways to deal with the problem. "The problems can be resolved in the long-term, through awareness programmes and enforcement. "In Selangor, campaigns such as Kempen Pangsapuriku Bersih, Ceria dan Harmoni and anti-vandalism programmes at low-cost flats have helped create awareness and minimise the problem. "Also, the JMB and residents' associations also need to play their part by enforcing safety measures. "The Skim Rondaan Kejiranan (neighbourhood patrolling scheme) is an example as residents, who take part in the programme to keep their neighbourhood safe, get insurance coverage from a special fund set up by the state government," he said. |
| Preparations under way for Wesak Day Posted: 22 May 2013 03:57 AM PDT WITH Wesak Day just around the corner, temple workers and volunteers are kept busy decorating the temples and preparing floats for the annual procession. Some started preparations as early as February to observe this religious festival. However, it is more than just decorations. It is significant to the devotees as it commemorates the birth, enlightenment (nirvana) and the passing of (parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. Chempaka Buddhist Lodge (CBL) started preparations on two floats after Chinese New Year in February. One has a reclining Buddha while another has eight statues of Lord Buddha with a parasol each. Its deputy president and general manager Tan Kok Ing said the concept came about when they realised the existing reclining Buddha at the lodge needed to be replaced. "We have hired artisans from Myanmar to carve a 32ft reclining Buddha on a 40ft vehicle. The floats were completed on May 10 and all that is left to be done is adding lighting and floral decoration. "It is made for outdoor usage and can resist heat. The reclining Buddha will replace the existing statue after the festival," said Tan. The reclining Buddha, with intricate Burmese designs, is surrounded by 108 disciples. CBL president Liew Chang Huat said besides celebrating the festival, the activities planned would help to create awareness on the history of Buddhism and its teachings. "We expect more than 10,000 people to join in the processions. "Primary schoolchildren will also take part in the procession on monowheels," said Liew, urging the public to join in the fun event. On Wesak Day, a vegetarian lunch will be served at the premises from 11am to 2pm. When interivewed last week, the float designed by the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Brickfields was 70% complete. Venerable K. Siridhamma, the person who oversees the construction of the float said the initial stages involved coming up with the design of the float. "Much thought is given to designs and decorations as these convey a meaningful message to the people. "This year, we are putting up a 14ft metal-framed colourful swan, with mechanical wings resting on a lake made using blue sequined satin cloth. "The brass Buddha statue will be placed on the float with the dhammacakra lit up behind it and the float will also be decorated with lights, flowers and hand-carved ornaments. "The concept is based on the belief that the swan is the only bird that can filter milk from a bowl of water and milk. "It also conveys the meaning that a person equipped with Dhamma knowledge will be able to differentiate the good from the bad," said Siridhamma. He said the use of floral decorations symbolised that life is not permanent. "People offer flowers to honour Buddha to highlight this fact," he said. At the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, monks and volunteers have joined hands to build three simple floats. Temple chief high priest Venerable B. Sri Saranankara Nayaka Maha Thera said the important thing was to participate in the festival. "Last year, we used a lorry to carry the float but this year, we have made it in such a way that devotees can carry the floats on their shoulders during the procession. "Two floats will be carried while one will be pulled by the devotees. "Wood, bamboo and flowers as well as colourful lights were used for the float," said Saranankara, adding that a marble image of Lord Buddha and two pagodas would be fitted on the floats. Saranankara the process of making the floats helped in self-development. "Each step taken by devotees with a calm mind and good thoughts bring about joy and comfort in your heart and mind," he said. There will be puja (offerings and chants), a blood donation drive, meditation as well as talks on Buddhism during the festival. |
| You are subscribed to email updates from The Star Online: Metro: Central To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
0 ulasan:
Catat Ulasan