The Star Online: Metro: South & East
The Star Online: Metro: South & East |
- Malacca folk to get new utility meters under TNB’s recent initiative
- Job opportunities aplenty in Johor due to good governance
- Government approves allocation for temple
| Malacca folk to get new utility meters under TNB’s recent initiative Posted: 17 Jan 2013 03:14 PM PST MALACCA: Residents in Malacca will soon be getting new utility meters under a pilot project by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) that will be more accurate in reading consumption, and encourages conservation. Some 1,000 households here will be pioneers of the project which will evaluate whether the latest technology also helps save operational costs of the energy company in the long term. TNB vice president (new business and projects) Datuk Nazri Sharuddin said the new technology, dubbed as smart meters, could gauge the pattern of energy consumed and would wirelessly report readings back to the server. He said disconnection or reconnection of supply could be executed through a remote control mechanism from a centralised hub. "We do not have to send anybody out, it can be done through a wireless network," he said after the opening of state-level TNB with clients programme at the Urban Transformation Center (UTC) here on Wednesday. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam had earlier opened the event. Nazri said TNB was in the midst of identifying the right location for the installation of smart meters. "Among the benefits of smart meters to consumers includes doing away with conventional ways of meter reading, more accurate and lower bills and it also helps to keep track of the energy you use," said Nazri. Nazri also unveiled that TNB could also offer flexible tariffs through the smart meter system whereby utilities would be able to change the cost of electricity at certain times of the day, to match with the demand between peak and non-peak hours. He said consumers would be able to alter their power use to match the lower tariff periods. Asked whether TNB plans to install the smart meters in other parts of the country if the pilot project proves to be a success, Nazri said TNB would first have to discuss with its stakeholders as installation of one meter was RM1,000. "The price of installing this latest technology is considered exorbitant although it saves operational cost and increases revenue due to improved accuracy. "Hence, we have to study and get feedback from consumers as installation of such meters at homes of eight million consumers can cost about RM8bil," he added. |
| Job opportunities aplenty in Johor due to good governance Posted: 17 Jan 2013 06:56 PM PST JOHOR BARU: A good and stable government has resulted in the creation of many job opportunities for people to find work here. State Unity, Human Resource, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman M. Asojan said in Johor, there were more than 30,000 jobs available, waiting to be filled by Malaysians. He said in a recent report by JobsMalaysia, there were at least 14,000 posts in Iskandar Malaysia that was waiting to be filled up. "The creation of many jobs here does not grow automatically but through the Government's hard work in planning and attracting investors, either foreign or local, to come here and set up their business. "Investors prefer to come here as there is political stability unlike in other regional countries," he said in his speech when officiating the Johor Career and Postgraduate Expo here, recently. Asojan said in a recent report by a business magazine based in London, it ranked Malaysia as one of the best places for business opportunities worldwide. "This has also contributed to the growth of Iskandar Malaysia, and has attracted billions worth of investment into the state," he said. He urged those unemployed yet, to grab the opportunities presented to them. On another matter, Asojan also urged companies especially in the manufacturing sector to employ more disabled people. "The disabled community should be given equal opportunities like any other person. "They have good craftsmanship and work as hard, as normal people when given the right encouragement," he said. |
| Government approves allocation for temple Posted: 17 Jan 2013 06:57 PM PST KUANTAN: The Government has approved an allocation of RM300,000 for the restoration and beautification of Tow Moo Keong temple in Jalan Haji Junid here. A cheque for the amount was handed over to the temple's chairman Datuk Ng Chong Keong by MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai at Wisma MCA, recently. Present at the event were Pahang MCA leaders namely Datuk Hoh Khai Mun, Datuk Ti Lian Ker, Datuk Lau Lee, Datuk Chow Liong, Datuk Pang Tsu Ming and Datuk Chang Hong Seong as well as several temple committee members. Several months ago, the temple's committee had approached Liow, seeking his assistance for funds to upgrade the 47-year-old temple. Liow then brought up the matter to the Cabinet and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak agreed to set aside an allocation. Liow said he would try to seek another round of allocation for the temple as he was told that the sum was inadequate. Meanwhile, Ng said the temple planned to expand further to accommodate a growing number of devotees especially during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. The temple is the main organiser at the nine-day annual celebration. "Due to space constraints, we hope to purchase an adjacent land and build a new multi-purpose hall to organise more community events. "We estimate land purchase, construction and other refurbishment works to cost RM4.5mil," he said, adding that the temple hoped the Government could provide additional financial assistance. Ng also expressed his gratitude to Liow for his assistance in securing an allocation for the project. |
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