Together Keeping Selangorku Green
I read with interest the story “Green developers to be rewarded” inStarMetro recently. Thank you for championing environment-related issues.
I am glad that the country has a renewable energy policy and a small renewable energy power programme since 2001, although development has been slow. Everyone has a role to play in the pursuit of a sustainable future.
PETALING Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is showing it means business in making the city greener, by dangling a RM100,000 carrot for property owners in 2012.
The amount for the Low-Carbon Green Rebate Assessment Scheme has increased from the RM50,000 set aside last year.
For the environment: (From left) Puasa, Khairul and Lee at the launch.
The scheme, introduced in 2011, is aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of Petaling Jaya’s denizens by curbing water and electricity wastage.
Petaling Jaya councillors cycling to work on Car-Free Day last year
THE Petaling Jaya City Council will offer assessment rebates of up to 100 per cent to house owners who observe the six key green components.
The council has set the key components to help residents focus on their green efforts. The components include the usage of energy, water, waste management, transportation, bio-diversity and other creative initiatives.
“I encourage everyone to practise at least three of the six green initiatives,” said Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman.
He recently announced that 45 households have received assessment rebates for their green initiatives this year.
WITHIN the next six months, city folk will see new solar-powered recycling bins in the city. Known as the 3R Box, the bins will also act as an advertising tool to promote recycling. It will be placed in public places such as busy walkways.
This is to encourage the public to help reduce, reuse and recycle.
The pilot project in the city was launched by mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman at the Petaling Jaya City Council. Also present was Selangor executive council member Elizabeth Wong.
The public can throw recyclable items such as paper, aluminium cans, batteries and plastic bottles into the box which has four compartments for the items.
Six weeks. Two bikes. A camera. A continent of environmental stories, struggles and successes. Plus, several thousand kilometers of twisted little roads stringing it all together. Welcome to GREEN RIDERS: Southeast Asia.
From June 2012 Kenny and Jamie will journey by bike and other sustainable means from Phuket, Thailand to Bali, Indonesia. Along the way we’ll be exploring Southeast Asia’s wealth of biodiversity, and meeting with groups and individuals involved in its protection and destruction. Plus, making connections with communities to learn more about their conservation efforts and promoting environmental education and action to protect the region’s threatened natural gems.
CITY CYCLEWAYS:Inter-connected network of cycling lanes to be created in PJ to ensure the safety of cyclists
Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman (in blue sweater) and Datuk Mustapha Kamal (front row, left) doing the aerobic dance. Pic by Sugumaran Suppiah
MORE than 400 residents of Damansara Damai and its neighbouring areas participated in the PJ Green Ride Event recently. The event, organised by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), saw participants raring to ride their bikes as early as 7.30am at the Urban Park (1) nearby.
Association: Network a bold step forward
SELANGOR Cycling Association secretary Amrun Misnoh said the PJ City Cycle Ways Network was a bold step forward to create a new standard of living where urban folks get to use an alternative transport to move around the City.
“The Petaling Jaya City Council’s bold move to propose 56kms of biking network throughout PJ is commendable. One of the main approaches is to have consultation with residents, cycling clubs and even shops that sell bicycles. We need ideas, only then can we refine the Cycle Ways project,” he said.
Avoid building highways through forests
THE Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) shares the concerns of the Malaysian Nature Society about the many infrastructure projects that are cutting through natural forest reserves without consideration for the wildlife that the projects are encroaching on (“No more roadkill, please” –The Star, Feb 24).
The much touted Sustainable Green Transportation Policy and the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports that are all designed to protect the long term survival of the environment have often failed to address all concerns, including those related to the protection of wildlife and of endangered species in particular.
