于英丹拜杜里办清洁美化运动,峇都民政党与当地居民共庆元宵

民政党峇都区部同人于昨日元宵节在峇都英丹拜杜里组屋区举办了一场清洁美化运动，与当地的居民一起携手清理当地阻塞已久的多条沟渠，也特安排了Alam Flora部门的工作人员前来协助清理工作。       

                峇都区民政党服务中心协调员 刘华才博士也指出，当地的多处沟渠已经阻塞了许久，从来都没有进行过清理工作，导致常年积水，蚊虫滋生，引发骨痛热症的病率也逐渐提高。虽然居民们曾向吉隆坡市政局提出投诉，但基于有关地区属私人地段而不被受理。 因此居民们向民政党峇都区部反映了这项问题，希望当地的卫生问题能获得改善。

"在民政党峇都区部同人和居民们的同心协力下，清洁活动进行的非常顺利，也成功清理了阻塞已久的沟渠，相信这也是居民们在元宵节收到最好的礼物。值得一提的是，这项清洁活动获得居民们的踊跃参与，大家不分种族与宗教，齐心协力打造清洁卫生的居家环境，也显现了一个马来西亚的精神。"刘华才补充。

"在清洁活动结束后，我们也配合元宵节举办了一场新春活动，安排了舞狮表演和派发新年礼品给居民们。另外，我们也特别派发50份特别红包给单亲妈妈、乐龄人士和残疾人士，以帮补他们的日常所需。我们也不忘派发红包给小孩们，大家都玩得不亦乐乎。值得一提的是，英丹拜杜里共有50名居民已签署入党表格加入民政党成为正式党员，以感谢民政党一路来在英丹拜杜里区的付出和所做的努力。因此在活动中我们也安排了入党表格移交仪式。"刘华才补充。

             刘华才博士也补充，民政党将持续服务峇都国会选区的居民，解决他们的民生问题，并提高他们的生活素质。       

A Cleaning and beautification campaign held in Intan Baiduri

Batu Gerakan celebrated Chap Goh Mei with local residents

Press statement by Batu Gerakan Service Centre Coordinator

Dr. Dominic Lau Hoe Chai

25 February 2013

Members of Gerakan Batu Division have organised a cleaning and beautification campaign in Intan Baiduri flat area in Batu parliamentary constituency in order to clean up the ditches with the local residents that have been long clogged, workers from the Alam Flora also came forward to provide a helping hand in the cleaning works.

Batu Gerakan Service Centre Coordinator Dr. Dominic Lau Hoe Chai pointed out that ditches in the local area have been clogged for quite a long time with the complete absence of maintenance works which led to stagnant water formed throughout the year and the breeding of mosquitoes that caused the rate of dengue cases to increase gradually. Although the residents have lodged a complaint to the DBKL prior to this, but due to the place is privately owned their complaint was dismissed. Therefore, the residents have reflected the problem to the Gerakan Batu Division with a hope that the local hygiene problem can be solved.

"Under the concerted efforts from the members of Gerakan Batu Division and the residents, the clean-up works have been carried out smoothly and the ditches that have been clogged for a long time were successfully cleared, I believe that this is the best present that the residents have received in Chap Goh Mei. It is worth mentioning that this cleaning and beautification campaign was well-received by the residents, they all worked together regardless of race and religion to create a living environment that is clean and  healthy, it also served as a testament to the 1Malaysia spirit," added Dr. Dominic Lau.

"After the clean-up campaign was ended, we also organised a New Year activity in conjunction with Chap Goh Mei, arranging lion dance performance and giving out angpows as well as gifts to the residents. Besides, we also gave out 50 pieces of special angpows to the single mothers, senior citizens and the disabled in order to provide help on their daily necessities. We also have not forgotten to give out angpows to the children, everybody seemed to have enjoyed themselves. What is worth mentioning was that 50 residents have signed the application form to join Gerakan and to become a party member as a gesture to thank Gerakan for its contributions and efforts made for the Intan Baiduri community all the while. Therefore, we also have arranged a ceremony to receive the application form in the midst of the activity," added Dr. Dominic Lau.

Dr. Dominic Lau also added that Gerakan will continue to serve the residents of Batu parliamentary constituency, solve their livelihood problems and improve their quality of life.

隆市局予人民组屋10%租金折扣,冀鼓励更多住户按时缴租

民青团总秘书刘华才博士对于联邦直辖区与城市和谐部部长拿督拉惹隆仄宣布吉隆坡市政局将予以10%租金折扣予按时缴付租金的人民组屋住户表示支持。他认为这是一项好举措，也表现当局对这些负责任按时缴租的住户的敬意。

"当局所提供的10％租金折扣显示政府珍惜这些住户按时缴付租金，这将有助于鼓励住户保持不拖欠租金的良好习惯。"

刘华才说，吉隆坡市政局提供的10％租金折扣将对负责任按时缴付租金的住户不仅是一项奖赏，同时也可作为一项激励没按时缴付租金的住户开始按时缴付他们的租金。根据吉隆坡市政局的统计，吉隆坡市政局5万余单位的人民组屋中，只有40％的人民组屋住户按时缴付租金，而其余所没按时缴付及被拖欠的租金高达5千500万令吉。

"这些未缴还的租金占了吉隆坡市政局大量的资金，因为当局需要定期为人民组屋进行维修。若缺乏资金，它将该如何提供一个良好的维修服务？"

同时也是思特雅国际大学副教授的刘华才也促政府正视为何部分住户无法按时缴还租金的问题。其中的一个原因很可能是这些人民组屋的住户都来自低收入群，而必须辛苦谋生的这一事实。

"我所接触过的一些人民组屋住户，他们甚至须依赖福利局援助金来过生活，有者更是一日三餐都成问题，我们怎么能要他们每月按时缴付租金？因此，政府应对这一群人伸出援手，以找出一个妥善的解决方案。"

最后，他再次赞赏吉隆坡市政局的这一项好举措，以催收没缴付的租金，并希望这折扣措施将持续实行。

Gerakan Youth supports 10% discount offer for prompt PPR rentals

Dr Dominic Lau hopes it will encourage more to pay up

Press statement by

Gerakan Youth Secretary General

Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai

25 February 2013

Gerakan Youth Secretary General, Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai offers his support for the 10% discount given to responsible PPR tenants who paid their rentals promptly by DBKL which announced by Dato' Raja Nong Chik, Minister of Federal Territories and Urban Well-being. He said that this is a good gesture towards appreciating the responsibility of these tenants.

"The 10% discount offered shows that the government appreciates the prompt payment made by these tenants. This will serve as an encouragement for them to keep up the good habit of not neglecting their rentals."

Lau added that the 10% discount offered will not only serve as a reward for responsible tenants but also as an enticement for PPR tenants who failed to pay their rentals on time. According to DBKL, only an average of 40% of the total of 51,212 PPR tenants paid their rental promptly while the remaining unpaid fees costs about RM 55 million.

"These unpaid rentals cost the DBKL a lot of money as constant maintenance of the PPR facilities are needed. How is the government going to provide a good maintenance service if it is suffering from a lack of funds?"

Dr Lau who is also UCSI associate professor however urge the government to look into the problem why some tenants fail to pay their rentals on time. One of the problems would be the fact that these PPR occupants are already from the low income group and therefore have to struggle to earn a living.

"Some tenants I have spoken to are in fact living on welfare benefits while some are even struggling to put food on the table. So how can we expect them to make monthly rental? Therefore the government should engage with this group in order to find a solution."

Finally, he once again praised the good effort made by the DBKL to recover unpaid rentals and hopes that this will continue on a consistent basis.

民政党关注闪电水灾频频发生,促成立特工队解决问题

民青团总秘书刘华才博士说，最近频频发生的闪电水灾现象实在令人担忧，并需尽速采取有效措施处理，特别是最近在蒲种发生严重的闪电水灾及昨天在八打灵再也地带也发生类似的水灾情况。

"这确实是一项迫在眉睫的问题，因为在短短几日内在巴生谷地区发生了多次的闪电水灾。无数人被困在已长期存在的交通阻塞中，而这一次的情况变得更糟。" 

他指出，市区发生闪电水灾有几项原因，如不负责任的垃圾丢弃情况、不良的排水系统与地方政府欠缺妥善的规划等。  

同时也是思特雅国际大学副教授的刘华才说："最重要的原因是人们处理垃圾的方法，令人失望的是我国人民的公民意识仍然不高，有很多人还是把他们的垃圾随地乱丢或丢入水沟里。曾有一次，我甚至看到旧家居用品，如床、柜子，甚至是电视机被丢弃在大水沟里！" 

他说，第二个原因是不良的排水系统没有能力在紧急情况下，如倾盆大雨时处理大量的水流。这些于20-30年前所设计的排水系统，已经不足以应付巴生谷地区的蓬勃发展。

最后，他促地方政府成立一个特别工作小组，以确认这些面临水灾风险的地区，并寻求解决策略，以减低这些地区在未来面临相同的情况时所遭受更大的破坏。"人民与政府必须共同努力处理这课题，以达致双赢局面。

Gerakan Youth worried with constant flash flood occurrence

Dr Dominic Lau urges a task force to be set up to address the issue

Press statement by Gerakan Youth Secretary General

Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai

22 February 2013

Gerakan Youth Secretary General, Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai said that the recent flash flood occurrence is a worrying sign that needs to be addressed urgently. This is being said after the recent devastating flash flood in Puchong and a similar kind in Petaling Jaya yesterday.

"This is indeed a pressing issue as various flash floods occurred in a matter of days in the Klang Valley. Countless people were trapped in already long existing traffic jams only this time it is even worse."

He pointed out that there were several factors the flash flood occurred in the city such as irresponsible trash disposing method, ill-equipped drainage system and also lack of planning from the local government.

"The most important factor is the way people dispose their rubbish. It is a sad thing to say that civic awareness among Malaysians are still not high where quite a number of them will just throw their trash on the ground or in the drainage. There was once I even saw old household items such as bed, cupboard and even a television in a large drain!" exclaimed Dominic, also UCSI associate professor.

He said the second factor would be the existence of a drainage system which is ill-equipped to handle large amounts of water in emergency situations such as downpour. Some of these drainage systems which were designed 20-30 years ago are inadequate to handle the constant development around the Klang Valley region.

Finally, he urged local governments to establish a task force to identify areas which are flood risk to minimise the damage towards the area in case such an accident occurred in the future. "The people and government must work together to handle this matter as it is a win-win situation for both parties."

峇都区水塘路排水通道阻塞引发小水灾,民政促发展商速清理免影响排水系统

昨天下午的一场豪雨，导致峇都区水塘路一带发生了小水灾，虽然水位没有很高，也没造成很大的损失，但也影响了当地大约10户人家，必须忙于清理家园。民政党峇都区部同人在峇都区民政党服务中心协调员刘华才博士的率领下，于昨日走访了水塘路，探望受水灾影响的当地居民。                                                                               

                 刘华才博士指出，根据了解，当地昨天之所以会引发小水灾是因为现阶段正进行着的防洪堤建造工程所影响。当地居民透露，负责工程的发展商没有妥善处理工程附近的垃圾问题，垃圾累积而阻塞了排水通道，水无法流入附近的河流，影响了整个排水系统，才导致小水灾的发生。

"我们已经即时通知负责工程的发展商并追究责任，而对方也答应在最短的时间内清理好垃圾，让排水系统恢复正常，以避免下一轮的豪雨来袭，极可能引发更严重的水灾问题。"刘华才补充。

           刘华才博士也补充，民政党将持续服务峇都国会选区的居民，解决他们的民生问题，并提高他们的生活素质。

Clogged drains in Jalan Kolam Air, Batu caused a small flood

Gerakan calls for a swift cleaning from the developer to avoid affecting the drainage system

Press statement by

Batu Gerakan Service Centre Coordinator

Dr. Dominic Lau Hoe Chai

22 February 2013

            A heavy rain on yesterday's afternoon caused a small flood in Jalan Kolam Air, Batu, although the water level was not very high and it did not cause a great loss, but still it affected about 10 local families, they have to clean up the messes in their homes. Yesterday, Gerakan Batu Division led by Batu Gerakan Service Centre Coordinator Dr. Dominic Lau Hoe Chai went for a walk in Jalan Kolam Air in order to pay a visit to the affected local residents.

            Dr. Dominic Lau pointed out it was understood that the reason behind the small flood happened yesterday was due to the ongoing construction works for the flood embankment project. According to the local residents, the developer of the project did not handle properly the garbage nearby which then caused the drains to be clogged and the water cannot be directed to the nearby river that led to the failure of the whole drainage system and eventually caused the small flood.              

"We have immediately notified the developer of this project and held them responsible for the flood, while they agreed to clean up the garbage in the least time possible, so that the drainage system can return to normal to avoid another possible serious flood problem when the heavy strikes again in the next time," added Dr. Dominic Lau.

Dr. Dominic Lau also added that Gerakan will continue to serve the residents of Batu parliamentary constituency, solve their livelihood problems and improve their quality of life.

民政党派发单身者一马援助金,峇都区共7716申请者获批准

民政党峇都区部于昨晚在峇都巫统区部党所举办派发一个大马援助金活动，派发250零吉予21岁以上收入低于2000零吉的单身人士。峇都区共有7716名申请者获得批准，而昨晚的活动中共发出了1600多份的援助金卷予获批准的申请者。

峇都区民政党服务中心协调员刘华才博士指出，由于申请一马援助金的人数众多，所以政府是分批来批准并发放有关援助金。因此，他促请申请者耐心等待，而峇都区民政党也会陆续地公布获批准者名单，同时也将举办更多的派发活动，让申请者可以尽快领取援助金卷以兑换现金。另外，他也补充，凡是领取了援助金卷者可以到指定的4家银行兑换现金，分别是CIMB联昌国际银行、马来亚银行、BSN国民储蓄银行与大众银行。

"另外，峇都区第二批500零吉的一马援助金名单也已出炉，共10241名申请者获得批准。民政党将在近期内陆续通过各种管道发放援助金卷予这些获批准的申请者。至于一些生病或行动不便的长者无法亲自前来领取援助金卷，可以通过峇都区国阵发出授权信，授权予直系亲属负责代领。"刘华才强调。

"值得一提的是，民政党峇都区部在早前也登门拜访一些获批准的申请者，将援助金卷送到他们手中。这些申请者对民政党的服务深表感激，特别是一些行动不便的长者，更是赞赏民政党的协助。而令我觉得伤感的是，当我们去拜访一名老妇人的家，并打算移交援助金卷时，才知道该老妇人已经离世，令我倍觉感触，仿佛来迟了一步。"刘华才补充。

刘华才博士也补充，民政党将持续服务峇都国会选区的居民，解决他们的民生问题和提高生活的素质

Gerakan distributes BR1M for singles

7716 applicants in Batu successfully approved

Press statement by

Batu Gerakan Service Centre Coordinator

Dr. Dominic Lau Hoe Chai

21 February 2013

            Last night, Gerakan Batu Division held an activity in the Batu UMNO Division office to distribute the RM250 BR1M 2.0 cash voucher to singles aged 21 and above with monthly income less than RM2000. A total of 7716 applicants in Batu have been approved while there were more than 1600 BR1M 2.0 cash vouchers handed out to the applicants.

Batu Gerakan Service Center Coordinator Dr. Dominic Lau Hoe Chai pointed out that due to the large number of applicants on BR1M 2.0, the government approved and distributed the cash aid in batches. Therefore, he urged the applicants to be patient while Gerakan Batu Division will announce the list of successful applicants in turn and at the same time hold more distribution activities so that the applicants can receive the cash voucher as soon as possible to exchange for cash. In addition, he also added that those who have received the BR1M 2.0 cash voucher can exchange for cash in four specified banks, which are CIMB, Maybank, BSN and Public Bank.

"In addition, the name list for the second batch of RM500 BR1M 2.0 in Batu has also been released; a total of 10,241 applications have been approved. Gerakan will distribute the BR1M 2.0 cash vouchers to these successful applicants through various channels in the near future. As for some senior citizens who are sick or with reduced mobility that are unable to come forward to receive the cash voucher, they can be represented by their immediate family members to come forward to receive the cash voucher through authorization letter issued by the Batu Barisan Nasional," stressed Dr. Dominic Lau.

"It is worth mentioning that Gerakan Batu Division has earlier made a door-to-door visit to some of the successful applicants and handed out the cash voucher to their hands. These applicants were grateful for the services by Gerakan, especially some senior citizens with reduced mobility who praised Gerakan for its assistance. While there was a case when I paid a visit to the house of an old lady and planned to hand out the cash voucher to her, it was then that I only knew that she had passed away, which saddened me as if it was a belated move," added Dr. Dominic Lau.

Dr. Dominic Lau added that Gerakan will continue to serve the residents of Batu parliamentary constituency, solve their livelihood problems and improve the quality of life.

民青团赞新山警方设自动报案机系统,刘华才冀其他城市效法提供民众协助

Curious: Shoppers Azura Moidin, 27, and S. Kumar, 30, checking out the panic button post located along Jalan Station.

民青团总秘书刘华才博士欣慰新山警方在新山市中心设立自动报案机系统，为民众提供紧急救援的便民报案服务，以更有效地打击不断上升的街头犯罪率。

"这是一项很好的举措，因为该自动报案机可在紧急状况发生时，让警民双方可有所互动的途径，民众只需按下自动报案机的紧急按钮，便能与临近警区当值的警员联络，以便获得必要的紧急援助。"

刘华才博士表示，不断上升的街头犯罪率已经引起民愤，如今警方采用一些新措施，将能纾缓民众对自身安全的担忧，同时也可阻吓街头罪案的发生。

"我希望这类自动报案机系统也能在其他的城市，如巴生谷、吉隆坡、槟城及亚庇等地设立，特别是这些城市地区都是游客所喜好游玩的地方，另一方面也同时吸引不法之徒犯罪之处。"

同时也是思特雅国际大学副教授的刘华才博士针对在一个地区内所设立的自动报案机数量提出一个关键性问题，他说若诸如武吉免登地区只设有一个自动报案机，一名受了伤的受害者要步行至该自动报案机以联络警方是不实际的，因此警方应该考虑在步行距离之内设立更多的自动报案机，以方便受害者做出投报。

"另一项需要被正视的课题是，这些自动报案机也应该安装闭路电视或自动摄像机，以让警方能确认报案者的面貌，并可防止某些恶作剧人士报假案，同时也可监视周边地区，以在日后警方提出检控是作为证据。

最后，他希望所设立的自动报案机将会是完善的，并经常得到维修，以确保正常操作。

Gerakan Youth praises panic button kiosk introduction in Johor Baru

Dr Dominic Lau wants more to be installed in other cities as well

Press statement by

Gerakan Youth Secretary General

Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai

19 February 2013

Gerakan Youth Secretary General, Dr Dominc Lau Hoe Chai voiced out his pleasure upon hearing the police has set up a panic button kiosk in Johor Baru in an effort to combat the ever increasing crime rate more efficiently.

"This is a good move as the kiosk can act as an interactive avenue between the public and police in case an emergency situation arises. All the public need to do is push the button to communicate with the men in blue."

Dr Lau did not deny that the ever increasing crime rate pushed the police to come up with a new method to curtail the growing public anger and concern about their safety.

"Hopefully, more of these kiosks can be implemented in other cities as well such as the Klang Valley, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kota Kinabalu where locals and tourist tend to visit and this will lure criminals to conduct their heinous activities."

However, Dr Lau who is also UCSI associate professor raised a crucial question on the amount of kiosk being deployed in an area. He said that if only one kiosk is being deployed at an area like Bukit Bintang, it is not practical for a victim who has been presumably hurt to walk to the kiosk and contact the cops. Therefore more must be deployed within walking distance to provide convenience to the victim to make report.

"Another issue that needs to be address is whether these kiosk has a camera fitted together to enable the police to recognise the face of the reporter. This is to prevent certain mischievous individuals from making false reports. Furthermore these cameras installed will be able to monitor the surrounding areas to provide evidence in case of a prosecution."

Finally, he hoped that the kiosks deployed will be in perfect condition through constant maintenance to ensure it is fully operational.

政府将增千家“一马餐单”餐馆,刘华才冀推广至大学工厂组屋区

民青团总秘书刘华才博士对国内贸易、合作社和消费人事务部预计在今年底，另有1000家餐馆将加入"一个马来西亚人民餐单"计划表示欢迎。目前国内已有超过3000家餐馆加入这项计划，让人民从中受惠。

"这是国阵政府的一项以民为本的善举，特别是在目前生活费日益高涨的时刻，这肯定将能减轻人民的生活负担，希望能有更多餐馆能够参与。"

他说，在政府努力吸引更多餐馆参与此计划的同时，当局也须关注来自各方针对有关计划的意见，以便能进一步改善，让更多民众能真正从中受惠。

"有些不满的民众投诉说，参与此‘一个马来西亚人民餐单'的一些餐馆仅提供很少项的食物供选择，而有些餐馆更是每日仅提供有限数量食物，售完为止，结果民众须付更高的价格购买食物，这对消费者是非常不公平的。"

刘华才博士也是思特雅国际大学副教授，他询问当局曾在去年4月间宣布将把"一个马来西亚人民餐单"与"一个马来西亚人民商店"推介至国内大专院校以减轻大专生的生活负担，如今的进展情况如何。

"我认为，当局除了应该鼓励国内大专院校食堂多参与‘一个马来西亚人民餐单'计划，也应该推广至工厂食堂、人民组屋区及公共交通总站诸如吉隆坡中环车站、南湖镇车站及富都中环车站等，以让更多来自中低收入民众受惠。

刘华才博士最后也促请当局应成立一支特工队，以对参与此项"一个马来西亚人民餐单"计划的餐馆进行监督与巡查，避免出现任何不负责任的行为。

Gerakan Youth delighted with 1,000 more eateries offering MR1M

Dr Dominic Lau urges more to participate in the scheme

Press statement by

Gerakan Youth Secretary General

Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai

15 February 2013

Gerakan Youth Secretary General, Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai encouraged more eateries to participate in the Menu Rakyat 1Malaysia programme after an announcement of another 1,000 eateries will participate in the scheme bringing an increasing amount to the 3,300 plus eateries already taking part.

"This is a good effort by the government as the cost of food is increasing everyday due to various factors. By doing so, hopefully this will loosen the peoples wallet."

He added that while the government is doing a good job to attract more eateries, there are several problems arising from the scheme after being voiced out by several quarters.

"Some disgruntled customers complained that there is a lack of choices in terms of food offered under this scheme. There are even eateries offering only a limited amount of MR1M's per day, forcing many customers to purchase other food which are clearly more expensive. This is unfair to the customers."

Dr Dominic Lau, also a UCSI associate professor raised a vital question on a previous proposal of introducing the MR1M and KR1M in tertiary institutions that was aimed to lessen the burden of students. He is asking for the development on that proposal after it has been announced April 2012.

"The existence of the MR1M should not only be made in universities, but also factories, PPR areas and also public transport hubs such as KL Sentral, TBS, Pudu Sentral and many more as it is usually being frequented by the lower to middle income group."

Finally, he suggested that the government should implement a task force to monitor any potential abuse of the MR1M by irresponsible eateries.

民青团感激政府成立一马关怀教育金,刘华才称可助大专生克服经济难题

民青团总秘书刘华才博士针对昨日由首相纳吉宣布成立，专为大专生提供额外贷学金的一个马来西亚关怀教育基金表示感激，并相信此基金将能协助大专生克服他们所面对的经济难题，并顺利完成学业。  

"民青团对首相关怀大专生教育贷款的表现感到欣慰，因为毕竟还有相当多的大专生除了高等教育基金贷款之外，仍需要额外的金钱以应付深造的开销。"  

他补充说，通过这项特别的计划，家长将可对日益高涨的教育费松一口气。"我所接触过的一些家长都很坚持要让自己的孩子接受良好的教育，他们甚至把自己的房屋再融资以作为孩子的教育费，这说明他们对自己的孩子的前途寄予厚望。"  

同时也是思特雅国际大学副教授的刘华才博士相信留学海外的大专生将从这项教育基金中受益，以应付汇率兑换与外国高生活费的沉重负担。这项额外的教育贷款将可让大专生在海外留学期间更专心求学，而无须兼职工作以赚取生活费。

然而，刘华才也提醒大专生，此项教育基金的设立，并不意味着他们就可懈怠或自满，因为他们必须对他们的家人负起责任。 他表示："试想想他们的家人在知晓孩子被令停学或无法完成学业时的失望感受。"  

最后，他说一个马来西亚关怀教育基金的推行，证明了首相纳吉确实认真看待国民教育，因为政府了解到只有通过高素质教育，才可推动国家迈向繁荣。 

Gerakan Youth elated with PM's attentiveness through SPP1M launching

Dr Dominic Lau opines it will help students offset their cost of living

Press statement by Gerakan Youth Secretary General

Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai

7 February 2013

Gerakan Youth Secretary General, Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai voiced out his gratefulness upon hearing the announcement from PM Najib regarding the launching of a "top up" financing scheme for education known as Skim Prihatin Pendidikan 1Malayisa (SPP1M).

"We at Gerakan Youth are touched by the PM's attentiveness towards education funding where there are quite a number of students who required more money than their PTPTN loans provide."

He added that with this special scheme, parents can sigh a relief as the cost of education gets higher by the day. "Some parents I have spoken to are so determined to ensure a good education for their children that they have to refinance their house just to provide funds. This shows the high expectations they have on their children."

Dr Dominic Lau, also UCSI associate professor admitted that students abroad will also benefit from the availability of this fund as the exchange rate is different and cost of living is much higher. The existence of this fund will enable students to concentrate more on their studies.

However Dr Dominic Lau reminded students that the availability of this fund does not mean that they can slack off and become complacent for they are responsible to their families. "Imagine the despair of their loved ones if they were to drop out or unable to complete their education." he voiced out.

Finally, he said that the introduction of the SPP1M proves that the PM is indeed serious in terms of education as it is the only way to bring a nation forward to prosperity.

解决城市职业青年对住所的需求,促建造更多负担得起房屋

民青团总秘书刘华才博士对联邦直辖区及城市和谐部与吉隆坡市政局宣布吉隆坡的负担得起房屋指南的拟定已进入最后的阶段而感到欣慰。

"负担得起房屋指南已进入了最后的拟定阶段是项好消息，年复一年，屋价不断上涨的严重问题，已在中等阶层间引起了群众的不满。"

刘华才指出，由于出现更多的年轻人在城市里上班，他们对能够拥有属于自己的住处非常重视，而不是选择与父母同住或租房子。

"国内一些大城市，如吉隆坡、槟城和新山能够为年轻人提供更多的就业机会及更具吸引力，年轻人都涌向大城市就业，因此房地产市场也必须做好规划，以应付城市区日益剧增的房屋需求。目前国内各大城市内仍缺乏负担得起房屋及廉价屋，我所遇上的许多年轻人事实上仍与他们的父母同住在一起，并对购买他们的第一间房子回应说"还是忘了吧"。

同时也是思特雅国际大学副教授的刘华才博士补充说，通过更多的发展商参与建造更多负担得起与廉价房屋的举措，是一个良好的现象，因为这证明发展商并没忘记他们的社会责任。

"通过发展商建造更多负担得起与廉价房屋推出市场，年轻一代不必只依赖政府的一个马来西亚房屋计划，而事实上该计划也不足以满足市场上对负担得起与廉价房屋的高需求。私人发展商的参与建造更多负担得起房屋，购屋者也将有所选择。然而，建造房屋的地区也是重要的考量因素，特别是该区的公共交通联系是否便利，因为并不是所有的购房者都拥有自己的交通工具。"

刘华才博士说，若当局不能有效地控制屋价，我们将看到年轻人被房地产市场淘汰的局面。   

Gerakan Youth encouraged by final stages of affordable housing guidelines

Dr Dominic Lau urges more affordable houses to be built

  Press statement by

Gerakan Youth Secretary General

Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai

 7 February 2013

Gerakan Youth Secretary General, Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai was elated when affordable housing guidelines in the Kuala Lumpur is in its final stages as announced by the Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry and Kuala Lumpur City hall (DBKL).

"It is good to hear that the affordable housing guideline is in its final stages. Year by year, the chronic problem known as spiralling house prices are increasing causing mass discontent among the middle class."

Lau pointed out that since more and more young people are working in the city, it is imperative for them to be able to own their own home instead of living with their parents or resort to renting.

"Due to the fact that big cities such as Kuala Lumpur , Penang and Johor Bahru offers more job opportunities and attraction for the younger generation, the housing market must also be prepared to absorb the increasing demand for an affordable home. Currently there are not enough affordable houses in the city. Many young people I have spoken to are in fact still living with their parents saying the words ‘Forget It' about buying their first home."

Lau, also UCSI associate professor added that with more developers taking the initiative to build more affordable homes, this is a good sign as they have not forget the social responsibilities.

"With more affordable homes available, the younger generation do not have to rely solely on the government's PR1MA which are in fact inadequate to fulfil the high demand. They can now have an alternative by purchasing an affordable home from the private sector. However, accessibility to public transport will be another challenge as not all of the buyers own a car."

Dr Dominic Lau cautioned that if house prises are not controlled effectively, we will see an entire generation of young people being left out of the housing market.