suara dari selatan

Flip .....

2008-07-09T07:16:00.001+08:00

Until the moment Singaporeans complaint, this rule applies.....

Hope no flop ....

July 08, 2008 23:55 PM

Touch'N Go Card Only At Bukit Chagar CIQ

KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 (Bernama) -- All vehicles from Singapore passing through the Bukit Chagar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex will have to pay the toll using the Touch'N Go card.

The Malaysian Highway Authority said in a statement Tuesday that all 39 lanes at the complex are for private vehicles, taxis and buses.

Lorry drivers can still pay the toll at the Tanjung Puteri Complex until further notice.

The move was to encourage motorists to switch to the electronic toll payment system to smoothen traffic flow, it said.

-- BERNAMA

Please.... say NO to Lido Boulevard

2008-07-07T09:38:00.003+08:00

We need stronger voices to say NO to Lido Boulevard!! It's really unnecessary. It just created for rich Singaporeans! So far, only the MP of Pulai brought up this issues. May be next time we should vote for opposition for Johor Bahru MP?

This is taken from Pulai MP website (www.pulai-online.net):

Berita Harian: Kaji projek Lido Boulevard

Ditulis Oleh Senior Editor

JOHOR BAHRU: Kerajaan perlu mempertimbangkan semula pelaksanaan projek pembangunan pesisir pantai, Lido Boulevard, bernilai RM2.7 bilion kerana ia dikhuatiri akan mengecilkan keluasan Selat Johor, sekali gus memberikan pelbagai kesan negatif terhadap alam sekitar dan masyarakat.
Ahli Parlimen Pulai, Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, berkata beliau menerima banyak maklum balas daripada masyarakat dalam kawasannya terutama sekali di Kampung Mohd Amin dan Sungai Chat, yang bimbang dengan pelaksanaan projek hartanah mega itu.

Selain itu, katanya, ada juga masyarakat yang tidak mahu projek berkenaan menjadi satu lagi projek gajah putih seperti dialami Waterfront City sehingga memberikan imej negatif secara langsung kepada pusat bandaraya dan Iskandar Malaysia.

"Sebagai Ahli Parlimen Pulai, saya tidak pernah dipanggil mana-mana pihak sama ada pemaju projek atau kerajaan negeri bagi mendapatkan pandangan mengenai pembangunan Lido Boulevard ini, tetapi saya difahamkan, ia membabitkan penambakan Selat Johor.

"Jika selat ini, ditambak sudah pasti aliran air daripada sungai Segget dan Chat akan menjadi lebih kecil, dan penduduk berhampiran bimbang banjir kilat lebih mudah berlaku," katanya di sini, semalam.

Sebelum ini, pemaju hartanah, Central Malaysian Properties Sdn Bhd (CMP) dikatakan akan memulakan projek pembangunan pesisiran pantai, Lido Boulevard, bernilai RM2.7 bilion di sepanjang Pantai Lido, di sini bermula September ini.

Projek yang akan mengintegrasikan kawasan penempatan dan pusat komersial itu bermula dengan kerja menambak tanah antara 40 dan 450 meter ke dalam Selat Johor serta dijangka siap kira-kira 24 bulan.

Pengarah Urusan CMP, Datuk Chan Tien Ghee, berkata pihaknya sudah mendapatkan kelulusan Penilaian Kesan Alam sekitar (EIA) untuk menjalankan projek di atas kawasan seluas kira-kira 8.9 hektar berkenaan.

Beliau berkata, kerja penambakan tanah itu akan dipantau rapi dengan peraturan ketat untuk melindungi hidupan marin, persekitaran pantai dan kehidupan nelayan pantai yang mungkin terjejas.

Nur Jazlan berkata, adalah lebih baik kerajaan negeri memikirkan semula kaedah terbaik bagaimana menghidupkan semula Waterfront City kerana segala prasarana termasuk kompleks beli belahnya sudah siap dan tidak memerlukan pembinaan baru.

Johor Bahru desperately need a NGO for environmental monitoring!

Another .... project for JB?

2008-06-17T22:56:00.003+08:00

Another future-failure, environmental-and-view-spoiled project on the way for Johor Bahru. Remember JB WaterFront city? Instead of reviving this project, our smart Johor government is trying to make another big commission (i guess) by giving a green-light to this big project. What a sad day for Johor Bahru. Can you just upgrade and beautify Lido beach, rather than spoiled them for a very-very big buck! However, done is done. Money was already changing hands (i guess) and as a just ordinary citizen, nothing I can do! So, my pray is this project will upgrade the landscape of Johor Bahru, becoming world-class city, not just for the citizen of Singapore (who are definitely can afford to buy those condominiums.) My pray is this project will not stop half-way for whatever reason, which further spoiled the Tebrau straits. Last but not least, my pray is for the big (??) commission that the Johor government received (I guess) will be used for the better of Johor Bahru citizen! (and not just a few!)

Saturday June 14, 2008 MYT 4:00:20 PM
Work on Lido Boulevard to start in September

By YEE XIANG YUN

JOHOR BARU: Real estate developer Central Malaysian Properties Sdn Bhd (CMP) will start work on a RM2.7bil waterfront development project along Lido Beach here by September this year.

It will take 24 months to complete the land reclamation, which will extend between 0.04km and 0.45km into the Straits of Johor along a 2.4km stretch of the beachfront here.

CMP managing director Datuk Chan Tian Ghee said the company has secured full Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals for the project.

"The land reclamation would be strictly monitored with stringent measures in place to protect marine life, the coastal environment and the livelihoods of affected fishermen.

"As part of the EIA requirements, an Emergency Response Plan and Environmenal Management Plan will be put in place before work starts to deal with any environmental issues," he said in a statement.

The project, named Lido Boulevard is an integrated residential-cum-commercial city. The project is also one of the biggest private finance initiatives to date within Iskandar Malaysia or the Southern Corridor.

Another Mega project in Iskandar Malaysia

2008-05-22T09:34:00.002+08:00

Very interesting indeed and I like it very-very much. Hope it will become reality. I believe in you, Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar. Interested in the second last paragraph, “The hi-tech park will be better than the Kulim Hi-Tech Park,”

Mega project in Iskandar Malaysia

By ZAZALI MUSA

JOHOR BARU: A multi-billion ringgit mixed-development project will be launched in Iskandar Malaysia this year.
The project, to be called Airport City or Aeropolis, comes under an associate company of Senai Airport Terminal Services Sdn Bhd, which is linked to billionaire Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary.

The project, on 1,133.11ha near Senai Airport, will comprise three main components – residential-commercial-hospitality amenities, an air cargo logistic centre and a hi-tech park.

The first component will cover 323.74ha while the other two will occupy 404.68ha each.

“The investment in infrastructure – power, water, roads and telecommunications – is estimated at about RM1bil,” a source told StarBiz.

The source said utility providers must be committed in providing uninterrupted supply and services to users in the development area.

The area will be equipped with high-speed broadband for residents and companies to communicate with clients or business associates from all over the globe.

Other facilities will include private medical centres, international schools, hotels and retail malls.

It will be vital to have world-class and uninterrupted utilities and services as the development wants to attract investors from Europe, Japan, Taiwan and the US.

The source said the company was engaging a consultant from Australia to undertake the master plan study.

The consultant is looking at several well-known hi-tech parks in Australia and Taiwan in its study.

“The hi-tech park will be better than the Kulim Hi-Tech Park,” the source said, adding that unlike the Kedah park, Senai would only engage in research and development activities.

When the master plan study is completed, probably next month, it will be presented to the Johor government and a ground-breaking ceremony should take place towards year-end.

Boleh ke?

2008-04-25T12:13:00.001+08:00

Apa nak jadi? Apa nak jadi? Sampai sekarang tak siap lagi!

2008-04-17T11:31:00.005+08:00

What is going on with Malaysia's latest CIQ? Where is the (temporary) access road to the causeway? Or people have forgotten about JB, since the focus now is on Nusajaya.

My beutiful city of Johor Bahru. I love you, man!

Meanwhile, the current CIQ is degrading rapidly, causing a shame to Malaysia, from visitors point of view. No maintainance, no simple fixing, because they are moving to ultra-modern CIQ soon (this has been said since last year, I guess). When foreigners come from Singapore, yes, they will make believe that they are entering 3rd WORLD country! No doubt!

Apartments in the middle of the city?

2008-04-15T11:27:00.005+08:00

Why not someone with money build apartments (studio, single or double bedroom) in the middle of the city of Johor Bahru? Personally I think it's good, since we have many (too many probably) Johoreans working at Singapore, and they are crossing the causeway every morning (and come back late at night). And they are probably single too that need only small place to live! It's good for the city, since apartments complexes create a steam of people 24hrs/day, makes our city more lively. Make it semi-exclusive, so young executives can own them too.

New York city has it, SF has it, LA has it. Why can't JB? In-front of KOMTAR may be?

Why can't they leave Lido beach alone!

2008-04-15T11:09:00.003+08:00

Wow! Another multi-billion project for Johor Bahru! Remember JB Waterfront city? Now Lido Boulevard! Why can't they just improve the scenic view of Lido Beach, without destroying the view and environment ?(see what has happen to Lot 1 (ie. Waterfront City)

I hate this! Really...

Go South!

2008-04-15T10:54:00.004+08:00

This?

Or this?
I think Pak Lah likes the second, while his SIL likes the first one!

Apa ada pada nama?

2008-04-14T16:05:00.002+08:00

Apa ada pada nama? It turns out to be everything, for Wilayah Perbangunan Iskandar (Iskandar development region), or now being called Iskandar Malaysia. Here is snapshot from wiki:

Iskandar Malaysia From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from South Johor Economic Region)

Iskandar Malaysia, formerly known as Iskandar Development Region (IDR) and South Johor Economic Region (SJER) is the new main southern development corridor in Johor, Malaysia.

May be next time when Pak Lah (if he still survive as Malaysia's PM) come down to Johor again, then the people at IRDA will need to re-think again for another name. And then spent some Ringgit to re-launch the brand!

Anyway, good luck for "Iskandar ... whatever"!

Dimanakah dia?

2007-12-18T14:42:00.000+08:00

Dimanakah Universal Studio?
Dimanakah Disneyworld?
Dimanakah Warner Bross?

Semuanya hanyalah mimpi di WPI!

Dimanakah pelabur Singapore?
Dimanakah world-class infrastructor?
Dimanakah University terkemuka dunia?

Semuanya hanyalah mimpi di WPI!

Nampaknya Singapura yang makin maju dan makmur ...

Is he serious? Sorry PM!

2007-12-07T13:42:00.000+08:00

General

December 07, 2007 12:41 PM

Straighten Rivers In Johor To Mitigate Floods, Says Abdullah

SEGAMAT, Dec 7 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants the meandering rivers in Johor to be straightened to facilitate water flow into the sea to prevent floods.

The prime minister said that during an aerial inspection from a helicopter while on his way here today he found that many rivers in the state meandered like a slithering snake.

The meanders slowed down the flow of water to the sea and could cause floods," he said at a meet-the-people session at Dataran Segamat here.

Abdullah, who is on a two-day visit to Johor accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, expressed deep concern upon seeing the river water overflowing the low-lying areas following several days of rain.

"I'm very concerned with this situation. Hopefully the water will not rise further or the people will suffer," he said.

Abdullah said winding rivers could trap rubbish and ultimately become shallower.

He suggested to Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman to straighten the rivers.

"Call the Drainage and Irrigation Department staff, look at the map, try to straighten the meandering rivers so that water can flow quickly to the sea," he said.

He said part of the bends could be cut off and used for aquaculture projects like rearing fish to augment the residents' income while in areas near the towns the cut off bends could be turned into recreational areas like lakes for the benefit of the peopke.

He wanted the river straightening exercise to be carried out immediately saying that the allocation for it could be included in the mid-term review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan next year.

At the function, he launched a project to upgrade a 40km stretch of the Tangkak-Segamat road from two lanes to four lanes and presented land titles to 173 Felda Redong I settlers who had been planting oil palm there since 1977.

-- BERNAMA

Ok. Let we see how rivers at the state of Johor look like.

I am particularly interested in 4 ares of Johor. What I would like to see is how Pak Lah (and his advisors) came out with this idea of straightern the rivers to solve flood problem!

Pak Lah will be knows around the world, and probably will be awarded with Noble Prize, for "ini idea saya"! Antara idea Pak Lah yang lain termasuklah "makcik komputer", "WPI", "ECER", "NCER", Sabah CER, Serawak CER, dan lain-lain. Opps terlupa pasal monitoring tower yang kat highway tu... itu juga idea Pak Lah. Tahniah Pak Lah... you definitely have a lot of ideas...

Why can't we have something like this?

2007-12-05T04:13:00.000+08:00

Why can't we, Johor Bahru, have something like this? I wish to see either Stulang or even Pantai Lido be like this! Or least least there is a place for the resident of Johor Bahru to relax and play with kids, on riverside or beachside! Then some people said that we have Danga Bay? What? Danga Bay! Come on guys!

Someone got to do it!

2007-12-03T02:20:00.000+08:00

These guys told me that someone got to do it! They are right! Is't a small town, and how it effect the whole administration of Bush, I don't know. But what I know is someone has to do it! These pictures were taken during my drive down to Laguna Beach, California, yesterday. It's almost winter, and these are the only good thing I saw. Nothing on the beach!

Ideas ... Ideas ... Museum of Sciences and Arts

2007-11-30T04:40:00.000+08:00

Hello again.

I am now at Orange County, of California. Irvine to be exact! Will be here until Dec 18. From time to time, I always have these crazy ideas on how to make my beutiful, lovely hometown, Johor Bahru, more interesting! And since I am nobody, and my ideas may be rubish for most people at Johor Bahru herself, I just jot them down in my blog! :). It is not a finish paper though! I will update it from time to time. It will be completed when it's complete!

Museum of Sciences and Arts.

For some people, it's really a waste of money (and land). The government of Johor can make more money by selling lands to private sectors (later develop more houses and more shopping complexes). And even money will be continue wasted by need to manage these Museums. But museums is something that are precious to the development of races and nations. It shows the progress and advancement of one race, and one nation. It also a point of attractions for the scienties and artist, or even simply tourists.

Yes, Johor Bahru is already have several museums. Is that right? We have Royal Abu Bakar Museum at Istana Negeri. Ohh I believe we also has "Kite" Museum at Pasir Gudang. Anything else? You know, I wish Johor Bahru becomes like San Diego. Do you know how many museums San Diego has? Let me list them down...

1. San Diego Natural History Museum
2. San Diego Air & Space Museum
3. Maritime Museum of San Diego
4. San Diego's Aircraft Carrier Museum
5. Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
6. San Deigo Museum of Arts
7. San Diego Automotive Museum
8. San Diego Railroad Museum
9. Mingei International Museum
10. Children's Museum/Museo de los Niños San Diego
11. The San Diego Firehouse Museum
12. The Museum of Photographic Arts
13. San Diego Museum of Man
14. Reuben H. Fleet Science Center - San Diego
15. San Dieogo Computer Museum
16. Veterans Museum & Memorial Center
17. San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
18. San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum
19. Women's History Museum and Education Center
20. San Diego County Sheriff's Museum

Wow... I manage to list them all. Did I miss anything? All these museum are under one administration, San Diego Museum Council. Following are some pictures on those museums:

sovereignty of Pulau Batu Putih (Pedra Branca island)

2007-11-07T06:00:00.000+08:00

Will follow closely over next few weeks. This news taken from Yahoo!Singapore

THE HAGUE: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has begun the hearing on the sovereignty of Pedra Branca island on Tuesday. And Singapore has argued that Malaysia has no evidence to show that it owns the island.
In fact, Singapore set out to prove that Malaysia never regarded Pedra Branca as its territory.
Ambassador—at—Large Professor Tommy Koh laid out the agenda as he opened the first day of hearing at the ICJ at The Hague.
The Singapore team of over 30 members was all prepared and armed with geographical maps, which were flashed periodically inside the courtroom for the judges to see as the team pleaded the case.
"In 1979, for the first time, Malaysia published a map purporting to place Pedra Branca within the Malaysian territorial sea, giving rise to the present dispute. The dispute has been an irritant in the bilateral relations between our two countries," said Prof Koh.
Singapore argued that Pedra Branca island and its two outcrops of Middle Rocks and South Ledge rightfully belong to the Lion City.
And Professor Koh stated that Singapore owns the island and has consistently maintained and exercised its sovereignty.
One example he brought up in court was a letter written by Johor in 1953 and was sent to Singapore then. The Johor government said Pedra Branca did not belong to them in the letter.
Professor Koh said Malaysia claims that the British sought permission from Johor to build the Horsborough Lighthouse, but it never provided any evidence to support that.
Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong also spoke on the first day of the hearing. He laid out facts and evidence to show that Malaysia has portrayed an inaccurate account of the history concerning the ownership of Pedra Branca.
He cited how Malaysia had argued that Pedra Branca was actually part of the Johor Sultanate from time immemorial. He said that such argument was "no more than clutching at straws without any evidence to proof".
Attorney—General Chao Hick Tin just spoke on the geographical setting and gave background of the dispute to the judges.
He also played an audio recording of Malaysia’s former prime minister Tun Hussein Onn from a news conference with Singapore’s then prime minister Lee Kuan Yew in May 1980. In that audio clip, Tun Hussein Onn then admitted that the question of sovereignty over Pedra Branca was not very clear to Malaysia.
Singapore’s international counsel Alain Pellet also made his arguments in French as the last speaker wrapping up Tuesday’s session. He rebutted Malaysia’s claim of an original historical title for Pedra Branca.
Professor Pellet will continue his arguments on Wednesday followed by the other international counsels for Singapore. — CNA/ac

Greatest Love of All

2007-08-19T10:30:00.000+08:00

Greatest love of all
by Whitney Houston

I believe the children are our are future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be

Everybody searching for a hero
People need someone to look up to
I never found anyone who fulfill my needs \
A lonely place to be
So I learned to depend on me

Chorus:

I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadows
If I fail, if I succeed
At least I'll live as I believe

No matter what they take from me
They can't take away my dignity
Because the greatest love of all
Is happening to me

I found the greatest love of all
Inside of me
The greatest love of all
Is easy to achieve
Learning to love yourself
It is the greatest love of all

I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be

Chorus

And if by chance, that special place
That you've been dreaming of
Leads you to a lonely place
Find your strength in love

What a crap!

2007-08-09T10:14:00.001+08:00

Election is coming, and more and more politician is trying to lure to become a candidate. They are making stupid remarks, like this stupid Norzaa. KJ is more powerfull, especially when election comes. He and his cabinet are the one who shortlisting the BN candidates. Pak Lah? hahahaha... just trust my son in law lah.. he is very-very smart and brilliant! I have to have more honeymoon with my new wife!

Stupid Norza. Make me ashame to be an UMNO member!

Merdeka terus merdeka!!

2007-08-05T09:26:00.000+08:00

Wow... what a very catchy words!

Tengku Pengerusi dan barisan jawatankuasa sambutan ...

Hmmm... why don't put; "YM Tengku Pengerusi ..." Even better right. Or just simply put "YM Tengku Putra ... Pengerusi dan barisan ..." Easy for KJ and 4th Floor team to recognised, so that your name will be shortlisted as a possible contender to YB Dato' Osman Sapian, ADUN Kempas. Anyway, merdeka!

And wow! I heard some people, outsiders, get invitation including a night stay at Hyatt? So expensive huh!

What is happening nowadays!!!

2007-08-05T09:17:00.000+08:00

So sad! Really sad! Eventhough police has done their very best, still some incidents like this scare many people, especially when the government is trying to lure many investors (mainly from our lovely neighbour ... Singa-pura). Really hope the government will step-up efforts to make Johor Bahru (opps WPI) a better and safer place. Why don't we put soldiers, with guns, monitoring Johor Bahru, in addition to existing policemen and policewomen. If Singapore can put their soldiers (with M16) walking in the airport and city, without having their country labeled as Army state, why do we affraid someone label WPI as the same? Anyway, I think we are really in emergency situation. Do save JB (oppps .. where got JB no more ... WPI lah bro)

Proud to be the citizen of WPI. Proud to have Singaporeans to be part of WPI brainers ... Malaysians no capable?

WPI no longer the only baby!

2007-07-31T00:39:00.000+08:00

Today, our beloved PM of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, launched Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER). Bigger than WPI, more money will be poured. Covers mostly all northern region of Malaysia, ie. Perlis, Kedah, Penang and northern Perak.

Divert the public attention to north, so that the whole nation won't bother what will happen to WPI? May be ... may be not!

Wondering why don't we launch Penisular Malaysia Economic Region (PMER), convers all states in Penisular Malaysia. Of-course, the committee will also includes Singapore's ministers, because we are not capable of developing our own country. What do you think? Even WPI, which is only 3 size of Singapore, we are seeking help from them ... this is the whole penisular ... we surely need their help.

Good Job Pak Lah. Even TDM was not able to launched this kind of projects ... billions ... billions ... and billions. I am still looking for the results of WPI. Even a tiny one...

2 JB Parliment Constituencies have their own websites

2007-07-29T13:36:00.000+08:00

Great! Fantastic!

Two parliment constituencies in Johor Bahru region, Pulai and Johor Bahru, now have their own website. What a great development. Competition is good, so do cooperation (not the one like Singapore and Malaysia has on WPI though!). Congratulation to YB Datuk Nur Jazlan Tan Sri Mohamed and YB Datuk Shahril Abdul Samad, and their IT crews!

www.pulai-online.net

www.umnojb.com.my

WPI makes a headline on TodayOnline

2007-07-25T00:00:00.000+08:00

Hi All,

Sorry for not blogging for a long time. Busy with work and some other things.

WPI makes a headline on TodayOnline (www.todayonline.com). Congratulation Pak Lah and his crew. Singapore becoming more important in Malaysia's internal development; politically, environmentally, financially, and many others. I believe after 50 years of independent, now we realize that Malaysia cannot stand by her own ... we need Singapore to help, guide, and assist us on our own development. No wonder, for start, 15 high level officers from Singapore (not including ministers, of-course they only play golf) are already in several WPI's committee. Take note ... this is COMMITTEE and not advisory panel.

Wosh... everybody is talking about WPI lately

2007-04-08T05:29:00.000+08:00

Yes. Everybody is talking about WPI lately. Since PM launched "idea saya" of WPI, everybody start talking about WPI. Wow... impressive. I believe Pak Lah (or is it KJ?) doing a good job by triggering everybody to talk, at least until general election. I will list down the news and their link. And will add when the time goes by.. until I am tired of WPI!!!

MStar Online - 2 Feb - Jambatan baru menguntungkan pelabuhan Johor
Star Online - 13 Feb - RM700mil for MSC Cyberport City
Utusan Online - 17 March - WPI mampu menjadi realiti
Utusan Online - 21 March - Nusajaya beroperasi akhir tahun ini
Utusan Online - 21 March - KFH berminat sertai pembangunan WPI
Utusan Online - 22 March - Insentif pengecualian cukai -- PM umum langkah baru rangsang pertumbuhan Wilayah Pembangunan Iskandar
Utusan Online - 22 March - UEM mahu kumpul dana RM1 bilion
Utusan Online - 23 March - Kepentingan bumiputera diambil kira di WPI
Utusan Online - 29 March - Kekalkan kuota Melayu di WPI – Dr. M
Star Online - 30 March - Dr M: Preserve Malay rights in IDR
Utusan Online - 30 March - WPI: Hanya satu peratus untuk pelabur asing
Star Online - 31 March - Opening up of IDR not a threat to Malays
Utusan Online - 31 March - Teruskan projek landasan kembar ke Johor – Shahrir
Star Online - 1 April - Dr M’s suggestion an insult, says Shahrir
Star Online - 2 April - Strong increase in prices over the next two years
Star Online - 2 April - Property values in south Johor rising
Star Online - 3 April - MRCB said to have go-ahead for RM1b Johor project
Utusan Online - 3 April - Cadangan wujud Zon Akses Bebas di WPI dibatal
Star Online - 4 April - More incentives to be announced for IDR investors
Star Online - 5 April - Approvals in a jiffy at IDR
Star Online - 5 April - Free Access Zone under IDR scrapped
Star Online - 6 April - Ghani:No free access zone
Utusan Online - 8 April - IRDA tawar pekerjaan
Utusan Online - 8 April - WPI perlu penyertaan syarikat global
Utusan Online - 8 April - Dua pelabuhan Johor disusun semula

My mistake .. Grenoble is not a little city

2007-04-08T02:11:00.000+08:00

Oppsss ... my mistake. Grenoble France is not a little city. Just the downtown is soo sweet, I oversee the whole city of Grenoble. Today, I got a change to view the "whole" city from the top of a small mountain. Went up there by cable car (don't think that I cannot hike up there .. just don't want to waste my energy :) )

Grenoble .. an old and sweet little city

2007-04-07T14:52:00.000+08:00

As I promised, I don't want to post any of my Paris's photo (I believe there are everywhere). So, I took some pictures of Grenoble, an old city, but very clean and nice. Wondering if it comes with the attitude of people in it.

Away @ Grenoble, France

2007-04-03T20:45:00.000+08:00

I am at Grenoble, France right now, for 2 weeks. Grenoble is a very-very nice old city, with very modern, clean, and very efficient public transportation. Info on Grenoble @ Wikipedia ...

Grenoble (Arpitan: Grasanòbol) is a city and commune in south-east France, situated at the foot of the Alps, at the confluence of the Drac into the Isère River. Located in the Rhône-Alpes région, Grenoble is the préfecture (capital) of the département of Isère. Population of the city (commune) of Grenoble at the 1999 census was 153,317 inhabitants (157,900 inhabitants as of February 2004 estimates). Population of the whole metropolitan area (in French: aire urbaine) at the 1999 census was 514,559 inhabitants.

Not even 1Million people live in Grenoble. Yet they have a very modern mode of transportation. Really nice. Will upload some pictures later...

Not patriotic enough!

2007-03-05T00:58:00.000+08:00

One of my close friend told me that I am not patriotic enough, not love enough to the city of Johor Bahru. I totally disagree! When I first came back to JB, and one of my other friend, asked me to jot down my ideas on how to make JB an international city. And here I still have a copy of it...

1. Bawa kembali profesionals ke bandaraya dengan:

a. meminta UTM (atau mana-mana universiti) membuka satu cawangan bandar, bagi program-program pengurusan dan lain-lain (contohnya SPACE). Infrastruktur yang terbiar, seperti Best World Mall, dan Lot 1 haruslah diguna-pakai bagi tujuan ini.

b. Meminta UTM atau mana-mana universiti untuk mengambil-alih hospital Pandan, dan dijadikan hospital universiti. Ini dapat menarik doctor-doctor pakar, serta pekerja sokongan ke Johor Bahru. Dan sekiranya prestasi perkidmatan yang cemerlang, tak mustahil pesakit dari Singapura akan datang ke Johor Bahru bagi mendapatkan rawatan, kerana kos yang rendah

2. Dengan siapnya PERSADA JOHOR, kerajaan negeri johor, serta agensi-agensi kerajaan dan universiti tempatan disarankan untuk mengadakan lebih banyak seminar/exhibition yang bertaraf antarabangsa di dalam kawasan Johor Bahru. Seminar dan pameran bertaraf antarabangsa dapat menarik lebih ramai pengunjung profesional, terutamanya dari Singapura (yang sememangnya suka makan dan membeli belah di JB) dan juga dari tempat-tempat lain di Malaysia. Seminar dan Pameran ini haruslah bertaraf antarabangsa, bagi meningkatkan lagi image barandaraya JB. PESADA bukan hanya untuk majlis-majlis perkahwinan.

3. Memperbanyakkan tempat-tempat yang boleh dilawati oleh penduduk-penduduk tempatan dan luar di dalam kawasan bandar, contohnya museum. Museum-museum ini haruslah senang dilawati, beserta kemudahan meletakkan kereta yang banyak. Juga senang untuk kepada yang menaiki kemudahan awam. Di antara yang boleh diajukan:

a. Mendirikan museum kanak-kanak. Contohnya Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose di San Jose, California, USA. (www.cdm.org)

b. Mendirikan museum arts dan kesenian. Contohnya San Diego Museum of Art dan Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, San Diego, California, USA (http://www.sandiego.org/listing/Visitors/2995 dan www.mcasd.org). Ini sejajar dengan cadangan Kemeterian Pelajaran untuk mengadakan School of Arts di Johor bahru.

c. Mendirikan museum teknologi, contohnya Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (http://www.rhfleet.org). Kerajaan boleh mengarahkan UTM mengambil museum ini sebagai anak-angkat, dengan mengadakan pameran untuk semua reka-cipta pensyarah serta pelajar-pelajarnya.

4. Membaikpulih kawasan di sebelah Lot 1, atau membangunkan semula kawasan Stulang, untuk dijadikan satu tempat tarikan pelancung seperti di Fisherman’s Whalf di San Francisco, California, USA (http://www.fishermanswharf.org/)

5. Menaikkan taraf insfrastuctor Johor Bahru setanding dengan Singapura, memandangkan Johor Bahru adalah pintu masuk ke Malaysia. Bagi pelancung yang tidak berkesempatan ke bandaraya-bandaraya lain, terutamanya Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru adalah Malaysia. Maka sekiranya bandaraya JB mempunyai infrastuktur yang teruk (berbanding dengan Singapura), makan imej Malaysia (bukan hanya JB) akan terjejas. Kadangkala, kecantikan bandaraya tidak perlu kepada infrastucture yang canggih dan mahal. Cukup sekadar kekemasan dan kebersihan.

Now tell me if I am not patriotic enough to JB!

Good Job, JOHOR BAHRU!

2007-03-04T22:02:00.000+08:00

Very good improvement of JB! Hope it not only happen because of Visit Malaysia Year 2007

Nusajaya at Wikipedia

2007-02-28T23:28:00.000+08:00

Found this information on Nusajaya at Wikipedia, the free online encylopedia. It is located at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandar_Nusajaya. Here is some extract...

Nusajaya is a new town and when completed will be the new administration centre of Johor, Malaysia. The town is currently under construction with some housing phases already completed and launched. It is located west of Johor Bahru, near the town of Gelang Patah.

The town is built in an area spanning 24,000 acres combining residential, commercial and industrial elements.\

But this interest me ...

More on WPI

2007-02-25T11:11:00.000+08:00

Wow! Sekarang semua orang cakap pasal WPI. Baguslah tu. Moga-moga ianya akan mencapai kejayaan seperti yang diharapkan. Just nak comment on few things on article on Utusan Malaysia dated Feb 25, 2007

Nusajaya bakal pelengkap KL

JOHOR BAHRU 24 Feb. – Pembangunan Nusajaya sebagai sebuah bandar metropolis kedua di Malaysia selepas Kuala Lumpur mampu menarik kehadiran pelabur-pelabur asing berikutan kedudukan strategiknya sebagai pintu masuk negara.

Hmm.... Nusajaya? Bandaraya Johor Bahru macam mana? OK investors, just leave all your premises in Bandaraya Johor Bahru and move to Nusajaya. Apa komen MBJB? Sebelum ini wakil khazanah kata WPI adalah pelengkap bagi Singapura. Now Nusajaya sebagai pelengkap kepada KL. Apalah nasib WPI ... hanya jadi pelengkap

Pembangunan di bawah Wilayah Pembangunan Iskandar (WPI) itu memiliki kelebihan dari segi logistik kerana ia terletak berhampiran Singapura dan Indonesia serta berdekatan dengan dua pelabuhan iaitu Pelabuhan Tanjung Pelepas serta Pelabuhan Pasir Gudang.

Silap tu! PTP dan Pasir Gudang terletak didalam kawasan WPI, bukan hanya berdekatan. Actually reporter nak cakap, berdekatan dengan Changi Airport dan Singapore Sea Port kot!

Ahli Parlimen Johor Bahru, Datuk Shahrir Samad berkata, pembangunan yang dijalankan di selatan tanah air itu membolehkan Nusajaya menjadi sebuah bandar metropolis dalam melengkapi keperluan yang sebelum ini dipenuhi Kuala Lumpur.

Ehmmm... Selain just MP Johor Bahru, apa peranan Datuk Shahrir? Dan bukan ke most area yang develop dikawasan Bandaraya Johor Bahru adalah dibawah Datuk Nur Jazlan (MP - Pulai)?

Projek seluas 9,600 hektar yang dijangka siap sepenuhnya pada 2025 itu melibatkan tujuh komponen pembangunan termasuk Pusat Pentadbiran Baru Negeri Johor (JSNAC), kelompok industri dan logistik selatan, hab perubatan dan ‘Educity’ atau bandar raya ilmu.

“Dengan Nusajaya menjadi bandar Metropolis kedua, semestinya lebih ramai golongan profesional dan cerdik pandai akan datang dan petanda kemajuan ini kita dapat lihat apabila orang dari Kuala Lumpur sendiri datang ke Johor Bahru,” katanya.

First, let all local universities have branches in Nusajaya first, then barulah foreign universities attracted to come! And regarding "cerdik-pandai", I think as of now, most of them work in Singapore but live in Nusajaya.

Sementara itu, Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Nusajaya, Abd. Aziz Sapian berkata, warga Johor kini perlu mengubah budaya dan turut mengambil peluang daripada nikmat kemajuan yang akan diperoleh daripada WPI.

Why should be change our culture?

Menteri Luar, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar pula memberitahu, segala maklumat mengenai WPI akan disalurkan kepada Ketua-Ketua Perwakilan yang berada di luar negara.

Now, everybody wants to be part of or at least show to their bos that they have done something lah...

Need to find a road, school or shopping complex in JB?

2007-02-24T10:36:00.000+08:00

Found a website just to do that. Great Job! You can even find Sekolah Kebangsaan Kempas if you follow this link...

http://www.streetdirectory.com/malaysia/johor/travel.php?travel_id=2501&travel_site=147898&travel_no=&x=1025266.2130&y=169427.3878&star=1&viewmode=&level=6#map

Another development of Wilayah Pembangunan Iskandar

2007-02-24T10:00:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was very interesting indeed for Nusajaya development and WPI as a whole. Our beloved PM has officiate another round of promotion and insentive for WPI. NST put them in front page. I am very-very interested in few portions:

NST on 24th Feb wrotes:
Abdullah said one of the key recommendations of the advisory council was swift and easy processes — that Iskandar welcomes professionals, top business managers and industry experts from around the globe with minimum red-tape.
"We must allow the free flow of top brains from around the world if Iskandar is to take off in
a big way. This is something the government will take up seriously," he said.

Very interesting commitment from government, especially words "... if to take off in a big way". What he means by that?

NST Wrote:
He said some RM20 billion in concrete development plans had already been committed, including one by an integrated waterfront development company — Kota Selat Tebrau Sdn Bhd — which would be developed over 1,822ha of land.

Another waterfront city development? what happen to the existing one? What happen to other fews development that have been scrap and left midway?

NST wrotes:
Iskandar is expected to draw some RM47 billion in investments over the next five years, which in turn is expected to sustain gross domestic product growth in Johor at eight per cent per annum until 2010.

RM10b investment every year? What a great dream! Internal or external investment? Ohh I did remember, Kulai CyberPort (Johor's MSC City) only expect RM100Million investment from 100 companies during first year of operation.

NST Wrotes:
A concerted plan of action would also be set into motion soon to develop top-range healthcare, educational, financial and information and communication technology services and industries.

What kind of industries? Everything under the sky or anything to support hi-tech industries in Singapore? Do you sincere believe serious investor will choose JB over Singapore, when we only committed to become "supporting roles" to Singapore, as stated by Khazanah representative during WPI launches few months back!

Anyway, budakjb pray for the success of WPI. Another mega project by Pak Lah.

p.s: Who said Pak Lah doesn't like mega-mega project?

Johor Bahru facts in Wikipedia

2007-02-22T19:16:00.000+08:00

Detail info on Johor Bahru city is in Wikipedia. Nice on ...

more ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johor_Bahru

Nice JB Picture on Wikipedia

2007-02-22T19:13:00.000+08:00

MBJB Website ... towards e-government

2007-02-21T21:29:00.000+08:00

For the past few months, I have been trying to access Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (MBJB) website, with very-very little success. I keep getting this very annoying page, after waited for few minutes. e-government anyone!

Can a simple man like me (non-MBJB staff) allowed to notify the System Administrator, with no number to call, or even an email address...

Update (Feb 23): Good Job MBJB! Now your website is up and running good. Coincidence or what, it was up a day after I complained to one of my friend at MBJB... :)

Welcome

2007-02-21T20:14:00.000+08:00

Assalamualaikum & Salam Sejahtera

Welcome to my blog, Johor Bahru towards 2020. I hope I can contribute ideas to make our city, Johor Bahru, a better city to live in.