Three-day property seminar begin 24th Sept 2010
THE National House Buyers Association is having three seminars from tomorrow to Saturday at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
The sessions are ideal for house buyers, property investors, developers, financiers, architects, engineers, surveyors, valuers, contractors, real estate agents, lawyers, accountants, stakeholders, insurance professionals and interested parties.
The topic for the first seminar tomorrow is Pemudah Focus Group on Registering Property.
There will be presentations by the Inland Revenue Board stamp duty division director Teoh Ai Suan, Valuation and Property Services Department director Huan Cheng Kee and Federal Territories Land and Mines Office director Hasim Ismail.
On Saturday, the focus will be on Tribunal for Consumer or Housing — Claims, Jurisdiction and Award Enforcement.
The session will explain in layman’s terms the workings of the respective tribunals, common cases and enforcement and prosecution of non-compliance of tribunal awards.
The speakers will be Consumer Claims Tribunal chairman Pretam Singh, Homebuyers Claims Tribunal chairman Bhupinder Singh and National Housing Department deputy enforcement director Gunasegaran Naidu.
On Sunday, the issues that will be explored include Built-Then-Sell and Sell-Then-Build concepts, legal requirements on JMB and MC, strata titles, flaws in the Building and Common Property Act and absence of regulations, and more.
In conjunction with the 53rd National Day celebration, the session will also feature a short speech by former Perak police chief Datuk Seri Yuen Yuet Leng on Merdeka: My Experience and Yesteryears.
Participation fee for each session is RM80 or RM200 for all three sessions. An extra RM20 will be charged for registration after Sept 20.
A book titled Buying Property from Developers (What you need to know and do) by Robert Tan will be given free to participants who opt for the three-seminar package.
For details, call 012-3345 676 or email klchang@hba.org.my.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Can defaulting owners attend AGM?
Owners who have defaulted on their payments CAN attend AGM/EGM. They could also express their opinions and ask questions but CANNOT VOTE nor eligible to hold office.
Tempers flare at condo EGM
The newly elected members of Prima Setapak Condominium Joint Manage-ment Committee (JMC) have their work cut out for them after several unresolved issues were raised during their annual general meeting (AGM) earlier this year.
“Our first order of business will be to go through all the documents from the previous JMC.
“After that, we will most likely call for another extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to discuss the issues,” JMC chairman Frankie Ang said.
He said among the issues were the stalled front entrance upgrading project and the approval of allowances by and for the previous JMC members without the residents’ consent.
Tense: A resident (in pink) who allegedly had not paid her maintenance fees being asked by Rela members to leave the EGM.
“I also just found out that the JMC may be getting sued by the management company over a lift maintenance issue,” Ang said.
The previous JMC had resigned en bloc at the end of July, about three weeks after the AGM where many resolutions were not adopted after residents questioned how their condominium funds were being used.
A total of 120 unit owners from a total of 770 were present at the EGM that got off on a heated note after a unit owner who allegedly had not paid the maintenance fees had to be ushered out of the meeting by Rela members.
Many residents voiced their grouses at the event and tempers flared before the four-hour long meeting came to an end.
The meeting ended with the majority deciding on electing three unit owners from each of the three condominium blocks.
Evien Ho was elected secretary, Frankie Pek the treasurer while Benjamin Teh, Pajan Singh, Ting Sing Ho, Ting Tieng King, Tee Hui Hong and Wong King Seng are ordinary committee members.
The condominium is located in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur and has a total of 770 units with most being rented out.
Tempers flare at condo EGM
The newly elected members of Prima Setapak Condominium Joint Manage-ment Committee (JMC) have their work cut out for them after several unresolved issues were raised during their annual general meeting (AGM) earlier this year.
“Our first order of business will be to go through all the documents from the previous JMC.
“After that, we will most likely call for another extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to discuss the issues,” JMC chairman Frankie Ang said.
He said among the issues were the stalled front entrance upgrading project and the approval of allowances by and for the previous JMC members without the residents’ consent.
Tense: A resident (in pink) who allegedly had not paid her maintenance fees being asked by Rela members to leave the EGM.
“I also just found out that the JMC may be getting sued by the management company over a lift maintenance issue,” Ang said.
The previous JMC had resigned en bloc at the end of July, about three weeks after the AGM where many resolutions were not adopted after residents questioned how their condominium funds were being used.
A total of 120 unit owners from a total of 770 were present at the EGM that got off on a heated note after a unit owner who allegedly had not paid the maintenance fees had to be ushered out of the meeting by Rela members.
Many residents voiced their grouses at the event and tempers flared before the four-hour long meeting came to an end.
The meeting ended with the majority deciding on electing three unit owners from each of the three condominium blocks.
Evien Ho was elected secretary, Frankie Pek the treasurer while Benjamin Teh, Pajan Singh, Ting Sing Ho, Ting Tieng King, Tee Hui Hong and Wong King Seng are ordinary committee members.
The condominium is located in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur and has a total of 770 units with most being rented out.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Arena Green unit owners air their grouses
By CHARLES FERNNADEZ
charlesf@thestar.com.my
RESIDENTS of Arena Green in Bukit Jalil are claiming that the management corporation (MC) has mismanaged the sinking fund.
They claimed that Arena Green Management Corporation, a subsidiary of Raine, Horne and Zaki Property Management, has not informed the unit owners on the use of the fund, totalling about RM500,000.
The residents also voiced their displeasure with the MC for not serving notice to the owners before any transaction.
Resident Ron Yuen said it was a requirement for the management committee to inform the owners but procedures were not followed.
Plenty of things to say: The residents waiting to attend the AGM.
“The residents would want to know how their money is being used and for what purpose,” he said at the annual general meeting of the MC recently.
He said according to Section 41 of the Strata Titles Act 1985, the management corporation should inform the residents on the jobs carried out every year.
However, he added that the MC had claimed that the expenditure was necessary for the management of the six apartment blocks.
The residents also opposed the MC’s decision to increase the service charges and sinking fund paid by the owners from the current 0.09sen per sq ft to 0.13 per sqft.
Yuen said in most cases owners had carried out their own repairs to their units and maintenance of the blocks was low and therefore there was no need to increase the service charges and sinking fund.
There are 1,240 units in the six blocks with the owners of the smallest unit paying RM61.20 per month.
During the AGM, a new committee was elected to look into the accounts.
The MC’s head of property services, Vijayakumar Ponnusamy, said it was only appropriate that the service charges were increased as the property was located in a prime area and this was the first increase.
“The maintenance charges have also increased as we have to sub-contract some of the work. As a company, which just took over the management two years ago, we are just doing our job,’’ said Vijayakumar.
Vijayakumar said the MC was not asking the residents to contribute towards the sinking fund but accept the increase in the service charges.
He also refuted claims that no annual report and accounts on this sinking fund was furnished.
The new committee allowed the MC to increase the service charges by 0.02 sen for the present moment.
charlesf@thestar.com.my
RESIDENTS of Arena Green in Bukit Jalil are claiming that the management corporation (MC) has mismanaged the sinking fund.
They claimed that Arena Green Management Corporation, a subsidiary of Raine, Horne and Zaki Property Management, has not informed the unit owners on the use of the fund, totalling about RM500,000.
The residents also voiced their displeasure with the MC for not serving notice to the owners before any transaction.
Resident Ron Yuen said it was a requirement for the management committee to inform the owners but procedures were not followed.
Plenty of things to say: The residents waiting to attend the AGM.
“The residents would want to know how their money is being used and for what purpose,” he said at the annual general meeting of the MC recently.
He said according to Section 41 of the Strata Titles Act 1985, the management corporation should inform the residents on the jobs carried out every year.
However, he added that the MC had claimed that the expenditure was necessary for the management of the six apartment blocks.
The residents also opposed the MC’s decision to increase the service charges and sinking fund paid by the owners from the current 0.09sen per sq ft to 0.13 per sqft.
Yuen said in most cases owners had carried out their own repairs to their units and maintenance of the blocks was low and therefore there was no need to increase the service charges and sinking fund.
There are 1,240 units in the six blocks with the owners of the smallest unit paying RM61.20 per month.
During the AGM, a new committee was elected to look into the accounts.
The MC’s head of property services, Vijayakumar Ponnusamy, said it was only appropriate that the service charges were increased as the property was located in a prime area and this was the first increase.
“The maintenance charges have also increased as we have to sub-contract some of the work. As a company, which just took over the management two years ago, we are just doing our job,’’ said Vijayakumar.
Vijayakumar said the MC was not asking the residents to contribute towards the sinking fund but accept the increase in the service charges.
He also refuted claims that no annual report and accounts on this sinking fund was furnished.
The new committee allowed the MC to increase the service charges by 0.02 sen for the present moment.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
PKNS to answer SOS calls
SOME USEFUL INFORMATION - PERRHAPS SOMETHING THE MANAGEMENT COMPANIES CAN LOOK INTO ALSO, A QUICK RESPONSE TEAM SERVICE
Residents of flats and apartments built by the Selangor Development Corporation (PKNS) do not have to worry if they do not have a joint management body (JMB) to attend to their complaints.
This is because PKNS has mobilised its Response Team in Petaling Jaya, Kota Damansara and Bangi, to attend to residents’ complaints. The team is expected to arrive within an hour after the complaint is made.
“This is a special service and a temporary solution that PKNS is offering to residents of our flats and apartments without a JMB.
“However, we encourage all residential high-rises to set up JMBs,” said PKNS general manager Othman Omar at the launch of the response team at SACC Mall in Shah Alam on Sunday.
He said 20 personnel would be travelling in seven yellow-orange vans to answer SOS calls from the people.
He added that the personnel who were from the civil and electrical engineering department had undergone customer relations courses to help them deal with the public.
“They will be able to attend to roof leakages, drainage and electrical problems,” he said.
He added that residents were not required to pay upfront for the service as it had been included in their standard monthly maintenance fee.
Othman said the team would be operating from 8am to 5pm, but would consider a 24-hour service if the need arose.
The PKNS hotline is 1-300-88-7567.
Residents of flats and apartments built by the Selangor Development Corporation (PKNS) do not have to worry if they do not have a joint management body (JMB) to attend to their complaints.
This is because PKNS has mobilised its Response Team in Petaling Jaya, Kota Damansara and Bangi, to attend to residents’ complaints. The team is expected to arrive within an hour after the complaint is made.
“This is a special service and a temporary solution that PKNS is offering to residents of our flats and apartments without a JMB.
“However, we encourage all residential high-rises to set up JMBs,” said PKNS general manager Othman Omar at the launch of the response team at SACC Mall in Shah Alam on Sunday.
He said 20 personnel would be travelling in seven yellow-orange vans to answer SOS calls from the people.
He added that the personnel who were from the civil and electrical engineering department had undergone customer relations courses to help them deal with the public.
“They will be able to attend to roof leakages, drainage and electrical problems,” he said.
He added that residents were not required to pay upfront for the service as it had been included in their standard monthly maintenance fee.
Othman said the team would be operating from 8am to 5pm, but would consider a 24-hour service if the need arose.
The PKNS hotline is 1-300-88-7567.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Residents and JMB lock horns
By KHARLEEZ ZUBIN
kharleez@thestar.com.my
CLAIMS of misappropriation of funds and widespread cheating of foreign tenants by some Palm Court Condominium management staff are the latest twist in a long-running dispute between residents and the caretakers of the largest condominium in Brickfields.
In the latest development, Palm Court the pro tem action committee has issued an ultimatum to the Joint Management Body (JMB) to produce documents of financial transactions.
“We have furnished evidence of issuance of double receipts to mostly foreign residents and visitors for entry pass, fines for lifting clamps on cars and water meters but the money collected is not reflected in the JMB accounts,” action committee chairman and resident K. K. Supramaniyam told StarMetro yesterday.
The action committee has alleged that about RM144,000 has been collected by the staff without authorisation and not banked in.
“The JMB is dragging its feet on this matter and if they don’t get to the bottom of it, then we will call for an extraordinary general meeting to vote them out and refer the matter to the police,” he added.
Initially, the JMB has denied there were discrepancies but when evidence started pouring in, its committee members reluctantly agreed to take “appropriate measures”, but stopped short of agreeing to an independent audit as demanded by the action committee.
However, they removed the two female staff, who residents claim have been terrorising foreign nationals under specific orders from a couple of JMB committee members.
When contacted Chitra Devi said she did not pocket the money and that the money collected was handed over to the JMB committee.
The other employee, Nor Anna Majid, could not be reached for comment.
According to licensed real estate broker and long-time resident K. Vijay some JMB members are not happy that freelance brokers are making money out of unit rentals.
“I think they want to put pressure on the foreign nationals so that the brokers will have a tough time getting tenants and eventually take over the rental business,” he said.
Other residents who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals from JMB said it was not difficult for the two women to have carried out such a scam behind the back of JMB members.
There were several occasions when JMB members were spotted retrieving receipt books from the guardhouse early in the morning.
But when the issuance of double and unauthorised receipts were brought to the attention of the JMB the books disappeared from the guardhouse, said a woman tenant.
The books are placed with the guards to collect RM10 for visitors or relatives of tenants who come after office hours.
When contacted JMB chairman M. Ravichandar refused to be drawn into the controversy.
“Sorry this doesn’t concern you and I have nothing to say to you,” was all he had to say before putting down the phone.
Ever since the JMB came into existence two years ago there has been no short of controversies.
It has been accused of abuse of power in implementing house rules and blamed for trying to clamp down on foreign nationals renting there.
On one occasion two deputy ministers had to intervene to calm things in a showdown between JMB and the residents committee.
In the incident, JMB chained the front gate facing Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad to prevent outsiders from frequenting a restaurant in the premises.
kharleez@thestar.com.my
CLAIMS of misappropriation of funds and widespread cheating of foreign tenants by some Palm Court Condominium management staff are the latest twist in a long-running dispute between residents and the caretakers of the largest condominium in Brickfields.
In the latest development, Palm Court the pro tem action committee has issued an ultimatum to the Joint Management Body (JMB) to produce documents of financial transactions.
“We have furnished evidence of issuance of double receipts to mostly foreign residents and visitors for entry pass, fines for lifting clamps on cars and water meters but the money collected is not reflected in the JMB accounts,” action committee chairman and resident K. K. Supramaniyam told StarMetro yesterday.
The action committee has alleged that about RM144,000 has been collected by the staff without authorisation and not banked in.
“The JMB is dragging its feet on this matter and if they don’t get to the bottom of it, then we will call for an extraordinary general meeting to vote them out and refer the matter to the police,” he added.
Initially, the JMB has denied there were discrepancies but when evidence started pouring in, its committee members reluctantly agreed to take “appropriate measures”, but stopped short of agreeing to an independent audit as demanded by the action committee.
However, they removed the two female staff, who residents claim have been terrorising foreign nationals under specific orders from a couple of JMB committee members.
When contacted Chitra Devi said she did not pocket the money and that the money collected was handed over to the JMB committee.
The other employee, Nor Anna Majid, could not be reached for comment.
According to licensed real estate broker and long-time resident K. Vijay some JMB members are not happy that freelance brokers are making money out of unit rentals.
“I think they want to put pressure on the foreign nationals so that the brokers will have a tough time getting tenants and eventually take over the rental business,” he said.
Other residents who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals from JMB said it was not difficult for the two women to have carried out such a scam behind the back of JMB members.
There were several occasions when JMB members were spotted retrieving receipt books from the guardhouse early in the morning.
But when the issuance of double and unauthorised receipts were brought to the attention of the JMB the books disappeared from the guardhouse, said a woman tenant.
The books are placed with the guards to collect RM10 for visitors or relatives of tenants who come after office hours.
When contacted JMB chairman M. Ravichandar refused to be drawn into the controversy.
“Sorry this doesn’t concern you and I have nothing to say to you,” was all he had to say before putting down the phone.
Ever since the JMB came into existence two years ago there has been no short of controversies.
It has been accused of abuse of power in implementing house rules and blamed for trying to clamp down on foreign nationals renting there.
On one occasion two deputy ministers had to intervene to calm things in a showdown between JMB and the residents committee.
In the incident, JMB chained the front gate facing Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad to prevent outsiders from frequenting a restaurant in the premises.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Africans in Condominiums
Spotlight: African alienation
2010/05/23
Share | Scary, intimidating and rude are only some of the words used to describe Africans in Malaysia. Are we allowing a few bad apples to spoil the bunch? AUDREY VIJAINDREN and SONIA RAMACHANDRAN take a look at the issue.
MOST Malaysians are guilty of clutching their handbags a little tighter and avoiding eye contact when they spot an African.
They have, after all, been accused of committing various crimes in the country, especially black money scams.
Some have also described them as raucous and loud, and labelled them as troublemakers.
Are we allowing our prejudices to get the better of us?
Condominium, Apartment and Highrise Committee adviser Peter Chong said the general perception among Malaysians was that Africans caused trouble.
"We immediately have a negative thought when we mention them.
"In actual fact, it's our perception that is the problem. We are intimidated by their size and the way they look.
"They do cause trouble to a certain extent, but there are many other cultural differences that contribute to this.
"For example, for them, it is normal to say, 'Hello darling, how are you?', when they see a girl. But in Malaysia, that is rude and unacceptable."
Chong said the many black money scams had also contributed to this negative stigma.
"We assume that they are all bad, but that is not necessarily true. You see many of them actively involved in church music ministries.
"But this happens everywhere -- the good ones suffer because of the bad apples. Even our cab drivers suffer from this."
He said in many cases, the Africans, especially those who came here to study, were the victims.
"When African students arrive here, they need a place to stay. Because landed property is expensive, most of them end up renting apartments.
"Unfortunately, some colleges have taken advantage of this. They advertise pictures of apartments on their websites, claiming it's part of their campus.
"When the students arrive, many colleges put more than ten people in one unit, charging RM250 per person.
"But the actual rental for the unit may only be RM1,200. They are maximising the space because of greed," he said.
Malaysian Association of Private Colleges and Universities (MAPCU) president Dr Parmjit Singh said it was wrong to stereotype people.
"We must also recognise that not all the Africans in this country are students."
He said the Malaysian public had not matured enough to the level of living in a cosmopolitan environment.
"A large number of students from Africa are sponsored by their respective governments. That means, they are bound to be students who are bright and qualified for such scholarships.
"As much as we would like them to change and adjust to our culture, we should be equally ready to accept everyone from all parts of the world, in order to become an international hub for higher education."
Responsible colleges and universities, he said, had induction processes for their foreign students.
"Besides the higher learning institutions, the embassies and high commissions also play an active role in inducting students from their countries and educating them on the social norms of this country."
On renting residential units for students, he said the institutions had a major role to play.
"When we rent private residences to place our students, we play an active part in the meetings of the residential associations.
"We are willing to listen to any problems they might have with our students."
He said the number of African students in this country was not on the rise.
"It is a mature market and the population growth is from countries that are not mature."
Property management firm, VPC Alliance (PJ) senior general manager Daniel Kat, however, said there had been complaints about African students from other apartment and condominium owners.
Most complaints were over the students making noise after stipulated hours.
"I won't say all are misbehaving, but generally most of the complaints are related to breaking house rules and making noise at night.
"Some also get drunk and start misbehaving."
The problem with most of the students, he said, was that they brought their friends home to party.
"In some condominiums, more than 70 per cent of the units are occupied by students. It does not help that many of them bring their friends back."
What's the solution?
"Unit owners, colleges and universities must be more responsible.
"If the local government enforces a limit on the number of people in one apartment, there won't be many problems," said Chong.
The Higher Education Ministry, he said, should make it a licence condition for colleges and universities to have induction courses for all foreign students.
"It must also make sure these foreign students are actually here to study and not for other activities," he said.
Kat said a lot of local residents want the management of condominiums and apartments to reduce the number of foreign students in their units.
"We've talked to the agents and asked that they find local tenants instead.
"Another strategy is to try to increase rentals in order to deter foreign students from renting apartments."
'We are not monsters'
ABDULRAHMAN Muazu loves Malaysia but is thinking of leaving the country.
"I'm thinking of studying somewhere else as I don't have any local friends here. Malaysians don't talk to us and I think they are generally afraid of us. I feel really, really bad. People treat you as if you are a monster. We are not monsters.
"I think Malaysians are shy and they don't like socialising with foreigners. I don't blame them as some foreigners have been behaving badly and giving the rest of us a bad reputation," said the 19-year-old business information systems student from Nigeria.
That the locals were not talking with him, said Abdulrahman, had affected him psychologically.
"How would you feel if people don't talk to you? I love this country but I don't really enjoy it because I don't have any friends. Even our classmates just mix with us for group discussions and studies but there is no exchanging of phone numbers or socialising after class," he said.
When asked what he would wish for from the locals, Abdulrahman said: "I think they should judge each person individually. Please don't be prejudiced. People could be good and people could be bad. Try giving us a chance."
Ibrahim Muhammad Sakanau, 23, and his brother Shafie Sakanau, 20, said Malaysians were not at all friendly to them.
"Only my brothers are my friends. It bothers me. Maybe they don't talk to us because some Nigerians are behaving arrogantly in Malaysia. Maybe they think we are all like that. I've never been invited to the homes of any Malaysian during festive seasons and my classmates only mix with me during assignments.
"It hurts me a lot. Not all of us are bad," said Ibrahim.
Their house owner, Rachael Philip, has got no problems with renting her apartment out to African students.
"They are really nice. They always ask about my children when I go and collect the rental and there's always chocolates for the children. They are also very prompt with payments and always pay two months' rent in advance.
"The apartment is also in good condition. I am lucky I have good tenants. I had a local tenant previously and I had to beg him for rental every month. I feel we must not be so quick to judge," said Rachael.
Universiti Malaya education faculty department of mathematics and science visiting lecturer, Dr Kunle Oke Oloruntegbe, said Malaysians were generally accommodating and friendly.
However, Oloruntegbe, who is from Nigeria, said it did bother him that Malaysians rarely mingled with Africans.
"Many here seem to generalise all Africans as being the same and they stay away from us."
The father of six, who arrived here in October last year, said: "I am here alone so sometimes it does get lonely for me. Even the locals at the apartment I live in do not mix with me. They are friendly and they would greet me but it ends there.
"I would like to ask Malaysians to please look at us as individuals. Judge a person based on his character, integrity and honesty, not his face."
Abdul Aziz Abba Goni said there are many Africans who come to Malaysia with good intentions.
"Do not let colour or nationality stand in the way of one's perception of a human being. I have worked hard to obtain my degree and am looking forward to a brighter future because of what Malaysian education has offered me. I believe studying here was a wise choice and I am grateful for this experience.
"I wish no harm onto my hosts. I hope more Malaysians will meet positive ambassadors in the near future," said the 25-year-old postgraduate student.
'Too many ugly incidents'
AFTER living comfortably in the same apartment in Sunway for more than 10 years, Sylvia (not real name) is now afraid to step out of her home.
"When my husband and I first moved here, it was a really decent place.
"Our neighbours were nice and friendly, and we thought it was a great place to bring up children.
"We saw ourselves swimming with our kids in the pool and pushing them on the swings in the playground."
However, all that changed.
"In August last year, I noticed an influx of African residents. I believe most of them are students from Nigeria, but it's difficult to tell.
"It's extremely intimidating, because they go about in large groups, talking loudly and drinking alcohol.
"The way they speak and stand can be very intimidating. Even the way they look at you.
"You can see that some are serious in their studies. But many others leave their apartments everyday wearing 'bling-bling'.
"The girls are no different -- you can't help but wonder whether they are here to study or party."
She said there had also been many "ugly" incidents.
"More than once, these students parked their cars in my lot. When I asked them to move, they claimed to have diplomatic immunity."
She said in the past six months, she had taken extra precautions.
"I'm more aware of my surroundings. It can get very scary being alone in the lift with a bunch of foreign students, so I wait for the next lift.
"I've even stopped my daughter from going to the swimming pool and playing on the slides.
"It's unfortunate that we are so afraid to go out of our own apartment. I own a unit but can't even enjoy the rest of the facilities."
Sylvia said the situation had got so bad that she and her family were moving out.
"It may be unfair to judge them because they could actually be really nice people."
Read more: Spotlight: African alienation http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/28avafrican-2/Article#ixzz0oqPM4bxQ
2010/05/23
Share | Scary, intimidating and rude are only some of the words used to describe Africans in Malaysia. Are we allowing a few bad apples to spoil the bunch? AUDREY VIJAINDREN and SONIA RAMACHANDRAN take a look at the issue.
MOST Malaysians are guilty of clutching their handbags a little tighter and avoiding eye contact when they spot an African.
They have, after all, been accused of committing various crimes in the country, especially black money scams.
Some have also described them as raucous and loud, and labelled them as troublemakers.
Are we allowing our prejudices to get the better of us?
Condominium, Apartment and Highrise Committee adviser Peter Chong said the general perception among Malaysians was that Africans caused trouble.
"We immediately have a negative thought when we mention them.
"In actual fact, it's our perception that is the problem. We are intimidated by their size and the way they look.
"They do cause trouble to a certain extent, but there are many other cultural differences that contribute to this.
"For example, for them, it is normal to say, 'Hello darling, how are you?', when they see a girl. But in Malaysia, that is rude and unacceptable."
Chong said the many black money scams had also contributed to this negative stigma.
"We assume that they are all bad, but that is not necessarily true. You see many of them actively involved in church music ministries.
"But this happens everywhere -- the good ones suffer because of the bad apples. Even our cab drivers suffer from this."
He said in many cases, the Africans, especially those who came here to study, were the victims.
"When African students arrive here, they need a place to stay. Because landed property is expensive, most of them end up renting apartments.
"Unfortunately, some colleges have taken advantage of this. They advertise pictures of apartments on their websites, claiming it's part of their campus.
"When the students arrive, many colleges put more than ten people in one unit, charging RM250 per person.
"But the actual rental for the unit may only be RM1,200. They are maximising the space because of greed," he said.
Malaysian Association of Private Colleges and Universities (MAPCU) president Dr Parmjit Singh said it was wrong to stereotype people.
"We must also recognise that not all the Africans in this country are students."
He said the Malaysian public had not matured enough to the level of living in a cosmopolitan environment.
"A large number of students from Africa are sponsored by their respective governments. That means, they are bound to be students who are bright and qualified for such scholarships.
"As much as we would like them to change and adjust to our culture, we should be equally ready to accept everyone from all parts of the world, in order to become an international hub for higher education."
Responsible colleges and universities, he said, had induction processes for their foreign students.
"Besides the higher learning institutions, the embassies and high commissions also play an active role in inducting students from their countries and educating them on the social norms of this country."
On renting residential units for students, he said the institutions had a major role to play.
"When we rent private residences to place our students, we play an active part in the meetings of the residential associations.
"We are willing to listen to any problems they might have with our students."
He said the number of African students in this country was not on the rise.
"It is a mature market and the population growth is from countries that are not mature."
Property management firm, VPC Alliance (PJ) senior general manager Daniel Kat, however, said there had been complaints about African students from other apartment and condominium owners.
Most complaints were over the students making noise after stipulated hours.
"I won't say all are misbehaving, but generally most of the complaints are related to breaking house rules and making noise at night.
"Some also get drunk and start misbehaving."
The problem with most of the students, he said, was that they brought their friends home to party.
"In some condominiums, more than 70 per cent of the units are occupied by students. It does not help that many of them bring their friends back."
What's the solution?
"Unit owners, colleges and universities must be more responsible.
"If the local government enforces a limit on the number of people in one apartment, there won't be many problems," said Chong.
The Higher Education Ministry, he said, should make it a licence condition for colleges and universities to have induction courses for all foreign students.
"It must also make sure these foreign students are actually here to study and not for other activities," he said.
Kat said a lot of local residents want the management of condominiums and apartments to reduce the number of foreign students in their units.
"We've talked to the agents and asked that they find local tenants instead.
"Another strategy is to try to increase rentals in order to deter foreign students from renting apartments."
'We are not monsters'
ABDULRAHMAN Muazu loves Malaysia but is thinking of leaving the country.
"I'm thinking of studying somewhere else as I don't have any local friends here. Malaysians don't talk to us and I think they are generally afraid of us. I feel really, really bad. People treat you as if you are a monster. We are not monsters.
"I think Malaysians are shy and they don't like socialising with foreigners. I don't blame them as some foreigners have been behaving badly and giving the rest of us a bad reputation," said the 19-year-old business information systems student from Nigeria.
That the locals were not talking with him, said Abdulrahman, had affected him psychologically.
"How would you feel if people don't talk to you? I love this country but I don't really enjoy it because I don't have any friends. Even our classmates just mix with us for group discussions and studies but there is no exchanging of phone numbers or socialising after class," he said.
When asked what he would wish for from the locals, Abdulrahman said: "I think they should judge each person individually. Please don't be prejudiced. People could be good and people could be bad. Try giving us a chance."
Ibrahim Muhammad Sakanau, 23, and his brother Shafie Sakanau, 20, said Malaysians were not at all friendly to them.
"Only my brothers are my friends. It bothers me. Maybe they don't talk to us because some Nigerians are behaving arrogantly in Malaysia. Maybe they think we are all like that. I've never been invited to the homes of any Malaysian during festive seasons and my classmates only mix with me during assignments.
"It hurts me a lot. Not all of us are bad," said Ibrahim.
Their house owner, Rachael Philip, has got no problems with renting her apartment out to African students.
"They are really nice. They always ask about my children when I go and collect the rental and there's always chocolates for the children. They are also very prompt with payments and always pay two months' rent in advance.
"The apartment is also in good condition. I am lucky I have good tenants. I had a local tenant previously and I had to beg him for rental every month. I feel we must not be so quick to judge," said Rachael.
Universiti Malaya education faculty department of mathematics and science visiting lecturer, Dr Kunle Oke Oloruntegbe, said Malaysians were generally accommodating and friendly.
However, Oloruntegbe, who is from Nigeria, said it did bother him that Malaysians rarely mingled with Africans.
"Many here seem to generalise all Africans as being the same and they stay away from us."
The father of six, who arrived here in October last year, said: "I am here alone so sometimes it does get lonely for me. Even the locals at the apartment I live in do not mix with me. They are friendly and they would greet me but it ends there.
"I would like to ask Malaysians to please look at us as individuals. Judge a person based on his character, integrity and honesty, not his face."
Abdul Aziz Abba Goni said there are many Africans who come to Malaysia with good intentions.
"Do not let colour or nationality stand in the way of one's perception of a human being. I have worked hard to obtain my degree and am looking forward to a brighter future because of what Malaysian education has offered me. I believe studying here was a wise choice and I am grateful for this experience.
"I wish no harm onto my hosts. I hope more Malaysians will meet positive ambassadors in the near future," said the 25-year-old postgraduate student.
'Too many ugly incidents'
AFTER living comfortably in the same apartment in Sunway for more than 10 years, Sylvia (not real name) is now afraid to step out of her home.
"When my husband and I first moved here, it was a really decent place.
"Our neighbours were nice and friendly, and we thought it was a great place to bring up children.
"We saw ourselves swimming with our kids in the pool and pushing them on the swings in the playground."
However, all that changed.
"In August last year, I noticed an influx of African residents. I believe most of them are students from Nigeria, but it's difficult to tell.
"It's extremely intimidating, because they go about in large groups, talking loudly and drinking alcohol.
"The way they speak and stand can be very intimidating. Even the way they look at you.
"You can see that some are serious in their studies. But many others leave their apartments everyday wearing 'bling-bling'.
"The girls are no different -- you can't help but wonder whether they are here to study or party."
She said there had also been many "ugly" incidents.
"More than once, these students parked their cars in my lot. When I asked them to move, they claimed to have diplomatic immunity."
She said in the past six months, she had taken extra precautions.
"I'm more aware of my surroundings. It can get very scary being alone in the lift with a bunch of foreign students, so I wait for the next lift.
"I've even stopped my daughter from going to the swimming pool and playing on the slides.
"It's unfortunate that we are so afraid to go out of our own apartment. I own a unit but can't even enjoy the rest of the facilities."
Sylvia said the situation had got so bad that she and her family were moving out.
"It may be unfair to judge them because they could actually be really nice people."
Read more: Spotlight: African alienation http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/28avafrican-2/Article#ixzz0oqPM4bxQ
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
This is Good Reading...More Water Stories
KENYATAAN MEDIA
06 APRIL, 2009 (SELASA)
PENDUDUK DIKEJAR, PEMAJU DILEPASKAN.
Saya kerap mendapat aduan dari penduduk pangsapuri yang telah dipotong bekalan air oleh Syabas kerana terdapat bil-bil yang tertunggak. Kadang kala ianya berlaku bukan akibat dari kesalahan penduduk semata-mata kerana bil-bil tersebut adalah yang ditinggalkan oleh pemaju.
Apabila penduduk mengambil alih pentadbiran pangsapuri mereka seperti dengan penubuhan JMB, mereka kadang kala menerima bil air tertunggak yang tidak dibayar oleh pemaju. Penduduk pula tidak dibenarkan membuka akaun baru dengan Syabas sehingga bil tertunggak itu dibayar sepenuhnya.
Terdapat penduduk yang mendapat bil berpuluh-puluh ribu ringgit dan bekalan air mereka akan dipotong jika mereka tidak membayar bil itu.Syabas sepatutnya menuntut bil tersebut dari pemaju bukan dari penduduk. Penduduk pula mesti dibenarkan membuka akaun yang baru.
Mungkin penduduk juga bersalah kerana tidak membayar air yang diguna kepada pemaju dan pemaju seterusnya tidak membayar kepada Syabas. Tetapi pemaju juga bersalah kerana gagal memungut hutang dari penduduk.
Syabas patut membawa pemaju ke mahkamah untuk menuntut hutang dari mereka. Pemaju pula akan menuntut hutang dari penduduk. Ini adalah lebih adil kerana mereka yang selama ini membayar bil-bil air mereka tidak akan dihukum dengan pemotongan bekalan air. Tambahan pula jika bil yang dituntut itu termasuk air yang digunakan oleh pemaju dan bukan oleh penduduk semata-mata. Rekod-rekod adalah pada pemaju maka penduduk akan terus teraniaya.
Pertukaran dari meter pukal ke meter individu atau migrasi pula akan melihat pemotongan bekalan hanya untuk mereka yang tidak membayar bil-bil mereka. Ini adalah lebih adil tetapi proses migrasi ini adalah terlalu lambat. Masih beribu-ribu penghuni perumahan berstrata masih menunggu migrasi dilakukan oleh Syabas. Migrasi ini juga membolehkan penduduk mendapat air percuma di bawah skim Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor atau MES.
Kerajaan negeri telah mencadangkan kepada Syabas agar tunggakan di meter pukal tidak perlu dibayar sekali gus jika penduduk mahu membuat migrasi. Penduduk mesti dibolehkan membayar secara ansuran.
Walau bagaimanapun jika bil-bil tunggakan ini dari ketika pangsapuri itu diuruskan oleh pemaju, Syabas mesti menuntut dari pemaju bukan dari penduduk dan membenarkan penduduk membuka akaun-akaun baru untuk meter individu mereka.
Syabas sekarang dilihat takut untuk menuntut bil-bil dari pemaju dan menuntut dari penduduk kerana penduduk boleh diugut dengan pemotogan bekalan dan mereka tidak mempunyai kemampuan untuk membawa kes mereka ke mahkamah.
Iskandar A. Samad
Exco/Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Tetap
Perumahan, Pengurusan Bangunan Dan Setinggan
Negeri Selangor
6 April 2010
06 APRIL, 2009 (SELASA)
PENDUDUK DIKEJAR, PEMAJU DILEPASKAN.
Saya kerap mendapat aduan dari penduduk pangsapuri yang telah dipotong bekalan air oleh Syabas kerana terdapat bil-bil yang tertunggak. Kadang kala ianya berlaku bukan akibat dari kesalahan penduduk semata-mata kerana bil-bil tersebut adalah yang ditinggalkan oleh pemaju.
Apabila penduduk mengambil alih pentadbiran pangsapuri mereka seperti dengan penubuhan JMB, mereka kadang kala menerima bil air tertunggak yang tidak dibayar oleh pemaju. Penduduk pula tidak dibenarkan membuka akaun baru dengan Syabas sehingga bil tertunggak itu dibayar sepenuhnya.
Terdapat penduduk yang mendapat bil berpuluh-puluh ribu ringgit dan bekalan air mereka akan dipotong jika mereka tidak membayar bil itu.Syabas sepatutnya menuntut bil tersebut dari pemaju bukan dari penduduk. Penduduk pula mesti dibenarkan membuka akaun yang baru.
Mungkin penduduk juga bersalah kerana tidak membayar air yang diguna kepada pemaju dan pemaju seterusnya tidak membayar kepada Syabas. Tetapi pemaju juga bersalah kerana gagal memungut hutang dari penduduk.
Syabas patut membawa pemaju ke mahkamah untuk menuntut hutang dari mereka. Pemaju pula akan menuntut hutang dari penduduk. Ini adalah lebih adil kerana mereka yang selama ini membayar bil-bil air mereka tidak akan dihukum dengan pemotongan bekalan air. Tambahan pula jika bil yang dituntut itu termasuk air yang digunakan oleh pemaju dan bukan oleh penduduk semata-mata. Rekod-rekod adalah pada pemaju maka penduduk akan terus teraniaya.
Pertukaran dari meter pukal ke meter individu atau migrasi pula akan melihat pemotongan bekalan hanya untuk mereka yang tidak membayar bil-bil mereka. Ini adalah lebih adil tetapi proses migrasi ini adalah terlalu lambat. Masih beribu-ribu penghuni perumahan berstrata masih menunggu migrasi dilakukan oleh Syabas. Migrasi ini juga membolehkan penduduk mendapat air percuma di bawah skim Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor atau MES.
Kerajaan negeri telah mencadangkan kepada Syabas agar tunggakan di meter pukal tidak perlu dibayar sekali gus jika penduduk mahu membuat migrasi. Penduduk mesti dibolehkan membayar secara ansuran.
Walau bagaimanapun jika bil-bil tunggakan ini dari ketika pangsapuri itu diuruskan oleh pemaju, Syabas mesti menuntut dari pemaju bukan dari penduduk dan membenarkan penduduk membuka akaun-akaun baru untuk meter individu mereka.
Syabas sekarang dilihat takut untuk menuntut bil-bil dari pemaju dan menuntut dari penduduk kerana penduduk boleh diugut dengan pemotogan bekalan dan mereka tidak mempunyai kemampuan untuk membawa kes mereka ke mahkamah.
Iskandar A. Samad
Exco/Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Tetap
Perumahan, Pengurusan Bangunan Dan Setinggan
Negeri Selangor
6 April 2010
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