TAMAN DESA PHASE 1 GUARDED NEIGHBOURHOOD SECURITY SCHEME- RENEWAL NOTICE

12^th September 2011                                                                                             Circular No. 4/2011

Dear Fellow Phase 1 Residents,

We are pleased to inform that our Guarded Neighbourhood Security Scheme for Phase 1 has been re-implemented successfully starting from 01^st April 2011 under Taman Desa Phase 1 Residents Association and more than five (5) months passed by without any incidents. The committee’s members manage to reinstall all CCTV Equipment that Taman Desa Residents Association had removed. This was made possible by contribution collected from TDP1RA committee members.

In addition to the above, we are in process of re-implementation of the Security SOP which was interrupted. This will include a detailed review of the Security Terms of Reference to ensure that we get the best possible levels of Security Services. Some major changes on improving the security level within the “Guarded Neighbourhood”has been drawn out and we are waiting for final approval from the authorities before it can be implemented.

We urge you to join the Association. YOUR participation as a MEMBER is necessary for TDP1RA to be strong and to effectively represent the interests of the Residents of Phase 1 Taman Desa. Membership in TDP1RA is open to ALL RESIDENTS of Phase 1 Taman Desa.

Membership Category	Entrance Fee	Annual Subscription
ORDINARY MEMBER (individual)	RM10.00	RM12.00
LIFE MEMBER (Individual)	RM100.00	NIL

To make it easy for you, we attach the following forms for your further action:

1. Taman Desa Phase 1 Residents Association (TDP1RA) Membership Application Form
2. Guarded Neighbourhood Security Scheme Subscription Form

Both forms, once completed, can be dropped off together with your cheques with the respective Street Leaders listed.

We look forward to your continued support. To make it effective and transparent, we are enclosing the statement of expenditure account for the guarded neighbourhood. Residents that have paid yearly subscription will still be required to submit this form to obtain the new stickers as New Design Car Windscreen Display Stickers will be issued

Thank you

Yours faithfully

JACK LEW

President 

TAMAN DESA PHASE 1 RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

NEIGHBOURHOOD SECURITY PROGRAM

Statement of Income and Expenditure For 4 Months

1 April to 31 July 2011

No	Particulars	Total	Administrative RM	Security Management (RM)	Security Maintenance (RM)	Capital Item (RM)
	Income	214,944.90		214,944.90
1	Subscriptions from Residents	17,000.00				17,000.00
2	Contribution from Phase 1 Residents to make good CCTV System
		231,944.90	-	231,944.90		17,000.00	231,944.90
	Expenditure
1	Stamp Duty	7.50	7.50
2	Security Charges	90,390.28		90,390.28
3	Repair and Replacement of Equipment	4,420.00			4,420.00
4	Electricity and Water	2,952.25			2,952.25
5	Printing and Stationary	4,219.80	4,219.80
6	General Expenses (Digitool)	2,200.00				2,200.00
7	Replace CCTV Equipment Remove by TDRA	12,474.00				12,474.00
		116,663.83	4,227.30	90,390.28	7,372.25	14,674.00	116,663.83
	Surplus/ (Deficit) as at 31st July 2011	115,281.07	(4,227.30)	124,554.62	(7,372.25)	2,326.00	115,281.07

Taman Desa Phase 1 Residents Voluntary Patrolling During Hari Raya Puasa - Merdeka Holidays

TDP1RA organized the above which was carried out for 3 nights between 11.00pm and 2.00am on 29 to 31 Aug 2011.

Volunteers numbered between 6 on the first night and 14 on the last night. It was a last minute arrangement made in view of the large number of residents who took advantage of the long holidays to go away. For those who were around, it was an opportunity to improve communal relations as well as a Crime Prevention / Deterrent activity during what is normally a “hot” period for petty crimes.

No incidents or untoward events were noted during this patrol. However it was a good session for those who participated to get to know each other better and also get some good old fashioned exercise by just walking.

More confident of police role in ensuring safety

Brickfields deputy police chief Superintendent Aida Abdul Hamid meeting residents of a housing area for feedback on crime-related issues.                                       

2011/08/23: TNS Research International has found through its survey that the index for fear of crime among Malaysians has improved.

The market survey company saw a decrease in fear of vehicle crime, although further containment was seen as needed against robberies, burglaries and other violent crimes. 

                                                                 

"Malaysians'    fear    of    crime    index   has   improved  from 52  per cent (November  last year  to January)  to  48.9  per  cent   (March  to May).

"The survey saw a decrease in all categories, especially vehicle-related crimes (from 53.8 per cent in January to 49.2 in May," it said.

It further revealed that women were consistently more concerned about crime compared with men (60.3 per cent against 38.3 per cent).

"Among Indians and Chinese, the fear of crime dropped to 49.2 per cent and 37.5 per cent respectively. Malays and other Bumiputeras, however, are still concerned about becoming victims to robberies and burglaries, although their fear level decreased in vehicle and violent crimes," it said.

The survey also found that urbanites were less worried about crime compared with rural folk (48.7 per cent against 50.9 per cent).

Pemandu had commissioned TNS Research International to conduct the survey in December 2009, and it had monitor the trend every four months.

The survey was conducted with a sample size of 1,212 respondents aged 18 years and above who were randomly picked proportionately according to state distribution.

The method used was face-to-face interviews.

TNS Research International Malaysia chairman John Smurthwaite said police efforts in reducing the fear of being a victim of crime had seen improvement and registered more favourable responses from the people.

"It is good to see improvements and continuous reduction in fear of crime over the past year."

Pemandu's Crime National Key Results Area (NKRA) director, Eugene Teh, commended the police for executing and implementing the various initiatives spelt out under the Crime NKRA of the Government Transformation Programme (GTP).

"The continuous decrease in the overall level of fear of becoming a victim of crime shows that we are on the right track in ensuring that the people feel safer. But we will not rest on our laurels. We will take note of areas that can be improved."

Security companies reminded not to hire foreigners as guards

13 August 2011: KUALA LUMPUR: Security companies in the country have been reminded not to hire foreign workers as security guards at any premises.

Association of Professional Security Agencies (ASPA) president Datuk Mustapha Ali said companies still employing foreigners can be fined under the Private Agencies Act 1971.

"There is no need for foreign workers in the security industry because there are many local workers who can serve as security guards.

"Why do we still take in foreigners to take care of us and our homes? Are we confident with the training and experience they have? It is an offence to hire foreign workers as security guards," he said Thursday, when asked comment on the need to employ foreign labour to the point of incurring expenses to the Government in terms of management and costs.

Mustapha, who is also Security Services Association of Malaysia (PPKKM) deputy president, wants all quarters including residential management not to compromise or use foreigners as security guards.

"We know foreign labour is cheaper than local but we must remember that lower cost does not necessarily promise security.

"We don't know the background of foreign workers and should they be arrested by police or Immigration, their employers can be charged. If anything happens, who will take responsibility?" said Mustapha, adding this differed from the construction sector which needed more foreign workers for national development. - Bernama

Boomgates need not be dismantled

Faizal Nor Izham

Friday, August 5th, 2011 11:04:00

CITY HALL has clarified that resident' associations (RAs) which have put up security barriers at access roads leading into their neighbourhoods need not bring them down for the time being.

Its Urban Transport Department deputy director, Abdul Hamid Surip, says whether the barriers remain depends on the approval of City Hall, which will take about four weeks.

"Until then, the situation in each neighbourhood will be allowed to remain," he says when clarifying a Hotline report yesterday the RAs have to bring the barriers down immediately, pending City Hall's approval of their application.

It was reported that of the 97 guarded communities in Kuala Lumpur, 67 are awaiting approval from City Hall for their proposed security measures.

City Hall will meet the residents' association of the 67 communities in stages. The first meeting, with 15 RAs, was held on Wednesday

Barriers must go

RAs told to comply until City Hall approval obtained

Faizal Nor Izham

Thursday, August 4th, 2011 12:34:00

CITY HALL has ordered 15 residents' associations (RAs) in Kuala Lumpur to dismantle all obstructions blocking entrances into their neighbourhoods pending council approval.

The order was issued yesterday during a meeting between City Hall officials and representatives from the 15 RAs at the council headquarters in Jalan Raja Laut.

During the meeting, the council's Urban Transport Department deputy director, Abdul Hamid Surip, said City Hall is expected to take up to four weeks to approve applications on security measures submitted by the guarded communities.

The communities whose applications are successful will then be allowed to reinstate the barriers.

Abdul Hamid advised the RAs to abide by the order to avoid further conflict with residents who oppose the obstructions.

All the barriers are to be removed immediately and City Hall will dismantle any found to be remaining.

Abdul Hamid said that under Section 46 (1) (d) of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974, obstructions are forbidden to be set up in public areas without proper authorisation.

"City Hall is fully supportive of what the RAs are trying to do. However, we want to ensure it is done properly under our new set of guidelines."

To achieve this, each RA was requested to fill in City Hall's official application form to implement new neighbourhood security schemes.

An 80 per cent vote of approval from residents is necessary for each request to be processed.
"The guidelines will offer a consistent set of criteria for the implementation of guardhouses, boom gates and security guards," Abdul Hamid said.

In addition to representatives from the 15 RAs, those present at the meeting included police and Fire and Rescue Department representatives, who voiced their support of the proposed security measures.

City Hall will organise similar meetings for the second and third batches of RAs after Hari Raya, Abdul Hamid said.

"This process will have to be done in stages since there are so many (applicants).

"We will inspect their neighbourhoods and discuss the guidelines with each RA individually. The sooner the applications are done, the sooner they will be processed."

Yesterday, Hotline reported 97 guarded communities have been identified in Kuala Lumpur.

On July 19, Hotline highlighted the concerns of a Taman Desa Phase One resident who was unhappy that four of the six entrances into the residential area were blocked.

The resident said this not only posed inconvenience to the residents but may possibly be a hindrance in case of emergencies.

This was refuted by the Phase One RA committee, who said the security measures were put up to curb crime.

City Hall responded by saying it only accorded the RA approval for guardhouses for three access roads.

RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATIONS TAKE CASE TO CITY HALL

"EACH RA is requested to fill in City Hall's official application form to implement new neighbourhood security schemes. An 80 per cent vote of approval from residents is also necessary for each request to be processed. Our guidelines will offer a consistent set of criteria for the implementation of guardhouses, boomgates and security guards. We advise RAs to abide by the order to avoid further conflict with residents who oppose the obstructions." — ABDUL HAMID SURIP, City Hall Urban Transport Department deputy director

"WE want City Hall to observe the situation in each neighbourhood individually and not just purely abide by the rules and regulations. According to recent newspaper reports, six cases of crime were reported to have occurred in the Taman Desa area within the past three weeks. Prior to this, Phase One RA's security measures have been strict and efficientlyorganised, resulting in zero instances of crime in the past six months. We also hope City Hall will take the necessary steps to ensure the guidelines will be localised to each individual neighbourhood." — M. GUNASEKAR, Taman Desa Phase One RA committee member

"THE government must recognise local initiatives to ensure neighbourhood safety and should play a role themselves. It would be ideal if City Hall allows our security measures to continue and monitor our activities so they can see this for themselves. We wish to highlight that the new set of City Hall guidelines were created without any prior dialogue with the RAs. Furthermore, how can we be sure if the complaints against these measures are even from residents? They could be from anyone." — PHILIP PHANG, Taman Desa Rukun Tetangga secretary

RAs AT THE MEETING WITH CITY HALL

IN all, 67 guarded communities in KL are expected to hold meetings with City Hall. Among those present yesterday were representatives from the RAs of:

• Taman Desa Phase One
• Taman Sri Petaling
• Taman Bangsar
• Taman Batu Permai
• Taman Kepong Baru
• Taman Sejahtera
• Lake Fields, Sungai Besi
• Taman Tun Dr Ismail
• Bukit Bandaraya
• Taman Bukit Indah

Decision day

Taman Desa Phase One Residents' Association to know fate of security barriers
Faizal Nor Izham
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011 10:45:00

TODAY is D-day for the residents of Taman Desa Phase One.

City Hall is to decide if Taman Desa Phase One will be allowed to retain its guardhouses and barriers placed at four out of six access roads in and out of the neighbourhood.

City Hall Urban Transport Department deputy director Abdul Hamid Surip tells Hotline the council will be meeting with the Taman Desa Phase One Residents’ Association (RA) today, along with 19 other guarded communities, which are awaiting approval to their application to implement the new security measures in their respective neighbourhoods.

Abdul Hamid explains that during the meeting, the communities will be briefed about City Hall’s new set of neighbourhood security guidelines.

According to Abdul Hamid, the duration between an application and its approval is usually one month.

"Within that period of time, we will ask them to remove all obstacles blocking the roads. Enforcement action will be taken if they fail to comply."

Previously on July 19, Hotline had highlighted a resident’s complaint that Phase One RA, which was formed after members of the original residents association could not agree over fees for security guards, had closed the four entrances from 10pm to 6am daily to save cost.

According to the complainant, resident much travel further in order to exit the area and they fear rescue services and ambulances would have trouble gaining entry in cases of an emergency.
It was also alleged the newly-formed RA have yet to receive approval from the authorities to put up the road barriers.

In response, City Hall said it has only accorded Taman Desa Phase One RA approval for guardhouses only three of Taman Desa's access roads -- Jalan Desa Damai, Jalan Desa Ria and Jalan Desa Permai. while guardhouses for roads leading into Jalan Desa Aman, Jalan Desa Setia and Jalan Desa Murni have yet to be approved.

The council had told Hotline conditions set by the approvals do not allow any obstacles to remain on these entrances until guards have been allocated for them, and action will be taken against any such obstacles.

Its Corporate Communications Unit head Anwar Mohammad Zain said the Neighbourhood Coordination and Control Committee (JPKK), established last June 14 is carrying out a screening programme for all areas that are yet to be approved.

However, on July 21, Phase One RA insisted its decision to place security barriers was because of rampant crime occurring in the neighbourhood.

KUALA LUMPUR'S GUARDED COMMUNITIES

• 97 guarded communities have been identified in Kuala Lumpur.
• Of these, 30 have City Hall approval.
• The remaining 67 are awaiting authorisation of its intended security measures.
• City Hall will be meeting the 67 guarded communities in stages, beginning with 20 today, including Taman Desa Phase One.

Caught on Camera

On 13 July 2011, residents and committee members caught a pair of Indian men dropping off photocopies of the abovementioned Harian Metro report into post boxes of Phase 1 residences. Upon confronting them, they revealed that they were paid to do the job and subsequently a Police Report was filed as one of the 2 became violent and threatened the life of a resident!

On 19 July 2011, Malay Mail Hotline acting on a Complaint by one Lina Koh reported under the heading “Access blocked” stating that 4 out of 6 access points to Phase 1 Taman Desa are blocked.

At approximately 3.00pm on the same day, a man (most probably the Driver acting instructions) in a silver colored Mercedes Benz E-Class was seen distributed photocopies of the abovementioned Malay Mail report at Jalan Desa Murni and Lorong Desa Murni 2. This event has been recorded on several CCTV systems with the registration no. of the vehicle.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE BY TAMAN DESA PHASE 1 RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION ON
19 JULY 2011

SUBJECT MATTER: TAMAN DESA PHASE 1 GUARDED NEIGHBOURHOOD

On 7 July 2011, Harian Metro had implied in its news report under the heading “ Menyusahkan…” that the Guraded Security Scheme managed by Taman Desa Phase 1 Association (TDP1RA) is illegal and an inconvenience to residents living in the area.

On 16 July 2011, Harian Metro published another story on the same subject matter stating that the closure of roads with guards is to deter crime. This report was published after Harian Metro obtained feedback from TDP1RA.

On 16 July 2011, Sin Chew Jit Poh reported in a headline that 6 burglaries in 3 weeks had occurred in Taman Desa. The news report also featured a photo and statement by the President of Taman Desa Residents Association (TDRA) who claimed that these break-ins / burglary are work of people who are carrying out contracting work and/or even live within the community.

Today, 19 July 2011, Malay Mail Hotline acting on a Public Complaint reported under the heading “Access blocked” stating that 4 out of 6 access points to Phase 1 Taman Desa are blocked.

In the same day’s publication, Malay Mail carried a news report under the heading in its main new section “Community Policing at Taman Desa Phase 1 Lauded”.

This Official Press Release serves to provide clarity on the above subject matters which has omitted certain material information and/or contain certain inaccuracies.

1. Taman Desa is housing estate that development started in 1975 and first occupancy was in 1977.
2. Taman Desa geographically is divided into 2 Phases demarcated by Faber Plaza, the Commercial Centre. Phase 2 development started in 1978 and was ready for occupancy in 1979
3. Taman Desa Residents Association (TDRA) was formed in 1977, primarily by Phase 1 residents of that time.
4. Taman Desa Phase 1 Residents Association (TDP1RA) was formed on 23 March 2011. The formation of TDP1RA essentially places Phase 1 Taman Desa under the jurisdiction of TDP1RA.
5. Phase 1 Taman Desa has a total of 384 units of landed dwellings. Phase 2 has 574.
6. There are 6 entry points into the “inner cluster” Phase 1.
7. There are also 6 entry points into the “inner cluster” of Phase 2.
8. TDRA had initiated a Mobile Patrolling program for Taman Desa which discontinued in 2009 in Phase 1 and July 2010 in Phase 2. The discontinuation was attributed to lack of subscription (Phase 1) and ineffectiveness (Phase 2). During the mobile patrolling scheme, robberies, muggings, break-ins, car thefts and other petty crimes continued to be rampant.
9. In April 2010 at the initiative of several residents and under the auspices of TDRA, Phase 1 started a pilot Guarded Community scheme covering 3 streets within the inner circle of Phase 1. This Pilot scheme was successful and by 15 July 2010, this scheme was extended to the whole of Taman Desa.
10.Due to manpower issues, Phase 2 on 8 September 2011 decided to go with guards of foreign nationality whilst Phase 1 residents insisted on using guards of Malaysian nationality. This was the beginning of a series of conflicts due to the differing opinion as to how the Guarded Community Security Scheme should operate.
11.DBKL following the issuance of Guidelines on Guarded and Gated Communities by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government in September 2010 requires ALL Guarded Security Scheme come under the auspices of a Residents Association.
12.Kawasan Rukun Tetangga Taman Desa (KRTTD) was formed in December 2011 to complement the Guarded Security Scheme managed by TDRA which, Phase 1 residents feel was inadequate.
13.Matters reached an impasse in January 2010. Several Phase 1 residents then went on to register for the formation of Taman Desa Phase 1 Residents Association with the primary objective of taking over the management of the Phase 1 Guarded Community Scheme.
14.TDP1RA was officially registered on 23 March 2011.
15.TDP1RA IMMEDIATELY went to the ground to secure residents’ support for the Guarded Security Scheme which TDRA had attempted to abandon on grounds of “lack of subscription & financial support”.
16.Between 23 March 2011 and 30 Jun 2011, TDP1RA secured over Between 23 March 2011 and 30 Jun 2011, TDP1RA secured over 60% residences’ subscription to the Guarded Community Scheme. The number has since grown to above 70% and growing.
17.The Official Crime Record for Taman Desa Phase 1 shows that since 1 April 2010 till 22 March 2011, there was only ONE incident of crime and that too – involved a NON-SUBSCIBER. From 23 March 2011 to present, there have been ZERO incidences of crime.
18.TDP1RA holds to the following principles:
a. Residents Safety and Security is its primary objective.
b. Pro-active in implementing Security and Safety Programs by ENGAGING ALL relevant authorities.
c. Community building is essential towards a Safe and Secure environment for residents
d. All efforts must be demonstrated by ACTION.
19.Prior to introducing the Guarded Security Scheme, TDP1RA had engaged and sought the support of the Police, Bomba and the local Medical Centre.
20.With the support obtained, TDP1RA submitted its Official Application to DBKL in March 2011 seeking for the validation of the Guarded Security Scheme. Please note that DBKL formed its JPKK only on 14 June 2011.
21.Every guard post in Phase 1 is equipped with 4 nos. CCTV cameras linked to a digital recording system. All posts are also well lit with lights coming on from 7.00pm till 7.00am.
22.ALL guard posts are manned between 6.00am and 10.00pm. At any one time, there are 2 security officers equipped with motorbikes for patrolling and emergency response.
23.TDP1RA closes 4 out of 6 entrances from 10.00pm till 6.00am. The entrances are closed WITH clear signage and are NEVER locked.
24.Subscribers are identified by having a Security Surveillance Tag placed at the gate and cars are issued with stickers.
25.Vehicles without stickers entering the guarded area are required to stop and verified before being allowed into the guarded area. Verification involves having the license plate recorded as well as for the CCTV to capture the image of vehicle entering.
26.TDP1RA welcomes Bona Fide visitors to Phase 1 Taman Desa. TDP1RA :
a. Does NOT bar anyone from entering the guarded area unless there is evidence of malicious intent.
b. Works closely with all relevant agencies.
c. Works based on the voice of the majority.
d. Works with a holistic view of creating a safe and secure neighborhood and community building.
e. Believes that people / person(s) / groups who have selfish and/or malicious intentions would want to see the “opening up” of Phase 1 to criminal and/or mischievous elements.
27.The performance and crime incidents as reported by the press speak for itself. TDP1RA will continue to strive for a Crime Free Phase 1

With the above, we trust that the Press and Public in general will have a clearer perspective of the actual situation. We hope that the Press will provide a fair and balanced report in this matter.

Thank you

Yours faithfully

JACK LEW SAU KUAN
President

19 July 2011

AN OPEN LETTER IN RESPONSE TO MS. LINA KOH COMPLAINT TO HOTLINE MALAY MAIL ON 19 JULY 2011 TITLED “ACCESS BLOCKED”

21 July 2011

Ms Lina Koh
Taman Desa Resident

AN OPEN LETTER IN RESPONSE TO YOUR COMPLAINT TO HOTLINE MALAY MAIL ON 19 JULY 2011 TITLED “ACCESS BLOCKED”

The above matter refers and as a fellow resident of the Taman Desa Community it is regrettable that you have chosen to go the press without first attempting to seek clarification from the Committee. We are therefore left with no choice but to respond directly to you in this form.

1. CLOSURE OF GATES
The 4 gates are closed from 10.00pm till 6.00am daily and not as you have claimed and/or reported in the Malay Mail Hotline. This has been the practice for almost a year since when TDRA was managing the Security Scheme. The gates although closed are NOT LOCKED and there is signage to guide traffic. The closure is NOT motivated by cost considerations.

2. SPLITTING UP OF TAMAN DESA INTO TWO(2) PHASES
The split was created by TDRA when they demarcated Taman Desa into Phase 1 and 2 for Security Management. TDP1RA was formed to manage Phase 1 Security Services as required by the Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. The primary cause of the split was TDRA insistence on using foreign manpower as guards. We at Phase 1 are TOTALLY against this idea. On hindsight, we have been proven right. Please do remember that the TDP1RA Committee members work on voluntary basis. People do not just form an association for fun or out of spite. There’s no smoke without fire.

3. OFFERING OF DISCOUNT TO RESIDENTS
The offering of discount is the prerogative of the RA which has a Committee. The Committee members are joint and severally responsible for the management and administration of the Association as well as whatever funds collected for whatever purposes. TDRA and many other associations do the same.

4. OVERALL COMPLAINTS AND COMMENTS
We are surprised that all these while you have chosen not to approach us directly to air your grouses. It may be coincidental that your complaint comes at a time when Phase 2 Taman Desa is facing a massive spate of security breaches and Phase 1 having a ZERO incident record. We trust you are enjoying a peace of mind with the present security setup. As such, you would want the security scheme to continue to be successful wouldn’t you?

We have weekly meetings on Friday nights at the Community Centre and EVERYONE regardless of whether they are a member or not so long as they are a bona fide resident of Phase1 Taman Desa are welcome to come and give their 2 sen worth.

We trust the above adequately addresses your complaint and we look forward to your participation.

Yours Sincerely,

Jack Lew

TDP1RA President