WORKSHOP ON URBAN POVERTY, PUBLIC POLICY & COMMUNITY BASED DEVELOPMENT

WORKSHOP ON URBAN POVERTY, PUBLIC POLICY

&COMMUNITY BASED DEVELOPMENT

Organised by COMMACT Malaysia, Economics Faculty

& the Institute for Ethnic Studies (KITA), UKM

Date:                Dec 19, 2013 (Thursday)

Time:                9am to 5pm

Venue:             

Bilik Bankuasi,  Aras 1, Bangunan Pentadbiran Kolej Keris Mas Universiti   Kebangsaan   Malaysia  43600 Bangi  Selangor Darul Ehsan

 

Objectives

To discuss public policy concerns for urban poor communities from a people centred perspective which places people at the heart of development

To review contemporary public policies and also socio-economic programs among the urban poor

To review the impact of urban development on the improvement of quality of life, community cohesion and harmony in the context of prosperity, harmony and happiness

 

Tentative Program

9.30am to 10. 30am                   Welcome& Key note address:

                                               

People Centre Development as the Core thrust of Public Policy

                                                By Prof Datuk Yusof Kasim, President COMMACT Malaysia

10.30am to 11.30am                  Urban Development Polices & Malaysian Society

By Mr Mohd Shukri Hajinoor (Commact Malaysia & UKM Econ Faculty)

 

11.30am to 12.30noon                Urban Poor Communities: Issues, challenges& possibilities

                                                By Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria (KITA-UKM)

 

Morning session Moderator:        Mr Kon Onn Sein (YKPM)

12.30noon to 2pm                      Lunch Break

2.00pm to 3.00pm                      Case Study: Community Organising and urban poor communities

                                                Mrs Jasmine Adaickalam  (Community c codes)

 

3.00pm to 4.00pm                      Case Study: Cooperatives and People Centre Development

Mr Mohd Asri Abdullah (Commact Malaysia & Abim Youth cooperative)

 

4.00pm to 5.00pm     Bridging Public Policies and Program Delivery – The way forward

                                               

Datuk Abdullah Malim Baginda (Commact)

Dr Hezeri Adnan (ISIS)

Yb Rajiv Rishakaran (Adun Bukit Gasing)

 

Afternoon session Moderator       Ms Mae Tan Siew Mann (Commact)

 

Tea/Refreshments

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for details and registration : puan suhana Bahtiartel 03 89213680/4641. email-

suhanabahtiar@yahoo.com

Institut Kajian Etnik (KITA)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
43600 Bangi
Selangor Darul Ehsan

URBAN POVERTY & COMMUNITY RESPONSES

Progress Report (June to September 2013)

ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT

1          Discussion session                                         

A series of 8 discussions we organised:- Big gathering on June 2, 2013 at Dignity International PJ.  Follow up discussions:- June 19 on developing a monitoring mechanism (UKM).  All other discussions at GII, Brickfields, KL.  On June 23, 2013 on Crime & gangs; also on poverty & low income. On June 30 on Human rights & democracy; also on income generation opportunities. On 7 July, 2013 on education & a review meeting.  

2        Blog                                                                

 A blog was created to post basic information:- http://forumonurbanpoverty.blogspot.com/

3          Field Visits                                                      

A  series of 5 field visits to urban poor flat neighbourhoods were organised:- On July 21, 2013 to Sri Pulai Flats at Balakong; on July 29, 2013 Simpang Lima Tamil School; on August 25, 2013 to Desa Mentari (Block 10); on Sept 8, 2013 at KRT Rumah Pangsa, Taman Harmoni, Buntong; on Sept 25, 2013 visit to Temeggong Flats, Kulai & meeting EWRF Kulai district.

4          Field Visits                                                      

Dialogue with agencies – on August 27, 2013 visit and dialogue with Crime Prevention Department at Bukit Aman. Sept 18, 2013 presentation of the UKM urban poor neighbourhood study to JPNIN Director General at IKLIN, Nilai (9 neighbourhoods)

GENERAL FINDINGS

1          Urban poor – Flat dweller in low cost flats      
A
majority of low income and urban poor families reside in high rise flats. These are high density neighbourhoods with large numbers of Indian families living within walking distance of each other.

2          Needy Communities                                        

These are the most ‘needy communities’ but very few voluntary organisations working at the neighbourhood level in building the local community leadership & capacity building ie building self-help, self-reliance and self-empowerment (citizens’ rights & responsibilities, democracy, human rights & voters rights). There seems to be lots of conflicts at the neighbourhood level and not cohesive communities.

3          Multiple level interventions needed                 

Multiple level intervention is needed including family counselling and support; neighbourhood organisation; assistance toward educational achievement (preschool to post-secondary); skills training and character development to the academically weak; business training, access to credit; employment opportunities; citizens empowerment program (human rights, democracy, legal rights & advocacy); confidence building & awareness to access public sector services

4          Structural Issues                                             

These communities are impacted by many structural neglect and inadequate public facilities (absence of local government elections, lack of halls, community facilities, infrastructure weakness such as maintenance issues as  they must pay for the services and very little public funding to maintain public space unlike rural districts.

5          Public sector disconnect                                 

Public agencies do not have a good appreciation of the urban poor Indian complex situation as it tends to be mono cultural officers on cultural, history of disadvantage, understanding of socio-psychology make up of local communities

Public agencies and institutions don’t have a good presence at these neighbourhood a problem similar to Malay communities except that local authorities tends to provide space for Surau, a kindergarten managed by Kemas and a meeting room for residence committee. Malay communities seem to be better connected with the public sector services and seem better organised at the local community level.

6          NGO weakness                                    

NGOs lack of coordination and cooperation among them each doing their projects with little cumulative impact at the grassroots.

7          Wrong expectations                                        

NGO activity seems to come from outside and the urban poor residents tend to have become passive recipients. Lots of expectation for ‘hand outs’ and also a deep sense of disconnect with other communities and especially of provisions of the government (lacking awareness, confidence to access services)

FUTURE POSSIBILITIES

1          Focus of this informal network                        

This informal network of concern citizens to focus on urban poor neighbourhoods and seek to mobilise voluntary support, facilitate NGO coordination and not duplicate the services, access public sector provision and undertake impact assessment and documentation.

2          New Structure ?                                              

Is there a need to form a NEW Society to coordinate these efforts? Need for funding for sustainability of this project. The current work is coordinated as an action research project of KITA-UKM

3          New Networking                                              

Ministry of Youth & Sports (KBS) has launched a socio economic agenda to assist high risk youths in crime and gangs through counselling, intervention at schools, skills training, micro credit and micro business development, participation in youth organisations and sports and games. A pilot project will be launch at 2 to 3 urban poor neighbourhoods in WPKL and we could assist this initiative. Project is undertaken as a national project and target oriented from a community based intervention strategy.

Our informal group could recruit the support of all Indian based organisations to be partners with KBS

4          New Networking                                              

Department of National Unity & Integration (JPNIN) has asked KITA-UKM to assist in the solving of the problems identified in the first phase of the study at 9 urban poor neighbourhoods. The effort here is to work with the local RT leaders and liaise with all the relevant agencies to solve local problems. Also to mobilise the local community within in a ‘Program Sayangi Komuniti’

Our informal group could mobilise all Indian based social organisations with their specific focus to assist in the reach out to Indian families in the above two projects. If we link up we might be able to reach out to about 10 to 12 densely populated neighbourhoods

---------------------------------
Reflections by Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria. Principal Research Fellow, Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA), UKM

Merdeka Celebrations at Taman Harmoni, Buntong, Ipoh

Residents of Taman Harmoni in Buntong, Ipoh celebrated Merdeka day on Sunday Sept 8, 2013 with a special children’s colouring contest and jigsaw puzzle competition.

About 200 children and adults gathered at the flats to undertake this program to instil patriotism for the nation.

The uniqueness of the program was the multi ethnic nature where Malay and Indian children living in the neighbourhood participated together.

The newly established RT in the public flats area headed by Ms K. Helen  and Mr P. Mathew serving as secretary mobilised the total community for active involvement.

The Department of National Unity and the Department of Information provided support. The team from Kuala Lumpur comprised of Prof KS Nathan, Dato Siva Subramanium and Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria. Ms Hajar Ahamed, the Deputy State National Unity Director was also present to grace the event.

This is a very good example of families in this neighbourhood coming together to organise and run this program. It provides a fresh sense of appreciation of Independence history and to recognise the progress we have made together as communities in this land. The program ended with price giving for three best coloured Merdeka drawings and the three fastest assembled jigsaw.

Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria has made two previous visits to Taman Harmoni in conjunction with the community needs survey and focus group discussions with local residents. One major issue which haunts this area is crime and the presence of gang groups. Many of the drawings and symbols which were visible before have been removed.

While this can be regarded as a very successful community based program, however one glaring absence at the program were young people. A majority were children and adults. There is a need to reach out to young people especially in locations like these where they are at risk to social problems and issues in society.

The KL team also visited the Buntong Community Centre established by Helen and Mathew nearby the flats which provides regular tuition classes, daily service centre on meeting needs and also micro business training. This is a neighbourhood centre in the Buntong area where there are many community needs and concerns.

Discussion among stakeholders on URBAN POVERTY AND COMMUNITY RESPONSES

Date:                Sept. 29, 2013 (Sunday)

Time:                2.30pm to 6.00pm

Venue:              Global Indian Secondary School, 242, Lorong Sultan Abdul Samad, Kuala Lumpur

On June 2, 2013 about 35 of us gathered in a discussion on ‘Inclusive Development and the Indian Community’. Since then we have had 6 small group discussions on specific issues and also a number of field visits to urban poor high rise flat neighbourhoods.

We have created a blog - http://forumonurbanpoverty.blogspot.com/ which documents brief reports and pictures of these events. Please view these to review the work done as well as to inform us on what is the next course of action and response.

In recent days with the news on rise of gang fights, shootings and the Home Affairs information on the ethnic breakdown of gangs reveal an alarming figure of 71.7% of gang members from the Indian community. The figures given are 28, 926 Indians are directly involved in gang related activities.

The community responses to this news have been diverse. Some want tough Police action on crime and gang activities, so as to ensure safety and security. Some are questioning these figures as racial profiling. Others have called for a balanced approach for tough action on crime through strengthening law and order approaches on the one hand but at the same time addressing socio-economic deprivation on the other hand. It is felt that one can approach this issue from a needs based and human rights approach.

It is in this context that we need to seek a national and comprehensive approach to solving gang related crime in Malaysian society. The approach is not to ethicise crime but to find solutions which will address both personal and structural issues bringing short term and long term solutions.

The macro policy implications rest on Urban Poverty which is given very low priority in public policy discussions. The current delivery agencies at Federal, State and local government levels are not addressing the local issues and concerns pertaining to crime, violence and gangs in urban poor communities in Malaysia.

There needs to be a dynamic response from the community which should seeks to address community concerns not from an ethnic perspective but from a national one using public funds and community funds.

Multiple interventions focusing on crime prevention among high risk youths is needed. At the same time an effective rehabilitation and aftercare program is essential to find long term solutions to crime, gangs and violence which have tremendous impact on both family and neighbourhood systems. These require moving beyond a law and order approach to be inclusive of addressing socio-economic needs. In addition the issues pertaining to urban poverty, inequality, displacement, alienation and equality of opportunities must be addressed.

Please confirm participation at jayasooriadenison@gmail.com

For directions please contact Mr Krishna Kumar of GIIS, Brickfields at 016 2257320

Field visit to Desa Mentari by Summer Academy students

Summer Academy participants at Block 10 of Desa Mentari, Petaling Jaya 

Participants of the Summer Academy at UKM visited urban poor communities at Desa Mentari, Petaling Jaya on August 29, 2013 as part of the course to understand the socio-economic rights of communities living in high rise low cost flats.

A majority of the 14 students were from Europe and in particular Germany found the field visit an eye opener. They found it early to relate with the people from the flats and there was a lively discussion including Q and A session. The flat communities too were appreciative of the students visit.

Block 10 -Desa Mentari

At Block 10 of Desa Menteri, Mr Suliman Bin Sahak (Local RT community leader), Mr James (Local Indian community leader) and Mr Maran met and spoke to the summer academy visitors. In addition Datuk Vaithilingam and Dato Siva Subrmanium also met up with the summer academy participants and shared some thoughts of minority community rights.

Summer participants at Block 5 of Desa Mentari, Petaling Jaya

Block 5- Desa Mentari

At Block 5 of Desa Menteri, Mr Nathan (Local RT community leader) together with the local community welcomed the academy participants. Many of the local residents including young people  shared their experiences including their hopes and dreams. Mrs Rina Harun, the district national unity officer was present at both the gatherings.

This is the second time KITA-UKM was host to the Asia-Europe Cross-Cultural Summer Academy. The Human Rights and Asian Societies track was led by Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria from Monday August 26 till Thursday August 29, 2013.

Ms Imma Llort I Juncadella and Mr Thanakon Tiwawong were co-trainers who ran workshop sessions during the course. This program was facilitated by AFS Yayasan Antarabudaya Malaysia and the Karlshochschule International University.

Dialogue with PDRM on Crime Prevention Initiatives with the Community

Dato Wira Ayub chairing the dialogue session

PDRM has taken a number of new initiatives in working with local communities. The major step was the establishment of a new department for Crime Prevention under the directorship of Dato Wira Ayub Bin Hj Yaakob and the engagement approaches adopted by this team through E Sector Policing.

A number of us visited PDRM on August 27, 2013 from 3pm till 5.30pm to discusses the issues surrounding the rise in serious crime and implications for the Malaysian Indian community especially with Police data released recently that 71% of those involved in gang related serious crime are from the Indian community.

In the course of discussion a number of key points were discussed and a number of specific interventions were agreed upon for immediate follow up action:-

·         Crime Prevention though community Policing and community engagement is a key strategy adopted by PDRM in fostering close working relationship with local communities in addressing crime.

·         A two way process of mutual understanding, respect and trust is needed in overcoming crime in society through good working relationship between PDRM and local communities.

·         On the Indian community and Indian issues – the background structural issues of displacement from the plantations to urban squatters to high-rise, low-cost flats and the lack of educational, training and employment opportunities are root issues which need social remedies though the intervention of relevant agencies.

·         That Indian community issues must be viewed not as communal issues/ethnic concerns but national concerns which require multi-sector intervention

·         Adopting a holistic intervention strategy balancing ‘law and order’ with ‘winning hearts and minds’ by addressing socio-economic needs among the urban poor is most urgent.

·         Developing an action agenda though multi agency (all relevant agencies like youth, welfare, employment, housing & local government, Police) and multi-sector involvement (Public, private and voluntary) is now necessary.

·         Adopting a neighbourhood approach for crime prevention through addressing socio-economic issues and concerns by addressing human needs concerns especially in urban poor neighbourhoods which is at high risk for crime and violence is most critical.

·         Pilot testing of community Policing in the 10 neighbourhoods where KITA-UKM undertook community profiling with the support of JPNIN and the RT. Field visits and community dialogues with neighbourhood leaders will be organised.

·         Datuk Dr Denison will forward the KITA-UKM study report to PDRM via Dato Wan Najmuddin for further study and review

·         PDRM has agreed to give full cooperation and support to these neighbourhood partnerships in fostering community policing to address serious crime with local communities. This will be part of the pilot setting of a holistic intervention approach at the neighbourhood level.

The Police were represented by Dato Wira Ayub Bin Hj Yaakob (Director), Dato Wan A.Najmuddin Mohd (Deputy), Dato Rusli Bin Ahmad (Deputy) and officers from public relations and CID

The visiting team members were Datuk A Vathilingam, Prof KS Nathan, Dato Siva Subramanium, Ms Jasmine Adaickalam, Ms Roova Li and Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria

DISCUSSIONS AT DESA MENTARI AT BLOCK 10 FLATS

Nine of us gathered on Sunday August 25, 2013 from 5.15pm to 7pm at the community hall at Block 10 to discuss local neighbourhood concerns. The local contact person Mr Maran who is associated with the ‘Persatuan Kebajikan Kaum India Blok 9 & 10’ invited key leaders from block 9 and 10.

Two other key local contacts are Mr Muthu (01112291840) for block 9 and Mr James (016 9499027) the resident’s Indian community leader for Block 10. These two were very informative and had close links with the local community.

On our side 4 people undertook the visit- Datuk Vaithilingam, Dato Siva Subramanium, Prof KS Nathan and Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria

Some neighbourhood profile

According to local leaders about 41% (270 families) out of the 650 families in block 9 are Indian families. In the case of block 10 it is about 26% (176 families) out of the 650 total families are Indian families.

Major areas of concern

They highlighted youth related concerns such as alcohol abuse, drugs including open sales of drugs and violence. They indicated the inaction by authorities even after informing the authorities concerned. They indicated that they have problems with securing welfare assistance as well as issues with the RT which is not very active in Block 10 where else in Block 9 it has not been formed. The local leader’s complained that their concerns were not clearly articulated, taken seriously nor addressed by relevant agencies.                                                          

Some practical intervention

Both James and Muthu will document all those who have some documentation (BC & IC) related matters for Dato Siva’s assistance

Both James and Muthu will identify all the welfare cases needing assistance and compile the list for reference to the Department of Social Welfare

To secure the support of JPNIN to address concerns at the RT level and enhance the participation of the Department of National Unity & Integration

Organise a discussion with the OCPD of Petaling or senior officers on crime prevention strategies.              

Next Visit

On Thursday August 29, 2013 at 6pm at the Community Hall at Block 10. Local contact is Mr Maran (010-5217229) for directions and parking.

Visit to Simpang Lima, Klang Tamil Primary School on July 29, 2013

Eighteen people gathered at Simpang Lima Tamil School in Klang. Among those from the ‘Inclusive development and urban poor community’s action research group’ were Datuk Vaithilingam, Prof KS Nathan, Edward Devadasan, S.Ramesh & Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria. Others present are members of the local PIBG committee or local civil society.

Simpang Lima Tamil Primary school  is the largest Tamil primary school in Malaysia with 2,425 students and 109 teachers. It has an impressive passing rate of 69.63 passes in 2012 UPSR results.

It has a very strong Parents-Teachers Association which is now an increasing experience in many Tamil schools. The PTA (PIBG) chairman, Mr R Ramachandran gave a power-point presentation of the developments in the school and how they have tried to change the image as well as the teaching-learning experience for students. The school headmistress Ms Kogilavany Kanapathy is also very supportive of community participation and support for the school development.

The school has established a School development team that is developing a conducive learning environment and they are targeting 80% passes for UPSR. They also have a target to ensure their students’ progress from primary 6 straight into Form 1 thereby skipping the Remove by reaching the minimum language requirements.

Some challenges

While this school has made achievements and is now recognised by the Ministry of Education as a Cluster school, they do experience many challenges. Three key challenges were highlighted.

Firstly, due to limited space there have to run two sessions. The Standard 1 to 3 is in the afternoon and standard 4 to 6 is in the morning. There is a restriction in how the school can enable student development and therefore they have been making plans for a second school to be established in the Taman Sentosa, Klang area where about a 1,000 students come from.

Second, is the lack of special rooms for specific teaching –learning like science labs, they have only one lab for such a big school. This year’s UPSR batch is 392 students in 11 classes. Like this they need more space for others rooms like for computing and music.

Thirdly the average class size is about 40 to 45 students. This is too large especially when some of the students need more support and attention.

Social issues among students from Taman Sentosa, Klang

About a 1,000 students from Taman Sentosa go to Simpang Lima Tamil school as there is no Tamil school. This neighbourhood is the low income neighbourhood with many dysfunctional families, youth related issues and urban poverty especially among female headed households who are single mothers.

Dr K.Balakrishan who runs an NGO and has a community centre at the Taman, highlighted some areas of concerns. He also highlighted that there are 12 NGOs especially hindu based and religious, organising centres and projects. However they do not effectively network among each other. Each is doing a small project and not relating to the other. Therefore it is not making a decisive impact on the community

It was pointed out that the density of Indian families is very high and during festive times the area is very Indian especially during religious and cultural events like ponggal. The people here seem to have isolate themselves from other communities and fail especially to relate to the Malay community. This has negative consequences. Therefore some appreciation of diversity and capacity building is urgently necessary.

The issue of alcohol abuse among adults and young was highlighted. A major area for community concern is public drinking in the night at community fields, leading to fights after drinking which is impacting the image of the community. Crime is high and the Indians are attacking and robbing their own community

Urban poverty is a major area of concern with a large number of single mothers. Young people coming from this area have some difficulties in their studies and also behaviour problems. These two groups definitely need support and assistance. Some families have children without documentation and due to this problem they are unable to go to school.

The discussion concluded with five key pointers for follow up action:-

First, that the Simpang Lima school has achieved much and we must document and make this a model and benchmark for others schools. We have been very impressed with work done. We recognise more needs to be done and that the school-PIBG   needs the full support of the community at large. We must speak highly of our achievement so as to inspire other schools to make similar achievements. Good news could be further disseminated through social media like Malaysiakini, Free Malaysia Today and Malaysian Insider.

Second, the matter pertaining to the building of the newly approved school at Taman Sentosa needs to be followed up. Federal government has approved and budget allocated and hopefully it will be implemented soon. Prof NS Rajendran who is coordinating this matter and he needs our support. More needs to be done for Ministry of Education to execute it with haste.

Third, that a meeting be convened with the 12 NGOs conducting social programs or having centres at Taman Sentosa. This meeting will be coordinated by Datuk Vathilingam through the Hindu Sangam to see how there can be joint cooperation and action for maximum impact. Dr Bala and S. Ramesh will assist in this process.

Fourth, that there will be a discussion held on the alcohol abuse issues and what appropriate follow up measures/action organised including policy advocacy, counselling and rehabilitation issues. While the matter was highlighted in Klang area, the issues are being experienced at the national level especially in a majority of urban poor locations/neighbourhoods. Dr Denison together with S.Ramesh will enlist other NGOs and groups to organise a discussion on this theme. It was suggested that Mr Arun Doraisamy of NIAT who has done some work in this area could also assist.

Fifth and finally what can we do to address the issues and concerns of those who are academically weak and socially challenged especially youths from Taman Sentosa and other parts of Klang. Mr Edward Devadasan who has done is masters on this theme at USM could explore with the Simpang Lima school some immediate measures. This team which include other Indian youth organisations like MIYC and HYO could also identify children and young people without documentation who are not in school and who are at high risk to anti-social behaviour.

Notes prepared by Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria

July 29, 2013

Brief Visit Report to Sri Pulai Flats, Balakong, Selangor on July 21, 2013

At Balakong Sri Pulai Flats (Dato Ho- in the centre) with others

Visiting Team: Datuk Vaithilingam, Dato Siva, Mrs Jasmine, Ms Laura & Denison. Local host Dato Ho (0192218860-former Adun of the area) who runs a community tuition centre with a few NGOs (MIYC & EWRF)

Brief Background of the Flats

Sri Pulai flats has about 660 house units in four levels of walk up flats and 48 shop units. About 60 to 70% are Indian families with the remaining Malay and a very small number of Chinese families. The upper house units in the fourth floor are empty due to frequent robberies (thieves climbing though the roof down into the units). Many families have lost ownership of flats due to inability to repay the loans.

Based  on some simple observation the place looks much better than before in terms of cleanness. Local JMB has taken over the local maintenance.   

Chat with Dr Shankar & Mr Selvakumar

Dr Shanker (0122095218) is the Joint Management Board and local resident’s association chair. Mr Selvakumar (010 5282024) is the proposed RT chair and Chair of the Unity Kindergarten. Both run businesses in the commercial lots and Selva also lives there.

Selva said he has sent in all the details for RT registration. He has got 25 people as local RT both Malays and Indians. They asked for assistance to get this cleared with JPNIN and secure approval as they like their RT to be formally approved as RT and receive regular funding for local activities.

Visit to the National Unity Kindergarten

This was set up by JPNIN after our last visit (Datuk Vaithi, Mr Ganesan and DJ). There is a teacher (Puan Suriana), asst teacher (Cik Siti Nor) and 23 children of whom 7 are Indians. Parents contribute RM20 a month. Many of the Indian children go to a nearby private kindergarten as Tamil class is also conducted. Selva asked if we could assist in this area. Teacher said no funds and even in the case of Islamic class, parents have to fun this.

We were impressed in how the place looked with all the good materials and very professional outlook with 2 well motivated teachers. They seem to relate well with Mr Selva who is the local chair.

They have no electricity and water connection as the earlier bills were not settled prior to JPNIN setting up the kindergarten. Mr Selva brings water from his shop in buckets daily and they have some illegal electricity connection Unsettle bills for water and electricity is about RM4,000 to RM6,000

Dialogue with Dato Ho and local people at Tuition Centre

Many local issues were discussed but the focus was in five areas.  We were told:-

·         There are number of families with children who do not have documentation - formal registration-BC, IC and citizenship. As a result some of the children are unable to go to school

·         There are many families unable to secure Social Welfare assistance. They are poor and needy.

·         They needed volunteer teachers as the space was available for young people to come and study or use the tuition centre.

·         They have ideas for mentor-mentee program. For young people from local universities to come and encourage children and youths.

·         They like to undertake a survey of the families and gather basic info and profile of the basic needs

Further Action

We have requested local leaders to prepare the list of families with documentation issues and in welfare need. Mr Manium(016 97168152) & Mr Subra (014 6492035) get this within two weeks.

Dato Ho and Subra (014 6492035) will assist in undertaking the community survey and profile of every home

Mrs Jasmine will prepare family profile form, make copies and conduct a briefing session

Dato Siva will return with a team to organise documentation collection

Denison & Jasmine will secure the support of the Department of Social Welfare & Ministry of Housing and Local Government to review the social welfare and needs issues

Ms Lora will seek to find some volunteers to strengthen local tuition

Denison agreed to alert network friends and university graduates to undertake some voluntary service at this flats neighbourhood

Denison with alert JPNIN to process the RT formation and conduct a local community leadership session

The target to revisit this neighbourhood in two weeks’ time - possibly August 4 or 11, 2013. Ms Jasmine & Dato Siva will follow up with the assistance of Dato Ho and visit the local local people again.

Notes prepared by Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria

July 23, 2013