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The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
LUAS: Riverside activities allowed with conditions
Stacked chairs sit on tables placed directly in Sungai Kemensah as a riverside eatery prepares to welcome customers. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star THE presence of restaurants, campsites or other commercial setups along riverbanks may raise eyebrows, but such activities are not necessarily illegal, according to Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS). Businesses can legally operate near or even over rivers, provided they meet strict conditions and obtain necessary approvals, the water authority said. LUAS is an agency under Selangor government responsible for preserving and conserving water resources. 'Any activity within 50m of a river reserve, or involving a water body, is considered a resource alteration activity and requires written permission from LUAS,' the agency said. This requirement is outlined under Section 43 (1) of LUAS Enactment 1999 and Resource Alteration Activity (Selangor) Regulations 2013. Approvals may also come with a set of general and specific conditions, while buffer distances vary depending on water source type and river width. LUAS says it regularly monitors rivers. — Courtesy photo 'Beyond that, some operators may also need additional licences, such as a Licence for Discharge or Release of Waste and Pollutants, a Return Water Licence (Section 79) or a Water Abstraction Licence (Section 107),' LUAS stated. It said river diversions, embankments or any permanent or semi-permanent structures, including platforms and dining decks, must not proceed without proper authorisation from its director. 'This applies even in hotspot areas like Kampung Kemensah in Hulu Kelang.' In our report yesterday, StarMetro highlighted concerns of over-commercialisation along Sungai Kemensah. Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) had said that none of the 70 businesses currently operating in Kampung Kemensah were licensed. Despite this, MPAJ said it had long-term plans to regulate and legalise these businesses through a formal whitelisting programme. MPAJ deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari said the initiative was intended to bring recreational, tourism and commercial activities in the area under official oversight. LUAS said it conducted regular review through local council planning committees, site monitoring and checks on pollution control measures to ensure compliance. 'Significant pollution arises from restaurants, laundromats, workshops and improper greywater discharge. 'Enforcement under Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 by the local authorities prohibits direct waste discharge. 'River Monitoring Programmes with water sampling at outfalls are also conducted,' the spokesperson said. LUAS added that it issued nine fines in 2024 totalling RM212,500 for unauthorised resource alteration, and five fines for water pollution totalling RM2.125mil. Other enforcement measures it took included legal proceedings against those involved in unauthorised realignment of Sungai Pusu in Gombak. — By BAVANI M and SHALINI RAVINDRAN
The Star
02-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Cheras intersection affected by sinkhole reopens to traffic
The sinkhole at the intersection of Jalan Selar and Jalan Selangat has been filled and the route reopened to traffic. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star AN intersection in Taman Pertama, Cheras, is now reopened to traffic after a sinkhole there has been repaired. The sinkhole, which appeared at the intersection of Jalan Selar and Jalan Selangat in late April, had led to the closure of sections of both roads as well as Jalan Semerah Padi for public safety. Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) said initial checks at the site found the subsidence was not caused by any leaks, such as water or sewerage pipes. 'Further investigations are now focused on the underground drainage system, specifically the box culvert structure located 7m beneath the road. 'Inspections using drone technology and aerial Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) systems identified damage to the culvert structure. 'This damage was the cause of soil erosion and cavity formation in the surrounding area,' it said in a media statement. In a May 8 StarMetro report, 'Cheras sinkhole leads to closure of several roads' it was speculated the caving-in could have developed during preliminary sewerage pipe-laying works at a nearby development project. DBKL said that as an immediate measure, refilling of the sinkhole with suitable materials was carried out and completed on May 20. 'At the same time, the developer was instructed to stabilise the surrounding area using the polyurethane (PU) foam injection method. 'The affected area remains closed for ongoing safety monitoring, while other routes at the junction have been reopened to traffic,' said the statement. DBKL added that permanent repair of the box culvert structure would be carried out without the need to excavate the road surface, to minimise disruption. The repair works are expected to take between three and six months, depending on the method chosen. Resident Sukhdev Singh Cheema expressed concerns about safety and urged DBKL to share its findings. 'The authorities sealed up the main sinkhole in the middle of the intersection, but another one appeared near the corner of Jalan Selangat, just a few metres away,' he said. Sukhdev, who is a member of the Cheras Federal Territories Residents Representative Council (MPPWP) for sub-zone 3, called for a thorough study to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Star
02-06-2025
- General
- The Star
‘Illegal dump beside substation worrying'
The dumpsite located next to the TNB main substation (right) and Bukit Jalil Highway. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star AN illegal dumpsite along Bukit Jalil Highway is raising concerns as it is located next to a Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) main substation. Bukit Jalil Fire and Rescue Station chief Mohd Azhar Harun said the site's close proximity to TNB cables and pylons was worrying. 'If a fire breaks out at the dumpsite, it might spread next door and turn into an electrical fire which is more dangerous and difficult to extinguish. 'Unlike conventional fire-fighting methods, we will need to use foam to put out the fire if nearby electrical components are affected. 'Furthermore, there is also no water source around the area,' he told StarMetro. Mohd Azhar said he had also received complaints from firefighters about mosquitoes in the vicinity. 'Our quarters are located in between the fire and rescue station and the dumping site. Mohd Azhar says complaints to the authorities about the illegal dumpsite have not been acted on. 'From there, we can see that rubbish is being dumped behind, which is very near to a river tributary,' he said. From the top floor of the 10-storey quarters, StarMetro saw piles of rubbish stacked up. Another pile was scattered behind, next to the river. According to firefighters at the station, lorries could be seen dumping rubbish while some vehicles were spotted collecting the rubbish. Mohd Azhar said he had highlighted the matter to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the Environment Department (DOE), and Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur Lands and Mines Office (PTGWP) since last year but not much had been done. A letter from PTGWP dated March 11, to the Fire and Rescue Department Station chief, stated an investigation on March 6 determined the dumpsite was operating illegally. It also stated an eviction notice was issued to the owner on Sept 11, 2024, for occupying state land unlawfully under Section 425(1) of the National Land Code 1965. When contacted, PTGWP reiterated the site had been issued an eviction notice. However, no enforcement action had been taken since. DBKL in a letter on March 25 said no investigations were conducted as they could not find the precise location of the dumpsite. StarMetro had reached out to DBKL several times for comments but had received no response at press time.
The Star
10-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Newbies becoming lost in taxation
Paying dues: Some first-time tax filers say the complexities of LHDN's e-filing platform pose a hurdle. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star Confusing terms and steps spark calls for help PETALING JAYA: Navigating the complexities of tax filing can be a daunting task for many young Malaysians, particularly those new to the workforce. As the deadline for filing tax returns is fast approaching, the unfamiliarity with tax terms and processes has become a significant hurdle for this demographic. For Siti Fatimah Abdul Halim, a 27-year-old lecturer who recently completed her master's degree and started her first job last year, the 2024 tax assessment year posed a steep learning curve. 'The sheer amount of information required was overwhelming, and I had to look up unfamiliar terms online,' she said. Her confusion was exacerbated by the complexities of the Inland Revenue Board's (LHDN) e-filing platform. 'I felt confused by some of the sections, especially the deductions part, because I wasn't sure which ones I needed to fill in,' said Siti Fatimah, who is from Kuala Lumpur. To overcome this, she asked her colleagues to help her navigate her first tax return filing. She hopes that individual companies or organisations can provide training on tax filing, especially for those who have just started their careers. 'I think it would be beneficial if workplaces offered sessions on e-filing and income tax, as many new workers like me, or even fresh graduates, lack awareness in this area. 'Given that tax filing is a crucial responsibility for all working individuals, early guidance in the workplace could help ease the transition and promote financial literacy,' said Siti Fatimah. Jessica Wong, a 25-year-old executive, echoed these sentiments. 'The website was confusing and overwhelming. When I filed my tax returns for the first time last year, I didn't understand how to navigate it,' she said. Fortunately, a friend with a finance background guided her through the process. 'Before meeting her, I had zero clue regarding income tax. I also did not understand how tax returns work,' she said, adding that she also referred to some financial blogs to better understand the whole process. LHDN has extended the deadline to file last year's personal income tax returns to May 15 for individuals with employment income only and June 30 for individuals with business income. When junior marketing executive Gerald Lim, 26, first filed his tax returns last year, he missed out some tax relief offers. 'I left out a lot of fields such as health insurance and lifestyle – at first I wasn't aware that I could get tax relief for my health insurance,' he said. After learning from his senior colleagues, Lim has a better understanding of the whole process now. Graphic designer Farid Nazmi, 28, expressed his initial fears of making mistakes. 'I was intimidated by the process, worried about the repercussions of any errors,' he said. With help from his parents and friends in the auditing sector, Farid successfully filed his first tax return last year. 'It feels daunting at first as I was not sure about the filing process. Which part should I fill? What should I fill in? How about the receipts? 'I was intimidated, fearing that I would mess up the process and land in trouble with LHDN for wrongly filing my tax returns,' he added.
The Star
07-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Cheras sinkhole leads to closure of several roads
Tan (fifth from right) being briefed during a site visit in to the sinkhole in Taman Pertama, Cheras. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star A SINKHOLE nearly 3m deep has formed in Taman Pertama, Cheras in Kuala Lumpur, sparking concern. The sinkhole, which appeared at the intersection of Jalan Selar and Jalan Selangat in the early morning of April 28, has led to the closure of sections of both roads as well as Jalan Semerah Padi 1 for public safety. It is understood that the sinkhole developed during preliminary sewerage pipe-laying works being carried out by contractors at a nearby development project. However, it is yet to be determined whether the construction work was directly linked to the incident. Resident Au Yong Kim Meng said the hole was initially medium-sized. 'Then it started widening, until the authorities had to close a portion of the road. 'The traffic has become very congested due to the diversions, and we do not even know when it will be repaired. 'I hope the sinkhole does not get worse, especially since there are houses nearby.' Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai said a meeting involving Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), his office and the developer's representatives was held on May 6. 'Following the meeting, it was decided that the intersection will remain closed to allow further site investigations and ensure public safety,' he said at a press conference at the site yesterday. 'DBKL has instructed the contractors to submit a traffic management plan and has given them seven days to prepare a report for further assessment.' Tan said there were no reports of property damage or injuries resulting from the latest sinkhole. Tan explained that contractors working for the developer had only been carrying out preliminary sewage pipe-laying works in the area when the sinkhole occurred. However, he said the contractors had yet to carry out any jacking works and further investigation was necessary to determine the root cause. He noted that this was not the first time such an incident had occurred in the area. 'This area has a history of sinkholes. 'In view of the fact that this is not the first sinkhole to occur here, there is a possibility that others could form and cover a larger area. 'For the safety of the public and motorists, I want a thorough and in-depth investigation into the soil condition in this area,' he stressed. 'What happened in Masjid India horrified many people. 'Any sinkhole, big or small, will naturally cause public concern and alarm,' he said. Tan also urged DBKL to expedite the utility mapping task force study. The task force was set up following the Masjid India incident to check the safety of the soil structure at Jalan Masjid India and its surrounding area. The government had allocated RM10mil for the initiative this year. A DBKL representative from the Civil Engineering and Drainage Department said he was not authorised to comment on the matter.
