By Sarawakian
Many of us would have prepared for the coming Chinese New Year. The current weather does not seem to be predictable anymore as the incessant rain comes and goes. At times this occurs in the early mornings whilst at some other times, it occurs in the evenings. This was so true when January began.
It is particularly important for those making a beeline back on vehicles to be wary of the slippery conditions and the terribly busy highways and rest areas. It is also important to plan for your toilet stops and ensure your liquid intake does not make it an uncomfortable trip. I know some would just overdo their liquid intake and find themselves stuck in traffic. It is an extremely uncomfortable and unpleasant experience. The same could be said for those taking flights as there is only one set of toilets at the tail of each narrow-bodied aircraft. This would likely be your A320s or B7373s.
Most shopping centers have been quite beautifully decorated for Chinese New Year. Sunway Pyramid, 1 Utama, MidValley Megamall, The Gardens at MidValley, Suria KLCC, The Exchange TRX and Pavilion KL are my choices for wonderful photo opportunities. This augurs well with the current state of economy as Malaysia seems to be heading the right way.
Prices have been quite fair, and it is interesting to note that subsidies have been more focused as opposed to being a blanket-like strategy. Whilst it may seem harsh as many had profited before, it does alleviate the issue of fair pricing. Yes, prices have increased. Salaries have also increased generally as with the mandatory minimum wage. It would be raised to RM1,700.00 per month come 1st February 2025 for Malaysia.
It was reported that the expected average salary increase from 2024 for this year would be around 5%. Civil service has seen an increase between 4% to 8% beginning 1 December 2024 as Phase 1. The final Phase would be in 2026 of between 3% to 7%. This would add to more disposable and savings income.
The Year of The Dragon was a good year because there were not many disturbances politically other than over eager politicians who seem to have lost their marbles. Repeatedly we see rather similar characters coming forth running their so-called ideals and trying to be a hero at making rhetoric. They do not seem to want peace; they seem to want to see chaos. These are the people we should haul up for disturbing the peace with nonsensical rhetoric. Interestingly, some are even well educated!
The Year of the Wood Snake would replace the Wood Dragon of 2024 on 29th January this year. We hope for the same stability and constant improvements throughout the year. We should ignore the noise some political parties and representatives make. They do nothing but make a conundrum.
I see Subang Jaya having new bus stops around. I do hope the bus stops have schedules which are both legible and easy to follow. I also hope the bus service also follows the schedule. If a service comes early, it must wait until it is time to leave and not leave any earlier than the bus stop provides. I do hope that the connectivity of pedestrian walkways is placed in priority. These must connect the bus stops to the principal areas of residence, commerce and public infrastructure like pedestrian bridges, crossings and the LRT stations. Otherwise, Subang Jaya would still be the same.
We have too many trees felled and the area facing DaMen is now devoid of trees as the project for the new elevated road from Mydin begun works. The bridge has also been removed, and it is expected that the public will use the road crossings instead. There is also a new development by Sime Darby nearby and this intersection is critical to be completed.
It would be good to know about MBSJ and the ADUN of Subang Jaya as well as the councilors as to the update for this project. It does not seem to move much since the tree clearing. Would they replace the felled trees and replant them? Many trees have also been cut down in the name of health issues and safety concerns. Would these be replaced? Interestingly, if you were to see how they fell those trees, the cut is not neat and leaves a sharp section at each stump. Is this the standard of the local government contractors’ work? It was a nice touch seeing the pillars of the LRT line near SS15 painted with murals. I do hope more effort is looked at greening Subang Jaya instead of cutting down trees and widening roads. We are seriously on the way to being a concrete jungle.
SS15 is still in need of better sanitation. It is time to have a public toilet facility in SS15 and in Taipan. The back lanes remain rather dirty and dark in some areas in SS15. The land area between SS13/1a and the NPE should be a park instead of a dining area. The earliest park is now a dining space and had ruined the small park with trees grown by the commercial community of Subang Jaya years before. The other sections should be converted into a park and all restaurants and eateries should be relocated into the MBSJ fortress like the 3C building.
Much needed to be done for Subang Jaya in 2025. We all hope the ADUN, councilors and MBSJ do a better job than last year because to many of us in Subang Jaya, they have each just made a poor average mark in community service and engagement. It is hoped this year opens one’s eye to the needs of the community. Being in the civil service is not about self-gratification.
Exit the Dragon and Enter the Snake. Let us hope we do not see any snaky characters coming to the fore in Subang Jaya.
I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year 2025 and Gong Xi Fa Cai 2025 in the year of the Wood Snake!
Huat ah!!!
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