Developing the faculty - Play your Part !

It is our concern to have a better facilities and better environment in this faculty. We, the faculty of engineering students want to have a voice in making the campus a better place. To ensure that we as the end-users to achieve this, a platform has emerged. A survey form prepared by the COX Group, a development consultancy group appointed by the UM administration can now be filled.

My engineering friends. Before, I wrote about the administration to walk the talk on UM's development. But now, it is time for us students to play our part. A survey form can be downloaded and filled to express your views about the faculty and the campus. Download here

To play your role for the faculty development, here is a few things to do:
1. Log on to www.wakil-fkum.blogspot.com
2. Download the survey form
3. Fill in the survey form thoroughly
4. Send it through email to wakil.fkum@gmail.com before Thursday, March 6th, 2008
5. Tell your friends and ask them to play their part too!

I will personally compile all your grievances and suggestions on how to best develop the faculty. It will be quite a task for me, but for the sake of the faculty, I will try my best to submit a form that represents the view from all my engineering friends. And please, do so before Thursday, 6th of March, 2008.

Time to walk the talk! Do your part.

P/s: if there's any question, do not hesitate to leave a comment here or on the chatter box. If you do not know any of the questions, you can ask me for clarification, or just leave it blank for things beyond your knowledge (such as how many students in the faculty...) . Thanks!

UM Development : Time to walk the talk

On the 20th of February, I went to the Post-Graduate Institute (IPS) for an invitation to join a meeting on University of Malaya development master plan. The meeting was quite brief, with me expecting us to debate on the master plan, but however, the meeting was actually to announce on the need for input for the proposed draft of master plan.

It is interesting to note that on 1995, UM actually have a master plan, where most of the development we see now revolve around that particular plan. But, the meeting was about doing everything back from a scratch. It does not mean tearing everything apart, but a development that answers a few qualitative aspects. The key issues with the current campus design and planning will be addressed, and the ideal campus environment be realized.

Issues currently going around such as water shortages and poor Internet access made the students feel like there is no effort being done to UM to become a better university. Renovation of Experimental Theatre has been ongoing for years, and there is complaints that the trees has grown tall at the site of new Science faculty parking complex. I really hope that this master plan will not end up as only a plan. Half-the battle may have been won, no-planner is planning to fail.
But effective deliverance, should be practiced too, in line with effective planning.

Professor Philip Cox gave his thought on how UM should become. He is from one of the directors and the founding partners of the Cox Group, an architectural firm from Australia. As a consultant to many award winning development plans, he said that UM is a big development opportunity. He also told that to become the best university in the Asian region, we need to have the best infrastructure. But the UM development consultant agreed that sometimes political influence and financial support may be a problem.

From left: Professor Cox, Professor Dato' Dr. Mohd Amin and Professor Dr. Khaw Lake Tee

A big development opportunity, UM is. This can also be reviewed from many news reports highlighting on the development of land in UM's premier land. A few of them such as:
UM mohon kelulusan menjual tanah(19 FEB 2008)
Consortium plans gated community at UM land (20 FEB 2008)
UM poised to earn RM 312 mil from land deal(20 FEB 2008)
UM mohon kelulusan majukan tanah(20FEB 2008)
UM Submits proposal to develop 11ha of land in main campus(23 FEB 2008)

The master plan will be developed in two stages. Stage one will be around 8 weeks, where surveys will be handed out, workshops and interviews will be done to gather feedbacks from the end users. Stage two, consisting approximately 16 weeks, will be about detailing the plan and the expected time for the master plan to be completed

Development has to be focused both on physical infrastructure and human capital.

A few aspects need to be considered. How UM can be categorized as the ideal campus environment? What is the main image and identity of UM? How can development be done in an old campus such as UM? Why do our ancestors build this building here and that building there? Historical and cultural aspects too, play a role in determining how far can we develop the university.

Let's hope that this plan will not be left as only a plan. Action should be taken effectively after everything completed. If you have the opportunity to have a say, give it your best shot, so that together we can give this plan a thorough research and feedbacks, so that our next generation benefited with what's being done by our generation. Give out first-class mentality opinions. The strive to become the best will need us to be best in both academic and physical outlook.

It is time to walk the talk.

I'm like a man with no country..

Water in UM: Supplying a RM 250,000 per month demand!

Yes, the most troubling problem so far in UM : Water supply. But have we considered looking it as a part of our own mistakes? High demand may have result from the unnecessary use of excess water by ourselves.

If we look through 2007, one momentous event that occurred to our local stock exchange index was a total trade of RM 1 trillion. Also, the Composite Index has reached historic heights of 1413 points. (Source: UtusanOnline)

(updated :Malaysia's trade reached 1.1 trillion)

And among other things, the soaring price of crude oil in the world. Soaring prices, trade and transactions could only happen if there is supply and demand. And usually there is more demand rather than supply to push the price higher. Shortages create lowers supply compared to demand. And yes, it has been more demand than supply for water in UM.

We heard of supplies rationing, no cooking oil for the foods that we love, roti canai to has to comply to a certain price and that there is an attempt to stop selling our delicious delicacy!

And guess what is the transaction for trickling water supply in UM? An amounting RM250,000 a month!

On the 4th of February 2008, Student Representative Council of UM had a dialogue session with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Dr. Khaw Lake Tee, on, among other things, the water problem in our beloved University. An explanation on the cause of the water problem, the various courses of action (short, medium and long term) taken by the University and advice on the issue were raised and discussed.

According to Prof. Khaw,

1.UM has two reservoirs for storing water, one with a capacity of 5 million litres and another with 2 million litres. The water from the 5 million litres is pumped into the 2 million litres and from there the water is supplied directly to users.

2. The two reservoirs were built in 1996/97, and since then the population of UM has increased.

3. Current supply provided by both reservoirs : 4.5 million litres per day

4. Current demand by the University population: 7.5 million litres per day

5. UM is the second largest user of water in the Petaling District after the Sungai Besi Military Camp.

6. Water for the UM reservoirs is supplied by PJ North. The supply of water supply has worsened over the years probably because of development projects that have taken place leading to an increase in demand.

7. In order to ensure a continuous supply of water, there must be at least 3.9 million litres in the 5 million litre reservoir. If the level drops to 2 million, then supply to the second reservoir is automatically cut off. This will eventually lead to disruptions in the supply to users.

8. Prior to 2003, the 5 million litre reservoir could be filled up in a matter of hours but now because of increased demand, the water is merely trickling in, thus causing the water levels in both reservoirs to drop.

8. To avert any disruptions in the supply of water to the UM population, JPPHB has now set the water level 1 million litre, instead of 2, before water supply to the 2 million litre reservoir is cut off.

9. In 2002, a consultant was appointed to design a new reservoir, but because of shortage of funds, the development could not proceed.

10. The current water bill for UM amounted to RM 250,000 monthly!

And interestingly, the Department of Development and Estate Maintenance (JPPHB) also told a few of its plan to solve this water problem. The plan was made into short, medium and long term. All these was done to ensure enough supply to the university population.

Long Term

1. Building new reservoirs under Ninth Malaysia Plan (RMK 9) Phase 1 – 5 million litres and Phase 2 – 2 units of 2 million litre reservoirs

2.Tender for the new reservoir will be called sometime this month (February 2008)

Medium Term

1. Building of a tapping point and laying new pipe to connect the 5 million Litre reservoir with the Jalan Universiti supply. JPPHB is awaiting for approval from SYABAS for this proposal.

Short Term

1. JPPHB will send water to the colleges once the water supply in the 5 million litre reservoir is at 2 even before receiving any complaints.

2. Complaints will be acted on effectively and quickly.

3. Static tanks are being provided to colleges; 8 owned by JPPHB and 7 loaned from SYABAS

4. A blanket water rationing to be done at night (12 am – 5 am) to allow water in the 5 million litre reservoir to fill up thereby ensuring a continuous supply of water.

Yes, the country has achieved historic moment to have a soaring trade. But most of the time, it is the people who suffered. Among the logics are; since oil price is soaring, Petronas must have been pocketing money in. Why can't we put down the prices?.

And people question again; why there is no cooking oil when Malaysia is one of the palm oil manufacturer in the world? Quoting the PM;

"Even though the numbers with regards of the economy is good, but there is(are) also other problem(s) that arise to our country that have so much palm oil trees."

Source: Utusan Online

With UM the logic is even simpler. It rains everyday, yet there is no water in the pipe!

I even received a message from a friend asking whether UM is going to undergo a long 'drought' because of she saw big tanks were put in the college.

JPPHB has shown an exemplary step towards tackling this issue. JPPHB writes off external problem contributor (PJ North) by taking measures such as trying to lay a new pipe to a new route (Jalan Universiti). Even though some of the measures involved finance from RMK 9, going the extra mile and loaning tanks from SYABAS should be lauded.

So now it comes down to the end user. Us, the students of UM should play a bigger role to curb this problem. If we keep the bill at the current height, we are asking for trouble. The money can be put more into providing academic facilities rather than to quench our bad attitude of wasting water.

A few suggestion, in these times of thirst;

1. Monitor your use of water. Make sure that you are not using more than necessary. For example, when washing your vehicle, do consider using a bucket/pail rather than using water directly from the hose.

2. Arrange your schedule well, try to use water out of the peak hours. This will let the tanks to fill up so that it will give good pressure.

3. Pack up drinking water. Hot weather and no water can be dangerous to your health. And of course, these bottled water can be use in times of emergency.

4. Please, please keep the toilet clean. When there is water, do not think that the next person will clean it for you. What happens if the next person have all the taps dry? Dirty toilets without water are, gross.

5.If you are running into waterless tap (and the ones with water as well!), please do not leave the tap open. If the water supply is restored, water will be going to waste. And there is a risk of 'airlock' (the pump will push in air - this cause a lot of trouble.

6.If there is a movements/seminars/workshops to promote water usage awareness, do join in those initiatives and have your say.

7.Tell your friends to practice good water usage pattern. Everything starts at individual level.

8.Do tell your friends about water supply condition at your place; in this case, do tell all the facts about UM water supply. Most importantly, do tell them about the RM 250,000 bills we have to put up every month!

9.Start your own initiative, by writing a post, commenting in this one or you can even do a brainstorming session about this issue.

10. Share this page with your friends. You can ask them to log in to this website, or you can also print this out and get your friends to read it!

We should unite to ensure that scarce resources can be used effectively. Water usage pattern in UM can change if we make initiative to change it. Money, another resource essential in providing the water supply can be saved to build a more society-caring and first class mentality graduates.

Let's hope the bill will not soar up to RM 1 trillion, especially after the new reservoirs are built. This will create an endless circle of complaints and building new tanks. And of course, if the plan is to build a new population generating building in UM, we have to consider chipping money in water development as well.


Mohamad Hilman bin Nordin
Engineering Faculty Representative,
Student Representative Council of University of Malaya

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Last week, the campus was shocked to know about a trespass in a house of worship. This Muslims house of worship which happens to be in Kolej Kediaman Kedua had been a canvas to a certain individual/group that yet to be defined. A week of investigation failed to put anyone to face any punishment. The case is said to have reach to Bukit Aman for further investigation.

Certain groups have expressed disappointment over what has happened. Certain groups remain quiet. Whatever their stand is, the blame game starts, and finger starts pointing without hard evidence. Prejudices among races deepen, the Malay see Indians as a nuisance, and Indians will say that there are conspiracies behind this event. Certain groups were named to be the culprit behind this mockery.

Everyone wants to know who the culprit was. Or culprits, if there was a group who wants to see imbalance in the college. This event has created a tense mood in the whole campus. The panicking and anger maneuvered us away from the most important task at hand that is; preserving unity.

UNITY IS AN IMPORTANT TASK

Malaysia is very unique in terms of racial variations. In terms of integration too, we enjoyed other race’s celebration. Chinese New Year for example is a great way to socialize between races and built strong foundation against hatred and prejudice among races. Preserving unity is about celebrating differences and embracing similarities. As human beings, we have al those similar feelings. Joy and sorrow, is a part of life.

On the 28^th of January, Pro-Mahasiswa delegates were found distributing oranges in Science Faculty’s café and also around Faculty of Engineering. The objective was to show to the students how important integration and unity is. The delegates were multi-racial, create an ease among those who receives oranges and posters. On the 30^th of January, the delegates were found in the Faculty of Business and Accountancy and Faculty of Medicine. Even one day after the event, Pro-Mahasiswa continued to show that we as a student of this campus have to start the effort of bringing the gap closer together.

Pro-Mahasiswa delegates were shocked to see the response. Generally, the students are well aware of a celebration around the corner, and they also extend celebration wishes to Pro-Mahasiswa delegates. This shows that somehow, deep inside us, there are racial integration and unity and its utmost importance. This shows that we can be like friends and families to celebrate an important event to the Chinese.

MR. HOONG KIAT IS DISTRIBUTING FLIERS AND ORANGES

FLIERS DISTRIBUTED TO UM STUDENTS

Mr. Hoong Kiat, Pro-Mahasiswa speaker for the Chinese, said that,

“This activity is a great way to create an everlasting bonding between races. The Chinese was pleased to see that there are Malays and Indians who also participated in celebrating Chinese New Year”.

He then added that it is now time to engage in tolerance and create understanding among races. He also put up a guideline that there are certain things that should be tolerated, but a mockery of a house of worship is definitely not one of it. “Maybe we should put more effort in understanding rather than blind tolerance” and told that ‘terms’ are sometimes dangerous and should be used appropriately.

Now, the ball is in our court. It is up to each and every one of us to play our individual role in promoting unity and racial integration in the campus. The future of the country depended strongly to us, the future generation leaders.

May this ‘Year of the Rat’ bring prosperity, joyful spirit, abundance grace, healthy body, warm love and peaceful mind. Happy Chinese New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai!

You know GE is around the corner when...

A CITIZEN INITIATIVE OF GET-AN-MP PJ UTARA, PJ SELATAN, SEGAMBUT, SELAYANG, SUBANG, KELANA JAYA
Join us. If you're a registered voter in these constituencies, email us: getanmp@gmail.com
www.getanmp.blogspot.com

as a voter in one of the constituency stated above, this thing took some time into my attention span while surfing that many blog out there. I come across this in Jeff Ooi's Screenshots and then went to this website. Quite an updated infos regarding GE there. Might as well put this on. Eye-catching to those who has concerns about the nation.