Internal politicking and sabotage?

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Booby traps in Taman Kok Doh for the unwary

DANGER LURKS: Road users, including the elderly, are falling into uncovered drains in Jalan 17/42. GOH Seng Chong, 74, is a scavenger. He collects empty bottles and other recyclable items.

Source: http://www.nst.com.my/streets/central/booby-traps-for-the-unwary-1.249170 (By SHEILA SRI PRIYA, 6/4/2013)

Early this year, while making his usual rounds in the late evening, he fell into one of the many uncovered drains in Jalan 17/42, Taman Kok Doh in Segambut. About 20 drain covers had been stolen on that stretch of road. Fortunately, he suffered only minor bruises. However, he isn't the only one to have fallen into a drain on that road. A woman in her 70s had broken a thighbone in a similar incident there.

"I often walk that route and I didn't realise that the drain was open. It was dark and I fell in," said Goh. "Luckily, I was able to climb out and the drain was not flooded otherwise I might have drowned or suffered worse injuries."

He said he had seen the thieves stealing the drain covers at night. He did not confront them because he was afraid. He hopes the authorities will realise the seriousness of the problem, which can cause deaths.

Restaurant owner, Tan Yee Hwg, 58, said City Hall had replaced a few of the missing metal drain covers with concrete slabs. However, most of the drain covers were still missing. "We saw City Hall officers measuring the drain covers here. We were hopeful that the missing covers would all be replaced. "To our surprise, only a few in Jalan 17/42 were replaced. We wonder why," he said. Fearing for road users' safety, Tan has placed wooden planks over some of the uncovered holes.

Segambut Member of Parliament Lim Lip Eng said the problem was persisting even after party representatives had lodged a complaint with City Hall.

"I urge City Hall officers to make a site visit to understand the seriousness of the problem and to resolve it," said Lim.

City Hall liable for damage from potholes

Source: http://www.nst.com.my/streets/central/city-hall-liable-for-damage-from-potholes-1.246917 (By Ricky Yap, 3/4/2013)

Many road users in Kuala Lumpur are unaware that they can claim compensation from City Hall for vehicle damaged or injuries sustained in accidents caused by potholes and open manholes.

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng disclosed this at a recent press conference in Taman City, near the Jalan Kuching low-cost housing flats.

Lim said City Hall's public liability insurance coverage policy paid out RM2 million to claimants last year. To make a claim, Lim explained, the victim must submit the full details of the incident accompanied by relevant documents.

"First, the claimant must write a letter of demand addressed to the mayor. The letter must state all the pertinent details , including the location, date and time of the incident," he said. Copies of the claimant's MyKad and driver's licence must be submitted, along with copies of the vehicle registration card and insurance policy cover note.

"In addition, it is imperative for the claimant to submit the original receipt or invoice for vehicle repair and medical treatment. The claimant must make sure to send the vehicle to a registered vehicle workshop, which the claimant can verify with the insurance company," he said.

Also required are before and after photos of the damaged vehicle and the person injured.

"Photos of the accident scene with a rough diagram or sketch of the location are needed, along with a copy of the police report and complete medical report."

Lim said it was highly advisable for those who had sustained injuries to seek treatment at a government hospital or clinic as the receipt would then be "indisputable. An optional document is a supporting letter from the wakil rakyat (elected representative) of the claimant's constituency," he said.

It takes at least three months for City Hall to process a claim but the claimant should call to check on progress every week.

"The claim must be submitted by hand by the victim or by next-of-kin to the mayor's office in Jalan Raja Laut. A copy should be forwarded to the Legal Department," said Lim, who strongly recommended that the submission be made soonest possible. "There is no limit to the amount one can claim, it is up to City Hall's insurance company to approve.

"There is, however, a statute of limitations for claims, which is three years from the date of the incident."