Friday May 6, 2011

Similar signboards metres apart waste of public funds, says bureau

Story and photo by EDWARD R. HENRY
edward@thestar.com.my

THE Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has been putting up signboards and road signs in PJ New Town even though there are similar ones nearby.

Residents say it is a waste of ratepayers’ money. MBPJ had allocated RM1.8mil for the purpose in its 2011 budget.

Selangor MCA Public Complaints Bureau chief Datuk Theng Book said he had received several calls regarding similar signboards and even road signs in PJ New Town.

Too close and similar: Theng (left) Chong near similar noticeboards in Jalan 52/18, PJ New Town.

He said it was redundant boards and misuse of public funds.

“I can’t believe the council has approved signboards and road signs that are similar. Some are only 20m apart, like the Clean Zone boards. We even have two boards with similar messages at the parking area in Jalan 52/18 that reminds drivers not to park in the bay for the disabled,” he said.

Theng said misuse of public funds would be unacceptable at any time but it is particularly troubling during tough economic times,” he said.

He added that an average size noticeboard could cost between RM1,000 and RM1,800.

Resident Wan Jai Wan Jah, 56, said he was perplexed to see so many signboards in PJ New Town and it was a sheer waste of funds.

All Petaling Jaya Residents Association Coalition (APAC) adviser Mohd Umar Peer Mohd said he found it outrageous and unacceptable that ratepayers’ money was being misused.

“MBPJ has allocated a lot painted in blue for the disabled to park their car. The coloured lot is clearly visible and there is no need to even have a noticeboard erected. Now, this matter is public interest because ratepayers’ money is involved and an investigation must be done,” he said.

Selangor MCA Public Complaints Bureau deputy chairman Kelvin Chong said the council must investigate the matter because it involved public funds and believed the money could be used for helping single mothers or even poor schoolchildren.

“Transparency and accountability must prevail and the findings of the probe should be made public. MBPJ and the councillor in charge for the area owe the ratepayers an explanation,” he said.