Saga Neighbourhood Security: Minutes of the 1ST SNS Meeting 2009

Date: 15th August 2009
Time: 4.20 p.m.
Venue: Kiara Room, BSD Club

SNS Pro-tem Committee Leader: Mr. TC Gooi
SNS Pro-tem Volunteer Working Committee :
1) SD 8/1: Mr Christopher & Ms Khoo
2) SD 8/2: En. Lokman & Mr Richard Tam
3) SD 8/3: Mrs Chan, Ms Annie, Ms Annie & Mrs Chang
4) SD 8/4: Ms Tham & Ms Christina
5) SD 8/5: En. Zaharuddin. Mdm Chen & Mr Cheah
6) SD 8/6: Mr Francis De Luke

Invited Guests:
BSD Residents’ Association, Secretary: Ms Karen
Ketua Balai Polis Komuniti BSD: Sarjan Adnan
Genuine Guards Sdn Bhd, CEO: Mr. KJ Chye

From left: Ms Tan, Ms Karen, Mr Gooi, Mr Chye, Encik Zaharuddin & Mrs Chan
Meeting Chaired by: SNS Pro-tem Committee Leader, Mr. TC Gooi
Meeting Minutes by: BSDRA Security Sub Committee member, Ms. Tan Kim Yoke

AGENDA

1) BSDRA President’s Speech
2) Ketua Balai Polis BSD, Sarjan Adnan’s Speech
3) CEO Genuine Security Sdn Bhd, Mr. KJ Chye’s speech
4) Pro-tem Committee Security Discussion
5) Election of SNS Committee.

Mr. Gooi welcomed and thanked the BSDRA representative, Secretary, Ms. Karen Sharma, Ketua Balai Polis Komuniti BSD, Sarjan Adnan, CEO of Genuine Security Sdn Bhd, Mr. KJ Chye and the Saga residents for their attendance in 1st Saga Neighbourhood Security Meeting.

Mr. Gooi started off the meeting by asking the Saga residents to register with the respective Lane Leader and to complete and submit the participation form if they have not done so.

Mr. Gooi then called upon Ms Karen Sharma to say a few words on behalf of the President of BSDRA

1. BSDRA President’s Speech
Ms Karen, on behalf of the President of BSDRA, Mr. Ravi apologized to the Saga residents, for not been able to attend today’s meeting in person and Ms. Karen Sharma went on to read out Mr. Ravi’s speech. In his speech, Mr. Ravi congratulated the residents of Saga for putting together the SNS program. The security program led by Mr. TC Gooi together with a team of dedicated Saga residents have worked very hard in the past 2 months to meet up with the residents of SD8 (Saga) Sector. There are 626 houses in SD8 (Saga) of which 30 houses are noted to be vacant/ under renovation/ moving out. To date, the Pro-tem Committee together with other volunteers has successfully recruited 361 households to participate in the SNS program out of 411 houses that they have visited. The residents of Saga are called upon to co-operate and participate in the SNS program for the mutual benefit of all. In his speech, Mr. Ravi also cautioned the Saga residents who have yet to sign up for the SNS program, not to ride on their neighbours’ contribution but to participate fully in SNS program to enjoy the benefits of security and community services in the SD8 (Saga) sector.

2. Ketua Balai Polis BSD, Sarjan Adnan’s Speech
The Ketua Balai Polis Komuniti BSD, Sarjan Adnan was then called upon to say a few words.
Sarjan Adnan in his speech thanked the Pro-tem Committee for initiating the SNS program in its fight against crime in BSD. Sarjan Adnan informed that currently there are only seven policemen attached to the Balai Polis BSD, the police have limited manpower to oversee all sectors at all time. Sarjan Adnan also shared with the residents that with the active participation of BSDRA and various security programs initiated by the residents in BSD, crime rate has began to decline in BSD lately. Security program such as SNS program is a crime deterrent and the police call upon the residents to work together, to share information with the police in their fight against crime. Residents are encouraged to contact the police if they suspect any criminal activities in their surroundings, however Sarjan Adnan also cautioned the residents against making use of the police services for personal gains e.g. loan shark activities etc. Sarjan Adnan assured the residents that all information received from the residents are treated as secret by the police and the police will continue to patrol the housing estate for crime prevention.

3. CEO Genuine Security, Mr. Chye’s speech
Mr. TC Gooi then introduced the CEO of security company, Genuine Security Sdn Bhd, Mr. KJ Chye, who has been appointed to provide security guards services to the Saga residents. Mr. KJ Chye in his briefing informed the Saga residents that

3.1 The SD8 (Saga) sector will be manned by 5 security guards in the daytime and 4 security guards at night
3.2 The security guards will do patrolling on motorbikes, clocking at designated perimeters/points at various hours of the day, at least 6 times a day for a start.
3.3 The main entrances/exits at SD8/6 and SD8/1 (both from Persiaran Kenanga entrances and hereafter named CP1 and CP2) will be manned by security guards with guard booths installed and open for 24 hours a day.
3.4 CP2 (SD8/1 from Persiaran Kenanga, near Masjid) will be closed every Friday from 1200 to 1500 hours for Friday prayers.
3.5 All entries without access card and/or car sticker (e.g. visitors, suppliers, contractors) are required to register at the guard booths at CP1 only.
3.6 Access card /auto gate system will be installed at SD8/6 and SD8/1 (from Persiaran Kenanga).
3.7 Access at SD8/1 and SD8/6 from Persiaran Kenanga are only for residents with access card who will be able to enter/exit via these points in the daytime. The CP2 entrances from Persiaran Kenanga will be closed (with padlocked boom gates) between 2300 to 0600 hours every day.
3.8 A hotline telephone number to Security Guard booth at CP1 only, Security Guards Manager, Mr. Maideen and Police telephone number are available to the residents. Mr. Gooi then handed out the telephone number slips to various residents.

4. Pro-tem Committee Security Discussion
Several residents of Saga then raised following questions which were answered by Mr. Gooi /Mr. Chye.

Question 1: Why no security guards to monitor and register entry for SD8/1 entrance from Persiaran Perdana?
Answer1: Mr. Gooi informed that the Guard booth was not created at the point because the entrance is from the main road of Persiaran Perdana, very near the LDP exit and on a downhill slope which will cause accidents if there is a queue up of vehicles waiting for registration at the Guard booth. On the advice of the Police and Local Authority, the slip road should not be an entry/exit point. Furthermore if more guard booth installed, more security guards are required hence higher cost.

Question 2: If residents are not allowed to exit from SD8/1 to Persiaran Perdana, there will be congestion at CP 1 and CP2 ?
Answer 2: Mr. Gooi informed that by law the SD8/1 road to Persiaran Perdana should not be used to turn to LDP exit as it is too near the LDP junction and it could cause accidents, hence the decision to close off the road. The congestion at CP 1 & CP 2 is just a temporary setback. Once, the residents get used to the system, the flow of traffic will back to normal.

Question 3: En. Othman asked whether the guards of Genuine Security Sdn Bhd have the authority to stop people from entering SD8(Saga)?
Answer 3: Mr. Chye informed that the security guards do not have police powers, hence the security guards have to work together with the police force to maintain peace and security. The guards will not retain the Identity card of persons entering the Sector but will register the particulars of the person and issue an entry pass to said person. The entry pass is then required to be returned to the guard booth on exit.

Question 4: Mr. Chua from SD8/3 asked whether Genuine Security Guards are well trained.
Answer 4: Mr. Gooi shared with the residents that he has personally interview 4 security companies. Genuine Security Sdn Bhd was selected based on its experience in managing the security of various residential areas e.g. Kenny Hill, Sieramas etc. Furthermore, Mr. Gooi has asked the security companies to provide pay slips of the security guards to ensure the guards are properly remunerated for them to carry out their work. Among all the security companies interviewed, Mr. Chye was the only one who agreed to allow Mr. Gooi access to the guards’ pay slip. Anyhow, Mr. Gooi assured the residents that Genuine Guards Sdn Bhd has 3 months to prove its capability failing which action will be taken.

Question 5: Is the closure of SD8/2 from Masjid entrance permanent?
Answer 5: Mr. Gooi informed that the guard booth has been shifted to SD8/1 (after the mosque). Though in the application form to the local Authority it is stated as temporary but closure at SD8/2 is “permanent” for the safety of Saga residents.

Question 6: How many access cards to be issued per house?
Answer 6: Each house that signed up for the SNS program will get 2 access cards per house. Those requesting for additional access cards are required to pay for the extra cards. Prices of the additional access cards is not confirmed yet as it is dependent on the rate of participations from the Saga residents, the more participants, then the price could be cheaper.

Question 7: What about the houses with lanes in between that leads to Persiaran Kenanga?
Answer 7: Mr. Gooi informed that most of the lanes have been fenced up by the nearby corner residents. The 2 areas where the lanes are not fenced up (i.e. SD8/1 where 14 houses located and SD8/2A), SNS Committee advised the residents there to proceed to install grille gate and the keys to the gate will be maintained by the residents residing next to the gate.SNS will only make new keys for those gates without keys & forward to the residing corner lot residents.

Question 8: Mr. Low of SD8/2F asked why SD8/6 was not created as another exit point, limited access will inconvenience the residents?
Answer 8: Mr. Gooi reiterated that with more exit point, more guards are required to man the exit point and additional cost for the access card system. The Pro-Tem Committee has received the consensus of the residents during their recruitment drive and it is generally agreed that there should be only 2 entrances and exits to SD8 (Saga) Sector. Mr. Chong of SD8/5 also voiced out his support to limiting the number of entrances to the Sector and reminded all residents to bear with some inconveniences for the sake of community safety.

Question 9: Removal of illegal road humps?
Answer 9: Mr. Gooi assured the residents that road humps at SD8/2 will be rectified and removed where necessary.

Question 10: How much do the residents of Saga required to pay to sign up for SNS program?
Answer 10: Mr. Gooi informed that the initial start up cost is MYR170 per household and monthly contribution is MYR60. If the participation rate is high, the monthly contribution could be reduced further, hence residents are advised to talk to their neighbors and encourage them to participate in SNS program.

Question 11: What is the impact to residents who have prepaid BSDRA for security services and presently enjoying the BSDRA clocking service?
Answer 11: Mr. Gooi has checked and noted that presently approximately 2-3 Saga residents have made payment to BSDRA for security services till Dec 2009 and another 2 more households paid BSDRA till early 2010. With the commencement of SNS program in Sept 2009, the BSDRA security service will cease, SNS Committee has agreed to absorb the cost of these 4-5 prepaid households into their security program and all clocking services provided previously by BSDRA will continue for the residents under SNS program.

Question 12: Mr. Choo of SD8/2 asked with the closure of the entrances at SD8/1 and SD8/6 (near Persiaran Perdana) in the event of fire/emergency, what happens?
Answer 12: Mr. Gooi informed all that signboards will be put up at the entrances to inform the public on the relocation of entrances to CP1 and CP2. In the event of emergency, residents are required to call the Guard booths and the security guards will then open up the entrance/exit near Persiaran Perdana to allow access for the emergency vehicles.

Question 13: En. Othman asked whether for the residents who subscribe to the SNS program, could they have a copy of the standing instruction to the Security Guard Co.?
Answer 13: Mr. Gooi informed that he working on the SOP and upon completion, the SOP will be loaded to the Saga website and all will be able to view it.

Question 14: Mr. Alex Tan of SD8/2D asked whether the security guards could call and inform the residents when their visitors register at the Guard booth.
Answer 14: Mr. Gooi requested instead the co-operation of all residents to provide a list (name of visitors and car nos.) to the guardhouse if they are having visitors/parties to avoid congestions/inconveniences etc.

Question 15: Resident of SD8/1 asked whether the earlier proposed CCTV will be implemented.( 14 houses facing mosque )
Answer 15: Mr. Gooi informed that due to the high installation cost approximately MYR9,000, SNS Committee will not proceed with the installation of CCTV at this point of time, however the Committee will review the matter accordingly in the future.

5. Election of SNS Committee

Mr. Gooi informed the residents that the SNS program is a voluntary initiative by the residents of Saga. The present pro-tem working committee is working for the benefit of all, without any hidden agenda or profit making scheme, all transactions are transparent to the residents. Mr. Gooi introduced the Pro-tem Committee to the residents of Saga and thanked each of the pro-tem Committee for their time, effort, money and dedication in working towards the successful set up of the Security program.

In due course, the SNS Community will have its own hotline for security, blog (sagasns.blogspot.com), email address (sagasns@gmail.com) for dissemination of information. All residents are advised to register their email address in the application form. A temporary accounts clerk will be hired to keep the accounts and post all collection records on the website for viewing of the residents.

Currently the participation rate in the SNS program is as followed:-

1) SD 8/1 : 17/49 ( 35% )
2) SD 8/2 : 121/224 ( 54% )
3) SD 8/3 : 78/96 ( 81% )
4) SD 8/4 : 55/96 ( 57% )
5) SD8/5 : 80/142 ( 56% )
6) SD8/6 : 10/19 ( 53% )
Total : 361/626 ( 57% )

Mr. Gooi called upon the Saga residents to volunteer their services, as the current Pro-tem Committee would like to retire upon the election of new SNS Committee. The elected Committee is required to meet once a month and residents will be updated on the Committee’s activities. Furthermore, a representative of SNS Committee will also participate in the BSDRA monthly meeting to convey the Saga community’s issues to BSDRA.

Resident from SD8/4 proposed that every street should have a person in charge of the lane. Mr. Gooi agreed and informed that during the Pro-tem Committee’s meetings with the residents, approximately 16 residents volunteered their services. From the list of volunteers provided earlier only following volunteers were present at the meeting.

Lane SD8/5A - Mr. Elfred Yu H/P : 012-3773122
Lane SD8/5F - Mr. KH Tan H/P : 012-3771780
Lane SD8/5 - Mr. Rayner Solibun H/P : 012-8023010

Following new volunteers then agreed and signed up as representative of their respective lane:-

Lane SD8/2 - Pn Nabisa (SD8/2D), Mr. Alvin (SD8/2), Encik Othman (SD 8/2F)
Lane SD8/4 – Mr. Yee
Lane SD8/5 – Encik Ghazali, Pn Farrah & En Ahmed Ezdy Shaari (SD)
Lane SD8/6 – Encik Mohd. Hasram
Mr. Gooi then proposed to retain the existing working Committee for time being and with the help of the new volunteers, work on the rest of the 361 houses who have yet to subscribe to the SNS program.

Those who are not clear on the SNS program are welcomed to contact Mr. Gooi for clarification.

There being no further matters to be discussed, Mr. Gooi ended the meeting with a message to the Saga residents to work together and be the first resident Committee to achieve successful set up of its own security program. The meeting adjourned at 5.45p.m.