Selangor Sultan Supports The Disabled - StarMetro

QUICK COMMENT: Here's a very interesting piece of news that was first brought to my notice by my pal Kudsia Kahar, the General Manager, of AMP Radio Networks, Malaysia.

Just a quick note on Kuds: She has been my fan ever since her days as DJ (with Gary Thanasen) on Radio Muzik in her Caller At Twelve show. I met her for the first time last July when I approached her for help for our Society's charity dinner event.

I am pleased to say that not only is Kudsia a great animal fan; she is also a strong supporter of disabled persons and their rights to live equally with the rest of the able-bodied community in our society.

aNt
PET+BLOGSPOT

Tuesday May 27, 2008

Consultant told to scrap frills in royal garden project

Story and photos by EDWARD RAJENDRA

The Sultan also wants the garden area friendly for the physically challenged... MUHAMMAD HIJAZ SANUSI

SELANGOR Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has ordered the Klang Royal Garden landscape consultant Tajul Landart to scrap two arches, a minaret, watch tower, souvenir kiosk and decorative lightings costing RM7.5mil, saying it was a waste of public funds.

Sultan Sharafuddin who is known for his no-nonsense attitude, ticked off the consultant for proposing the lavish frills that pushed the 6.3ha public garden project to an exorbitant RM11mil.

Now it cost just RM3.5 mill after the unnecessary frills were erased from the plan.

The Sultan had advised the consultants, National Landscape Department and Klang Municipal Council's Garden and Recreation Department director Muhammad Hijaz Sanusi to create a garden with a soul.

Hijaz said the Sultan devotes his time to givevaluable inputs so that the people can enjoy an urban oasis within the hustle and bustle of the township.

The Klang Royal Garden, scheduled to be open to the public in October this year, is sandwiched between Jalan Tengku Kelana, Jalan Istana Baru and Jalan Istana.

Part of it can be seen opposite the Our Lady of Lourdes Church where a fountain built a few years ago would be retained as part of the landscape together with the 80-year-old rainforest trees.

Garden with a soul: Part of the Klang Royal Garden with the designated children’s playground (left) and fountain.

“The Sultan also wants the garden area friendly for the physically challenged.

“People are going to love this green area as it will have a jogging track, gazebo, two open air plazas, outdoor fitness station, children's playground and park benches,” Hijaz added.

He said the garden would have about 18 species of flowering and fruit trees.

“Among the tree species to be planted are African Tulip, Tekoma, Putat and Tembusu. (These trees were chosen as Tuanku as he wanted trees that are easily maintained and attract birds,” he said.

End