Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:03:30 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/ Ara Damansara en-us http://www.aradamansara.com/images/logo.gif http://www.aradamansara.com/ admin@aradamansara.com http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=111 Article & Pictures By LeeYK The recent closure of NZX tunnel for a month had brought hardships and had imposed additional financial burden to the residents on the eastern side of this PJ neighborhood. Besides the inconvenience and personal loss of productivity, have you wondered how much it has caused the residents during the one month closure? The most obvious cost is that of extra petrol consumption. The detour is said to have added an additional 3.5km to our journey. Conservatively, at 35sen a kilometer, this costs each car an additional RM2.45 per trip. Two ringgit forty-five sens is not a lot of money but enough to buy one a simple breakfast of roti canai and teh tarik. If you had to make a few trips, you probably had to dig into your savings or kiss your family's breakfast goodbye. It was reported that some 30,000 - 40,000 vehicles use this tunnel daily, a claim supposedly from the consultant study. Take it with a pinch of salt though. My guess is actual volumes isn't close to half of that. Give them the benefit of doubt and let's say, 15,000 - 20,000 cars pass through this tunnel daily. Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:03:30 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=110 Because the children need our help. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:08:03 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=109 Need help for the holidays? Novel Cafe is catering! Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:46:23 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=108 What you consider clean will shock you. The food you buy at the supermarket and cook at home is not as clean as you think. It contains growth hormones, antibiotics, preservatives, colouring, germs and bacteria. Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:22:20 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=107 Article & Pictures By LeeYK It's 2 weeks now since the closure of the NZX tunnel and the massive traffic jams plaguing residents of Crimson and Ria Condos, Taman Putra Damai and Ara Damansara continues. MBPJ's action to close the tunnel despite a signature campaign by Crimson residents showed the arrogance of the authorities and we are questioning if the authorities are taking action for the sake of taking actions. Rakyat today are struggling to cope with rising prices and the closure of the tunnel added to our burden through increased petrol consumption, higher vehicle maintenance and loss of time. The actions by MBPJ are proof that the authorities are still very much the old institution. What's the rationale to close the NZX tunnel when with the recent opening of the FAS tunnel, the traffic problem that used to affect the residents of Taman Emas had disappeared? What is the purpose of a traffic study when after two weeks, there is still no one stationed to record the traffic volumes? Why is MBPJ re-creating a traffic problem to inconvenience the residents? Why is MBPJ not rakyat friendly and take immediate actions to alleviate our sufferings? Borrowing the words of R. Nadeswaran, is MBPJ saying "Semuanya OK"? Many of us voted for a change in the recent election because we want to see a change for the better. We don't deserve this insane action by MBPJ. We certainly deserved to be treated better in a new era of openness, transparency and better governance. Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:21:53 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=106 You may be wondering what is all these debris lying on the road? Mon, 01 Sep 2008 19:06:08 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=105 Looking for Steamboat, Teppanyaki & BBQ in Ara Damansara? Pay a visit to 100°C Restaurant in NZX Feel the Magic of Steamboat in Ara Damansara by visit to our new outlet in NZX Commercial Center. By walking in the main street of NZX, you will be able to see our attactive SignBoard. Unbelievable Deal!!!We offering you a different kind of Steamboat Experience with set meal price starting ONLY from RM8.80!!! 11 Varieties of Soup Base including Original, Tom Yam, Curry, Fish Head, Porridge, Golden Porridge, Thai Style, Herb, Ba Ku Teh, Vegetarian & Ma-La!!!20 over Saurces to choose!!!12 Marination of Teppanyaki & BBQ to Choose!!! So...What are you waiting for??? 100°C Steamboat, Teppanyaki & BBQ Restaurant. H-G-01, Block A, No.2, Jalan PJU 1A/41B, Pusat Dagangan NZX, Ara Jaya, PJU 1A, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. For Reservation: +603-78850929, +603-78850969 Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:26:50 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=104 What you consider clean will shock you. The food you buy at the supermarket and cook at home is not as clean as you think. It contains growth hormones, antibiotics, preservatives, colouring, germs and bacteria. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:55:58 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=103 Pictures and Article by Casarina_Committee Last Saturday (5th July 2008), committee members from all Ara Damansara resident association were invited to a meeting with Sime Darby on the future development for our area. Here is a brief summary on plan for the development for our area. Area-Description C-existing Casarina area A-existing Atilia and Alitia area W-existing Winchester area B-new 74 unit 90’ x 65’ bungalow – estimate selling price from 3 to 5 mil S-new 34 unit 45’ x 65’ Semi D - estimate selling price from 2 mil H-new community hall & low cost shop lot P-new balai polis, bomba and masjid I-new international school (Sime is negotiating with Taylors) G-new government school Sime Darby also mentioned that they would beautified our area by providing 1.Sign Boards-(concrete signage with water fountain feature) 2.Security Post-(the current security cabin by Sime Darby will be remove and be replace by proper concrete security house) 3.CCTV-(to all main roads and also linked to the Head Quarters police station in Shah Alam) 4.Community Hall-A new community hall for all residents to use Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:33:01 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=102 Our dragon fruit farm is located in Lojing Highlands, Kelantan, which is accessible through the Simpang Pulai-Gua Musang Highway. It covers an area of about 30 acres with an altitude of about 700m above sea level. The farm was developed from a secondary forest with unpolluted water and soil. It is located away from other farms and is ideal for organic farming. As the farm is located on a highland, it does not face problems of water clogging due to poor drainage especially during rainy seasons. Water flooding and clogging caused many fungi diseases which are experienced by many dragon fruit farmers on the lowlands. Due to the high altitude of the farm, it created a higher difference in temperatures between day and night of about 4 to 5 degrees that is ideal for producing sweeter and juicier dragon fruits. In our farm, we adopted the “Shimamoto” method of organic farming as recommended by Shimamoto Bio-tech. The “Shimamoto” method is a proven organic farming method with thousands of years of experience in Japan and is beginning to get wider acceptance from many farmers around the region. The “Shimamoto” method enable faster composting cycle using microorganisms and enzymes that is not normally achievable by conventional composting methods. Some organic vegetable farmers in Malaysia using the “Shimamoto” method are getting good returns as their produce are in good demand and are commanding higher price in the market. The dragon fruit trees were planted since 2005 and there are now about 44,000 fruit trees. The fruit trees are now more than two years old and well grown to produce high quality dragon fruits with a current yield of about 7000 kg per month. The final yield from the farm will depend on the climate and fruiting seasons as shown in the table below. April to September October to March Monthly Yield 8,000kg 2,000kg Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:14:58 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=101 Pictures and Article by LeeYK Construction works at the 2nd tunnel near Tropicana is progressing slowly and it appears this is a bigger engineering project than I first thought. The complexity is due to the technique used in making this tunnel. Without the NKVE, it is quite easy, just dig and put in the VBC (Vehicular box culvert). But this stretch of NKVE is heavily used and building a bypass is out of question since there is no ample land by the side. The challenge is to build the tunnel on a "live" highway avoiding any soil movements and creating a risk to the road users . Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:14:42 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=100 By LeeYK A decade or more ago, housing developers only need to allocate a small piece of land for a taman to comply with town planning requirements. It's understandable as every square meter of land is money and they need to maximize their returns. Times have changed. With increased competition and changing life styles, some developers are trying to attract buyers with good recreational facilities. A big park with water features is now a common offering. Fri, 06 Jun 2008 01:18:21 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=99 At Novel Café, you won’t go hungry after trying any one of our daily specials. Our portion is similar to that of America with large soup bowls filled to the top with noodles and ingredients while rice plates come with all the essential carbohydrate, protein and vitamins. In America, all meals are served in larger portion because the people there eat more. Here in Asia, people eat smaller portion meals but they eat more often. Wouldn’t it be great if you can have a lunch that fills you up so you wouldn’t need to eat again until dinner time? We bring you bigger portions than the usual because we want you to walk out feeling satiated and satisfied. Thu, 15 May 2008 13:11:05 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=98 For anyone and everyone seeking to live healthy and natural, we finally have an organic shop to call our own! Yup, Ara Damansara's first organic shop will be officially be opening its doors on April 12. GREEN VALLEY is located on C-G-09, Jalan PJU 1A/20B, Dataran Ara Damansara. Besides organic, natural and vegeterian products, GREEN VALLEY also serves simple meals like vegeterian friend meehoon, organic sandwiches and 'tong sui' like red bean and bubur chacha. During a Sunday stroll, after your weekly pedicure, drop by and get a taste of the health products there. All products are fully imported and natural.Many residents have popped in admist the busy renovation work just to enquire about the products which has been highly recommended even for cancer patients. Thu, 15 May 2008 13:10:40 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=97 By LeeYK Many residents in Ara and surrounding neighbourhood use the tunnel located near the LRT depot to gain access to LDP every day. This tunnel is one of three built in this area during construction of NKVE. Since then, new township has sprouted on the other side of NKVE resulting in an increase of traffic. The planners probably did not foresee that and these tunnels are now a bottleneck. Near Tropicana, work has started for a second tunnel adjacent to the existing one but this is moving at a snail's pace and don't expect this to be ready until 2009. Nearer to home, it is unlikely a second tunnel will be built next to the current one as there is already another tunnel, a couple of hundred meters away. This second tunnel is located near FAS football field at Taman Emas. If you take the Taman Emas route to return home, you should be able to see the tunnel at the end of the road. MBPJ has started construction activities several weeks ago but expect many more weeks before it is ready. This route will take you past Suria Damansara Condo, located just after the tunnel and Kelana Idaman, a small neighbourhood of double-storey link houses. This road, Jalan 1A/4A will snake past a high density housing area comprising of 5 blocks of high rise apartments. This is still unoccupied and I have no idea what this place is called. It ends up at a T junction besides Dana 1 located at Jalan Lembah Subang. If you turn left at the junction, it will lead you to Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang, turning right will take you past the flats at Taman Putra Damai and then NZX. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:04:13 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=95 By LeeYK "Where do you live?" "Ara Damansara" A blank face descended. I quickly continue, " You know old Subang Airport... (pause)...Hyatt Saujana?...." Ever since I shifted, I have been struggling telling people where I live. Despite in existence since 1999, many people still have no clue where Ara Damansara is. But this is going to change soon. Thanks to NZX. Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:20:51 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=94 Dear Ara Residents Our beloved dog Rocky has ran out of our house in Calarossa area (again!) late last night (23/2/08). Please contact us at 012-3022648 if you see him around. We've gone round looking for him all over Ara D but have not found him yet. He's a yellow Labrador (male) wearing a chain with a brand new red DBKL tag. He's ran out once last year in May as well and Ara resident FORESTWF managed to find him as seen in the earlier posting. Really appreciate all your help in getting our dear Rocky home. FORESTWF, hope Rocky comes to your house again. Khoo Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:19:46 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=93 eHub HomeMaxer, Taipan II, Block G. Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:39:15 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=92 By LeeYK Some residents have expressed an interest in gating up their community. The driving force appears to be security and in our society where crimes are reported almost daily, some believe a gated community will offer the residents a safer and a more secured environment. A gated community, by definition has a closed perimeter of walls or fences with controlled entrances. As a chain can only be as strong as its weakest link, it is necessary to ensure there are no weak links. Let's start with the controlled entrances. It must be guarded at all times and strict controls placed on all visitors. This means visitors are expected to register plus the ability to identify the host. Is this good enough? Not necessarily. Anyone can scribble a name and an IC number unless they are checked. Do you know it is relatively easy to pick up a name of a resident? A false car number plate can be easily fitted. At the perimeter, unless the wall is 6 feet or higher, one can easily climb over it. A wired fencing can be easily cut. How about the monsoon drains? This is a potential entry point. It doesn't sound very secured, right? So does a gated community give us a false sense of security? You are a pessimist! Maybe. If you want a fully secured environment, you may as well do it right. No point having a gated community where intrusion is easy. If done properly, a gated community does offer some values. Firstly, the fortress like environment will be a deterrent. Any crooks will think twice making an attempt to do business in an area where they spend more time worrying how to get away or worried of being caught. This does not mean there is zero crime. If they have a target, they will find a way in. In general, a gated community is good in reducing petty crimes: snatch thief, break-ins, thefts etc etc. It also stops unwanted visitors like peddlars. How easy is it to setup a gated community? It is very easy for a new housing development but it is an uphill task for an existing neighbourhood. The biggest challenge is to convince everyone in the neighbourhood to buy-in. As the Chinese saying goes, "the same rice feed a hundred types of people", everyone has his or her opinions. It is even more difficult if some residents had made their purchases on the basis of living in a non-gated environment. The start-up costs is another big factor. The start-up costs is dependent on the perimeter size, make of the fencing and other frills like auto-gate, intercom, CCTVs etc. Not everyone is willing or has the financial means to pay. Don't forget the maintenance too. A brick wall needs repainting every few years and a broken fence needs repair. Fri, 18 Jan 2008 11:55:23 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=91 By LeeYK The world is getting warmer today because of the greenhouse effect. Simply, this is due to absorption and emission of infrared radiation by atmospheric gases. Scientific studies have shown that carbon dioxide (CO2) can contribute up to a quarter of the greenhouse effect. It is also alarming that some 75% of the increase in CO2 in the last 2 decades is due to fossil fuel burning, the remaining 25% is due to deforestation. The increase in CO2 in the air creates another problem. CO2 dissolves in sea water to create acids changing the PH level of the water. This throws the sensitive marine life ecosystem out of balance leading to the possibility of species extinction. A disruption of this marine food chain has severe implications as the sea is a major source of food supply for mankind. Of course, this won't happen overnight and not likely in the present generation. If we don't do anything now, the future generations will suffer. Fri, 21 Dec 2007 23:07:08 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=90 By LeeYK The road works leading to Tropicana has completed and it has been opened to traffic for more than a month now. You can enjoy a smoother ride with little congestion during non-peak hours. If you are travelling towards Damansara Indah, expect your journey to take a couple of minutes longer due to three additional sets of traffic lights. It is slightly faster in the opposite direction until you hit the end of the road where the two lanes end. Fri, 09 Nov 2007 10:55:12 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=89 I missed the chicken clucking sound in the morning. Believe it or not, there used to be a chicken in Ara Damansara. Wonder where it is now. Tue, 06 Nov 2007 13:03:33 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=88 Tue, 02 Oct 2007 21:13:49 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=87 I have been to this eateries premises for several times and their quality of services as well as foods served are marvelous. CakeWalk Cafe, a cafeteria that sells not only breads and cakes....it also sells other western and local dishes. Recommended dishes: 1. Tiramisu cake 2. Marble cheese cake 3. Chocolate chips cookies 4. Beef goalath Try it for yourself and believe me, the prices are reasonable. Tue, 02 Oct 2007 21:09:31 +0800 http://www.aradamansara.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=86 By LeeYK I am always amazed the patience an angler has. He swings the line, pulls back, swings again, pulls back, repeating these a dozen times. For others, they find a shady spot, sit down and wait. The buzzing of the mosquitoes never bother them. You can see the smile on their face when there is movement on the line. Tue, 02 Oct 2007 21:09:13 +0800