Giving RAs a bigger voice

RESIDENTS Associations (RAs) in the Klang Valley will soon have an effective platform to engage directly with their local councils and relevant agencies.

Under an initiative by The Star and RED FM, about 180 RAs in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya would be invited for meeting to be held at Menara Star, Petaling Jaya on April 25 at 3pm.

The Star group chief editor/executive director Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai said the tie-up with the RAs was part of the media group’s efforts to work closely with its readers and highlight the problems they faced in their neighbourhoods.

“The topic for the meeting is something that has been hotly debated and close to the hearts of residents in the Klang Valley — neighbourhood safety.

“The residents and authorities can discuss and find a workable solution for the safety of their homes,” Wong said.

He said the programme would also see The Star and RED FM going to various neighbourhoods in the Klang Valley to hold carnivals which would include games, food fairs and contests for the residents.

The RED Ryder team would also be having roadshows to promote the event at the various neighbourhoods in the Klang Valley.

Wong said RED FM would hold live broadcasts at the location of the carnivals to allow listeners to take part in the issues being discussed at the particular neighbourhood.

“We want to go to the ground to serve as an effective bridge between the RAs and the authorities.

“We have also designed special programmes and events where local RAs can benefit from the sale of our publications and other products.

“Part of the proceeds from the sales of these items will be channelled back to the RAs which they can use to fund their activities,” Wong said.

He said the briefing session on April 25 would provide details to the RAs on the framework of the mini-carnivals to be held at the various neighbourhoods .

“We intend to hold mini-carnivals once every fortnight at a selected neighbourhood. It will be on first come-first-served basis. Some RAs have already given us their preferred dates and we will do our best to accommodate them,” he added.

Among the RAs which have confirmed their participation for the programme are Bukit Jelutong, Damansara Emas, Mutiara Subang and Bukit Antarabangsa.

The guest-of-honour will be KL mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Fuad Ismail.

RAs interested in participating in the meeting, which is strictly by invitation only, can contact Vijay Indran (016-205 3636), Kumar (019-351 9732), Rao (012-286 0066) or Lorenzo (016-610 4141) before April 17.