Monday, December 26, 2011

SUAC SECURITY ALERT

There has been 3 incidents where unauthorized motorcycles have entered our streets via the lanes at 5/6. One was caught off-guard by the resident who yelled and the bike subsequently escaped, also via the lanes that lead to JSP 5/1. The other two bikes were detected by our alert guards who gave chase and they subsequently fled. While their intentions are not clear, our conversations with the Police provided us with some idea of what these bikes may be attempting. Apparently, these bikes enter the taman and wait for an opportunity to hold at knife-point any resident who is just returning home and while the auto-gate is in the process of closing. These thugs will enter the house just as the gate is closing and demand cash or worse, ask for access to the house. Such cases have occurred in section 6. At the advise of the police, SUAC has begun work on erecting a barb wire fence along the 3 lanes at JSP 5/6. Although some residents may be inconvenienced, security should always be our priority.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

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SUAC wishes all our residents a Very Merry Christmas and a Joyous and Safe New Year…..

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Boom-Gate

The boom-gate at post 1 was hit by a water delivery truck at approximately 10:30am on Saturday, October 22. As the delivery was made to a resident at 5/18, SUAC has decided to leave the responsibility of the repair to the Phase 4 committee.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

CCTV Cameras

Please be advised that Post 2 is now equipped with CCTV cameras. 2 cameras have been installed, one for the capture of incoming license plates and the other for capturing the general activity of sentry guards and the surrounding area.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Incident Update

SUAC regrets to inform our residents that we had a break-in earlier today at JSP 5/14. This particular house backs on to JSP 5/1 (our main road). The alarm was not armed and as such could not provide our guards any warning. So sorry...

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Bids for Construction of 2 Guard Houses

SUAC invites bids from resident contractors for the construction of 2 guard houses. Please see images below for specifications. Further discussions will be held on a one to one basis.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q:  Why has the frequency of patrolling been reduced?

A:  The frequency of patrolling has not been reduced, however, the 

      patrolling guards have an added task of tailing each and every

      car (without stickers)  that enters our streets to ensure they are

      headed for the destination they stated at our sentry points.

         

Q:  I’ve noticed a canopy and a guard stationed at the intersection

      of 5/5 and 5/6. What is the purpose of such?

A:  The leakage that can occur from 5/4 and 5/19 is too   

      massive for us to ignore.  Recent criminal activity occurring in

      Phase 4 demonstrates the need for us to be more vigilant.

 

Q:  Why is Post 3 closed?

A:  Post 3 comes under the jurisdiction of Phase 4. SUAC has no

     control over its’ operations.

 

Q:  When will the guard houses be built?

A:  SUAC has cleared two of the three stage approval process. We

     are now awaiting the final stage approval from the Land Office.

     The delay in the construction of such is primarily due to SUACs

     decision to fully adhere and comply with all rules and by-laws   

     governing such construction.

 

Q:  Which company has been awarded the contract for the

      construction of the guard houses?

A:  To maintain transparency, SUAC is inviting bids from contractor  

      residents for the construction of our guard  houses.  Details will 

      posted on our blog shortly.

 

 

Q: What changes are planned to enhance our security?

A:  Once our guard houses are built, all cars without stickers

     will be subject to more thorough checks. Drivers of such

     vehicles will be required to surrender their driver’s license

     for CCTV scanning.

 

Q:  How does SUAC stand financially?

A:  Our current monthly expenses are more or less in line with our

      collections. SUAC runs its’ operations based on the number of

      paying residents. To avoid any financial deficit, the number of

      guards is commensurate with the fees collected.

 

Q:  Do committee members pay their share of security fees?

A:  Absolutely. Committee members volunteer their time serving

     the community and contribute in a very special way to ensure

     that our residents, families and streets are safe.

 

Q:  I recently stopped paying the security fees, why was my

     “GUARDED” gate tag removed?

A:  As clearly stated on the back of each tag, SUAC reserves the

     right to remove the gate tags upon non-payment of security

     fees. This also aids our patrolling guards in identifying our

     paying members thereby ensuring that only members are    

     afforded the relevant services.

 

Q:  What additional steps are taken over holiday periods to ensure

      our safety?

A:  Guards are restricted from taking days off during such periods

      and are advised to be more vigilant. In addition, contractors

      and their staff working in our ‘taman’ are prohibited from

      spending nights at the houses in which they work.

 

 

SUAC – making it all come together…

Friday, June 10, 2011

Circular 4/2011

Dear Residents,

1) SUAC is pleased to announce that we have completed our registration as an RA. We are officially registered as Seri Utama (Phase 2 & 3) Residents Association (Persatuan Penduduk Fasa 2 Dan 3 Seri Utama)

2) SUAC is also pleased that we have achieved a participation rate of 80% membership. We are honoured by the confidence instilled in us to carry out the task of making our little paradise a safe one. SUAC continues to plead for more members to further enhance our security.

3) We are anxiously awating the consent to rebuild our guardhouses. All necessary paperwork has been complied and ready for submission to the relevant authorities.

4) SUAC truly hopes that each of you is pleased with our current level of security. It has been a long road for many of us. Further tightening measures will be implemented shortly. Technical details had to be ironed out prior to implementing such.

5) As a result of the increased costs of maintaining security, primarily due to the added cost of sentry services, SUAC regrets to inform you that our monthly fee will have to be raised to RM50 per month, effective July 1st. While the monthly cost of RM50 is still one of the lowest, we must examine the quality of service received. SUAC truly hopes that we will have your continued support as we are a mere proxy for our residents.

6) When the car sticker system was developed, it was done at a time when we strictly had patrolling guards. Now that our sentry system is in place, please be advised that rear stickers are neither necessary nor valid. Cars attempting to enter our streets with rear stickers placed on front windshields will be stopped. SUAC apologizes for any inconvenience.

7) One of the major issues facing our guards is that of verbal abuse. Please be kind to our guards, they are human too. Another issue that results in traffic jams at Post 1 is one where our visitors are not aware of the address of the residents that they are visiting. Residents are kindly advised to notify their visitors of their address. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

8) SUAC desperately requires street reps for JSP 5/6 and 5/8. To date, these streets have been mostly served by volunteers living outside of such streets. Kindly volunteer to ensure that the streets mentioned have a voice in determining our future course.

9) SUAC HOTLINES have been off-line for the past 2 weeks. We regret to inform you that we have been forced to obtain a new number. Kindly be informed that our new HOTLINE is 012-238-5508. This number is for our members’ use in case of emergency, 24 / 7.

10)Finally, numerous residents have complained that they lack car stickers and are unable to get them. SUAC is conducting a one week exercise to alleviate this problem. Any resident who wishes to purchase car stickers can send a sms to 012-673-9035 stating their name, address and number of stickers required. You will be attended to once SUAC is able to complete verification of residence.

SUAC wishes to thank all residents for their support and co-operation. Should there be any complaints / suggestions, do visit our blog at http://seriutama2n3.blogspot.com/ and drop us a line.

Change in Hotline Number

Regrettably, SUAC is forced to change our HOTLINE number. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. Our new number:

012-238-5508

This number is for GUARDED members only and is a direct line to our shift Supervisor.

Monday, May 23, 2011

SUAC Hotline

Dear Residents,

Please be advised that the SUAC Hotline will be offline till further notice due to a technical glitch. In case of emergency, kindly contact your Security Bureau:

Neal : 012-673-9035

Wilson : 019-369-9037

Anthony : 012-767-2933

We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

HOW IT’S ALL GONNA WORK…

Dear Residents,

The time has come for implementation of our next step in ensuring the safety and security of Seri Utama. Barring any delay by the engaged security company, our sentry services will commence on Saturday, April 9th. Such sentry services will complement our patrolling guards. The details of such are as follows:

1) Post 1 (JSP 5/5 intersecting JSP 5/1) will serve as our main entrance. All visitors must use this entrance and will be subject to registration. Visitors must be able to provide an exact destination. The sentry will then radio the vehicle number and destination to our patrolling guards who will then ensure that such vehicle is in fact headed for that destination.

2) Post 2 (JSP 5/12 intersecting JSP 5/1) will be open 24 hours a day and will be manned by a sentry guard. This entrance / exit will be maintained as a ‘valid sticker entrance / exit’ only.

3) Post 3 (JSP 5/5 intersecting JSP 5/2) will be open from the hours of 6am to 10 am and 6pm to 10pm. This entrance / exit will be maintained as a ‘valid sticker entrance / exit’ only.

4) All residents are kindly advised to obtain their stickers from their respective street reps prior to the official launch date to minimize any inconvenience. Paying members must obtain their “G” stickers while non-paying members must obtain their “R” stickers.

5) A copy of the MOU signed between SUAC and the committee representing Phase 4 can be viewed on our blog - http://seriutama2n3.blogspot.com/. The agreement calls for the sharing of all costs in maintaining Post 1 on a pro-rata basis while all costs relating to Post 2 will be borne by SUAC and all costs for Post 3 will be borne by the residents of Phase 4.

6) SUAC intends to maintain very strict control over the procedures at each entry point. Residents are advised to cooperate fully with the guards to ensure a safe and secure Seri Utama. The police have volunteered to assist in dealing with any resident that chooses not to cooperate or comply with our policies.

7) Despite my personal plea for greater participation by our residents, the result was dismal. Many of our residents either fail to see the value of an enhanced security system or would rather live off the charity of their neighbours. Security is not a right but rather a privilege. Many of you may be aware of the recent ‘parang’ incident that occurred very close to home. It is now up to each of you to decide the fate of SUAC and Seri Utama.

I truly hope that each of you will continue to support our initiatives. SUAC’s efforts are for the good of the community. Our primary goal is to provide our children and families with a safe environment. Once again, thank you for your support and let’s unite to make Seri Utama a safe and secure paradise.

Neal Ramchandani

Secretary, SUAC

Friday, February 18, 2011

Circular 3/2011: Here comes the SENTRY..

Dear Residents,

It is indeed our pleasure to announce that our exhaustive negotiations, intense meetings, mind boggling budgeting and planning have finally paved the way for the implementation of our sentry system. SUAC’s tentative plan calls for:

1) 24 hour sentry guards (engaged from a security company) placed at our 2 main entrances at 5/5 (Post 1) and 5/12 (Post 2). Cost of such will be shared on a pro-rata basis with phase 4.

2) The entrance at JSP 5/5 (intersecting 5/2) will remain open during rush hours. This should reduce any inconvenience to our residents.

3) The entrances located at JSP 5/5 (intersecting JSP 5/2) and JSP 5/12 (Post 2) will be converted to “valid sticker only” entrances. All visitors will be required to use the Post 1 entrance at JSP 5/5 (intersecting JSP 5/1). All visitors will be required to state their precise destination and will be tailed by our patrolling guards. All residents are urged to get their car stickers immediately.

4) Slight changes are being considered to our sectoral patrolling system. Such patrolling will serve as our 3rd line of defense while the sentry and CCTV’s serve as our first and second lines, respectively.

5) Boom-gates will be installed as soon as feasible.

6) Guard houses will be built upon the receipt of necessary approvals.

SUAC certainly hopes that we are meeting the expectations of our residents. It should now be clear to all that SUAC is committed to our security. The above plan, once implemented, will undoubtedly increase our monthly expenses but SUAC is committed to maintaining our current monthly fee. We made a commitment and we’re sticking with it. In order to finance the increase in our monthly cost, I am making a personal plea to our residents…

 

MY PERSONAL PLEA

SUAC was born out of the concern for the safety and security of our residents. In the few short months that we have been operating, we have developed, through countless hours of negotiations and meetings, a comprehensive security plan for the benefit of all. Soon, we will have a sentry system with thorough vehicle checking, CCTV’s and patrolling guards. It is probably the best system we can ever achieve given the structure of our Taman and the limited funds we have. The generosity of many of our residents has paved the way for new guard houses, new boom-gates and additional CCTV’s. A personal thank you to all our generous residents for their donations.

Let’s look at the big picture. We are almost at the finish line. We cannot afford to stall or abandon what we have achieved. To get to the finish line and maintain our air-tight system, we will require greater participation from our residents. Our current participation of 420 residents is insufficient to fund our increased security costs. We require a minimum of 482 residents. This leaves us with a shortfall of 62 residents. In my humble opinion, there is just no excuse for not participating in our security scheme. The RM40 monthly fee (lowest in KD) will more than pay for itself in increased property values once it is established that Seri Utama has excellent security. It would sadden me to know that we had to abandon our plans at the final hour due to a lack of commitment from our very own residents.

Please consider being a part of a 1 Seri Utama. Let us make it happen, together. Unfortunately, should we be unable to attain the slight increase in our membership, the above plan may not be implemented. If we, the residents refuse to get together to fight crime on our own streets, then, no amount of effort on SUAC’s part will or can make a difference. SUAC’s vision for Seri Utama is simple: To create a community where our children play freely, where we know our neighbors and where we, as a community, are able to fend off anyone and anything that interferes with our right to a safe and peaceful environment. This vision must be shared by all residents. It is our collective responsibility to see this vision through. Please do your part!!

Neal Ramchandani
Secretary, SUAC

Monday, January 31, 2011

Security Guards Profile

* Updated on 21 March 2011

Our patrolling guards are now easily identifiable through their vests. Each guard is assigned a number from G1-G9, which is clearly displayed on the back of their security vest. Residents providing feedback on our guards must be able to identify them through these assigned numbers

Thursday, January 27, 2011

SCAM ALERT

SUAC has received a complaint from a resident that a guard in a blue uniform knocked on her door and asked for payment of security fees. Please be advised that this is NOT a SUAC guard. All security fees are payable to your street reps ONLY and an official SUAC receipt must be issued. Should you encounter a similar situation, please keep the fraudster waiting and call the SUAC Hotline immediately.

SUAC HOTLINES : 012-230-9314, 012-230-9262

FINANCIALS & BEYOND (statement of a/c’s, monthly budget, capex & donations)

Dear Residents,

As promised and in the spirit of transparency, SUAC is pleased to present our first financials ending December 31st, 2010. As you can see, we achieved a participation rate of 62% or 388 members out a total of 625 residents. This provided us with sufficient revenue to operate with a small number of guards and provided us with a surplus of RM5790.15. It must also be noted that the surplus includes the excess donations of RM550 generously contributed by Committee Members and residents alike for our first Residents gathering which was held on 19 December 2010.

Also, enclosed is our budget for 2011. The budget provides for revenue of RM16,360 based on an estimate of 409 participating residents or 65% and expenses, based on 9 guards, of RM15,620. This will leave SUAC with a monthly budget surplus of RM740.

As you can see, our monthly budget surplus doesn’t allow us to make any investments in our security. SUAC has received a large number of suggestions / complaints / feedback on our capital expenditure plans. In light of this, SUAC has decided to revise our capex plans. After all, SUAC is a committee of the residents, for the residents. We hear you loud and clear. After 3 long nights of meetings, we came to the conclusion that we must reduce our capital expenditures without sacrificing the effectiveness of our plan. As such, we have concluded that:

1) We will only build 2 guard houses instead of 3. The third guard house at JSP 5/5 (off phase 1) will not be built due to the lack of power supply availability and the radiation threat that it would pose due to its proximity to the TM switch box. We will attempt to close this entrance permanently although this will pose challenges of its own. Please be advised that such construction will only begin after the necessary approvals are received.

2) SUAC will reduce the number of CCTV’s installed corresponding to the reduced number of guard houses.

3) SUAC will proceed with the installation of 2 manual boom gates.

4) The purchase of walkie talkies will be paid for by the surplus of December’s collection.

As such, our revised capital expenditures are as follows:

 

CCTV’s RM 3,950
BOOM GATES RM 4,000
GUARD HOUSES RM 13,000
SIGNAGES RM 800
WALKIE TALKIE PAID FOR FROM 2010 SURPLUS
TOTAL RM 21,750

As you can see, we have cut our expenditures by approximately 40%. SUAC wishes to thank you for your feedback. On the touchy subject of donations, SUAC is appealing to your generosity for the building and installation of the said items. While many residents and committee members have been very generous with their contribution of RM100, other residents are unable to afford the extra contribution. SUAC understands that while some residents are in a position to contribute while others are not. Also, some of our residents being tenants have voiced their objection to such additional contributions.

To better understand our rationale for the said capital expenditure; let us share our new approach to security. Each guard will have a designated area assigned to him. He will be responsible for all activity in his sector and will be required to check on each vehicle without a valid car sticker. It is therefore imperative that each and every resident complies with our car sticker policy. The walkie talkies will be used to enhance communication amongst our guards, given the sectoral system. Some of our residents have questioned the need to build new guard houses. After many hours of debate, it was concluded that new guard houses are a necessity which will be used as a charging station and guards will now use these as their rest spots to enable them to monitor our entry points even while on break. We may also implement a ‘valid car sticker entry only’ entrance at the 5/12 entrance to cut down on the number of open entry points. The boom gates will allow us to shut down the exits in case of emergency and finally the CCTV’s will serve as a strong deterrent, as an additional layer of security and as an aid for the police in their investigations. In order to implement our system, the capital expenditure is a necessity. Your street reps will be requesting for a donation and SUAC is appealing to your generosity. It is a contribution toward the betterment of our community. SUAC wishes to thank each and every one of you for your generosity, understanding and continuous support.

Finally, A Very Happy Lunar New Year to our Chinese Residents.

Statement of account

bank account

2011 budget

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

SUAC CAPEX UPDATE

SUAC has received many inquiries/ complaints/ suggestions with regards to our capital expenditures. While we will be distributing a circular on this matter shortly, we would like to provide a brief update on the matter. It is indeed very heartening to see the passion in our residents on these matters. SUAC has taken all suggestions / complaints into account and has revised its capex plans. After all, SUAC is a committee of the residents, for the residents. We hear you loud and clear. After 3 long nights of meetings, we came to the conclusion that we must reduce our capital expenditures without sacrificing the effectiveness of our plan. As such, we have concluded that:

1) We will only build 2 guard houses instead of 3. The third guard house at JSP 5/5 (off phase 1) will not be built due to the lack of power supply availability and its proximity to the TM Box. We will attempt to close this entrance permanently although this will pose challenges of its own.

2) SUAC will reduce the number of CCTV’s installed corresponding to the reduced number of guard houses.

3) SUAC will proceed with the installation of 2 manual boom gates.

4) The purchase of walkie talkies will be paid for by the surplus of December’s collection.

As such, our revised capital expenditures are as follows:

CCTV

RM3950

BOOM GATES

RM4000

GUARD HOUSES

RM13000

SIGNAGES

RM800

TOTAL

RM21750

As you can see, we have cut our expenditures by approximately 40%. SUAC wishes to thank you for your feedback. On the touchy of donations, SUAC is appealing to your generosity for the building and installation of the said items. While many residents and committee members have been very generous with their contribution of RM100, other residents are unable to afford the extra contribution. SUAC understands that while some residents are in a position to contribute while others may not. Also, some our residents being tenants have voiced their objection to such additional contributions. Your contribution goes toward making Seri Utama safe. Look out for our next circular in the next couple of days. Thank you!

Monday, January 10, 2011

CIRCULAR 1/2011: THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY

Dear Residents,

A Happy New Year to all of our residents. Unfortunately, it wasn’t such a happy time for SUAC and some of our residents. The very same bunch of thugs hit three of our homes on January 4th. CCTV footage showed us that the same vehicles were being used over and over again. This time, a light coloured (possibly white) Toyota Harrier, with 3 men were seen breaking into one of the 3 homes. The targeted homes either did not have an alarm system installed or had one that was not functioning. It was indeed an ugly day.

In light of our vulnerability, SUAC has decided to expedite the implementation of key security initiatives. We will require your full cooperation if we are to succeed. In an emergency meeting, SUAC has decided on the following:

1) The introduction of car stickers for all residents of Seri Utama (Phases 2, 3 & 4) and also for parents of students attending kindergartens in our community.

2) The registration of SUAC as a Residents’ Association.

3) The closure of entrances located at JSP 5/5 (off phase 1) and JSP 5/12 (off JSP 5/1) from the hours of 11am to 5pm and 11pm to 5am.

4) Subject to cooperation from residents of phase 4, the deployment of sentry guards at all 3 of our entrances for the hours that these are opened. SUAC must advise residents that should the participants of phase 4 cease to contribute towards the costs of such at any given time; the sentry guard initiative will cease to exist without prior notice.

5) The construction of new guard houses and boom gates.

6) The deployment of CCTV cameras at strategic locations.

7) An increase in the staffing levels of guards to provide for greater frequency of patrolling during the Chinese New Year period.

8) The exchange of phone numbers amongst immediate neighbours. Street reps will be providing your immediate neighbours with your contact number for use in cases of emergency. Should you decide that you do not wish to share your contact details with your neighbour, please opt out by advising your street rep. (contacts attached).

To succeed in the implementation of such, we need your assistance. SUAC is working hard on behalf of you, the residents. Many residents (over 200) are still reluctant to pay a mere RM40 a month for the good of our community. It is truly obscene. Our residents must afford us their full cooperation. SUAC kindly requests that residents pay their January – March dues shortly, purchase the said car stickers along with providing details of their vehicles, provide their consent for implementation of the initiatives above and submit to spot checks by our guards for vehicles without such stickers. Finally, SUAC is appealing for donations for the construction of our new guard houses, boom gates and CCTV’s. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

24 HOUR EMERGENCY HOTLINES

Please be advised that SUAC now has two new emergency hotlines. These numbers are a direct link to our patrolling guards. Paying residents are free to call our 24 hour hotlines in case of any emergency or where you require a guard’s assistance.

SUAC EMERGENCY HOTLINES ~ 012-230-9314
  ~ 012-230-9262
 
Neal Ramchandani
Secretary, SUAC

Thursday, January 6, 2011

SERI UTAMA ON NEWS

Thanks to The Star and Sinar for covering our Police & Resident Event on 19 Dec 2010.

thestar news dec2010

News published by The Star on 24 December 2010

 

sinar news dec2011

News published by Sinar

Note: Correction for the article in Sinar newspaper. Neal Ramachandani is Secretary of SUAC instead of Chairman as reported. (Setiausaha, Neal Ramachandani .....)

SUAC SECURITY UPDATE

It makes my blood boil to know that the very same burglars have hit Seri Utama again. A light colored Toyota Harrier, possibly white, was caught on CCTV. Three homes were hit during the hours of 1:00pm and 4:30 pm on Jan 4th, 2011.....all 3 homes did not have functioning alarms. 
These incidences highlight the need to implement our full fledged plan, as detailed at our residents’ meeting and in our last circular, as soon as feasible. With all our plans in place, the implementation of such requires the cooperation of our residents. SUAC is not some obscure body that is acting on its own behalf; it is indeed your committee, a committee that represents the interests of each and every resident. SUAC is pleading to all residents to contribute in the following ways:
  1. Car stickers will be ready shortly. All residents must purchase these stickers and provide plate numbers for each sticker purchased. Cars without stickers roaming our streets will be stopped for questioning.
  2. Subject to co-operation from phase 4 residents, the deployment of sentry guards will be carried out as soon as feasible. Once the sentry guards are in place, all cars without stickers will be subject to a security check (i.e. recording of home address and vehicle no by our sentry guards). Visitors will be required to register prior to entry. Your cooperation is needed in this matter.
  3. Road closures as detailed in our plan will be implemented once the boom gates are erected. The inconvenience that some of you may face is a small price to pay for our security. We require your cooperation.
  4. While SUAC worries about funding each day, we can only ask our non-paying residents to stop living off the charity of their neighbors. Without adequate funding, we are all doomed.
  5.