~THE BREAKDOWN~ Pun intended

The table below shows the breakdown on the participation rate of individual streets. Streets with low participation rates must do more to convince their neighbours of the need for security. SUAC is urging each and every resident to do their part and more. Residents who realize the need for security must convince their neighbours on the dangers of living in an unsecured neighbourhood. Time is running out ~ please rise from the bed of ignorance to the reality of today’s cruel world…

STREET	% CONTRIBUTING	REMARKS
JSP 5/5	64
JSP 5/6	16	Lacking reps
JSP 5/7	15	Newly identified reps
JSP 5/8	0	No rep
JSP 5/9	26	Newly identified rep
JSP 5/10	0	No rep
JSP 5/11	36
JSP 5/12	63
JSP 5/13	47
JSP 5/14	56
JSP 5/15	0	No rep
JSP 5/16	71
JSP 5/17	31

The numbers above are as of December 12th, 2010. A total of 206 residents have chosen to participate out of a total 626. Streets with no reps or lacking reps account for 149 homes. Based on previous statistics and assuming a generous participation rate of 50%, we will have a grand total of 281 homes participating. This will represent an overall participation rate of 45%. Sad but true…..

SUAC MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 12th 2010

1) Complete details of our comprehensive security plan was disclosed at the meeting. These details will be revealed at the residents meeting. The committee was keen on this plan and it will be the first time that Seri Utama will have a comprehensive security plan.

2) The event’s sub-committee have done a marvellous job on getting sponsors for the event on December 19th. Our only cost will be the tents and chairs which we are negotiating on.

3) On the collection front, it was a real shocker to discover that only 206 residents out of a total of 626 have chosen to participate in our scheme. That represents 33% of our residents. A total of 67% of our residents have opted for no security. At this rate, we have a shortfall of almost RM5000 just in operational cost. This does not include the start-up costs SUAC has incurred to date.

4) We are now faced with a dilemma. Do we go on in the hopes of recovering our losses or abandon the entire idea of security at Seri Utama? The committee will decide on this issue on the 28th of December. The decision will be based on the collections received to that date. If the comprehensive plans and our final call to our residents prove futile, SUAC will cease to exist as of December 31st 2010. The committee decided that we will not go on against the will of the residents. At a participation rate of 33%, the residents have spoken and SUAC has heard them loud and clear.

SUAC Security Update

The syndicates are at in again. This time they were unsuccessful. Residents are advised to look out for suspicious cars especially ones with dark tints. Should you spot one of these cars, please call our guards or the police immediately.

1) On December 6th – a 5 series BMW license plate WMD 806 was seen cruising along 5/13 at approximately 1:45pm. Our guards tailed the car and the vehicle subsequently sped off. These high end vehicles are part of a syndicate that has been operating in our neighborhood and many others. The police have been notified. Please be on the look-out.

2) On December 7th – a Mitsubishi Storm was spotted cruising suspiciously on 5/6. Our guards questioned the driver and when he could not provide a reasonable explanation for his presence on our streets, he was escorted out.

3) On December 8th – a BMW 5series, unplated, attempted to break-in a home on 5/7. When the alarm triggered, our guards responded and the criminals quickly jumped the gate and fled. Thanks to the quick response of our guards and the alarm, a burglary was averted.

4) On December 9th – homes along 5/14 have reported items left on their porch i.e.; shoes etc having been stolen. While this may seem like just petty theft, it is an invasion of our privacy and property.

As you can see, Seri Utama is a favourite for burglars and petty criminals. Unlike other communities in Kota Damanasara, it is the lack of a comprehensive security system that makes us vulnerable. In order to develop and implement a comprehensive system, we require the support of our residents. Despite our plea, we still lack volunteers for street reps for 5/6, 5/8, 5/10 and 5/11. If we, the residents, are not willing to spare a little of our time to help in the overall effort, then I suggest we abandon our efforts and live in a unsecured community where each household fends for itself. I can assure you there will be a substantial increase in crime. Assaults, rapes, late night armed burglaries are common occurrences in communities that have no security. If that’s what you, the resident wants, please do let SUAC know. SUAC is only trying to do what is best for the community. We are severely under-funded. I assure you that if we do not get the support of at least 80% of our residents, SUAC will have to cease operations. Please do your part. Speak to your neighbors who are not contributing their fair share. The decision to have a comprehensive security system is one made by you, the resident. Make the right choice!!

SUAC SECURITY UPDATE

It pains me to inform our residents of a break-in that occurred at approximately 2pm on Monday December 6th, 2010. While we’re fortunate that no one was harmed physically, the monetary loss and one’s privacy being invaded is devastating.

This crime highlights to us that as a community, we can never be too vigilant. As we have previously stated, we need to implement our three prong approach whole heartedly. When we speak of residents participation, we are not referring to purely the financial contribution. We must be good neighbours and be pro-active in securing our neighbourhood. Report all suspicious activity to the guards or police immediately. We must also take the most basic steps in fortifying our own homes. Installation of an alarm system and reinforcing our front doors with better locking mechanisms are two of the most basic steps that each resident must undertake. Homes without alarm systems and basic developer provided doors are easy targets. We must help ourselves before we ask for the help of others.

SUAC is working very hard to implement our ideas on securing our taman. These ideas / plans are a result of consultation with the police and security experts. For SUAC to be successful, we need each and every resident to be a part of the solution. Your monetary contribution is only part of your community responsibility. Seri Utama is a target of sophisticated syndicates. The police have been instrumental in assisting in devising security measures. The police have clearly stated they can assist provided the residents are willing to be a part of the process. With only 50% of our residents participating in our scheme, I can only assume that the other half lack the community spirit and could care less of our taman.  SUAC will not rest till Seri Utama is as safe as can be. In order for us to implement our security measures, we require funding. We are in a severe deficit position. As hard as we work, as much as we try, it is you the residents that needs to want security. SUAC is not working for itself; we are working for the safety and security of all residents. At the current participation rate, SUAC may need to cease operations and will be unable to fund its operations and plans. I dread the day when Seri Utama turns into some parts of BU where they’ve had instances of 3 rapes in a day. I hope that each and every one of our residents will consider the true realities of today’s world and choose to be a part of the solution.

CIRCULAR 3/2010 (dated 06-12-10): POLICE & RESIDENTS MEETING (19-Dec-2010)

(Guests of Honor: OCPD Asst Comm Arjunaidi Mohamed 
                                   : Sergeant Major Latiff of BPKD)

SUAC presents a meet your neighbours and police evening. This most important event has been organised with each of you in mind. This is your chance to meet other committee members and your neighbors, voice your concerns and most importantly ~ learn of our future plans on managing security at Seri Utama. Our plans will impact each and every resident of Seri Utama. Your attendance will be most appreciated as we need to hear your voice. Not only will you be advised of our plans but also don’t miss a rare opportunity to meet our special guests, OCPD Asst Comm Arjunaidi Mohamed and Sergeant Major Latiff of Balai Polis Kota Damansara (BPKD). They have expressed concern over our security and wish to address the residents of Seri Utama. This is a truly special event not to be missed.

DATE    :  19 December 2010 (Sunday)
VENUE    :  Park at Jalan Sepah Puteri 5/5
TIME    :  5:00pm sharp (please be punctual)

Of course, no event will be complete without refreshments. Besides the various delicacies, our very own SATAY MAN will be in attendance. Make it a family day. We need to build our community spirit. SUAC is determined to make our new 3 prong security system a success. Our success is very much dependant on your participation. Our future security plans will be revealed at this event. You must be curious and we’re eager to share. See you there!

__________________
Neal Ramchandani
SUAC, Secretary

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & COMPLAINTS

 After having met your street reps for the first time, many of you have brought forward you concerns and complaints. We’ve compiled a list of most frequently asked questions / concerns / complaints and provided you with answers that hopefully address such. We would like you to know that ~ WE HEAR YOU. Should you wish to discuss any issue further, do contact your street rep or SUAC Secretary, Neal @ 012-673-9035

Q:  Why don’t we have guards manning the entry / exit points?

A: We understand the need for having guards at entry / exit points to serve as a deterrent, however, a lack of funding doesn’t allow us to have guards posted at those points. We are hopeful that more residents will participate in our new scheme so as to allow us to increase our staffing levels.

Q: Why did SUAC reduce the fees to RM40 if there is a lack of funds?

A: SUAC is attempting to make it more affordable and hopes for a greater participation by our residents. With a greater number of residents participating, not only can we have better security but we can also build a more cohesive community.

Q: Why are the guards the same people from before and are they trustworthy?

A: These guards have been hand-picked by SUAC. They operate under a strict Operating Procedure with zero tolerance for non-compliance. These guards are briefed almost daily and are required to record all incidences. Residents should also show some compassion on this issue. Their duties are strenuous. They are human beings too. Rest assured, we are trying very hard to change their mindset from thinking of this as just another job to one where they are held responsible for our security and their conduct.

Q: What can the guards do when confronted with dangerous situations? Are they equipped?

A: The guards are equipped with stainless steel batons for self defence. They have also been advised to contact the local police patrol car directly in case of emergency.

Q: Besides participating in the new scheme, how else can I help?

A: Each resident can refer to the safety tips mentioned in our blog. In addition, be a good neighbour – look out for suspicious activity and call the guards immediately.

Q:  How do we know that this new system is effective and workable?

A: There are no guarantees in life. SUAC, as mentioned in our first circular, is employing a 3 prong approach. The guards are only one component. The police are ready and willing to assist us, however, we must first help ourselves. We, the residents, must take a pro-active approach in ensuring the safety of our community. SUAC is a strictly voluntary group of like-minded individuals who are dedicating their time and effort in a bid to secure our community.

Q: What are the main impediments to securing our neighbourhood?

A: Funding is always an issue. We also encounter objections to our plans even if the plans are for the benefit of all. The objections usually stem from the inconvenience that residents face as a result of the implementation of such plans. SUAC is working with the police on these matters.

Q: Why should I pay when my neighbour doesn’t pay and yet gets the same service?

A: SUAC has implemented a no-pay no-service policy. Once the gate tags are ready and installed, guards will only pay attention to houses with the ‘GUARDED’ tag. Non-paying residents will NOT have access to our guards under any circumstance.

Q: How many guards are on patrol at any given time and how do they patrol?

A:  Effective December 7th, we will have 3 guards on each shift, for a total of 6. The guards are on a variable patrol system so that burglars will not be able to determine a safe time to carry out their despicable acts.

Q: I am renting in Seri Utama, do I need to pay?

A: Burglars don’t differentiate between owner occupied homes and tenant occupied homes. Give our guards the opportunity to safe guard your home and your family.

Q: How can I be a part of SUAC?

A: We would love for you to be a part of SUAC. We are always looking for volunteers. Be part of our team, be the voice for the residents on your street. Just call any of our members to find out more.

Monthly Expense Budget

Seri Utama 2N3 Contact List

Updated on 30/11/2010: The committee members contact has been removed. Please call your street rep. or email seriutama2n3@gmail.com if you need a copy of the contact list.

Street Map

Updated on 2/12/10: Street map has been removed for security reason.

CIRCULAR 2/2010: IMPORTANT SUAC UPDATE

Dear Residents,

We wish to thank the numerous residents who have contacted the committee with their show of support and it was truly rewarding to see so many residents show their appreciation for our work.

We sincerely hope that you, the residents have noticed a considerable change in the security format and in its effectiveness. We’ve only just begun and more changes, for the benefit of our community, are yet to come. We’re excited at the opportunity to make Seri Utama a safe and cohesive community. To ensure the success of our efforts, we need each and every resident to share in our enthusiasm. The reality, however, of today’s world is that our safety and security comes at a cost. As mentioned in our earlier circular, we have lowered the cost to each resident to RM40 per month and that collection of such will be conducted by your street rep(s). Collections for the month of November and December will commence shortly. Since we began our new system on November 16^th, 2010, we will only burden each of you with a fee of RM20 for November and the full RM40 for the month of December. Total payable for now will be RM60. In addition, our new gate tags, which will enable our guards to identify paying members, will be ready for distribution in early December. The cost of each gate tag to our residents will be RM10. Please insist on an official SUAC stamped receipt for dues paid. Beginning Jan 2011, the fees will be payable on a quarterly basis. This will allow our treasurer, Danny Lim, to better budget the funds and reduce the workload of all concerned. We must emphasise that each and every RM collected goes toward our security efforts. Street reps (list attached) will liaise with their respective residents on the preferred method of payment. Rest assured, your street rep will provide you with various convenient methods for payment. Street reps will then liaise with our Treasurer who will then offer a full and transparent summary of accounts on our blog (http://seriutama2n3.blogspot.com).

Besides the accounting summary, our blog was developed for the community to voice their say. All complaints / suggestions / compliments are welcome. Also, there will be relevant information, security tips, contacts and new developments posted on our blog from time to time. We, your humble committee, would love to hear from you. Let us know how we’re doing, how we can improve, your vision for Seri Utama or to volunteer yourself to assist in making Seri Utama our little paradise.

Seri Utama Action Committee

P/s: We urgently require street reps for 5/6, 5/8, 5/9 and 5/10. Please volunteer.