Pro-active approach pays off for residents
The Star 9/11/2004 By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ

GOOD amenities, a clean environment, good location and a hardworking residents association pro tem committee are just some of the good things about Taman Bukit Mayang Emas in Petaling Jaya.  

With such pleasant surroundings, the residents have little to complain about, and problems that do crop up are solved with the co-operation from the local authorities.“Our strategy is to take a pro-active approach with the local authorities. Having a good relationship with them helps us to make this neighbourhood a better place to live in,” said Taman Bukit Mayang Emas residents association pro tem committee (BMESRA) chairman Yeong Tuck Wai, who added that Petaling Jaya Utara MP Chew Mei Fun had also been supportive. 

According to Yeong, the residents received good services from Alam Flora and the Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MPPJ). He also said the association constantly worked with the Fire Department, business owners and neighbouring developers to improve conditions in the neighbourhood.  

Evidence of this close relationship can be seen in the new play equipment at the neighbourhood's recreational field. Broken drains were also repaired while fire hydrants were given a facelift. 

Most of these developments began only when the residents association pro tem committee was set up about five months ago with the help of Chew.  

“I received an e-mail from Yeong saying he wanted to do something for the community and I advised him to start a association.  

“With their commitment and hard work, the committee has already organised several projects for the neighbourhood,” said Chew recently.  

One successful project was the recent Pesta Tanglung. With attractive giveaways and prizes by sponsors, the event received tremendous support from residents with about 400 people attending the event.  

Other projects organised include an anti-dengue campaign organised by Chew's office.  

“We have not collected any funds from the residents yet, as we have been lucky in finding sponsors,” added Yeong.  

Taman Bukit Mayang Emas is conveniently located near the commercial hub of Dataran Prima.

With about 350 houses, two condominium blocks and 21 shoplots, Taman Bukit Mayang Emas is 11 years old and is located between Tropicana and Kelana Jaya.  

Clean roads and pavements are a common site in the neighbourhood, while the field is a centre for neighbourhood activities like line dancing and tai chi in the mornings and evenings.  

There will also be a new jogging pavement at the field by early 2005.   The location provides easy access to other parts of town through highways like the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) and Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP).  

There are also two schools in the area.  

“Not to mention eateries, clinics and sundry shops which make the area a convenient residential place.  

However, the neighbourhood is not without its problems and there are reports of robberies and break-ins still being made.  

“We are concerned and looking at ways to improve security at these places,” said Yeong.