At the inaugural meeting of the Bangi Perdana Residents Association, newly-elected president Datuk Mohd Zaidi Mohd Zain, called on the residents to participate in the community security programme as most of them worked and their homes would be empty during the daytime.

He said having security guards patrolling the area would deter would-be burglars from breaking into the homes and making off with their belongings.

There are some 600 double-storey terrace and semi-detached houses in the housing estate.

Mohd Zaidi said the association had also identified a site at Jalan 1/13 to build a surau.

"We are getting approval from the Land Office to use the land," he told residents at the meeting.

"As the nearest surau is at the Jubli Perak flats, which is 3km away, it is not convenient for the Muslim residents, especially for those attending the evening prayers."

Mohd Zaidi said the association would also help those with claims for late delivery of the houses by the developer and to apply for fixed telephone lines.

The residents, who moved into the area seven months ago, passed a resolution at the meeting requesting the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) to improve the drainage system as water flowing from higher ground in other parts of Section 3 Bangi would overflow and flood the playground.

Association secretary Mohd Riza Sulaiman said as the housing estate was near Sungai Langat, rainwater from higher ground would flow through the housing estate. before being discharged into the river.

"Although the developer had built a retention pond beside the playground, it was too small to regulate the extra discharge from upstream. The council should re-examine the drainage system."

Mohd Riza thanked Mohd Zaidi for sponsoring the construction of a flight of stairs to make it easier for school children to go to the primary and secondary schools in front of the housing estate.

He said with the shortcut pupils could walk to school without having to make a wide detour at Jalan 4.

Some 200 residents attended the meeting, which was followed by a get together dinner to foster ties among the neighbours.