However, from the point of view of some social scientists, they are vehicles of elitism and social exclusion.

It is urgent that the issues be discussed. If gated communities are accepted as the development of the housing industry to cater to changing needs, then the National Land Code must be amended to ensure the special features of gated communities are provided for.

If they are seen as obstructions to a healthy development of the Malaysian nation, then planning permission for such housing' projects should be denied.

Gated communities are getting the attention' of developers because it is possible to build more units compared to conventional land development for the same type of properties.

Furthermore, the term "gated communities" also adds a premium to the selling price. More importantly, properties in gated communities are also popular with housebuyers, at least to those who can afford them. A sense of security is an important factor, especially in view of the numerous reports of thefts, robberies and even rapes.

Besides, the ambience and facilities within the communities are generally well managed.

They also foster community interactions largely because of the absence of fencing among the houses. There is also the status symbol.

If the American experience is of any guide, more and more gated communities will be built, including those catering to the not-so-rich.

There are, however, some, downsides. Apart from the high prices, there is the maintenance charge, which could be as high as RM1,000 a month.

The amount can on escalate in the future especially when the infra structure within the communities begins to decay.

Furthermore, there are no specific laws to regulate property ownership in gated communities, especially the rights of property owner’s vis-a-vis their neighbours and management bodies.

The biggest drawback of gated communities is the accusation by some observers that they are exclusive and elitist. They remind some observers of the much hated and racist apartheid policy in South Africa not so long ago.

To many, these criticisms are not justified. Gated communities are no more exclusive than expensive clubs.

Furthermore, condominiums have been operating under a similar system for years and there have been no criticisms of "exclusiveness" or "apartheid".

To them, there is nothing wrong in staying in secluded private space that is guarded by security personnel, if one is willing and can afford to pay for it. In a democratic capitalist society and one that cherishes the institution of private land ownership, is it not what people work hard for?

In any society, there is always the dilemma to balance the need for privacy and the bonds of the society.

For those who see a cohesive society as crucial in nation building, gated communities are anathema to a robust national development, as they isolate individual neighbourhoods from each other and, more seriously, the rest of the urban dwellers.

It is useful to note that human families first came together to live in villages and towns basically for security against wild animals and other tribes.

The interactions of man people of different skills and knowledge have also facilitated many urban dwellers to have a comfortable life. Some have become very wealthy.

Gated communities are basically manifestations of the failures of the local authorities, despite the millions spent every year on town planning and urban management, to make the towns and cities not only safe, but also conducive for work, bringing up families and having a life.

There is the worry that if things continue, gated communities will become "enclaves of stability in seas of decay".

This is likely to happen if property owners in gated communities are allowed to enjoy a discount
in their assessment rates on the basis that the municipal services provided are not as extensive
as conventional housing estates.

It is fair to believe that there might be an element of envy in the criticisms of gated communities.

Even if this is true, is this the direction of development that Malaysians want?

The answer to safer and better quality of life is not gated communities. Besides, even if they are impenetrable fortresses, which they are not, one still has to go to work, school, market and play golf.

The solution is to improve the workings of the local authorities, so that the whole towns are safe, pleasant and productive, rather than create-enclaves of security while the towns rot.

Dr Goh Ban Lee can be contacted at gohbanlee @yahoo. com.