Foreign workers add to social problems

20/06/2007 The Star By Edward Rajendra

BRAWLS and break-ins are widespread at most subsidised housing flats in the Klang district and this has resulted in a slew of complaints that urgently needs the authorities to rethink the social and security problems in the areas concerned.

Over the past three years, the concentration of foreign workers living at the flats meant for the lower income group has exacerbated a wide range of social problems.

“Gangsters armed with knifes involved in fights, widespread break-ins and drug pushing have become a common sight at such flats.

Increasing numbers: More and more foreigners are taking up residence in the subsidised housing flats.
“These activities are prevalent at the flats located at Bayu Perdana, Jalan Mesra in Pandamaran, Taman Permai Indah in Pandamaran Jaya, Taman Chi Liung, Jalan Sri Sarawak in Taman Sri Andalas and Bandar Bukit Tinggi,” said Klang Municipal Council (MPK) councillor Datuk Teh Kim Poo.

He claimed that the foreign workers were the cause of the problems that have made locals uneasy, adding that the authorities must work together to nip the problem in the bud.

“Concerted efforts must be made to solve the problem. It is no longer the responsibility of MPK alone but we need the Klang Police Department and Immigration Department to verify the status of the foreigners,” he said.

Teh, who is also the Pandamaran state assemblyman, wants new laws to be drafted to prevent owners of subsidised flats from renting their properties and to give the authorities the power to confiscate the units should this occur.

“Subsidised flats are meant for Selangor residents who at one time were squatters but the problems arose after most of them improved economically and rented their flats to foreign workers,” he said.

Residents who were met at the Taman Chi Liung Flats Block D want the Klang Police Department to raid the area and weed out bad hats, especially those involved in the numerous break-ins.

Three residents – Su Yiew Kia, 62, Hairul Izwan, 34 and E. Appaan, 57, all echoed the same sentiment, saying they wanted to feel safe and secure in their own neighbourhood.

Spot check: Teh paying a visit to the Taman Chi Liung flats. Mazri Kaparawi, 63, urged MPK to help clean up the surroundings as dengue cases were prevalent due to the clogged drains.

MPK president Mislan Tugiu said the council would help in the clean up but said the council’s hands were tied on the matter of foreigners occupying the flats.

“We will also demolish the stalls put up by foreigners without MPK’s approval,” he said.