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The endless
plight
31/12/2009 The
Star
Reports by BAVANI M, LIM CHIA YING, JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ, PRIYA MENON and
CHOONG MEK ZHIN
A new year symbolises a new beginning and new hopes. But when issues beset
the city year after year, it is hard to welcome the new year with
optimism.
FOR years, many dwellers at People’s Public Housing (PPR) units in Kuala
Lumpur have been renting from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) a space no
more than 700 sq ft and they call this their home.
When the Federal Government announced on Oct 10 that some selected PPR
flats are for sale, these dwellers were overjoyed and thought they could
finally own a unit.
A total of 44,146 units were announced for sale and the launch was done by
none other than the Prime Minister himself.
However, in reality, some of these residents, who were initially elated by
the news, are doubtful if they could ever buy these units.
This is because the fees and conditions that come along with the offer
letter and sales & purchase agreement are too troublesome and which they
cannot afford to pay.
Not all dwellers are well and work ing. There are the special cases who
are either old, retired, single without family members, and those who
depend on welfare aid to survive.
In action: A file picture of a tout harrassing a female driver for money
after she alights from her car
Several of these people, when interviewed, said the various fees like
litigation, strata title payment and monthly maintenance charges are too
costly for them to bear.
Many singles have complained over being singled out in the application
aspect. Some of these long-staying single dwellers have also been renting
like anyone else for the same period of time and their choice of staying
single should not be the deciding factor when it comes to buying an unit.
Then there are residents who have even asked if the monthly rental that
has been paid over the years can be used as downpayment for theunits.
Also, in many cases, these flats are old and shabby.
It is only reasonable that the residents ask that DBKL repairs basic
problems like leaking pipes and tanks before these units are sold to them?
The DBKL refused, saying that some residents have not been paying their
due maintenance charges and as such repair works could not be carried out.
The onus is on the DBKL to look into this and not let it drag on until the
amount accumulates.
Other than the PPR sales woes, another issue plaguing the city is the
presence of jaga kereta boys operating illegally at many parts of the
city, especially busy areas.
The first busted operation was at 4 and 1/2 mile Jalan Cheras, where the
Old Town White Coffee was enjoying brisk business until a group of these
touts came to collect parking charges from customers who park at
designated lots that are under the jurisdiction of DBKL.
Following the group being caught red-handed collecting money, others came
back later to intimidate the outlet’s staff.
Then we received e-mails from readers who complained about popular Jalan
Telawi in Bangsar where these illegal touts boldly harrass motorists who
park for money.
Many readers were up in arms against the touts who they said have no
business or right demanding money and that people are forced to pay out of
fear of damage to their vehicles.
One reader even said DBKL officers are quick to issue summonses during the
day if people do not pay parking fees but why isn’t DBKL ensuring that
these touts do not extort people’s hard-earned money?
Some have suggested that people park elsewhere, further from where the
touts are, or simply do not give in. But the crux of the issue is that
these touts have no right to operate and why should people avoid parking
at DBKL designated lots just because of these touts?
Enforcement is the only answer to this problem. Where is the DBKL, the
people asked, when it comes to stern action, and what about police action
since the touts are even threatening people?
In response to the overwhelming number of ‘victimised’ people, the
Brickfields police and DBKL said they would come down hard on these
illegal jaga kereta boys. But they urge the public to tip them off about
the touts’ whereabouts.
Let’s see if this menace will be curbed soon. |
