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Monday October 10, 2005

Residents counting their days at flats

By LIM CHIA YING

Once a popular landmark of Kuala Lumpur, the Pekeliling Flats will be demolished by the end of the year.
EVER since the move to Sri Rampai Flats began in May, the Pekililing Flats is almost devoid of life, especially in Blocks A and B.

Residents have left their empty homes behind to dust, rubbish, stray cats and even rats.

But, life at the blocks opposite the vacated ones still goes on as it has for decades.

Children play around their compounds as mothers run errands at their homes and the men help to carry groceries from nearby shops.

They, too, will have to leave their homes once City Hall has issued them with the order soon.

For Mohd Yasin Mohd, a resident of Block E, it will be a sad day when he has to leave the place he has called home for 10 years.

“The flats holds fond memories,’’ he said. “I don’t have much of a choice but to do what City Hall orders.’’

Mohd Yasin … ‘I have fond memories’
Echoing Mohd Yasin’s sentiments are sisters Mumtaj Begum, 23, and Jamilah Abdullah, 33.

Having stayed in Block F for nearly 12 years, they now await the drawing of lots for their new home in Sri Rampai.

”We can request for an earlier shift if we want to,’’ said Mumtaj. “But we don’t want to do that,’’ she said, adding that she prefers to live at Pekeliling Flats as long as she can.

“Necessities and transportation are easy and convenient,’’ she said.

“I think we will be asked to move at the end of the year,’’ said another resident who wished to be known only as Mrs Chai.

“I dread the day when it comes,’’ she said.

But, those who have vacated Pekeliling Flats aren’t displeased with the move.

Esah Mohd Idris, a long-time resident of Pekeliling Flats, moved out in July.

Esah … ‘facilities are in good condition’
“My family and I stayed in Block A for 34 years,’’ she said, adding that she left the flats with a heavy heart.

However, Esah is all praise for her new home. “The facilities in Sri Rampai, unlike at the Pekeliling Flats, are in good condition,’’ she said.

ASIE Sdn Bhd project director Raja Datuk Seri Ir Dzulkifli Raja Tun Uda said demolition of Pekeliling Flats would be carried out before the new year began.

“Demolition will be done using conventional methods,’’ he said. “This will involve using machines, hacking and crushing of concrete slabs.’’

Pekeliling Flats, also known as Tunku Abdul Rahman Flats, is one of the earliest public housing projects in the city.

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