USJ 13 RA works with neighbourhood’s Rukun Tetangga to prevent crime

Residents taking a closer look at a fire safety equipment during a safety talk and demonstration by the USJ 13 Rukun Tetangga. — filepic

RISING out of a need to improve neighbourhood security in light of numerous break-ins and thefts, USJ 13 Residents Association (USJ 13 RA) was founded exactly one year ago.

While the neighbourhood has had an active Rukun Tetangga (USJ 13 RT) for several years prior, the setting up of the RA was necessary to gain council approval for installing guarded checkpoints at neighbourhood entrances.

USJ 13 RA chairman Gan B.K. said there were 10 and nine reported crimes in 2015 and 2016 respectively in the neighbourhood of nearly 970 occupied houses.

 

She said the security guard system proved effective since it was set up in the later half of 2016 as there has been no crime reported so far this year.

She added that crime had always been the primary concern of USJ 13 residents and some 80% of the people initially agreed to contribute money to the security initiative when it began last year.

Gan said the RA was thankful for the good cooperation they have with the neighbourhood’s hardworking RT, led by Kelvin Chew, as both groups work towards common goals.

The RT organises voluntary neighbourhood patrols in addition to assisting the RA on the guarded community initiative.

Likewise, the RA lends its assistance to the many community activities organised by the RT such as gotong-royong, tree-planting, fire safety awareness talk and a Family Day held last year.

Gan said that because funds collected from residents were to be strictly used for the guarded initiative, funds for community events came mainly from the assemblyman’s office, who has shown much support for community events across Subang Jaya.

She also noted that apart from striving towards achieving zero crime in the neighbourhood, the RT’s activities had managed to foster improved relations between neighbours in the community.

She extended her heartfelt appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions of residents who volunteered to help and serve the RA, acknowledging that they faced many challenges in juggling their service to the community with their personal commitments.

While there is a leader and Whatsapp group dedicated to each street in USJ 13, residents can reach out to the USJ 13 RA committee via email at [e-mail]