(From left) Leong, Chang and Liew looking at an abandoned car in Jalan BPP 8/2.
BUSINESS owners at the Jalan BPP 8 commercial area in Bandar Putra Permai, Seri Kembangan, want the authorities to clear back lanes and tow away abandoned cars in the area.
Equine Autocare Sdn Bhd manager Ivan Leong, who has operated a car workshop in the area for a decade, was hospitalised for a week because of dengue two years ago.
“I suspect the many abandoned cars are the source of the problem. There are around 20 to 30 in the area, which are potential mosquito breeding spots,” he said.
Leong said he complained to Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) three to four years ago when he noticed the rubbish and abandoned cars problem.
“There were officers from the council who came to check but it seems like no further action was taken.
“Why don’t they do something when they do the periodical licence check?” he asked.
Hai Thian restaurant director Lee Ah Lie said the cleanliness problem was bad for business and posed a health risk.
“The abandoned cars also take up space meant for customers.
“I do my best to keep the area around my restaurant clean.
“Council contractors come to collect solid waste from the rubbish bins at the front of the shops on a daily basis but the back lanes are neglected,” he said.
Another business owner Leong Won said, “The council issues us summonses for obstruction when we place things in front of our shops. But why isn’t anything done about the back alleys?
“If a fire breaks out, the obstructed lanes would block the fire and rescue department from putting out the fire.”
Kinrara MCA service centre chief and Puchong MCA secretary Liew Yew Fook said he received complaints from business owners and will highlight the issue to MPSJ.
“If MPSJ does not solve the problem, business owners may hold a protest with banners.
“Clearly, the councillor of this area is not doing his job,” he said.
Serdang MCA Youth deputy chairman Chang Toong Woh said the rubbish problem in Jalan BPP 8/1, 8/2, 8/3 and 8/4 was serious.
“When a complainant told MPSJ about the abandoned cars, he was told to report it to the police instead. That should be the council’s responsibility,” he said.
When contacted, an MPSJ spokesman said he would refer the issue to the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Department.
