A LARGE unipole billboard put up without approval from Petaling Jaya City Council crashed metres outside a guardhouse at Bandar Sri Damansara on Sunday (July 21).
It fell towards Jalan Damar, SD 15/3, during heavy downpour.
According to residents, a new billboard was spotted being installed at the same location after the fallen billboard was cleared by the council on Monday morning.
The incident on Sunday was not the first time something like this happened. In May last year another billboard, also at the same spot, collapsed.
Residents want the council to take firm action against the culprit. They want a stop to illegal billboards being repeatedly placed at the spot.
Haiza Ishak, a resident living close by, said she had raised the matter with Petaling Jaya councillor, Suraise Gengiah,last year and again this year.
“I witnessed the billboard collapsing in front of my eyes from my study room. The billboard is close to the retaining wall facing PLUS road, and we are not sure who the land belongs to.
“Residents just want this issue to be addressed for once and for all, and stricter enforcement to be taken.
“The billboard consists of metal rods, and it is extremely dangerous when it topples.
"We are afraid it may result in fatality and damage to vehicles and property.
“We don’t want to hear excuses from the authorities, such as we don’t know who’s land, and we are not sure if the billboard is legal or illegal anymore.
"The spot is unsuitable for billboards, and the landowner must ensure no billboard is erected there,” said Haiza.
When contacted Suraise said the billboard did not fit the criteria of the council. He also confirmed that the billboard had no approval from the council.
“The land the billboard is located may belong to PLUS highway, but MBPJ did not give approval for this billboard,” he said.
When PLUS highway was contacted, the spokesman said the matter would be investigated.
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