Residents compete to beautify flats’ lift areas

A ceiling mural at the level 15 lift area of Pangsapuri Taman Industri Lembah Jaya. - LOW LAY PHON/The Star

WAITING areas for lifts are usually drab spaces but this is not the case at Pangsapuri Taman Industri Lembah Jaya in Ampang Jaya, Selangor.

Throughout July, residents of the 21-storey building transformed the common area near the lifts of each respective floor.

Residents of each floor were allocated about RM100 by Lembah Jaya assemblyman Haniza Talha, but many of them chipped in to go the extra mile.

Building manager Budiman Taib said he was surprised by the residents’ competitive spirit in tackling the project.

“When the idea was first brought up, residents from only a few floors were keen to take on the project. But when others saw the changes, they too wanted to participate.

“They were not given any specific instructions and took it beyond our expectations,” he said.

What was especially touching was how everyone participated and helped in any way they could, said Budiman.

“Some contributed money while others volunteered their time after work to paint or clean. And there were some who prepared food and drinks for their neighbours.

“For many of them, it was their first time getting to know each other,” he said, adding that the beautified spaces had become a gathering place for residents.

Haniza said the residents were challenging the stereotype that low-cost flats were infamous for poor hygiene and crime.

“For the long-term sustainability of these types of projects, it is vital that the community is involved from the start.

“The residents of Pangsapuri Taman Industri Lembah Jaya now have a sense of belonging and appreciation for their living spaces.