DBKL contractors temporarily fixing a wall that was ripped out by strong winds at Loke Yew flats.
RESIDENTS living in old government housing schemes in the federal capital want Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to allocate more funds under budget 2024 for the repair and maintenance of ageing buildings such as people’s housing projects (PPR) and public housing (PA).
They claim that the buildings are falling apart and worry that someone may get hurt one day if the older buildings are not repaired or strengthened soon.
“The thunderstorm on May 19, where a wall from a Loke Yew flat was ripped out, is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Kampung Malaysia Raya Rukun Tetangga chairman Mohd Zainuddin Amran.
“We are going to see more of such incidents, especially in the older Kuala Lumpur flats.
“The older government housing schemes are simply no longer practical for today’s climate and lifestyle,” he said.
He also said the lifts in the old buildings were too small and the design was no longer suitable.
“In Bandar Tun Razak, there are so many government flats that are old and in desperate need of repair.
The awning of PA Sri Johor was ripped off during the May 19 thunderstorm. — Photos courtesy of DBKL
“Even the drainage system needs to be improved,” he added.
PPR Seri Sabah resident Rajman Rahim echoed Mohd Zainuddin’s sentiments.
“I get worried when it starts raining heavily, so I tell my children to stay indoors.
“I have seen awnings and roofs flying away and it is scary,” said Rajman, a father of five.
A similar incident happened in October 2014, where strong winds ripped up the wooden walls of three Loke Yew flats’ units located on the 10th, 13th and 18th floors. Fortunately, there were no casualties.
In a statement to StarMetro, DBKL said six of its housing schemes were damaged by the May 19 thunderstorm.
Reports were lodged for PPR Desa Tun Razak, PPR Gombak Setia, PA Seri Kedah, PA Seri Selangor, PA Seri Johor, PA Seri Sabah multipurpose hall, PA Loke Yew and Kompleks Beliawanis.
The damage reported include broken rooftop, walls and awnings ripped off during the storm and caused by falling trees.
According to DBKL, all the damage has since been repaired.
It was reported that apart from the DBKL flats, heavy rain also damaged 15 schools in the city.
