THE sales brochure reads “New Benchmark of Lakeside Living” but residents of a serviced apartment in PJS5, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, have a less appealing tale to tell.
If one takes a photo from the upper floors of one of the 40-storey blocks at the residence, the view is picturesque with manmade lake, green landscaping, playgrounds and walkways, all open to the public.
But a closer look at ground level reveals an algae-filled, smelly lake.
In January, some residents reached out to StarMetro to also highlight uncollected rubbish, overgrown grass and unpleasant smell.
During a visit to the area at the time, rubbish was strewn everywhere, waste bins were overflowing and a foul stench permeated the air.
View of the lake from an upper floor of the residence in PJS5, Petaling Jaya.
However, rubbish at the playground was cleared last week, said sales and marketing executive Alice Kwan, who will soon move into her apartment on the 27th floor.
“Rubbish around the bins were also cleared but the condition of the lake remains.”
Buyers said they had been attracted by the illuminated blue lights of the lake at night, as depicted in the brochure.
“During vacant possession, the reality was different,” said 20th floor resident A. Balakrishnan, a driver, adding that he received his keys in May 2022.
Balakrishnan: Reality different from promises in brochure.
The lake and surrounding area are outside the perimeter of the two blocks of serviced apartments.
There are 752 units in total with built-ups of between 718 sq ft and 1,010 sq ft.
Bazlina Sharif, a software engineer living on the 15th floor, is worried about dengue fever due to the terrible condition of the lake.
She said snakes were seen near the walkway at the lake in September 2022, prompting residents to call the Fire and Rescue Department for help.
“Whether the water is stagnant or not, I’m not sure, but only two out of four water fountains are functioning.
“Who is supposed to maintain them?
“There is also a monsoon drain near the lake, but we don’t know whether it is functioning or causing water to stagnate.
“We can smell foul air from our floors.
“The lake is contaminated with what looks like oil.
“There was also an incident in September 2022 where dead fish were seen floating in the lake, causing an unbearable stench.
“We want our surroundings to be clean and maintained properly,” she added.
A September 2022 photo taken by a resident showing dead fish on the surface of the lake.
In an email from the developer to residents sighted by StarMetro, it was stated that lake enhancement work was completed in 2022, and the company was in the midst of handing the area over to the local authority.
In a statement, Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) said the developer still shouldered the responsibility of carrying out landscape maintenance works and clearing rubbish from the park.
“Any claim that the area has been taken over by MBPJ is inaccurate, because the developer is still in the process of handing it over to MBPJ.”
The city council said the developer had unfinished work to complete at the residence.
“Based on a site visit carried out by MBPJ’s Landscape Department on Dec 19, 2023, the developer has not fully complied with conditions set by the city council.
“Following complaints from residents, the developer will be instructed in writing to carry out landscaping maintenance and clean the park.
“Irresponsible parties who litter and do not prioritise cleanliness have no regard for others.
“The city council expects cooperation from everyone to watch out for those who throw rubbish indiscriminately.
“Anyone found guilty of littering can be fined RM2,000 under the MBPJ Council Parks By-laws 2005.”
Attempts to speak to the developer’s person in charge proved unsuccessful.
