Mohd Jafri (centre) guiding two children from the Taman Plentong Utama Flats who are reading at the newly set up study space.
RESIDENTS of Taman Plentong Utama Flats in Masai are hopeful for further improvements to their living environment following the area’s inclusion under the “Bangsa Johor Bahagia” (BJB) initiative.
Long-time resident Hana Ahmad, 52, looks forward to brighter lighting and more community spaces.
“This place used to be dirty, dimly lit and had regular cases of petty theft,” she said.
“We often had noise disturbances in the middle of the night, which was not ideal for families and young children,” she added.
Hana, a resident of 12 years, said conditions had improved over time.
“Crime has dropped and cleanliness has improved, thanks to better cooperation between residents and the flats’ committee.
“But I do hope for better lighting in the area and a community space that provides free activities and classes for women and children,” she said.
Mala Anak Mawia, 42, who moved there two years ago, said public transport access was a key reason for her choosing the location.
“It is easier for the schoolbus to pick up and drop off my children here,” she said.
“But I hope for better bus-stop facilities to provide shade during hot or rainy days.”
Mala also called for improved playgrounds and outdoor exercise areas.
Residents committee chairman Mohd Jafri Che Lah said the flats, which comprised 480 units across six blocks, had come a long way since they were abandoned 20 years ago.
“When I first moved in, there was no proper fencing, maintenance or basic facilities,” he said.
“Residents had to organise gotong-royong activities to clean the compound themselves.”
Mohd Jafri said the formation of the residents committee 13 years ago marked a turning point in their efforts to upgrade the flats.
Over the years, he collaborated with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and other agencies to repaint the buildings, replace roofs and restore facilities.
These included a community hall, a Tadika Kemas (preschool), a government-run community clinic and study rooms for students.
“Most visitors cannot believe these flats were once neglected buildings,” said Mohd Jafri.
“The environment is cleaner, and children now have spaces to study and play,” he highlighted.
Looking ahead, Mohd Jafri said the committee hoped to restructure the parking lots for better convenience and to set up a security guard post to enhance safety.
Residents pay RM35 a month in maintenance fees, which are used to cover cleaning and repair works.
“Commitment from residents is important to keep the flats in good condition, while government support helps us with larger upgrades,” said Mohd Jafri.
“The BJB activities also help unite our multi-ethnic residents through sports, cultural and social programmes,” he added.
Launched in 2019, BJB is aimed at uplifting the living standards of Johor citizens, especially lower-income communities and public housing residents.
The initiative adopts a holistic approach that includes infrastructure upgrades, educational support, economic empowerment and environmental conservation to ensure long-term impact.
More than RM2.7mil has been allocated for upgrading works at Taman Plentong Utama under BJB 2.0.
The current phase also focuses on community transformation through programmes such as “Kelab Suka Belajar”, “Jiranita Sukses” and “Komuniti Sihat” as well as the development of a digital community centre and workshop on artificial intelligence managed in collaboration with UTM.
