The ageing Block A of the Jalan Sepadu flats shows visible signs of decay, damaged facilities and uncollected rubbish piled up at the entrance. — Filepic
EXPERTS are offering a lifeline to elderly residents of the ageing flats along Jalan Sepadu 5 and 6 which have fallen into disrepair in Taman United, Kuala Lumpur.
The Association of Valuers, Property Managers, Estate Agents and Property Consultants in the Private Sector Malaysia (PEPS) had proposed simple, low-cost steps to help the community restore cleanliness and safety.
PEPS president A. Subramaniam said the first step was to form a small Residents’ Interim Committee (RIC) to act as a liaison between residents, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and other agencies.
“You do not need a big budget or fancy plan,” he said.
“Start small, sweep the corridors, clear the drains, change a few light bulbs.
“The key is to get organised.”
Subramaniam: RIC should be set up to liaise between residents and authorities.Subramaniam was responding to StarMetro’s story on Oct 27, titled “Taman United folk seek help to save dilapidated flats amid management void”, which highlighted the struggles of elderly residents in maintaining the common areas of their flats.
“The flats are in distress because there is no management system in place.
“Without proper structure, even simple things like cleaning drains or replacing lights become impossible.
“Residents could begin by forming an RIC of five to seven members to act as a liaison between residents, DBKL and agencies such as Alam Flora and SWCorp.”
He said the committee could oversee simple housekeeping matters, coordinate cleanups and collect small monthly contributions of between RM10 and RM20 per unit to establish a maintenance fund.
“The idea isn’t to overhaul the system overnight.
“It is about starting small, clearing a drain, fixing a light and showing progress.”
Subramaniam said monthly updates displayed on a noticeboard would help maintain transparency and trust.
As part of PEPS’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, Subramaniam said its property managers would volunteer their expertise to assist residents.
“They will help assess the flats’ condition, identify safety hazards and draft a basic maintenance manual outlining waste disposal schedules, minor repair steps and fund management guidelines.
“Some property management firms have also expressed willingness to negotiate discounted rates with cleaning contractors, or even sponsor small repair works,” he said.
Subramaniam stressed that DBKL’s involvement would be crucial, particularly in reinstating essential services such as bulk waste removal, drain maintenance, and lighting repairs.
PEPS also expressed hope to conduct short workshops to train residents in basic upkeep, such as handling drainage, waste segregation and small-scale maintenance.
Built in the late 1960s, the flats are among Kuala Lumpur’s earliest privately developed walk-up housing projects.
But decades of wear and tear, combined with the absence of a formal management body, had left corridors stained, drains clogged and parking areas turned into dumping grounds.
Many original owners had moved away or passed on, leaving behind a mostly elderly and tenant population.
Those interested in the PEPS initiative can call 03-6201 8200 or email secretariat@peps.org.my
Meanwhile, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok’s aide Alice Lan said she would write to the owner of two nearby plots of land to find out more about the sale notice, and to the Federal Territories Land and Mines Office for details.
She said checks with the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 showed that the two plots were currently earmarked as open space.
“Before any decision, we will speak to the parties involved.
“Ideally it would be nice to have those plots turned into a garden or recreational area, since the land is too small for major development,” she said.
