Access blocked
TAMAN Desa Phase One residents are facing a problem because only two of the six entrances to their neighbourhood are open.
This follows a split among the residents of Taman Desa, which led to the formation of a separate residents association (RA) for Phase One.
LINA KOH, a 45-year-old accountant, says that previously, all the entrances to Taman Desa were open and security guards patrolled the entire housing area around the clock.
However, problems arose in March when several members of the RA started to question the fees for the security guards and decided to form a separate RA.
The new RA took over control of Taman Desa Phase One, which forms half the neighbourhood, and closed four of the entrances to cut costs.
Now, residents fear for their safety in case of an emergency.
Says KOH: "We are concerned about what would happen, such as in the case of a fire or when there is a need for an ambulance, with only two entrances open.
"Our children are also late for school because some residents have to travel a greater distance around the neighbourhood in order to exit."
KOH says there there are only 11 guards patrolling Phase One -- seven from 6am to 10pm and four from 10pm to 6am.
She says that according to the law, RAs are not allowed to do close the entrances and exits at any housing area.
"What makes the the new RA think they have the right to close four of the entrances?"
She also says the RA gives a one-month discount for residents who pay up their annual fees in one go.
"RA's should not be handling financial matters this way," says KOH.
● CITY HALL Corporate Communications Unit head Anwar Mohammad Zain says the request for neighbourhood guards in Taman Desa was on April 1, 2010.
However, approval for guardhouses was only for three of Taman Desa's access roads -- Jalan Desa Damai, Jalan Desa Ria and Jalan Desa Permai.
Guardhouses for the roads leading into Jalan Desa Aman, Jalan Desa Setia and Jalan Desa Murni have yet to be approved.
In the meantime, Anwar says, conditions set by the approvals do not allow any obstacles to remain on these entrances until guards have been allocated for them.
"As a result, action will be taken against any such obstacles," he says.
Anwar says the Neighbourhood Coordination and Control Committee (JPKK), established on June 14 this year and chaired by the City Hall director-general, is carrying out a screening programme for all areas that are yet to be approved.
"Any remaining structural barriers and booths will not be allowed, he tells Hotline.
When reached for comments, KOH expresses satisfaction with City Hall's response.
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