Tuesday April 24, 2012
Hideout in Setapak
By S. PUSPADEVI
puspa@thestar.com.my
Photo by MUHAMMAD SYAMIL
RESIDENTS of Taman Desa Setapak in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur are concerned that a plot of vacant land in Jalan 36/27B has now become a famous lepak joint for students from a nearby school.
The residents also complained about the lack of maintenance on the land as it was not only covered with overgrown shrubs and trees, but had become a “parking lot” for abandoned cars.
“As the area is covered with trees and shrubs, it has become a hideout for students who come here to smoke cigarettes, especially in the afternoons and evenings.
“This is likely to cause other social problems as the area is hidden and there are about five abandoned cars parked in the area,” said a 50-year-old resident who only wants to be known as Yip.
“There is also a fire hydrant nearby, which is not accessible because of the overgrown trees and shrubs, and this could pose a problem in case a fire occurs in the area,” said Yip.
Green enclosure: The vacant plot of land in Jalan 36/27B in Taman Desa Setapak, Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur is covered with shrubs and overgrown trees. He urged the local authorities to take immediate action.
Yip said the overgrown trees and shrubs are also one of the reasons why dengue cases are on the rise in the area.
There is also a metal staircase (commonly used by residents) that connects to the land that has given way, causing accidents among the elderly.
Chin Yoke Chan, 72, recalls falling from the metal staircase a month ago because one side of the railing had gone missing.
“At this age, I need to hold on to railings when I walk down or up a staircase and now that one side of the railing is missing, it has been a very difficult task for me,” said Chin, adding that some of her friends had also encountered a similar problem.
Another resident said the place had also become a hideout for flashers.
“I saw a flasher in the area one afternoon and I chased him until he ran away. The local authorities should clear this area as soon as possible as we do not want to invite other social problems,” she stressed.
Wangsa Maju MCA division chief Datuk Yew Teong Look said he had received complaints from the residents on the matter and had forwarded the issues to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
“I will inform the school’s principal about the lepak and smoking problems,” said Yew, adding that he has sent a proposal to DBKL for the metal staircase to be changed to concrete.
A DBKL representative said the Landscape and Recreation Department had been informed about the overgrown trees and shrubs and that they would look into the matter soon.
As for the abandoned vehicles, he said the Enforcement Unit will issue a notice and if the owners do not come forward to claim them within a week, the vehicles would be towed and stored at the Salak South depot for unused cars.
Source:
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