Tuesday July 17, 2012

Abandoned cinema an eyesore

Story and photos by PRIYA MENON
priya@thestar.com.my

CONCERNED residents and community leaders in Sea Park in Petaling Jaya got together to clean up the area surrounding the abandoned Ruby Cinema in Jalan 21/19 last Saturday.

The event, organised by the PJU MCA Community Task Force, was led by Datuk Dr Wong Sai Hou. It saw the participation of some 40 people, including residents, non-governmental organisations and even several policemen from the Sea Park police station.

Dr Wong said the parking lot adjacent to the Ruby cinema had become a community centre for nearby residents who used it as a public parking area and a gathering spot for events.

In fact there will be a “Love our Parents and Dumpling Festival Celebration” at the carpark tomorrow with MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek as guest of honour.

Hand-in-hand: Dr Wong (third from right) helping the volunteers to collect rubbish.

“We do not have any public halls in the area. So this place has served as a community events centre and until two years ago, the Seksyen 21 Rukun Tetangga had their office here,” he added.

According to Dr Wong, the landowner had indicated an interest to sell the land, which led to the RT moving out.

He said as the place was an important venue, its cleanliness should be maintained instead of just blaming the local authorities for its current state.

Dr Wong believes everyone should work together to keep the area clean and he was happy that the event was organised within a week of its suggestion.

“We do not want an epidemic or anything to happen here so we must take it upon ourselves to help clean our area,” he added.

During the clean-up, the volunteers managed to collect used bottles and tyres, which were mosquito breeding grounds. They also towed away an abandoned car that has been left there for more than a year.

Also at the event was chairman of Voice of Women, Chew Hoong Ling who said the gotong-royong session was also a great way for residents to mingle and get to know each other.

“Those who live in urban areas usually do not know their neighbours, so meeting them here is a great way to foster good relationship.

“We hope residents here will look out for each other to prevent crime,” she said.