Even the Dataran Ara Damansara signboard leaves a poor impression.
Residents, visitors say city council must improve upkeep at main commercial area
ARA Damansara in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, is considered a fairly affluent area but cleanliness at its main commercial area leaves a lot to be desired.
Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, who is a regular visitor to Dataran Ara Damansara, said he was dismayed by Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MBPJ) poor maintenance.
“There are many popular eateries here but unfortunately, MBPJ has neglected the area.
“I also blame residents and restaurant owners for not doing their part to keep the place clean.”
He said the back lanes were in a deplorable state with numerous potholes.
Wong wrote about the bad conditions and shared pictures on his Instagram account on Sunday.
On Tuesday, KDEB Waste Management Sdn Bhd contractors were seen cleaning some parts of Dataran Ara Damansara.
But a check by StarMetro yesterday showed that many areas were still in need of attention.
“I would like to thank MBPJ for contacting me via my Instagram.
“But I hope this (cleanup) will not be a flash in the pan,” said Wong.
He added that many expatriates lived near Dataran Ara Damansara, so cleanliness should not be overlooked.
The commercial area also serves residents of Tropicana Club, Tropicana Indah, Glenmarie, Seri Pilmoor, Idaman Mutiara and Damansara Lagenda. It is near the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (Subang) Airport.
Rubbish and garden waste at Dataran Ara Damansara in Petaling Jaya captured on Monday (left) have been cleared away, as seen at right during a visit to the area yesterday. — Photos: SHEILA SRI PRIYA and AZMAN GHANI/The Star
Wong said the area must be given due attention by Seri Setia assemblyman Mohammad Fahmi Ngah.
“We hope he, as a Selangor executive councillor, can use his clout to get the city council to pay more attention to Dataran Ara Damansara,” he said.
Long-time resident Brian Lee echoed Wong’s sentiments, highlighting that the business area was in a poor state of cleanliness.
“This area is well-patronised because of the hawker centre and car workshops.
“However, over the years, I have noticed that it is not swept regularly and rubbish can be seen strewn on the roads and kerbs,” he said.
Lee said his father, who frequently goes to a pharmacy and hawker centre there, had also complained about the area’s lack of cleanliness.
“My dad said the commercial area has been looking unkempt in recent years.
“KDEB Waste Management should monitor the work quality of the contractors and workers,” he added.
During StarMetro’s visit on Monday, rubbish was seen on the roads, back lanes, kerbs and pavements.
A partly damaged drain hole cover was also spotted at the entrance to Jalan PJU 1A/20d, posing a danger to pedestrians.
Dried leaves and other garden waste had not been collected, while kerbs facing Sungai Damansara looked like they had not been cleaned in ages.
A business operator in the area, who did not want to be named, said she hardly saw anyone sweeping the roads.
“I have seen a person sweep the roads once in a while.
“Sometimes, a worker can also be seen with a leaf blower.
“There should be a cleaning schedule, which should be displayed and adhered to.
“Petaling Jaya must live up to its status as a city,” she added.
When contacted, MBPJ councillor for the area, Mohd Ikhshan Mohamad Din, said he would take steps to address the matter.
