Tan standing in front of the condominium entrance, where residents say accidents occur at least twice a month. — LOW BOON TAT/ The Star
RESIDENTS of Sutera Maya condominium are urging Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to instal a box junction and speed breakers near their building’s entrance to reduce the number of accidents there.
Sutera Maya is located along Jalan Puchong, a busy four-lane street in Kuala Lumpur.
Residents said heavy traffic moving in both directions made it difficult for them to enter and exit their condominium safely.
They said the situation had worsened since Aug 15, when a portion of the road was taken for the dedicated bus lane on Jalan Puchong.
“There were at least two accidents each month near the entrance,” said Sutera Maya property manager Stephen Tan.
“When an accident occurs, the emergency response team will park their ambulance at the entrance, making it more difficult for residents to go in and out.”
He said the property management had forwarded their complaints to DBKL on June 4, 2014, Jan 27, 2017, and May 25, 2018, regarding the accidents but had yet to receive a response.
Sutera Maya has 196 condominium units located across 15 floors.
“The traffic is so heavy that we cannot make an immediate turn from our condominium entrance towards the direction we are heading to,” said one resident who wanted to be known only as Gandimani, 67.
“Those heading towards Puchong must first drive roughly 500m towards Kuala Lumpur before making a U-turn. The same applies to those heading in the opposite direction.”
Tan said residents also wanted the authorities to remove or relocate signboards and utility poles obstructing motorists’ view at the entrance.
“Separately, we filed complaints with DBKL on open burning taking place at a nearby squatter area and unsanitary construction workers’ quarters that could become a mosquito breeding ground.
“DBKL has not responded to our complaints.
“Section 29A of Environmental Quality Act 1973 states that open burning is prohibited, so the authorities should take appropriate action,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tan said residents also hoped the Drainage and Irrigation Department would look into the flooding and water backflow issue that twice affected Sutera Maya.
“Heavy rain during the two separate incidents in December 2021 and March 2022 flooded a part of our condominium.
“Both events caused damage to the generators, low voltage room, two lifts, water valves and several facilities,” he said, adding that vehicles left parked in the condominium’s lower ground carpark were also damaged.
The problem is believed to be Sutera Maya’s proximity to Sungai Klang, which is located behind the condominium.
Tan added that they had highlighted their complaints to Seputeh MP Teresa Kok’s office.
DBKL had yet to respond to requests for comments at press time.
