The more than two-decade-old PPR Pekan Kepong has been having issues with its lifts. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
DBKL urged to monitor work carried out by contractor tasked with replacing lifts at three-block PPR
RESIDENTS at the People’s Housing Project (PPR) in Pekan Kepong are frustrated over frequent lift breakdowns at their flats, and want the authorities to take action.
Community activist Yee Poh Ping said most residents at the flats were senior citizens and the situation was especially hard on them.
He said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) should closely monitor conditions of the lifts and address the issue.
He claimed that some of the new lifts, installed under a replacement exercise being carried out in the 25-year-old flats, had also broken down.
The contractor, he said, started replacing the lifts around March last year, with the first batch operating in mid-December.
“Sometimes, the doors of the lifts don’t open.
“Some of the buttons are also broken,” said Yee when speaking on behalf of the residents at a press conference at the PPR.
He said although DBKL did order the contractor to repair the lifts when complaints were lodged, the residents could not be doing this forever.
One of the new lifts at the PPR that started operating in the middle of last month.
“It is also quite strange for new lifts to break down so often. They should have been inspected before being allowed to start operating,” he added.
Yee said the three-block PPR contained nine lifts, with each block having three.
According to a notice from DBKL at the PPR, a contractor was appointed in December 2023 and the lift replacement work was expected to be completed in May this year.
The work was divided into three phases, with each phase seeing one lift from each block being replaced.
Yee said progress had been slow and called on DBKL to make sure the contractor finished the work on time.
“It took around eight months to complete the first phase. Can the contractor complete the rest of the work before the deadline?
“DBKL should fine the contractor if the deadline is not met,” he said.
Yee also urged DBKL to build a jogging track and other sports facilities on a field at the PPR to promote a healthy lifestyle among the residents.
“DBKL had not been utilising the space wisely.
“The nearest place for the residents to exercise is Taman Tasik Metropolitan Kepong, which is several kilometres away.
“Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif had pledged to protect green spaces in the city.
“We don’t want this field to be sold for other purposes,” he added.
The field currently contains a small playground and a futsal court, with ample space available for additional facilities.
Previously, some senior citizens living there had urged DBKL to build a jogging track on the field.
DBKL has not responded to StarMetro’s queries regarding the matter as of press time.
