GEORGE TOWN: Rodney (not his real name) and his wife live in a corner unit apartment in Tanjung Bungah that they bought 20 years ago. It’s a dream home in a safe neighbourhood.
However, about five years ago, their peaceful living took a turn when a new family moved next door.
Barking dogs, and unpleasant odours from their side unsettled Rodney’s family.
“I once stepped on dog poop when coming home from the office. I knew it came from our neighbour’s pet dog as they allowed it to roam freely around the apartment,” he said.
Although the building management permits pets, he said home owners should be more responsible. This new neighbour, he claimed, disregards the advice given by other residents and the apartment management.
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“I don’t mind if they are messy, but if their personal belongings ‘intrude’ into my space, that’s what I don’t like,” he said.
Eventually, the neighbour moved out after numerous complaints and reports made against the owner of the apartment unit they occupied.
Sungai Dua Village Community Management Council (MPKK) secretary Ahmad Zamharel Ahmad Azhar said there were three villages and at least 10 flats under his care.
“We received a lot of complaints. Sometimes, it was just about disagreements over parking. There were also complaints about foreign nationals who got drunk at night and having loud karaoke sessions when others were trying to get some sleep,” he said.
On his part, Ahmad said his team would advise the resident and if the “offender” remained unrepentant, a police report would be lodged for public disturbance.
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Residents, he said, should have mutual understanding and consideration for each other.
“If we can’t tolerate each other, how can we live together in peace?” he asked.
Pet poop, clutter, obstructing access and noise were among common complaints, said Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Mohd Faruk Abdul Rahman.
“Complaints about noise, causing obstruction in the common area, encroachment of parking space and even open air burning are some of the things the authorities face everyday,” he said.
Mohd Faruk, who has been a councillor for the past five years, said those living with others, especially in apartments or flats, would face the risk of having bad neighbours. He said residents with problematic neighbours could lodge their complaints to MBPP or their respective building management and residents association.
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“An officer from MBPP would check on the complaint and advise accordingly depending on the nature of complaint.
“Complainants also can take pictures, record videos and send it to our eAduan and we will process it accordingly,” he said.
He said MBPP would act as intermediaries to seek mutual solutions.
However, if it affects the safety of residents, the matter could be brought to the attention of the police.
