This article appeared in The Star Monday, 6 June 2011 edition. Everytime I read about low cost housing, it always leave me feeling sad and guilty. One has to see the conditions how children has to grow up in such a condition. Families are mostly large and the available space is so small. When in such a situation, no wonder social ills are rampant.
In addition, the services and security of the area also leave much to be desired. There is virtually no proper maintenance and cleanliness is not a priority.
I suppose this is all a catch 22 issue. With no money, how can the Govt provide proper services and maintenance. On this point, I agree fully with Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his speeches. if we stop wasting money, then there will be enough for the poor. However, as the saying goes, talk is cheap and the proof is in the pudding. Well, does he deserve a chance? This, is for another time and place for debate.
Anyhow, I believe very strongly that the Government (which ever one in power) must not play games with the poor. They may be less educated and more guillable. Politicians take advantage of them during election time by promising heaven and earth and then, nothing.
We have so much natural resources and must take more actions to help them.
Below is the article in full.
The Star - New spacious homes
Kuala Lumpur’s low-cost housing schemes built in the early 1970s and 80s are no longer conducive for living. The Government’s effort to redevelop these houses to provide comfortable housing and a better living environment should be lauded. StarMetro reports.
A GROUP of children played along the corridors of the Seri Pulau Pinang low-cost flats in Bandar Tun Razak Cheras — oblivious to their messy surroundings. Without caring for the world, they laughed and chased each other from one end of the corridor to the other in excitement.
It makes one wonder whether in a few years time, when these children were older, wiser and more aware of their living conditions, would they still be hanging out at the corridor?
It is no secret that Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) older low-cost flats and housing schemes are too small with no facilities like open areas or recreation spots for children to play and hang out.
The cramped living conditions often drive these children to hang out elsewhere, and at times the places they run away to seek respite from their overcrowded homes, are not always a healthy environment.
Often, to get away from their overcrowded abodes, they often hang out with wrong individuals and get mixed up in seedy activities.
“I live there with my parents, four brothers and two sisters,’’ said the 17-year-old.
“Sometimes I wish I could just run away and go somewhere where I can be alone. It is so stressful here (home),’’ she added.
Melati’s feelings is not uncommon. In fact many children who were born and bred under such circumstances often seek to escape elsewhere and at times many get involved in illegal activities like stealing and illegal motorcycle racing.
The truth is the younger generation are not the only ones affected by the situation.
All going: Residents of the low-cost flats in Bandar Tun Razak will get better facilities and bigger units.
Newlywed Kasturi (not her real name) lives at Seri Melaka low-cost flats with her husband and in-laws.
“It can get a bit overcrowded here and at times it creates tension within the family,’’ said the 31-year-old kindergarten teacher.“I sometimes wished that I could move out and get my own apartment, but we can’t afford that at the moment,’’ she said.
Mokhtar Ranib has been living in a two-bedroom unit in Seri Melaka flats for over 28 years with six members of his family. He recalled how difficult it was especially when his children were growing up.
“Everyone was on each other’s nerves all the time and things often got out of hand with minor squabbles among the children,’’ the 67-year-old said.
When the Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin announced that the Government was building more comfortable houses by redeveloping the older units recently, it got everyone in the neighbourhood excited.
The redevelopment project will see an end to the one- and two-bedroom units, as all the new units being built will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms with bigger space and better facilities including recreation areas.
Under the project, tenants who prefer to buy the units can purchase them at RM42,000 or those who could not afford may continue to rent the unit at RM124 — the current market rate.
No doubt many tenants expressed their excitement over the project, but they were concerned about securing bank loans to buy the units.
Mokhtar was pleased that his apartment has been earmarked for redevelopment plans. But he was worried that he may not be able to afford it when it is ready. “I am 67. Who is going to give me a loan to buy my place,’’ he lamented.
Securing the loan to buy their dream home would probably be the biggest hurdle for urban dwellers like Mokhtar and Kasturi.
The Government is doing something to resolve this setback and hopefully they would be able to find a solution and enable poor urban residents to finally buy the homes of their dreams.
Until the next time, cheers.
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