Friday, November 28, 2014

Vacantquarters draw thieves, vandals

THE vacant 99-year-old Hundred Quarters in Brickfields has become the target of vandals and scrap metal thieves since its occupants moved out three months ago.
The row of houses in Jalan Rozario and Jalan Chan Ah Tong, here, which was home to officers of various government agencies, are now dilapidated.
Streets check found window panes, grilles, gates, doors and other metal fixtures missing from some of the homes. The yellow tape used to keep trespassers from entering the houses has been torn up.
There were also piles of garbage, old shoes, clothes, furniture and other debris, believed to have been left behind by former occupants.
Nearby residents are concerned that the site might become breeding grounds for the Aedes mosquito.
They also expressed fears that drug addicts and vagrants would use the old government staff quarters as a haunt.
Brickfields Rukun Tetangga chairman S.K.K. Naidu said the owner of the property should board up the area for the safety of children and residents.
“We have received complaints from residents of people breaking into the homes and scrap metal collectors coming around the area.
“There is a school here and curious schoolchildren might trespass into the homes and hurt themselves. The property owner should fence up the area for the safety of the people here,” he said.
Naidu also urged the property owner to remove the piles of rubbish that had become an eyesore and breeding ground for pests.
Brickfields resident Dr Christopher Nicholas said it was the responsibility of the owner to ensure the cleanliness and safety of the property.
“The owner must ensure that the area is clean and safe. The site should not be left in a bad state.
“If the area is not cleaned up and breeding grounds of pests are found there, the authorities should take action against the owner,” he said.
An auxiliary police officer was seen stationed in Jalan Chan Ah Tong.
It is learnt that the officers have a static presence in the area daily from 8.30am to 7pm and patrol the area after 7pm.
Meanwhile, the government officers and their families formerly occupying the Hundred Quarters have moved to a newly-constructed apartment in Jalan Ang Seng 4.
Suziana Mohd Tahir, 35, said she was pleased with her new home.
The Hospital Kuala Lumpur staff nurse said she and her family moved in two months ago.
“The unit is very spacious and the facilities here are good. There is a hall, playground and surau,” she said.
Nor Kamariah Nasaruddin, who moved in three months ago, was happy with the security and facilities.
“This area is much better than the old government quarters in Jalan Ang Seng.
“There is 24-hour security here and I don’t have to worry about my children playing around the area.My children also like it here because there is a playground.” 

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