CRIME-FREE neighbourhoods take the initiative of several parties.
The Taman Cuepacs Cheras Phase 1 Residents’ Association members are glad for initiating a guarded community concept in June as the housing area was previously the target of snatch thieves and robbers. With guards manning the sole entry point into the housing area around the clock, the small and quiet neighbourhood has been crime-free since.
Association chairman Anthony Johnson said the guarded community concept was suggested after residents voiced their fears about the increasing crime rate after having witnessed monthly occurrences.
“A majority of the home owners here are senior citizens so we thought the concept would be the best. We tried night patrols under the Neighbourhood Watch initiative but most of the residents, being seniors, were unable to participate,” he said.
Crime-free for months: Since the introduction of the guarded community concept in Taman Cuepacs Cheras Phase 1, residents there have been enjoying restful nights. One of the earliest residents there, G. Muniandy said even shoes were stolen and residents carrying out renovations had to be vigilant because equipment and supplies went missing. Others who claimed they were in the neighbourhood to look for recyclables were often suspected of stealing.
“We may not have the overall concensus because only 160 home owners out of 190 active houses here are able to participate but it has produced results. A fee of RM50 monthly is collected from residents and we hope the remaining few will join in soon so the crime-free index can be maintained,” Johnson added.
He further proposed that the Kajang Municipal Council or the Selangor Government look into ways of subsidising the fees paid to private security companies for the hiring of guards for guarded communities. He said it would help lessen the burden of residents’ associations while safeguarding the public.
Resident G. Ramesh, who conducts football clinics at the field, said the perimeter fencing put up by the MPKj was too low.
“We hope the council can increase the height because players are always going out to collect the balls they’ve kicked over the fence. We also require a gate installed in the middle so the young players don’t have to go all the way around to get to the field,” he suggested.
Flooding is still a major concern for the area because the monsoon drain’s sharp bends make it impossible for large volumes of water to flow rapidly. Soil erosion incidents have also occurred in the past.
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