Gated issue still a hot topic - MBPJ has only approved one application so far

MAYOR SPEAKS
MOHAMAD ROSLAN SAKIMAN







THE issue of gated and guarded communities must be the most hotly debated topic in Petaling Jaya currently, with one side saying they need the system to keep criminals at bay while the other insists that it is simply illegal to block public roads.

The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) follows the existing guidelines issued by the Housing and Local Government Ministry, as well as the Gated and Guarded Community draft guidelines by the Selangor Housing and Property Board.

Meanwhile, we also adhere to the Ownership Strata Act 1985 (Act 318), particularly Section 6 (1A) that touches on “Gated Communities”.

The definition of a guarded community scheme is that it is an enclave provided with security services with or without a guard house and no physical barriers.

On the other hand, gated community is defined under Act 318 as a development that is demarcated with a physical structure that runs along the perimeter or boundary with controlled access to the public.

The following points have to be complied with if a housing estate wishes to subscribe to the gated and guarded scheme:

·Request has to come from residents associations, or the developer if it is a new development;

·At least 85% consent from the residents (for existing housing schemes);

·Only one guard house is permitted and it should measure 6m x 8m;

·The guard house should not obstruct traffic flow and should be built on the side of the road with written permission from the local authority;

·Vehicles cannot be prohibited from entering the housing estate;

·Boom gates are only allowed to be used from midnight to 6am;

·The authorities are allowed to enter the said area at any time; and

·The installation of perimeter fencing is strictly prohibited.

So far, the council has approved only one of the 15 applications received as the rest failed to meet the requirements.

A total of 28 housing estates are implementing the gated and guarded system illegally and we have not received any applications from them. The council is taking action and we will remove the obstructions and bill the residents for the job if they fail to do it.

We are also looking at alternatives for residents to enjoy a safe environment without compromising on convenience and accessibility.

My suggestion is for residents’ associations and Rukun Tetangga to further boost solidarity through the inculcation of neighbourliness.

Residents can foster closer ties with their neighbours and the community and patrol their own neighbourhoods.

The council has also appealed to the police after the proposal to set up an auxiliary police force was turned down. We are still awaiting their response.

Note: This comment appeared on The Star Central Metro Pg M11 on 14th April 2010.