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Paying to lift up low-cost flats


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Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department T. Murugiah will hand in his report on Friday.


KUALA LUMPUR: The government may take over the maintenance of lifts in low-cost flats nationwide.


Federal Territories Deputy Minister Datuk M. Saravanan says Murugiah should not shoot his mouth off.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department T. Murugiah said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had tasked him with investigating public complaints about run-down lifts in low-cost flats, especially after an incident in Sentul on Sunday where a resident's body had to be carried down from the 10th floor.

"The prime minister was shocked by what happened and told me to investigate."

Murugiah said he was expected to submit the report to Abdullah on Friday at the post-cabinet meeting.

He said one of the solutions was for the government to either fully or partially subsidise the maintenance of lifts at low-cost flats.

"There are two types of low-cost flats: those maintained by the local councils and those by private companies.

"The problem with flats managed by private corporations is that it would only conduct repairs when sufficient funds are collected from the residents."

Murugiah said many lifts and flat facilities were left in poor condition for years because the residents could not afford the maintenance fees.

"I have heard of cases where residents owe the management up to RM1.2 million in fees and the management say nothing can be done until the backdated payments are made."