THE Selangor government has embarked on a mission to rectify lift problems in local flats with a budget of RM1.66mil for three locations in the first

THE Selangor government has embarked on a mission to rectify lift problems in local flats with a budget of RM1.66mil for three locations in the first phase.

The three locations that have been identified for the project are Desa Mentari in Petaling Jaya, Permai Indah in Pandamaran and Taman Ampang Mewah in Ampang.

This was revealed by state housing building management and squatters committee chairman and Chempaka assemblyman Iskandar Abdul Samad during a site visit to the Taman Ampang Mewah low-cost flats recently.

“The first phase involves five areas but we have only identified three; the cost of RM1.66mil is for 41 lifts in the three areas,” he said.


Not in use: Note the missing buttons on the panel outside the lift and a motorcycle parked in front of it.

He added that the areas were chosen because they were in dire need of new lifts or repairs.

The project will be spearheaded by the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) and work in the three areas is scheduled to begin within two weeks. It is expected to be completed in four months.

“Our aim is to finish at least one lift by April 15 in each of the three areas, which are considered to be the worst affected,” he added.

The Taman Ampang Mewah flats is a 10-year-old development with three blocks. Each block has two lifts but only one of the six lifts is working, forcing the residents to climb up the stairs of the 14-storey blocks every day.

During the site visit, StarMetro said the buttons were missing from the operating panel outside one of the lifts that are not working, and motorcycles were parked in front of it.

Iskandar added that the government would conduct awareness campaigns on the need to safeguard the lifts.

In his speech, he urged parents to advise their children on the need to take care of the lifts after the work had been completed.

“The residents have to change their attitude.

“They must work together to take care of the amenities to ensure they will live in a conducive environment,” he said.

According to resident Azizah Ibrahim, 50, who lives on the 14th floor, many of the electrical cables had been stolen by drug addicts.

“The motor room is upstairs and a grille has been fitted there, so we don’t know when they are breaking into the room,” she said.

She suggested that the Joint Management Body (JMB) fit a grille on the 14th floor instead.

“If they fit it there, we will hear them when they go upstairs and can immediately report their wrongdoings.

“It’s scary to see four men high on drugs walking up and down, especially when I’m caring for my young grandchildren at home,” she added