Commentary by Mustafa K. Anuar

NO adoring mother would want to suffer the heart-wrenching trauma of S. Kasthuribai, who lost her son in a most tragic manner.

Her beloved teenage son died of head injuries after being hit by a chair flung from the 21st floor of Seri Pantai flats in Pantai Dalam, Kuala Lumpur, while they were walking past, three years ago.

Her suffering is clearly not alleviated by the fact that the incident, which was reclassified by police as murder, left the family clueless about who caused the death of 15-year-old S. Sathiswaran.

Seeking justice for her son’s tragic death, Kasthuribai has decided to sue Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for RM1 million and for what she considers the negligence of DBKL in ensuring safety and cleanliness of the people’s housing project (PPR).

No amount of money can bring Sathiswaran back to life. That is why Kasthuribai’s lawyers insisted that the legal action was taken primarily to take the authorities to task for their alleged negligence in proper maintenance of the housing project concerned.

It is hoped, they added, that no one else would have to suffer the same fate as Sathiswaran owing to the supposed dereliction.

Although safety nets were installed to reduce risks from items thrown from the upper floors, apparently this was not the case for all low-cost flats in the city.

The tragedy should, therefore, raise a red flag to the housing authorities to address the nagging issues of comfort, conducive living environment, safety and maintenance that impact residents of other low-cost housing projects as well.

Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin announced last February a policy reform for the PPR housing scheme, which is now renamed Rumah Malaysia.

The reform includes the improvement of the built-up area of each flat unit from about 700sqft to at least 900sqft, as well as rental rate adjustment nationwide.

She added that 11 Rumah Malaysia projects are in the pipeline this year to provide housing for the poor and lower-income groups.

While we welcome this new development, it is, however, crucial that the housing authorities pay much attention to the aspects of safety and maintenance.

For instance, the wire netting, which were installed in certain PPR housing projects, should be made compulsory for the safety of the occupants of and visitors to all low-cost flats so as to prevent unwanted items and garbage from being hurled to the ground, possibly harming people in the vicinity.

The authorities should also place CCTV in strategic places to prevent, say, vandalism of elevators that seem to be a common problem in many of these flats.

Sufficient recreational facilities and a playground also play an important part in providing a conducive environment for healthy social activities among the residents.

It is here that residents’ associations with an inclusive outlook can play a vital role in helping to educate residents of the importance of helping to keep the environment clean, safe and comfortable.

To be sure, the less fortunate in society also deserve homes that are as liveable and safe as possible.

Let not Sathiswaran die in vain. – May 2, 2021.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.