RESIDENTS of rumah panjang PJS 1 in Petaling Jaya are growing frustrated with the lack of action by the local authorities in mitigating floods as well as keeping the area clean.

They have been experiencing flooding problems for several years now, largely caused by the alleged ineffectiveness of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).

“Every time it rains, pumps responsible for diverting water to proper drainage channels, which should prevent flooding, need to be activated by MBPJ staff. 

“However, this process has been ineffective. If there’s a delay or failure in activating the water pumps, residents’ homes flood. 

“Rumah panjang residents must contact the council’s office every time it rains, and the response from the local councillor in charge of this place has become increasingly concerning,” said N Gandipan, who is PSM’s coordinator for Petaling Jaya.

He said that the water pressure at these houses was also very low and inadequate for daily use. 

“Additionally, there are no lights around the rumah panjang area, posing serious safety risks. The lack of lighting has also turned the area into a dumping ground for garbage,” he said in a statement today.

These residents were moved to this rumah panjang from squatter areas in Kg Muniandy, Kg Pinang and Kg Petaling Tin in 2000. 

This is supposed to be temporary housing for them before they are moved into Block E, PJS 1 people’s housing scheme but the block has yet to be constructed.

In a meeting in 2018, MBPJ informed the community that they could stay in the rumah panjang until the low-cost housing was completed, with MBPJ agreeing to cover all maintenance for the area. 

The community was also told they could stay there for free.

“But the overall rumah panjang area is in poor condition and requires immediate attention,” said Gandipan.

He said that MBPJ has failed to take appropriate action despite the issues being repeatedly raised.

He also said that towards the end of last year, the residents were promised disaster relief financial assistance by the local councillor but so far, nothing has been forthcoming.

“It’s almost May 2024 now, and their homes have come under flood several times, yet the residents have not received this financial assistance to date,” he said. – April 22, 2024.