FLATS Columbia in AU2 Taman Keramat lies in the heart of Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, alongside glitzy skyscrapers.

It is just 2km away from the religious school in Kampung Datuk Keramat where a fire claimed the lives of 21 pupils and two teachers recently. Seven youths under investigation for their involvement are facing possible charges of arson and murder.

It is home to pensioners, the jobless, oddjob workers, and salespersons.

It was also known far and wide for the availability of drugs, at first heroin, then crystal methamphetamine, or syabu.

On the banks of the Klang river spawned a settlement of Indonesian illegals, dangdut joints, gambling and prostitution dens. Then the authorities swept them away and the place became overgrown with weeds.

Now, a thriving community garden has grown in its place. Occupying three quarters of an acre, it was started in 2015, on land belonging to JPS.

With help from Maybank and the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ), the garden has flourished. – September 27, 2017.