BUKIT Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran has urged the Government to look after the needs of residents of low-cost flats.
The recent announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob that the Government was providing new elevators to all 67 low-cost and public housing will be welcomed by all but it highlights the structural problems we face in providing decent maintenance services for low-cost housing in the country, he said.
“In many low-cost housing properties, basic facilities such as lifts, wiring, water pumps and cleaning services are often neglected to a breaking point, and then the Government steps in as a ‘hero’ to fix these problems on an ad-hoc basis,” Rajiv pointed out.
“The correct solution is for the Government to take over the maintenance of these housing and ensure that they are clean and safe, and that lifts operate properly at all times.
“After all, if the Government is responsible for cleaning the streets and maintaining water pipes and playgrounds for landed property owners all this while, it should be fair and take care of these basic necessities for low-cost housing dwellers too.”
According to Rajiv, the Government should not continue to ignore the plight of those living in low-cost housing.
The Government’s lack of care and attention to this issue had resulted in terrible living conditions whereby many were forced to live in slum-like environments, he added.
Rajiv went on to explain that the maintenance of HDB flats in Singapore is done by the Government and not left management committees formed by the flat residents.
“Many residents in low-cost housing are low-earners and find it a burden to make monthly maintenance payments, especially now in these trying economic times.
“It is often a chicken-and-egg situation, where those who can afford to pay maintenance do not get the service they deserve and those who cannot or do not pay still want services rendered to them.
“As a result, management committees often have to deal with very difficult circumstances with regard to the collection of maintenance fees and providing the necessary services.”
Rajiv opined that the Malaysian Government should not wait until the living conditions in low-cost housings deteriorate and become unsafe before stepping in.
“The Government should take over the maintenance of these properties so that residents have a decent standard of living and maintain their dignity,” he insisted.
The solution, continued Rajiv, would be for the Government to conduct open tender to hire maintenance companies for all low-cost housing properties and ensure that the companies are accountable for the services that they render.
“By doing this, the Government can significantly increase the quality of life in all low-cost and public housing properties,” he concluded. – Oct 18, 2021
