Fulfil manifesto, take over low-cost flat maintenance, govt urged

 

A group of residents of low-cost flats demanded the government fulfil its manifesto in the 15th general election and take over the maintenance of low-cost flats.

Some 25 representatives from 61 flats today gathered at the Local Government Development Ministry to hand over a memorandum to a representative of the ministry.

The group, Gabungan Flat Kos Rendah (GFKR) Marhaen, is urging the government to change the monthly maintenance fee of the low-cost flats to assessment rates because it is more affordable for B40 who live in such flats.

In the GE15 manifesto under the promise 'Harapan homes for people', Harapan promised to take over maintenance of low-cost apartments to ensure safety and high-quality living conditions for residents.

"We have already discussed with the representative of the ministry and they will bring this to the minister's attention," GFKR coordinator S Mathavi told Malaysiakini after the meeting.

The memorandum was handed over to planning department secretary Amir Onn Mustapha after a one-hour meeting.

According to Marthavi, they were told that there is still no budget allocated for low-cost flat maintenance despite all the promises.

She said the ministry asked GFKR to give a list of flats under joint management board (JBM) and also those not under JBM, along with the problems they faced.

Meanwhile, Subang Perdana low-cost apartment chairperson Mohd Yusoff Dol said the government should look into this matter seriously.

"We came from far to send this memorandum. You (the government) made a promise during the election but you did not fulfil it; the people are suffering," said Yusoff.

PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan said in the meeting they brought up all the issues the low-cost flat dwellers faced.

"The (Pakatan Harapan) manifesto clearly mentioned Harapan would take over maintenance of low-cost apartments (if it won the election)."

He also said low-cost apartments dwellers have to pay assessment rates, land tax, and monthly fees but did not receive local authority services such as grass cutting, drain clearance, roadside lamps, and playgrounds.

However, Arutchelvan said that the residents would prefer to pay assessment rates rather than monthly fees because it is more affordable.

"If you ask them to pay RM50 or RM60 or RM100 for maintenance fees, they cannot afford it," he said.

According to the ministry representative, about RM30 to RM50 is collected for maintenance and if the flats have lifts, it's around RM60 to RM100 monthly.

Besides taking over maintenance, the group’s other demands are:

• Electricity bills for lamps in the corridors and water bills be paid by the government to support the B40 group;

• Yearly allocations for JMB for social activities;

• Flats should have halls or activity rooms;

• Provide business spots at the flats; and

• Cheaper yearly insurance and yearly audit for JBM. - Mkini