Clean up vacant house, MBSA
19/01/2007 The Star

A HOUSE in Jalan Polo Air, Section 13/57 Shah Alam, has not been occupied for more than two years.

The compound of this vacant lot has become a mini jungle with overgrown trees and grass. On two occasions recently, snakes entered my house which is located three doors away from the abandoned unit.

The two snakes were small cobras and I managed to kill one while the other got away.

The presence of these small cobras is certainly a cause for concern as this shows snakes are breeding at the abandoned unit.

Apart from being an eyesore, it is also a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

I sent an e-mail to the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) over a month ago about the mosquito menace at the abandoned unit but so far no action has been taken.

A staff from MBSA said the council could not take action if the house was vacant as it cannot enter the house without the owner’s permission.

If the house has not been occupied for more than two years, does this mean the council will just let the grass and the trees grow taller and bigger and let the compound become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and snakes? For the safety of the residents living nearby, MBSA should take action against the owner.

If the owner is not found, the council has to step in to clear the overgrowth instead of turning a blind eye and giving excuses.

I understand that under the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171), the provisions under Section 74,75 and 76 empower the local government to take action if an abandoned unit becomes a nuisance to its neighbours.

Please do something before a life is lost.

Worried Neighbour
Shah Alam