Taman Kajang Perdana streets in darkness

29/11/2007 The Star Story and photos by GEETHA KRISHNAN

THE streets of Taman Kajang Perdana in Kajang have been unlit for the past six months and nothing has been done yet.

Streetlights on Jalan Kajang Perdana 8A and 8B stopped working after a switch box was removed. Residents who claimed that the device was removed by Tenaga Nasional Berhad also said they were fearful of leaving their homes at night.

Taman Kajang Perdana Residents Association chairman Mahendran Muthusamy said the streetlights were working when the early residents moved into the housing area in 2005.


No streetlights: Mahendran (right) and Nor Mazlan showing the empty circuit box.
“In June, TNB authorities removed the device by claiming that the developer owed them money. We lodged complaints with the TNB office in Bangi and the Kajang Municipal Council but no action was taken,” he said.

“The developer has denied any responsibility and passed the blame to the contractor. We have been given the run-around these last few months but the security threat to residents and houses remain,” he added.

Association secretary Nor Mazlan Mohd Yunus said residents were advised to pay the RM14,000 owed to TNB if they wanted the streetlights back on.

He asked why residents had to shoulder the responsibility when basic facilities were provided by the authorities.

Each resident is forking out RM60 monthly to engage security guards for the two streets. A consensus to hire private security was reached when robberies, thefts and break-ins happened frequently in the area in the past.


Maintenance needed: Taman Kajang Perdana is equipped with a playground but lack of care is contributing to its slow rot.
Residents now want the streetlights back on to prevent these crimes.

Mahendran also complained about the lack of regular maintenance by the council, leading to clogged drains, uncut grass and ill-maintained public areas. He said scheduled maintenance should be carried out because residents paid their assessment bills.

Pointing out cracks, leaks and other defects in some of the houses, Nor Mazlan also said the quality of the properties left much to be desired.

Till press time, there was still no response from the authorities.