Residents highlight the need for safe city concepts

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/7/20/central/6688438&sec=central

BANDAR Puteri Puchong residents highlighted the need for safe city concepts to be implemented in their neighbourhood during the forum at the carnival.

Held at a field in Jalan Puteri 8/10, the forum was moderated by Norina Yahya and RedFM deejay JD and the panelists comprised Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) assistant public relations director Azfarizal Abdul Rashid, Bandar Puteri residents’ association (RA) adviser Datuk Maman David Maman and Alex Wong from the Bandar Puteri 10 (Banyan) RA.

Also present were representatives from the MPSJ engineering, urban services and landscape departments.

Wong pointed out the absence of pedestrian facilities in Bandar Puteri Puchong.

“It is dangerous to use the road as pedestrians have to share the road with motorists,” he said.

Maman highlighted the issue of the safe city programme and Azfarizal said it was a problem faced by every municipal council.

“While the concept of a safe city is included for new development projects, it is not a criteria for previous developments.

“The problem is the budget. If we have the budget, we will carry out the safe city programme but now we even face problems resurfacing roads. However, we will try our level best,” he said.

Maman also highlighted the need for road humps and traffic lights at main roads and junctions.

Senior engineer Mohd Ariffuddin from the MPSJ engineering department replied that the placing of road humps depended on whether it fulfilled the criteria.

“An internal traffic study is being carried out as we need to look into the synchronisation for the traffic lights as there are many junctions,” he said.

Hosted jointly by The Star, Red FM and residents’ associations in Bandar Puteri, the carnival aimed to create a platform for residents to engage directly with their local authorities.

Bandar Puteri 12 resident Ng Yan Wei suggested a more ethical and humane approach to tackling the problem of stray dogs.

She advocated spaying and neutering strays instead of putting them to sleep.

“I’ve heard cases where the dog-catchers man-handle the dogs. I hope that there is an ethical way to solve this problem, that will please both dog-lovers and those who do not want strays in their neighbourhood.

“There are about 10 stray dogs in my neighbourhood and they seem tame and have not harmed anyone,” she said, adding that she has sent a stray dog for spaying.

Puchong Hartamas resident Priscilla Tan voiced the problem of her neighbour’s renovation affecting her house.

“How could they carry out the renovation without the neighbour’s consent? Is it legal?,” she queried, adding that she had previously complained to the MPSJ.

Azfarizal replied that the public could call the council to check if their neighbour’s renovations were legal. The council hotline is 03-5637 6545.

“We have received many complaints regarding renovations. Before we give out permits, those who want to renovate their houses must follow the MPSJ regulations and by-laws.

“if the problem persists, you can take civil action,” he said.

Puteri 11 RA vice-chairman Teng Yaw Yeong suggested the police use bicycles to patrol as he witnessed a snatch thief that got away despite five policemen giving chase on foot.