BY: Michelle Liew
From the outside, the 216-unit 12-storey building is just a flat with an exterior paint that is almost stale like other low-cost housing, but if you step into the lobby area, the decoration is as magnificent as a hotel.
That is the atmosphere of Pandan Utama Flats, Ampang, which is decorated beautifully and attractively with various patterns and different designs on each floor according to the creativity of the residents.
More interestingly, the decoration project, which is the result of a collaboration between the Joint Management Body (JMB) and the Residents Association, is also equipped with house direction signs, thus making it easier for outside visitors to find the residential units they want to visit.
Pandan Utama Flats JMB chairman Hussin Yahya, 67, said the transformation began during the implementation of the Movement Control Order (PKP) in March 2020 to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said, the residents there who works as construction workers in various sectors refused to waste their free time during the PKP.
“Originally, we only planned to paint and decorate the lower lobby space as it is the main focus area going in and out thus creating a more comfortable space for residents.
“However, we are very excited after seeing the results and agreed to beautify and beautify the lobby space on each floor,” he told Bernama.
The residents also issued their own capital in addition to there are individuals who are generous to donate or sponsor it.
“There is no compulsion in terms of collection, it depends on the ability of the people because we are aware that not everyone can afford to do it. In short, if you want to be more beautiful, you need more capital,” he said.
Furthermore, there are almost zero rubbish on the road, thus creating a clean and cheerful environment.
For Mazilah Abd Jalil, 49, the spirit of consensus among the residents is the main key in changing the mentality of life in flats, especially when it comes to hygiene, vandalism and social issues.
“Honestly, we are very grateful and touched by the spirit of volunteerism among the residents. Furthermore, our flats (housing) are very active with various activities.
“Although there is a cleaner who is responsible for cleaning the surrounding area, the residents also take the initiative to decorate and clean the corridors and the roof of the house themselves,” said Mazilah, who is also the JMB secretary at the flat.
She said indirectly, the situation also created a positive-minded community as well as strengthened the relationship between them.
Zulkifli Abdul Rahman, 46, also agreed that the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in several areas such as elevators, parking lots and lobbies helped their residential areas to be safer and more secure.
“To date, there have been no acts of crime that we have had to face. While there are still some groups of individuals who remain with the old mentality, what we have applied is patience in educating them.
“These people need to be given more motivation, awareness or counselling until eventually they will be ashamed of themselves with their irresponsible acts,” he said.
The agreement of the residents of Rumah Pangsa Pandan Utama in painting and decorating the residential area not only received praise from the public but also from the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) apart from receiving visits from other local authorities in the near future.
Apart from that, the residents of the flats also hope that the request to paint the exterior of the housing building will be approved by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and the Selangor Property Housing Board this year.
