Dubious guards doing the rounds

WHY is there the trend of guards patrolling housing estates today?

Previously it was only for gated communities. In Taman Tun Dr Ismail where I stay, this has become a “necessity.”

Some individuals in guard uniforms have gone from door to door offering to patrol the neighbourhood for a fee.

Not everyone, including me, agree to such an arrangement. We cannot ascertain their background, let alone let them “protect our homes.” This may become a permanent affair. Who knows what will happen if one were to discontinue the service.

Just yesterday, the aluminium door to my rubbish chute was stolen along with my neighbour’s, two doors away.

Was this a warning to enrol for this service or just a misdeed by irresponsible individuals? It looks as if I am being coerced to pay “protection money” for peace to my home.

I have been staying in this neighbourhood for the past 17 years and this is the first time the door to my rubbish chute was stolen.

It would seem futile to make a police report over such an inexpensive item. I thank God it was not something more serious.

The presence of our friendly neighbourhood policeman is a rare sight nowadays. Where have they gone?

Busy guarding VIPs or hiding behind some trees to catch traffic offenders?

Have there been many resignations in the police force? If so, is it because of low pay?

In that case, a revision should be in order. No doubt, many rank-and-file officers hold SPM or PMR qualifications and, therefore, are not entitled to high salaries but the risks they take in the line of duty should be taken into account.

I appeal to the authorities to properly streamline the practice of guard patrols sprouting all over housing estates, in particular, those with minimal or no police presence.

I still strongly believe in the protection of the police as the “official protector of the people.”

LIVING IN FEAR,
Kuala Lumpur.

Source:
10/01/2007 The Star
http://www.hba.org.my/
National House Buyers Association
Persatuan Kebangsaan Pembeli Rumah


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Selangor to issue guidelines on gated projects

New guidelines have been drawn up for all gated-and-guarded projects in Selangor, and they will replace the current rules released last October.

Expected to be made public soon after the Selangor State Executive Council meets next week to approve them, a source in the state government said, changes include the standardisation of guardhouse designs and security systems, the extension of services by the local authorities and the better maintenance of common areas by a project's management corporation.

The revised guidelines were drawn up by the state's Housing and Real Property Board and are based on the recent amendments to the Strata Titles Act (STA) 1985 that were gazetted on Feb 15.

Prior to the amendments, there were no provisions in the STA for gated-and-guarded housing schemes. This led to developers facing difficulties in receiving approvals from the relevant authorities, for the law did not permit the issuance of horizontal strata titles relating to bungalow or semi-detached units in a project with shared facilities and services.

Elaborating on the changes, the source said gated communities must now not exceed 20 acres while their guardhouses must not be larger than six-feet by eight-feet.

Access should also not be obstructed by barriers, while security guards have to be registered with the Home Ministry.

Source:
http://www.hba.org.my/
12/05/2007
NST
By Fadzil Fauzi