All the residents will have to execute an undertaking letter
that they will not hold the local council responsible for any
untoward incidents arising from the closure of the backlane gate.
I believe accidents (if any) arising from the fencing up of
backlane gates is remote and the advantages of having such gates
outweigh the danger posed.
I, being a resident of USJ23, Subang Jaya, am extremely proud
with the efforts of the residents' committee to ensure the security
in our housing estate is intact.
The USJ23 residents have been enjoying a crime-free environment
for the past six months due to the existence of day-time security,
night watch patrolling and backlane gates erected by 50% of the
residents. (Prior to this, there was at least a break-in every
month.)
However, it was rather unfortunate that three houses were broken
into recently and that happened because the other half of the
residents do not see the necessity of closing their backlanes.
The break-in occurred between 6.30pm and 8.30pm and before we
started our night patrolling. This goes to show that backlane gates
are one of the most effective ways to reduce crime.
We are extremely thankful to the Subang Jaya Municipal Council
(MPSJ) and in particular our assemblyman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng for
supporting the residents in the backlane gate issue.
It may be true that there are no by-laws to allow such fencing.
However, as the by-laws are made by the Housing and Local
Government Minister, why can't the minister amend the by-laws and
legalise the backlane gates?
It is not only the hope of the residents in USJ, but that of all
Selangor residents that the state Local Government Committee will
give residents' security the paramount consideration when it makes
its decision on April 16.
CONCERNED RESIDENT of Subang (via e-mail)
