Poll: Gated and Guarded Neighbourhoods
There has been a lot of talk in the newspapers about neighbourhoods setting up their own gated and guarded system. These are not newly launched communities, they are existing small neighbourhoods that have installed their own guardhouse, fence, and boom gate to screen through visitors entering their area.
If you drive into certain areas like Bandar Utama, Bandar Puteri Puchong or USJ, you can see this has become very common. On the one hand, owners argue that this has become a necessity to prevent crime in their neighbourhood, and the cost is usually borne by the Resident Association. The local councils and some critics disagree - once infrastructure is handed over to the local council, the roads, drains, parks and playgrounds should be open to public unless it is private property.
What do you think? Should local neighbourhoods be allowed to install their own gated system? Or do you disagree? Please vote and tell us what you think. Poll will run for a week until 12 Feb.
if it weren’t for the poor security in recent years i’d vote ‘no’. i find these ‘guarded system’ to be quite a nuisance at times when they’re blocking off a public road.
i had some bad experiences where the guard prevented me from using a residential road when i was trying to look for my friend’s house which is located at the horizontally adjoining road at the other end. i ended up rounding the residential area. it’s not the distance that irks me, but i believe i shouldn’t be stopped from using a common residential road which should be open to public. i do pay my roadtax annually!
Comment by livingmonolith — February 5, 2009 @ 9:56 pm
I lived in Bandar Utama ,about 8 weeks ago at about noon time , the terrace house right in front of my house was broken into . The road I was living has been the target for break in , and daylight robberies . There were at least 6 cars being stolen in the last 12 months . One was right in front of the owner house and under her nose when she open her house gate . It may inconvenient some people, but can you blame the residents for putting up the gated community when authorities have done nothing . Very sad to see Malaysia in the current situation . I and my family was victim of 4 guns robbery and about RM 40000 was taken . After I have freed myself ,called the police but was coldly told that since the robbers have gone , there was no point for them to come in to investigate . I told that if they do not come within 15 mins, I will call the press , only they agreed to come .Please tell me should I approve Gated community . I am livng in fear most of the nights. I check all my doors and windows and make sure they are secured .I watch my road and make sure is clear before I drive my car out and we are in gated community . Sadly we have jailed ourselves in . What have happened to our country . I live overseas for over 10 years and mostly in China . I have never felt that insecure in overseas .
Comment by livingfear — February 5, 2009 @ 11:27 pm
Gated community is the way forward IMO. There are just too many uncertainties and the fact the police are not able to help, further escalate the need for quality gated community.
What I cannot understand is the lack of such development for landed properties. Mega developers such as Sime Darby are still ignorant about gated community except the new USJ Heights.
Comment by heck — February 6, 2009 @ 11:16 pm
Bottom line is our police force has failed us. We are paying our hard-earned money for gated community cos the police has failed their jobs in ensuring a safe environment for us.
Comment by Ichi — February 10, 2009 @ 6:59 am
Ichi,
We’re paying our hard earned money for gated community, and we are also paying our hard earn money to the police in terms of income taxes. Unfortunately the police are useless.
I leave in Taman Puchong Prima, where idiots on motorbikes travel around as if the road belongs their fathers. No Helmets, weaving in and out like mad men. One time at a junction i saw a police car pass 4 motorist without helmets and the police did nothing, they just drove off as if nothing had happened!!
Comment by RocketScience — February 27, 2009 @ 11:41 am
Few people want to live in a gated/guarded community becoz of the inconvenience and greater cost. But there is little choice. Just like every house has its own water filter. The govt has failed us. It’s either we change lifestyle or change government.
Comment by Janji — September 29, 2009 @ 2:53 pm