Lifts that are going nowhere
The Star Online, 1 August 2013
PPR Seri Semarak residents have to put up with longer waiting time for the lift to arrive at the ground floor as one of the lifts has been out of order for more than four days. — By LOW LAY PHON / The Star
LIFTS in several people’s housing project (PPR) flats are in a sorry state with many in dire need of maintenance and repairs.
A visit by StarMetro to several PPR flats in the Klang Valley revealed possible acts of vandalism as some of the lifts are missing its buttons and have faulty lighting.
The lifts were also smelly and creaked whenever they moved.
At least one out of three lifts in some blocks at PPR Seri Semarak and PPR Sungai Bonus in Setapak were found to have either faulty lighting or were undergoing maintenance, while those at PPR Intan Baiduri in Kepong looked in desperate need of refurbishment.
Frequent breakdowns
Many PPR residents said frequent breakdowns and faulty lifts had not only made life difficult, they were also scared to use the lifts as some felt they were not safe.
PPR Seri Semarak resident Khairul Anwar said broken lifts were common.
Quickly now: Residents getting in and out of the only functioning lift at Block B, PPR Air Panas as the other two lifts are out of order.
“Condition of the lifts are poor and I am concerned about my children’s safety,” said the 40-year-old factory worker.
Khairul also blamed irresponsible residents who used the lifts to transport heavy items to their units.
“I have seen residents taking up motorcycles due to the high number of thefts in the area. This has further damaged the lifts
“Maintenance contractors should also use quality parts to ensure the lifts do not suffer frequent breakdowns,” he said.
Twenty-year-old barber Kokila Vanan, who regularly visit friends and relatives at PPR Seri Semarak, recounted a terrifying experience when he was stuck in a lift with his 17-year-old brother recently.
“We were trapped for 30 minutes before the Fire and Rescue Depart-ment arrived.
“It was frightening as the lights inside were dim. The lifts should be maintained properly to prevent such incidents,” he said.
PPR Intan Baiduri resident Aris Ahmad, 59, had also experienced being stuck in a lift.
“I felt claustrophobic as I was inside for almost an hour,” he said.
The incident happened a year ago. Aris is disabled and lives on the 11th floor.
“Often, all three lifts at the block will be faulty and I am either stuck at home or have to stay at a relative’s place until they are fixed.”
Extreme measure: Aris pointing to a grille in the lift to deter vandals from ruining light fixtures.
He said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) should ensure contractors do not cut corners when maintaining the lifts.
“Although it is commendable that they usually arrive within 30 minutes when something happens, what is the point when the lifts sometimes breakdown every two or three days?” he queried.
Like other residents, Aris felt that low quality or faulty spare parts were the main cause of lift breakdowns.
Long wait for lifts
Meanwhile, a PPR Kampung Baru Air Panas resident who only wanted to be known as Syed Nazri, said he often had to wait a long time for the lift.
“There is often a long queue as the two others lifts in my block are faulty. This is very troublesome especially during peak hours.
“I also feel unsafe as the lift will jerk sometimes. Contractors should also place a barrier at the lift entrance during maintenance work to prevent any mishap, especially when young children are around,” he said.
Statistics provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH) showed that there are 18,188 lifts in Kuala Lumpur and 600 units installed in PPR flats.
To combat vandalism, Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib said DBKL would look into placing enforcement officers at PPR flats.
He added that between 2014 and 2019, DBKL intended to replace 90 lifts at a cost of RM31.5mil.
Although no decision has been made, 250 enforcement officers have been identified.
PPR Sungai Bonus resident Md Yusni Md Haniff expressed hope the move would be implemented.
“This can help reduce vandalism which I think is the main cause of lift breakdowns.
“Although the lifts are fixed, the breakdowns happen too frequently,” he said.
