State polls: Balakong PN candidate wants to resolve abandoned Cheras community hall issue

August 11, 2023

DESPITE residents’ repeated complaints to the local council, no action has been taken to maintain or utilise Kampung Baru Batu 11 Community Hall in Cheras, Balakong, which has stood abandoned for over three years.

And now a resident have approached Balakong Perikatan Nasional candidate Steven Lai Choon Wen to highlight the issue.

“Residents previously sought permission from the previous state assemblyman to use the community hall, but were turned away and told to contact the Kajang Municipal Council instead, as the venue falls under its jurisdiction. However, appeals to the council were also rejected, leaving residents unable to utilise the hall.

“Residents have expressed concern about the fate of the long-abandoned community hall, worried that after three years of neglect, it could attract unwanted activity from delinquents engaged in harmful behaviours,” said Lee Lai Pang, a 60-year-old construction worker and resident.

Lai, during a press conference at the community hall, said frustrated citizens have voiced their concerns to the previous state assemblyman, only to be told there was no budget allocation. At the very least, basic upkeep could have been done, but even that has not materialised.

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“The problem stems from more than just maintenance issues. When groups request to organise events or activities there, the assemblyman responds that the space cannot be rented out, claiming past policy from the previous representative prohibits it.

“It falls under the jurisdiction of the municipal council to decide on usage.”

He pointed out that the neglected community hall could also become a health hazard, noting overgrown vegetation surrounding the building that could provide ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

“If elected, reopening and refurbishing this community hall will be a top priority for me.

“Residents deserve access to usable public facilities. With proper coordination between local leadership and the council, we can find solutions that serve the people’s interests rather than allow resources to decay. Balakong has waited long enough for action.”

Lai, an associate member of Bersatu, is up against Pakatan Harapan’s Wayne Ong Chun Wei (DAP) in a straight fight for the Balakong state seat on Aug 12.

State polls: Balakong PN candidate wants to resolve abandoned Cheras community hall issue