Loke Yew, Hang Tuah PPA occupants complain of homes with rotten wooden walls

They become more worried when there is strong winds and thunderstorm as they will be drenched with rain water seeping through the walls of their almost 70-year-old homes.

One of the occupants, Mohd Ismail Abdullah, 57, expressed concern over the situation, as well as the safety of other residents at the public housing units due to the condition of the houses.

It is like a booby trap. just waiting for someone to step on and boom, he said when met by Bernama.

He said the Loke Yew PPA was built in 1968, while the Hang Tuah PPA in 1969.

"So, it is understandable for the dilapidated condition of the housing units...some with the wooden walls dangling, just waiting for the time to fall," he added.

Another resident, Mohd Azmi Zakaria, 57, said a few of the occupants, however, forked out their own money to repair their housing units, by replacing the wooden walls with brick or concrete wall.

"I urge the relevant quarters to replace or repair the rotting wooden walls of the houses so as not to endanger the lives of the residents, especially children," said Mohd Azmi, who had been occupying the PPA unit since 1995.

In October 2014, strong winds ripped the already rotting wooden walls of three Loke Yew PPA houses, which were on the 10th, 13th and 18th floor. Luckily, there was no casualties.

Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah, when met by Bernama, said the Kuala Lumpur Citi Hall (DBKL) had instructed for repair work to to be done immediately on the PPA houses concerned.

In December last year, Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa announced that the ministry would implement the Urban Renewal Programme involving all flat houses that are more than 40 years old.

He said the unoccupied, small-sized flats and old structures would be rebuilt with various suitable facilities and equipment.