Need for higher barriers at multi-storey housing units

PUTRAJAYA: The proposal for developers of multi-storey or stratified housing projects to build higher barriers to prevent children falling from the balconies needs to be given attention, said Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Abd Muttalib.

Although the move would incur additional cost, it would be necessary for children's safety, he told reporters after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) and Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd (PJH).

He was commenting on the proposal to address cases of children falling from balconies of high-rise buildings.

Among them was last Nov 16 involving a four-year-old girl who died after falling from the 29th floor of a condominium in Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, and the next day (Nov 17), a five-year-old boy who died, believed after falling from the 16th floor of a condominium in Batu Caves, Gombak.

Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim was reportedly to have instructed Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to ensure developers of multi -storey or stratified housing projects to prioritise the safety of residents, including by building higher barriers.

On the signing of the MoU, Ismail said it was aimed at, among others, establishing strategic relationships through research, development and innovation studies, especially in matters related to solid waste management and increasing the use of construction solid waste management systems for projects under PJH.

He said PJH is involved in 128 development projects in Putrajaya which could produce 84,284 tonnes of construction waste, including stone, wood, plywood and cement containers that could be recycled for use in the construction sector.

-- BERNAMA