Federal Territories and Urban Well-being Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin is eager to collaborate with the residents of Bangsar to ensure they live in a safer environment.

Raja Nong Chik plans to engage with the residents through social media – namely Twitter and Facebook – despite 70 percent of those residing in the area are retirees. To address that, the Lembah Pantai 1Malaysia Center and Police went door to door to gather phone numbers from every resident.

He also plans to get the private sector to help subside the payment of guards in the Tempinis area.

“I don't want to make any promises but I would want to work together with the residents here," said Raja Nong Chik.

"I understand that there are many senior citizens here and they may not afford it (fees). We will try to get the private sectors to help in terms of paying the security guards and have more street lights in the area."

Raja Nong Chik earlier launched the “WAR against crime” campaign with residents of Tempinis in Bangsar.

This came about after residents in the area urged the authorities especially the Police to pay closer attention to their community.

Wye Ling, a representative of the local residents said that the committee needs at least RM10,000 a month, which is equivalent to RM70 per resident, to hire security guards that will be stationed at various areas.

“The problem is that most of the residents here are pensioners and senior citizens. They couldn’t afford to pay the fee. Sometimes the committee have to top-up with our own money,” she added.

There are around 240 residents at the Tempinis area and 70 percent are pensioners and senior citizens.

Local resident Simon Foong, 72, has a part-time job and could afford to pay the fee but some of his peers are not able to do so.

“Some are receiving RM400 a month in pension money so how can they afford to pay RM 70 for the security fee?” questioned Simon.