By Aida Aziz
IPOH: The problem of individuals suffering from hoarding disorder appears to be one that cannot be resolved simply by cleaning up or removing all of the accumulated items.
Clear evidence can be seen in several cases involving elderly residents in Ipoh who repeatedly return to the same behaviour despite receiving warnings and having their homes cleaned by workers from the Ipoh City Council (MBI).
This time, the issue has resurfaced at House No. 56, Persiaran Cempaka Sari 24, Taman Cempaka, after the property, which was previously filled with belongings and rubbish, was cleaned in August 2024.
A resident’s representative complained that the elderly woman living there had once again turned the property into a dumping ground for items and rubbish she collects daily, with the piles now overflowing into the house compound.
According to the complainant, the situation has created a strong foul odour and attracted pests such as rats, as well as dangerous animals including snakes.
The complainant further claimed that Taman Cempaka is also among the dengue hotspot areas in the Kinta district.
“Do you still remember the elderly woman who hoarded rubbish inside her house at Persiaran Cempaka Sari 24, Taman Cempaka? Once again, she has started collecting old and discarded items.
“We have spoken to her before and asked why she keeps piling up rubbish in front of her house, but she said she was only storing it temporarily.
“She collects plastic materials, boxes, polystyrene, plastic containers, bins, glass bottles and plastic bottles, not for sale, and the result is a foul smell affecting the neighbourhood,” the resident told Ipoh Echo/Peraktastic.
The complainant added that MBI’s efforts to clean the house alone were insufficient to prevent the issue from recurring and posing health risks to the surrounding community.
“Recently, our area has suddenly seen an increase in mosquitoes. There are other elderly residents living nearby, and some neighbours have young children. We are also concerned about the woman’s safety and health if she continues living among the rubbish and foul odour.
“MBI needs to be stricter in dealing with the property, including imposing fines or compounds.
“Counselling should be provided to the elderly woman, and the Social Welfare Department should also trace her next of kin to determine whether she is mentally sound or otherwise,” the resident said.
Previously, Ipoh Echo/Peraktastic had sought expert views on hoarding disorder and ways to address the condition.
According to Prime Academy Malaysia’s Psychopedagogy, Correctional and Rehabilitation Division chairman, Kalki Karl, individuals exhibiting such uncontrollable behaviour fall under the category of mental disorders and should be referred to psychiatric specialists with assistance from the Ministry of Health.
“Counseling alone is insufficient to manage their mental condition. Cleaning up the homes of hoarders can make the situation more complicated because the individuals may be unable to accept such actions, resulting in a severe deterioration of their mental health,” he said.
