By Zaki MS
IPOH – The Perak state government is prioritising the regularisation and streamlining of existing residential schemes to enable them to obtain approval legally and in an orderly manner.
The approach is not solely based on enforcement, but also includes guidance for schemes that are still able to meet the stipulated requirements.
Perak Housing and Local Government Exco Sandrea Ng said the application process had been simplified through the provision of checklists and standardised application form templates.
She said the move would enable residents’ associations to submit applications without having to appoint costly planning consultants.
This, in turn, would help reduce the costs borne by residents in the process of obtaining approval.
“Local authorities also coordinate joint assessments with the Land Office, Registrar of Societies Malaysia (ROS), Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and relevant technical departments.
“Engagement sessions and technical guidance are conducted to assist associations in rectifying issues involving the location of guardhouses, security barriers and road reserves.
“Traffic flow and safety aspects are also given due attention to ensure that the implementation of the schemes does not affect public interests,” she said.
She said this during a recent Perak State Legislative Assembly sitting.
Sandrea explained that the public needed to understand that Gated Community and Guarded Community were two different concepts from the perspectives of planning and legislation.
“A Gated Community refers to a strata residential scheme that was planned from the outset with fencing, controlled entry and exit, as well as the management of common property.
“A Guarded Community, on the other hand, involves conventional residential areas with individual titles, while the roads and facilities remain for public use.
“Applications for Guarded Community schemes must be made by a ROS-registered residents’ association with the consent of at least 85 per cent of occupied homes. However, such consent does not constitute permission to close public roads,” she said.
