Shafie said Idaman Damansara is no longer a dengue hotspot, thanks to residents efforts.
A LOW-cost flat in Damansara Damai, Petaling Jaya, is a shining example of how residents have successfully come together to address common problems.
Apartment Idaman Damansara residents have created inexpensive yet effective tools to combat dengue and harvest rainwater as well as formed a voluntary community patrolling scheme.
In recognition of their efforts, they won the top prize of a RM75,000 grant at the Sustainable Community Award 2016 organised by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).
Apartment Idaman Damansara Residents Association committee member Shafie Abdul Razak, 43, said the neighbourhood used to be a dengue hotspot.
“To reduce mosquito breeding, we ensure the female mosquitoes lay eggs inside the containers,” he said.
Residents take turns to discard the mosquito eggs properly and the neighbourhood is now no longer a dengue hotspot.
Idaman Damansara residents use rainwater to wash their vehicles.
Shafie said Apartment Idaman Damansara was built in 1998 and comprised 18 blocks of flats with 2,464 units.
“In such a large community, it is essential that all the residents are on the same page to make sure our neighbourhood is liveable,” he said.
Residents are also proactive in fire prevention and fire-fighting techniques.
“Full-time homemakers among the residents often attend talks and seminars on firefighting and are aware of what to do in case of a fire,” said Shafie.
The neighbourhood has been winning at the Award since 2011 and has used the grant money to further improve their community.For example, some of the money was used to instal more closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) to improve their community patrolling scheme. The neighbourhood now has 32 CCTVs.
Since 2013, the residents have identified seven rainwater harvesting locations within their apartment compound, near the central rubbish disposal areas.
“The water is collected for reuse,” said Shafie, adding that the Award offers residents an opportunity to build a better community.
For information on the awards, visit www.pjkitasca.my or call 03-7956 3544.
