BY YVONNE T. NATHAN

TMRA Zone ABC members at a dialogue session with MPAJ president Abdul Hamid Abdul Hussain (seated at end of table, in white).

DESPITE a long list of priorities to manage, Taman Melawati Residents’ Association (TMRA) Zone ABC says safety and the environment are of the utmost importance.

The association was formed in 2013 to manage security in the neighbourhood.

“We started with a yard sale in which people brought unwanted but usable items from their houses.

“Profits from the sale were split into three and donated to Buddhist and Hindu temples as well as a mosque.

“Since then, we have set up a large skip used as a recycling bin at the intersection of Jalan Melawati 2 and Jalan Taman Melawati so that people can leave pre-loved items for others,” he said.

“Melawati residents are ready to go green and we believe that recycling is the way forward,” said Razman of the approximately 5,000-strong neighbourhood.

The association and its members are also actively engaged in dialogues with Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) to ensure the vegetation surrounding the neighbourhood is left intact.

“The association was primarily formed for security, but then we got involved in many other activities, from recycling to maintaining cleanliness including cleaning up of drains.

“We have a lot of greenery so we ensure the local council adheres to the government’s regulations to protect our public spaces,” said Razman.

In terms of security, the residents take turns to patrol three zones.

“About 75% of people living here are elderly as they first moved to the neighbourhood in 1977.

“We also have a WhatsApp group because our priority is making residents feel safe.

“CCTV cameras were installed nearly two years ago by MPAJ as a security measure and the patrols help the residents to understand the area they live in,” he said.

To get in contact with the RA, visit www.facebook.com/Taman-Melawati-Residents-Association