BY KATHLEEN MICHAELSABRINA BENNIS
USJ 18 residents get together after some light exercise at their park in Jalan USJ 18/1 where there is an extended jogging track and a reflexology path. — Sam Tham/The Star
SOCIAL media is an important tool to residents’ associations (RAs), especially when it comes to communicating with the authorities.
The USJ 18 RA has formed different chat groups with authorities such as the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ), police and Fire and Rescue Department, as an easier way to report and follow up on issues in their area.
RA chairman C.C. Lee said the online communication channel began two years ago and has enabled the RA to resolve many issues.
Over the past few years, they managed to get the street lights changed, had the road along Jalan USJ 18/2 widened and flood lights installed at the neighbourhood field.
They also had a reflexology pathway installed at the field and the jogging track extended.
Lee said though they now had a more convenient and efficient way to make reports, the committee was not misusing the communication channels.
“We only launch our reports through the chat groups but we speak to the authorities properly,” he said, adding that there needed to be a polite and friendly way to communicate with the authorities to build good relations.
Apart from that, Lee said the RA along with members of Zone 6 in Subang Jaya, which comprises residents from USJ 16 to 28, also organise activities such as bowling competitions with the local authorities to strengthen ties.
USJ 18 RA was formed in 2002 and currently has nine committee members overseeing residents in 538 homes.
“Our focus has always been on the well-being of residents and to create a conducive living environment, we work together with the local authorities,” Lee said.
USJ 18 is guarded but the RA ensures that security guards are always on their toes by conducting checks on them while on duty.
Lee said they have managed to maintain a zero-crime area and that this was only achievable with cooperation among residents.
Dengue has, however, been a problem for the past two years.
“We have conducted dengue awareness campaigns and house-to-house spot checks with MPSJ and even given out Aedes kits.
“We do not penalise residents during the checks but seek to advise and educate them,” he said.
Lee said residents were cooperative during the spot checks.
USJ 18 is also a favourite stop for wild animals thanks to an abandoned plot of land, measuring approximately 2.43ha, facing Jalan USJ 18/1.
“Lucky” residents have experienced waking up to find a 5m python in a home fish pond while others encountered snakes at the neighbourhood jogging path.
Residents are still waiting for a response on whether the land would be cleared.
Lee added that roads in USJ 18 are worn out and have not been resurfaced for more than 15 years.
This year, they hope to install an outdoor gym or put up a gazebo with the help of the local council, but are still awaiting response.
