PELABUHAN KLANG, Dec 26 — The issue of electricity disruptions at Block C, Flat Seri Perantau, will be brought to a special state government meeting on Monday to discuss immediate actions and a comprehensive solution.
State executive councillor for housing and culture Datuk Borhan Aman Shah said the meeting will involve agencies including Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS), the Selangor Housing and Property Board (LPHS), and Implementing Coordination Unit (ICU).
He said the meeting was also called to get the real technical picture and decide on the safest and most effective improvements and solutions.
“TNB has provided temporary electricity supply via bypass, but it can only support 46 housing units.
“Full supply cannot be channelled as there are safety risks, including that of short-circuiting and damage to electrical goods if a comprehensive technical check isn’t done,” Borhan said after visiting the flat here today.
The visit allowed Borhan to assess safety aspects, resident welfare and urgent needs at the flat, including senior citizens and patients who need electricity for medical purposes.
He said further decisions on repair periods and implementation will be made after the special meeting and a technical report from the contractor.
“This issue involves electrical safety, not just reconnecting the supply. We must ensure repairs are done according to specifications and standards as we don’t want a worse problem in the future.
“The state government will not make rushed decisions that could compromise residents’ safety, instead it will study the licensed electrical contractor’s technical report before making any decision,” Borhan said.
He also voiced concern about lift operations and patients who need continuous help, especially as the power supply has been disrupted for 20 days.
“We’re worried as lifts have stopped and there are patients bedridden or severely ill who need help. This needs immediate attention as the disruption has lasted over 20 days,” he added.
Borhan said TNB estimates the repair costs for the flat’s distribution box (DB) at RM520,000, while checks and wiring repairs from home to home and every floor will cost around RM1.72 million.
“PKNS has expressed its readiness to help, and the state government will assess the role of the ICU and relevant agencies in case additional support is needed.”
Previously, the media reported that a fire in the flat’s DB had affected 128 units in Block C, which led to a full electricity supply disruption, including to lift operations, on December 7.
Meanwhile, residents have been forced to go through dark nights with small children, elderly relatives, and patients who need medical help, making the situation more dire.
Residents’ representative Azizul Anuar Abu Karim, 32, said only around 30 per cent of residents have gained temporary housing, while the rest have to stay in their dark, unsafe homes.
He said most residents are part of the B40 and asnaf groups, who really need basic necessities.
“The lack of electricity and lifts isn’t only making daily life difficult, but affecting them physically, mentally, and economically, especially senior citizens, dialysis patients, and residents who need oxygen.”
Azizul also said there are units housing up to 12 people, including seven children aged under 12, who have to sleep in the dark.
“The houses with candles, they use candles, but those that don’t, their houses are fully dark,” he lamented.
He added that residents are depending on the community spirit and help from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that provide food and daily support.
“Thank God, we’ve received aid from the Gerobok Iman Hawa NGO that has set up two tents as operation centres. Every day, we work together to cook and prepare around 300 to 400 food packs for residents.
“I welcome other NGOs and agencies who want to help,” Azizul said.
Block D residents’ representative Zainul Abiddin Abu Hassan, 61, said there’s a pressing need for periodic inspections on the DBs at all 12 blocks as the buildings are over 20 years old.
“If one block is affected, other blocks could be, too. Prevention is better than cure as the cost of prevention is far lower than repairing after the fact,” he added.
Zainul said comprehensive checks to the electrical system have never been done periodically, which has upped the risk of damage and fires.
“We request that checks on the main boxes for every block be done periodically to prevent such incidents from recurring,” he added.
Residents also hoped an immediate solution could be reached for the community’s safety and well-being, especially vulnerable groups like children, senior citizens, and patients most affected by the prolonged electricity supply disruption.
