WHAT’S the matter with these people? They live in an urban residential housing estate, earn a decent living, drive big cars and expect free service.
They have properties in several places and travel extensively. They enjoy free and easy movement and leave their houses in the care of security guards responsible for the entire residential area.
In the city of Kuala Lumpur and major towns, paid security guards and boom gates are no longer uncommon. In fact, they are very much an essential part of the urban survival kit.
Which leads me to a recent debate in a residential area just outside the city. The residents suddenly realised that their monthly collection had been declining. At the rate it was going, they may not be able to pay the guards, thus leaving themselves and their assets exposed to the bad hats, thieves and burglars.
For several years before they had their own security, the residents had their cars stolen, houses broken into, children threatened with muggings and bullies, and roads turned into a favourite race track for mat rempit.
The residents got together, formed a residents’ association that was duly registered and passed the hat around to collect funds to employ security guards.
Overnight, the crime rate went down. No more cars were stolen or broken into; no more snatch thefts; no more indiscriminate parking of cars from neighbouring flats and apartments, and no more mat rempit.
There was peace and order. Residents held get-togethers, gotong royong and other positive activities. They should have lived happily ever after. But they didn’t.
I was told the conditions were so good that many residents started to take things for granted. They missed their monthly payments and appeared to have forgotten their commitment to the residents’ association.
This went on for quite a while until recently when it was pointed out to them that the monthly collection to pay the guards’ wages was insufficient and that the bad old days might return. Everyone sat up and took notice. A big discussion took place; there was some finger pointing; some promises were made and, more importantly, some arrears in monthly fees were paid. All went well after that.
City living is not always easy. The petty crime rate in parts of the city varies. In places where residents are exposed to the thoroughfare, anything can happen.
This was why the residents of this particular housing area became vocal when some neighbours failed to pay their dues.
No one is forced to pay but they have a moral obligation to do so and thus ensure the safety of themselves, their families and their assets.
I’m glad that my residents’ association is active with good general support from everyone. There are a few recalcitrants but they must have their own selfish reasons. It’s only when they are facing difficulties that they realise their folly.