SHAH ALAM: Taman Seri Muda residents wants the relevant authorities to embark on a concerted effort to completely eradicate illegal and vice activities by taking down massage parlours, cybercafés and gambling dens as well as the sale of alcohol rampant in their neighbourhood.
Residents said the illegal activities have been in existence for over 12 years and of late, more of such illegal premises have been sprouting in the area, operating behind the guise of grocery shops to escape the eyes of the authorities.
Zone 23 Residents Representatives Committee (JPP) chairman Nahar Ahmad said these premises are a nuisance, affecting the comfort of people there and causing social ills among schoolchildren.
Nahar said residents who noticed the presence of the illegal premises are worried that their children may be influenced and asked that the police and the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) take action.
"There seems to be no control over the rising number of such premises. We do not want Taman Seri Muda to be a black spot for illegal activities. Several non-governmental organisations and residents have made complaints but we have yet seen any obvious changes.
"As the issuance of business licenses is under the purview of MBSA, we urge them to carry out periodical checks to ensure that the operations are genuine. The police have given us their cooperation but unfortunately business licenses do not come under them. We hope for more proactive action from MBSA," she said during a peaceful protest held at the commercial area of Jalan Makmur in Section 25 today.
Another resident, Che Norlia Unar, said her family has been wary of a group of men who have been consuming alcohol and playing loud music in her neighbourhood from evening until midnight daily for the past three months.
"We cannot even look at them as they would throw us cold stares. They are intoxicated so we are afraid to confront them too. I have asked my six children to be careful (of the men) when they are at home.
"We hope the authorities do something as it is wrong to consume alcohol at parks. We also do not want to live in fear," said the 52-year-old who has been a resident here for 22 years.
Another resident Nor Sharina Hanim Nasir said she has countless times seen schoolchildren in their uniforms entering cybercafes and would stay there until midnight.
"Many parents, I would say, are not bothered. When I advise their parents to monitor their children, I get scolded instead," said the 33-year-old.
Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Muda Parent-Teacher Association committee member K. Selvan said police have assured that they are on the lookout for the illegal activities among students.
"We had two dialogues with the officer-in-charge of the Taman Seri Muda police station and he convinced us that they will take action despite the shortage of manpower. But we hope other authorities will extend their cooperation as well," he said.
Meanwhile, Shah Alam district police chief Assistant Commissioner Shafien Mamat said a total of 202 illegal gambling dens in Taman Seri Muda were raided in Ops Dadu from January till August this year.
Investigations revealed that the illegal gambling dens were operating for one to three months before it was busted, he said.
"To date, we have arrested 159 workers of the premises as well as 71 people in the raids. They were subsequently charged in court under Section 4B (a) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 for offences relating to dealing in gaming machines.
"In the raids, 1,470 computer units and RM18,274 cash were confiscated," he added.
Shafien said following the raids, they had also sent in requests to related agencies to cut off electricity and water supply to the premises.
When contacted, MBSA corporate communications head Shahrin Ahmad said the council have taken action by raiding cybercafés in Taman Seri Muda which were found to be operating without licenses under the Cyber Centre and Cyber Cafe 2007 bylaw.
"From January to August this year, we have confiscated 125 units of computer as well as laptops from these premises. MBSA, through its licensing department, can also take action against premises that do not operate in accordance to the activities that are approved.
"If found to have flouted the law, these premises can be compounded and we will not think twice about revoking its permit or license. This action can be executed under MBSA's Licensing, Trade, Business and Industry 2007 bylaw.
"We are continuously cooperating with the police and other government agencies such as the Immigration Department to carry out enforcement on premises which conducts activities that are against the regulations and conditions stipulated by MBSA as well as other authorities.
"However, illegal gambling comes under the purview of the police," he told the New Straits Times today.