Media report casts doubts over building safety and commercial value: JMB committee member

A joint – management body (JMB) committee member of a high rise condominium in Puchong has clarified that some residents have portrayed a wrong impression of the property until a media report cast doubts over the building’s safety and commercial value.

JMB secretary Sunitha Ruthram wrote in to Harapan Daily to clarify a report entitled “Fear Comes with the Rain for Puchong Condo Residents” which was uploaded on FMT recently.

The report, though well-intentioned, paints a one-sided picture and regrettably omits the extensive mitigation efforts and multi-stakeholder coordination that have been consistently undertaken by the current JMB to address this issue, she said.

“This omission has unfortunately contributed to public misperception, casting doubt on our ongoing work to safeguard both the safety and property value of our community.”

To begin, it is important to establish that from the time the JMB was granted development approval till December 18,2021, the area had no record of flooding.

The flood in 2021 was unprecedented in nature, affecting not just Koi Prima but also vast swathes of the Klang Valley, Sunitha underscored.

The flash floods last month were also exceptional, brought about by days of intense, continuous rainfall.

In both instances, the JMB acted swiftly and responsibly whereby immediate safety protocols were implemented, elevator operations were restored within hours and areas were cleaned.

Contrary to the narrative presented in an earlier article, the current JMB has not remained idle, she claimed.

“We have taken meaningful steps to engage with and collaborate closely with key authorities, including the Commissioner of Buildings (COB) Kuala Langat, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS/DID) Kuala Langat, and the developer.”

Together, these stakeholders have supported critical flood mitigation efforts, including: cleaning and desilting of the tributary canal in front of the property, Inspection and planning for repairs to the flap gate, which controls water flow in the area.

There were also site visits and engagement with the district engineer to evaluate infrastructure needs and flood patterns, she added.

While these efforts may not be part of the broader “RTB Sungai Klang” initiative, they are nonetheless indicative of targeted and localised actions being implemented to prevent future flood recurrence, said Sunitha.

Moreover, the JMB has maintained a culture of transparency and resident engagement.

“We communicate frequently through circulars, digital notices, and group announcements. Residents have been consistently informed of flood prevention works, emergency readiness procedures, and inter-agency collaborations. The article’s suggestion that residents have been kept in the dark or left fearful due to inaction is not reflective of the actual ground realities or the many homeowners who have actively supported our efforts.”

It is also important to state that the current JMB operates independently of past office bearer, said Sunitha.

The financial health of the condominium project, has also improved under the stewardship of the current JMB, including the rebuilding of sinking fund reserves and reinvestment into preventive infrastructure.

“We wish to reassure all potential purchasers and tenants that the current management is fully committed to addressing these challenges, not through empty promises, but through real partnerships, action plans, and accountability.”

“We invite open dialogue and welcome site visits by interested parties, including media outlets, to see our work in motion,” she added.

The JMB hopes any reporting on the building, will have a balanced outlook to prevent unnecessary negativity, which cast apprehension on the value of the property, she said.