RESIDENTS WELCOME DEMOLITION MOVE
They also want new park or playground in area
RESIDENTS of Taman Sri Ukay Hillview, just a stone’s throw from Highland Towers, are relieved that the authorities are finally tearing down the decaying structure and moving ahead with development plans.
For years, no one was willing to buy property near the area.
The “haunted” Highland Towers had become a haven for drug addicts.
There was much rejoicing when Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin
announced that Highland Towers would be demolished by June.
Pensioner Datuk Yusof Salleh, 73, a resident of Taman Sri Ukay Hillview for the past 20 years, welcomed the news.
“We welcome the end of this nightmare. People often came and asked about hauntings and ghosts.
“There is no hantu (ghost) here, the only ghosts are people who enter the blocks on a horror pilgrimage,” he said.
Taman Ukay Hillview residents association vice-president Abdul Majid Mohd Yusoff, 46, said it was high time the buildings were torn down.
“Look at the area; the abandoned blocks are a blight on the neighbourhood. The residents are concerned about the safety of children and elderly folk. The buildings attract drug addicts and thrill seekers. Hopefully, with the buildings gone, things will change for the better.”
Pupil Ahmad Razin Abdul Majid, 11, said he hoped a playground would be built on the site.
“If they build a playground, it will be better for children. Adults who believe in ghosts should grow up and search for God instead of ghosts.”
Adam Jafrill Mohd Fadhil, 13, wants facilities to be built for families.
“We can make better use of the space. Create a park or playground so that people can play and exercise.”
A cafe manager, Mohd Shamrul Mohd Nawi, 46, welcomed the move to redevelop the area.
“We have all kinds of people visiting the buildings. What if the buildings were to collapse? In other countries, abandoned buildings are demolished immediately.”