Desa Sri Hartamas needs urgent attention

(Published in the headline of the Star Metro Section 11th November 2011 issue: pages 1 to 3)

By PRIYA MENON 

THE posh suburban township Desa Sri Hartamas has been going downhill for the past few years and property owners and business operators are afraid that this could spell the end of the bustling area.

For several years, a number of issues have cropped up, including the lack of parking space.

The business area in Desa Sri Hartamas is designed in the shape of a horse’s shoe, unfortunately that spells disaster when inconsiderate motorists park on the road kerbs.

Property owner, who wished to be known as Lim, said motorists usually double parked at the road corners, making it difficult for other drivers to go through.

“I have seen people scratch the parked cars out of frustration,” he said.

The Desa Sri Hartamas Commercial District Association brought up the parking problem to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) about five years ago, however, despite numerous meetings, no solution was found.

Indiscriminate dumping of rubbish is another problem. Many restaurant owners and business operators resort to throwing their garbage at a small field in the area.

Unit owner Anabel Chan, 54, said several restaurants were operating on the first floor of the office units.

She said she did not understand how they were allowed to open eateries when the units were not conducive for such operations.

The place is also attracting rats and flies because of the rubbish.

Chan said in the past families went for walks in the field but not any more because of the rubbish.

Many business owners are also unhappy that the outlets have been taken over by foreigners.

“The place has lost its touch. There are only a few upmarket outlets now. Many boutiques have closed down due to poor business,” said Hayati a unit owner.

A property agent in Desa Sri Hartamas, who wished to be known as Lee, said the tenancy in the area had dropped by 30% in the last three years.

Many customers have opted for other stores in the Klang Valley due to the situation in Desa Sri Hartamas.

“Even the trees are not trimmed and the road names are covered with stickers and bills making it difficult for people to find the correct street,” added Alice Kuan, a property owner.

They hope that the DBKL will help them solve the problems especially since they pay assessment and deserve better amenities than the ones being provided at the moment.