Rules on gated schemes will be imposed with immediate effect

PUTRAJAYA: Gated and guarded neighbourhood schemes will have to follow new guidelines, said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the guidelines - which were approved and endorsed by the National Council for Local Government - would be imposed with immediate effect on new applications.

Existing gated communities and guarded neighbourhood schemes are exempted.

He said the guidelines include specific height for fences and ensuring a permanent guardhouse with security personnel manning the area around the clock for the establishment of a gated community.

Guarded neighbourhoods must ensure the boom gate and guard posts are temporary structures which can be removed if local authorities found them unsuitable.

“The guidelines however, do not involve pricing as it is for the concerned parties to decide,” he told reporters after chairing the meeting.

Also present was Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung.

The Deputy Prime Minister added that a by-law would later be formulated to allow local authorities to take action against those who fail to abide by the guidelines.

Gated communities and guarded neighbourhoods have sprung up in recent years as residents sought to protect themselves and their properties by employing private security firms.

Muhyiddin said residents of guarded neighbourhoods have no right to prevent others from going to schools or playgrounds, for instance, through their areas.

He also said that the Government had directed local authorities to beef up measures to tackle the rising number of dengue cases.

Between January and August last year, the authorities recorded 29,700 dengue cases with 68 deaths nationwide, while the number jumped to 32,688 cases and 103 deaths during the corresponding period this year.

Muhyiddin said the council had also agreed that guidelines for the development of the swiftlet industry - known as 1GP - to be adopted by all local authorities to help boost the industry, identified as one of the National Key Economic Area (NKEA) for agriculture.

He added that the meeting decided switflet farming would be prohibited in Penang and Malacca heritage enclave.

However, a three-year grace period would be given to current operators.

Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/3/nation/6971161&sec=nation