BANG, BANG, BANG! Its already 9pm at night, the sounds of workers hammering, drilling hacking and working can still be heard in my 1300sf “Luxury Condo”. There is a mixture of banging “BANG, BANG, BANG”, Hacking “KONG, KONG, KONG” then its ultimate  Annoying “AUGUUUGUUUGUUUGRRRGHHHHH” just when you think its over, then.. “AUGUUU, AUGUUUGrrr” （Drilling）Almost like an orchestra.

This is my friend account of what happened to him a while ago when he was trying to listen to Beethoven music in his condo. Instead he got a Roaring Orchestra of Workers doing their rounds at his completed condo with Occupancy Certificate. And according to him this is not the first time.

Most of the condos management have a certain rule regarding what time you can do your renovation or contract work. Usually Monday to Friday is from 8am to 5pm, Saturday is 9am work until 1230pm. After 6pm usually no work would be allowed, of course, residents need to have some peace and quiet after a long day at work.

I am pretty sure most of the Management Company have rules and regulations like these in place, after all no right minded Management Company would allowed work after 6pm right? OKAY. Enforcement is the Key here I think. Residents need to voice out their complaints and concerns to the management. I believe Sabahan in general are too gentle and timid when it comes to their Right. I believe we need to give the relevant people, the RIGHT piece of mind when it comes to the management of the condo or our community.

You and I should speak up when you see the management are not doing their job properly. Too many times I have heard “Collect all those maintenance fees, but don’t see them do anything. Rubbish not thrown etc.” But then they don’t write in and put down pen and paper to the things they are concerned about.

Top Wanted list for Management Corporation

1. Make sure the rubbish is dispose of regularly and proper hygiene is maintained.

   Rubbish dump area must be clean and free of odour (ok this one a bit hard, but if no durian or belacan should be ok I guess) Nothing make you more disgusted when you find yesterday unfinished fried rice still in the dumpster you throw it in, it may look and smell nice before that, its definitely reeks of rotten and make you hold your breath for a while.

Management can start by itemizing the recycling the plastics, aluminum cans, paper, and general waste. That way its better for the environment and more organized, and management can use the recycle money for upkeep of the property. Win win for both.

2. Give us Proper Lift Please: Lifts is maintained well- bright and airy

Nothing is worse than lousy lifts, I remember a few months ago I went to visit my friends apartment, I was shocked, as the lift we took was barely lit. The ceiling light was nearly burn out. Maybe I watch too many horror movies using lifts as a scary point, it definitely freaks me out. (ok, I admit dark lifts scare make me uncomfortable)

And you know the worse thing was, this was a newly completed project. How did this one gets OC? Hmm…

3. Enforce your House Rules Please

House Rules are well Rules meant to be followed right? Otherwise why did you put them there? To fill out the pages on the booklet? Or simply copy from somewhere? Ok, just realized I ask too many questions. OK. If you say NO work after 6pm, please let the guards know NO work after 6pm PERIOD. It’s that simple really. And no special favours please.

4. No automatic Boom Gates

First of all, security boom gates are meant to stop the non -resident from going in there without proper reason. Sometimes the guards might be super strict at first, but sooner or later, the Boom Gates became “automatic”. Anyone with a car will magically be able to enter without any security cards or registration. Sometimes the resident themselves is at fault because we don’t bring our cards or we don’t want to pay RM50 to do another card, so we relied on the “you know who I am mah”. I will admit sometimes I hope the guards will recognized me if I have being staying there for a while. But Security Personnel should not let anyone else just enter like that J,

Personally I know a few areas that does a good job of this, like Alam Damai, Surian, Suritz, D Banyan, Bay Residence etc.

5. Please let us know in advance if there is water or electrical disruption

Let me tell you, a lot of places they have this notice, but they are usually put up a few days before it. Just us know at least 2 weeks before that so we can really plan for it. So when I go for a Big One, I still know I can flush it! (Without water you have to go anyway, so better prepare a pail)

6. Accountability and Transparency

The books need to open to the resident, what is the expenses, who is the contractors, name and price, and must be audited by an auditor appointed by the resident representative. We want to know where and what our money was used for, and whether the work was actually done for the invoices paid.

7. Use social media or instant messenger

   I don’t really read my mail that often, usually only once 1 week, with the popularity of the social medias and instant messengers its high time for the management to use social medias to reach out to the residents. WhatsApp chat group with the residents is an option but do keep it professional and concise, and not a kopitiam group. Creating a facebook page informing of the latest happenings and developments also foster closer relationship between residents and management,  and among the residents themselves. Events can be organized and results can be shared to foster a closer community.