Foul!

As published in Malay Mail today Haresh Says By Haresh Deol IT has been acknowledged as a flood-prone area by the authorities since the 1960s. Yet, little has changed for those living and trading in Kampung Kasipillay. Perhaps inaction is Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s cynical way of preserving history, to compliment the Low Yat buildings that still stand strong amid the rapid development in the area. What used to be the Low Yat sawmill and other light industries have now turned into commercial banks and restaurants. The population ratio, too, has increased with several new high-rise buildings. Yet, flash floods continue to cause mayhem there, disrupting traffic and wrecking homes. Efforts were undertaken in the past but failed to address the situation. Water continues to enter homes despite the nearby Sungai Batu being realigned, widened and lined with concrete walls in the 1980s.  The latest flooding incident happened last Thursday. It is baffling that s...

Haresh Says, as published in Malay Mail today Haresh Says By Haresh Deol HE shivered on his way to the office of the Commissioner for Oaths, hoping to get there in time to verify his documents. His 80-odd-year-old legs were about to give up on him and he almost collapsed when he saw the long queue. Every one in line had sweaty and disgruntled faces. “Alamak,” the “uncle” said before he went on a rant, struggling to contain his dentures from dancing around in his mouth. But he was not the only one complaining. The line comprised mostly of the elderly, two in wheelchairs. There was a man in his mid-30s, who had a built-in microphone in his throat and a transvestite, with “her” frail mother, get their documents in order. Three other “aunties” sat on a nearby stairway, looking helpless as they sighed. All of them live in a public housing scheme in Kuala Lumpur and it is that time of year when they are required to declare their income, number in household and other support...