Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Print [1]
WITH the rapid increase in urban population, cities around the world are
resorting to high-rise residential buildings to cater to the increasing demand for
shelter.
Malaysia is no exception. For the last 20 years or so, more and more Malaysians
have been living in high-rise residences, especially where urban land is scarce
and expensive.
In the past, there were hardly any high-rise residential buildings taller than 10
floors. But now, there are buildings as high as 50 storeys or more, especially in
Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Penang, and increasingly in Johor Baru.
High-rise housing includes multi-storey low cost flats, such as the People
Housing Projects for the poor and low-medium cost apartments. Many young
adults who have just started working can only afford to buy or rent this form of
housing.
http://www.thesundaily.my/print/580286 1/3
10/7/2018 Pros and cons to high-rise living
There are pros and cons of high-rise living, just like everything has its good and
bad sides. The plus points are, of course, the views, cleaner air, resort-style living
and 24-hour security.
The whole family can go away for holidays without worry. In addition, there is less
maintenance work and household chores compared with landed homes.
High-rise living can also be a more sustainable option for urban residents
because they take up less space and enable shared resources such as common
water, sewer, and electrical infrastructure. Well-planned high-rise developments
can help ensure the success of public transportation routes, and vice-versa.
The worst fear of living in high-rises is of fires. It is crucial that local authorities
ensure that all high-rise buildings conform to the required building codes, fire
regulations and safety standards, with proper equipment and evacuation plans.
The fire that engulfed Grenfell Tower in London last year was a devastating
reminder of what can happen even in relatively well-planned cities.
Studies have also shown the adverse psychological effect of people living in
high-rises. Many tend to live in isolation and have fewer social interactions with
their neighbours.
Kids should not be allowed to play on narrow balconies high off the ground.
Ample shared play spaces should be provided for children.
Those who opt to live in high-rises should realise the responsibilities of living
together in a physically enclosed space. When hundreds of people share a
building under one roof, it is necessary to have rules and regulations and
standards of behaviour in order to facilitate peaceful and harmonious living.
Besides the best practices that should be followed by developers, planners, and
architects, and the rules and regulations that are set by local authorities, high-rise
residents can contribute to a better environment by observing some etiquette
guidelines – simple do's and don't's.
Residents should take part in the community and get to know their neighbours.
They can start by simply being friendly to others.
A simple "Hello" goes a long way. They can also participate in events organised
by the building management, such as the annual general meetings, or social
gatherings and exercise workouts.
http://www.thesundaily.my/print/580286 2/3
10/7/2018 Pros and cons to high-rise living
Most importantly, residents should avoid actions that might endanger themselves
and others. Many would remember the tragedy of a 15-year-old boy who died
after being hit by an office chair thrown out of an upper floor of a Pantai Dalam
flat early this year. Residents must not throw things out of windows.
They should not obstruct hallways and fire exits. And they should be careful
about heavy objects placed on window ledges and balconies.
Such reasonable rules and common etiquette will ensure that high-rise living
provides a healthy, friendly and liveable environment.
Datuk Dr Goh Ban Lee is interested in urban governance, housing and urban
planning. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com
Links:
[1] http://www.thesundaily.my/print/580286
http://www.thesundaily.my/print/580286 3/3