Chew is all for gated communities
26/09/2006 The Star By Stuart Michael

Women, Family and Community Development Ministry parliamentary secretary Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun is all for gated communities.

Having been a victim of burglary and snatch theft herself, Chew said the incidents made her decide to move to the gated community of Aman Suria Damansara in Petaling Jaya.

“I was a victim of snatch theft a few years ago while my house was burglarised last year. I was scared, so I moved to Aman Suria. It’s a safe place to come to,” she told reporters after attending a Mooncake Festival at Aman Suria last Saturday.

“I feel that there will be fewer crimes if people live in gated communities where security is tight.

“Gated communities also promote a closer relationship between neighbours,” she said, adding that people who lived in villages felt safer because they knew their neighbours also watched over their houses.

She said it was sad that some people these days did not even know their neighbours.

Chew suggested that the Housing and Local Government Ministry made gated communites an example for other neighbourhoods to emulate because the practice helped prevent crime and made an area safer to live in.

Earlier, Chew joined the housing estate’s children and their parents in a 200m walk while carrying lanterns around the Aman Suria garden.

The festival, organised by the Aman Suria Residents Committee, was attended by 126 residents.

A food tasting competition was also held in conjunction with the festival. Residents prepared homemade dishes like chicken rendang, yam cake, fried rice, pasta, chicken curry, mushroom with chicken legs, seafood marinara and dessert.

Natalie Wong, 38, who made a colourful Rabbit Jelly, won the contest. There were also prizes for best costumes and best lantern. The event included a clown performance, fun and games for children and adults, and a lucky draw.

Aman Suria Residents Committee chairperson Wendy Chan said the Lantern Festival was their second and it was aimed at getting residents from th 285 houses there to mingle and get to know their neighbours.