TLDR
- A viral video has highlighted the filthy and neglected condition of Hicks Flat in Bukit Bintang, which remains occupied despite its elevator no longer functioning.
- In response, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has carried out immediate cleanup works and plans to hold a special meeting with the building's management to address the recurring issues.
- As Hicks Flat is a strata property, resolving these problems will require the cooperation of all stakeholders, including property owners, residents, and enforcement agencies.
A video of a residential building in Kuala Lumpur has gone viral not once, but twice within 18 months due to its filthy condition.
The state of the building, known as Hicks Flat on Jalan Changkat in Bukit Bintang, was documented by Australian vlogger Marco Roams.
In the video, Marco shows the area surrounding the building littered with rubbish and food waste. He also describes the corridors as reeking of urine. Despite still being occupied, the building reportedly does not have a functioning elevator.
Image Credit: Facebook
Unsurprisingly, the video has garnered widespread attention from Malaysians, many of whom shared Marco's disgust after watching it. Others questioned whether any action had been taken by the authorities since the building first went viral last year.
DBKL responds
Following the viral video, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) ordered immediate cleanup works at Hicks Flat.
However, this wasn't the first time DBKL had been called to address issues at the building.
Back in 2024, DBKL, together with several enforcement agencies, conducted a raid at the six-storey property, which had reportedly housed undocumented migrants for years. Reports at the time noted that the building's condition had severely deteriorated, with the ground floor cluttered with rubbish and leaking sewage, creating a foul stench throughout the area.
Image Credit: Facebook
A total of 71 undocumented migrants, including women and children, were arrested during the operation.
The building remains in squalid condition
Fast forward to today, and the building remains in much the same condition.
Beyond the immediate cleanup works, DBKL said a special meeting would be held with the Commissioner of Buildings (COB) and the Hicks Flat Joint Management Body (JMB) to identify the causes of the recurring issues, clarify the responsibilities of all parties involved, and coordinate a more structured action plan for the property.
According to DBKL, Hicks Flat is a strata property, and resolving its issues will require the commitment of all stakeholders, including the building management, unit owners, residents, and relevant enforcement agencies.
"Residents have the right to enjoy a clean, safe and well-managed environment. This visit is not the end of the matter but the beginning of more structured action involving all responsible parties to ensure improvements can be sustained."
Featured Image Credit: Facebook
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