Concern over abandoned houses

JOHOR BARU: Abandoned houses in Taman University, Skudai, are causing concern to residents in the area as they have become haunts for drug addicts as well as a dumping ground.
Retired welder Ho Yuen Hai, 57, who resides at Jalan Penyiaran, said the unit next to his double-storey house was abandoned eight years ago and is now used by drug addicts.

He said his house has been burgled three times since 2010, with losses of about RM10,000.
The latest incident was on July 13 when two men climbed over his fence from the abandoned house.
However, he said his wife was alerted and sent the the intruders fleeing by raising an alarm.
He said the drug addicts play cat and mouse with the police, adding that he fears for the safety of his family. Several residents have expressed similar concerns.
Ho also sought the help of Johor opposition leader Dr Boo Cheng Hau (DAP-Skudai), who said that he will ask the Johor Baru Sentral Municipal Council to take action against owners of the abandoned houses.
He said according to section 74, 75, and 76 of 1976 Local Government Act, the council has the authority to clean, repair or demolish abandoned houses that cause nuisance to neighbours.
The owner can be fined RM5,000 or jailed up to six months, or both.