Managing buildings with humanity during the Covid-19 pandemic

PETALING JAYA (April 10): When the Movement Control Order was implemented on March 18 last year, it was an unprecedented time for all, including the property managers and Management Corporation (MC)/Joint Management Body (JMB) committee members who were managing buildings. How did some of these JMBs and MCs handle the reported Covid-19 cases in their buildings?

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Addressing this question were Westside III Joint Management Body chairman Ken Yeo, Kiara Park Condominium Management Corporation secretary and past chairman Lawrence Loh and Sri Penaga Condominium Management Corporation past chairman Khaw Chay Tee at a discussion moderated by EdgeProp.my editor-in-chief and managing director Au Foong Yee at the EdgeProp.my symposium on Excellent Property Management 2021 with the theme – Future-proof your investment in the new norm.

Khaw said the residents were concerned about the disease itself and it boiled down to dealing with strangers and contractors who were coming into the building. 

“You have to set your own rules and regulations within the condominium, and at the same time make sure the residents understand and know what is going on. You have to let them [the residents] know not to be afraid to report if there are any cases and that you will help them. It is important to treat them with humanity,” said Khaw.

Meanwhile, Yeo said the fear is definitely there but it is important to continually communicate with the residents and it is not just about merely handing out notices.

“Make yourself visible and show that you are sanitising the place and reassuring that you are taking steps to address the issue,” Yeo added.

As for Kiara Park’s Loh, although no cases were reported in the development, vigilant steps were taken to cut off outsiders into the development from the start.

“You have to be flexible when you set the rules, but the law is the law. Also, it is important to address certain fake news which are circulating and address them with solid evidence. If not, the news will keep on being speculated,” Loh stressed. 

The half-day event was organised in partnership with Nippon Paint Malaysia while the supporting sponsor is Panasonic Malaysia. The event held at New World Hotel Kelana Jaya was also supported by The Edge Malaysia.

Kiara Park Condominium and Westside III at Desa ParkCity were both accorded Gold in the 10 years and above multiple-owned in EdgeProp Malaysia's Best Managed and Sustainable Property Awards 2021 while Sri Penaga was awarded Gold in the same category in 2018.

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