Pipe leak cuts power to 500 Kota Baru flat residents for five straight days

In Kota Baru, approximately 500 residents living in over 90 units of the Kota Baru People's Housing Programme (PPR) have been without electricity for five consecutive days. The residents of levels 11 to 15 reported the outage, which was traced back to a short circuit caused by a leaking pipe. The water seeped into the main electrical switch room, disrupting the power supply.

Mah Roni Che Kob, a 58-year-old resident, described the disruption occurring around 3am on September 27th. She expressed concerns about the lack of proper lighting and the potential fire hazard, especially for those with health issues requiring oxygen machines. The outage also impacted the livelihoods of those running online businesses and selling kuih (traditional snacks), as perishable items in their refrigerators spoiled.

The Kota Bharu PPR management and building management agent informed residents that repair work would require sufficient drying time to ensure safety and prevent fire risks. Maintenance contractors and Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd (AKSB) were subsequently called in to address the issue. However, residents expressed frustration over the lack of clear communication from management and the prolonged resolution time.

Nurul Atiqah Che Awang, a 35-year-old resident, initially suspected a tripped switch but later discovered that the PPR's main electrical room had been damaged. She emphasized the significant impact on families with school-going children who faced difficulties in their daily routines and had to stay with relatives due to the prolonged power failure.

The resident highlighted the economic losses incurred as perishable goods spoiled due to the lack of refrigeration. She urged the management to take immediate action and respond more effectively to the hardships faced by residents.