KRT TAMAN MEGAH 2 CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS 2014

Just when I thought International Day of Older Persons would pass quietly and unobserved this year, I received an invitation from Ong Thiam Hiong for SeniorsAloud team to join the residents of Taman Megah Fasa 2 (TMF2) in celebrating the special day. Ong (as he prefers to be called), 67, is chairman of the TMF2 residents committee that organized the event.

The minute Kim and I arrived at the padang (field), I immediately felt this was one neighbourhood where I wouldn't mind spending my retirement years. It is easy to see why most of the house owners here are long-time residents.

The padang is the heart of KRT Taman Megah Fasa 2

When we arrived at 7.45am, the entire area was a hive of activity. There was a group of early risers doing tai-chi near the playground, and nearby was another group practising what looked like waitankung. All along the perimeter of the field were others busy brisk walking. I spotted an elderly man cycling, and a woman walking her dogs. Practically everyone was in sports or exercise outfit. The residents here obviously take their health seriously.

We are all too familiar with stories about poorly managed housing areas where security is lacking, facilities are either rundown or non-existent, and neighbours don't know one another. TMF2 is an inspiring example of how a housing area or taman should be managed. Not only is TMF2 clean and litter-free, security is commendable. Security guards man the two entrances, while surveillance cameras keep track of what's going on in the field and the surrounding areas. Not all residents are security subscribers. Those that are, pay between RM70 to RM90 as monthly security fees.

Early birds at the registration table. Everyone gets a 'door' gift of a packet of tikuanyin tea.

What struck me most was the camaraderie among the residents who attended the breakfast get-together. Everyone knew each other, if not by name, at least by recognition. The spirit of cooperation was also very strong as evident by the number of dishes the residents brought for the pot-luck breakfast, and also by the number of volunteers who stayed back after the event to clean up the place.

The guys were only too happy to help lay out the food.

Among the invited guests who addressed the residents were popular MP for Petaling Jaya Utara, Tony Pua, Selangor state assemblywoman for Damansara Utama Yeo Bee Yin, and yours truly, founder of SeniorsAloud.

MP Tony Pua says 'a few words' while TMF2 chairman Ong (right) looks on.

Some of the elderly residents and their domestic helpers. The event was an opportunity for them to meet up with their friends for a chat.

Plenty of food to feed hungry early risers at the breakfast spread, all cooked or prepared by the ladies of TMF2. Kim and Siew Lim from our SeniorsAloud team brought sandwiches and cakes. Thanks, ladies!

Good food tastes even better in good company.

MP Tony Pua and Selangor ADUN Yeo Bee Yin giving out t-shirts to the residents.

Residents aged 70 and above each received a bag of health food products donated by sponsors.

Fun time - chairman Ong (right) who was also the emcee explaining the rules of the game 'Charade'

'Can you guess who/what I am?' Attractive prizes for all who participated.

The men were more interested in discussing politics. 

A good turnout of residents to celebrate International Day of Older Persons 2014.

Post-event teamwork. While the ladies cleared the rubbish, the men cleared the heavier items, including this tent.

SeniorsAloud team members with MP Tony Pua, and ADUN Yeo Bee Yin

Chairman Ong and his committee deserve a round of applause for organizing this breakfast gathering to celebrate International Day of Older Persons. Everyone had a great time. One resident told me that Ong's committee was very hardworking and the best they had. His group of friends nodded in support. They hoped the present committee would continue serving as it was doing such an excellent job in maintaining security and good neighbourliness in Taman Megah Fasa 2.

I know from past experience how challenging it is to keep residents happy and satisfied, so I too take my hat off to Ong and his committee. KRT Taman Megah Fasa 2 has certainly set standards for other neighbourhood residents committees to emulate.