Community

Only 6 months after cleaning, senior citizens' 'treasures' pile up again

A resident, Jamaludin Kasbi, 56, said the issue not only disturbed the peace of his neighbours, but also raised concerns about safety aspects such as fire risks and health threats.

Updated 4 months ago · Published on 02 Mar 2026 4:05PM

Only 6 months after cleaning, senior citizens' 'treasures' pile up again
Previously, a team of 50 volunteers, including local authorities (PBT), went to the house to clean it in July last year. - Picture from Kosmo!, March 2, 2026

JUST six months after being cleaned up, an elderly resident returned to his old habit of collecting 'treasures' around his house in Taman Sentosa Johor Bahru, once again causing discomfort to his neighbours.

A resident, Jamaludin Kasbi, 56, said the issue not only disturbed the peace of his neighbours, but also raised concerns about safety aspects such as fire risks and health threats.

"This uncle has mental health problems, he likes to collect used items such as boxes, plastic, bottles and so on.

“He said he wanted to sell them, but if he has so much rubbish could lead to other problems."

"There could be a serious risk of fire, it could be a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes, and dengue could spread," he told Kosmo!

Previously, a team of 50 volunteers, including local authorities (PBT), went to the house to clean it in July last year.

"A total of 32 tonnes of rubbish was collected, and the house was tidy. We hope the relevant parties can take more effective steps to address this issue so that it does not happen again for the well-being of the residents," he said.

Meanwhile, Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) Councillor for the Taman Sentosa/Taman Pelangi area, Sally Ng Lied Ying, said that the attitude of a few individuals who still send old furniture and goods to the elderly also contributed to the problem.

"Every week I ask the lorry to collect rubbish at the elderly's house, and the proceeds from the sale of used goods are handed over to him. However, due to the Chinese New Year holidays, the lorry was unable to carry out its duties, causing the rubbish to pile up again," she said. -March 2, 2026

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