MELAKA: Leaking roofs, clogged plumbing systems, damaged electrical wiring and peeling paint are among the problems faced by some military officers and personnel, living at the Armed Forces Family Housing (RKAT) schemes at the Terendak Camp, for several years.

Most of the residents, especially those with families, have had to make do with such living conditions.

Finally, they are able to breathe a sigh of relief as the federal government, through the Defence Ministry, allocates additional funds to carry out repair and maintenance work at RKAT schemes for the comfort of its occupants.

Craftsman Muhammad Aidid Mat Azenan, 26, a member of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer Corps at the camp, said that he was really looking forward to the RKAT renovation project, considering the sad condition of the premises due to lack of maintenance.

"When I was first transferred to this camp, I was taken aback when I saw the unsatisfactory condition of the house. Damaged electrical wiring, faded paint and even a clogged toilet were among the main problems when I first moved here.

"However, as a result of the government's concern, which channelled a number of allocations for renovation projects, it provides relief to us as the residents here, to live more comfortably," he told Bernama.

Muhammad Aidid, who lives at RKAT Desa Tun Razak with his wife, Siti Nor Farhana A Rostam, 24, and their eight-month-old baby, Nur Mikayla Alzahrah, said that the renovations carried out had a positive impact on his family.

"When I was transferred here, I was allocated a house which had been renovated. I no longer feel stressed after finishing work, because when I return home, the house is in good condition so I can wind down comfortably.

"I no longer feel disturbed looking at the house because it has been painted new, the electrical wiring is also new and there are no broken windows.

"The management also provides gas stoves, home furniture including beds, wardrobes, sofas and dining tables as well as refrigerators, for residents to use," he said.

Meanwhile, Corporal Muhammad Amir Abd Bahar, 27, who is attached to the Armed Forces Health Training Institute (INSAN) at the camp, said that the renovation work at the RKAT gave him comfort in raising his 10-month-old son, Muhammad Ziyad Fakhruddin.

He said that his wife, Nur Shazwana Sehat, 27, no longer complains of being afraid of living at RKAT, since the wiring has been repaired.

"Before this, I was attached to an army camp in Negri Sembilan and lived in RKAT.

Sometimes I was worried about leaving my wife and child behind due to unsatisfactory electrical wiring, fearing that a short circuit could cause a fire, especially when it rains.

"With the renovation and repair work done at this RKAT, my family can live more comfortably, and my mind is at peace while carrying out my duties because I know they are safe," he said.

Meanwhile, the commanding officer of the 9th Squadron of the Royal Engineer Regiment at the Terendak Camp, Major Mohd Ridfazrin Razali, said that currently, the repairs and maintenance are being carried out at the RKAT Desa Tun Razak, RKAT Desa Ria Tangga Batu and Desa Taming Sari 1 and 2, involving 300 housing units.

He said that 150 of the 300 houses in the three RKAT schemes have been repaired since the project started in March, and are expected to be fully completed by May next year, through allocations channelled from time to time by the federal government.

"A total of 140 personnel from the 9th Squadron of the Royal Engineer Regiment are assigned to carry out these repair and maintenance tasks, which focus on three main things which are repairing damage, general maintenance, and improvement work such as the addition of electrical sockets and lights.

"I hope that, with the results of the renovation work carried out by the army personnel themselves, they will be able to improve the morale of those who live in

RKAT, so that they will be able to provide the best service to the community and the country," he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling the Madani Budget in the Dewan Rakyat recently announced an allocation of RM400 million next year to repair and maintain RKAT housing schemes nationwide.