Developer begins repainting cross-shaped air wells
THE STAR
Rectification in progress: The view of the air wells which resemble crucifixes on the rooftops of a housing project in Kelibang, Langkawi.
ALOR SETAR: The housing developer of a newly-completed project in Langkawi has started repainting the structures of the houses that look like crosses from afar, says Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (Rehda).
Kedah and Perlis Rehda chairman Datuk Rick Cheng Wooi Seong confirmed that the rectification work began yesterday and would take about two weeks to complete.
He said he had spoken to the developer and the Langkawi district council to explain the issue which had gone viral on social media on Christmas eve.
It was just an oversight on the developer’s part, he said, and called on the public not to put pressure on the company on the matter.]
Cheng was commenting on the structures of the houses at the project in Kelibang, near Kuah in Langkawi which had resembled crucifixes.
The Star had reported that some of the units were built along the coast and when seen from the sea, had white features along the red-tiled roofs that created the impression of a row of sea-facing white crosses.
Photos of the roof features hit social media on Dec 22. Some Muslims expressed their distaste while others brushed it off as harmless coincidence.
The structures could be sunroofs, rain gutters, fire breaks or air wells.
Cheng said air wells are necessary structures in a housing project especially for terraced houses.
“They provide extra lighting and ventilation,” he added.
“Many buyers of our members’ housing projects in Kedah are Malay, and I condemn the irresponsible people who posted such pictures online,” he added.
A meeting will be held today between the developer and the council to discuss the issue.
