Prof Tajuddin Rasdi, of UCSI, said it was one of the best ways to build communities, especially among city dwellers who do not know their neighbours despite living together for years.
“It is a matter of the use of space and priorities,” he told FMT.
He said the rooftop, with proper security fencing, could be used by the residents for gardening, or for children to play. The adults can chat after work or during their off days.
“It is not very expensive to do that,” he added.
He said residents should not be treated as pigeons, with people placed in multi-storey buildings without proper communal areas.
Tajuddin also voiced frustration over the condition of many walk-up flats.
He said it was difficult for old or pregnant women to live in such buildings which had no lifts.
“I feel each building should have at least one lift, which can be restricted to this particular category. Special passes can be given to them to use the lift.
“A simple lift is not very expensive.
“They have after all slaved to pay the monthly instalment.”
Tajuddin added that instead of raising maintenance fees of residents, the authorities could increase property assessments to look after the building.