THE spirit of camaraderie and shared history is alive and well at Rifle Range Flats, a vibrant community since the early 1970s that has been home to generations of residents.

Despite the modest size of the flats, the area has thrived on the close-knit bonds among neighbours.

Loh says Rifle Range is where he truly belongs.Rifle Range Village Community Management Council chairman, Loh Eng Kim, 62, recalled his childhood at the flats, where he first moved in as a child in 1971.

His family of nine squeezed into a single-bedroom unit, akin to the size of three parking bays.

“We slept like sardines in a tin and had few belongings or furniture at home then,” Loh reminisced.

“Back then, the corridors echoed with the chatter of children running barefoot, neighbours calling out to each other, and the clatter of pots from kitchens where the aroma of simple home-cooked meals wafted out.

“As we grew up and space ran out, my elder siblings left one by one to work and live elsewhere. I followed when I was 20.”

Decades later, Loh found himself drawn back to his roots. In 2012, he returned to Rifle Range, renting a unit, choosing familiarity and kinship over elsewhere.

“Little has changed. The warmth of neighbours who still greet each other like family remains, although the walls bear the marks of time,” said Loh, who now lives there with his wife and three children.

Mazliza preparing food for customers at her stall in Rifle Range flats. She hopes the amenities will be improved.

For Loh, Rifle Range is more than just flats: “It is where I grew up, where old friends and neighbours are, and where life feels familiar. This is truly where I belong.”

The flats are alive with memories and community spirit, and residents and traders are happy to share their stories.

Lim Jin Bin, 62, a clothes seller, inherited his father’s business and has managed the shop in the traders’ complex for 40 years.

“Locals still come to buy clothes, from sports attire to pyjamas. Many customers are regulars, and we are familiar with their preferences.

“The proximity of the shops makes it convenient for them,” said Lim.

Despite a decline in business, he feels content serving the community.

Sow Teik Wang, 75, opened his Chinese medicine shop 46 years ago. Proud to be among the last few traditional medicine hall operators, he offers custom herbal mixes to customers.

“With modern medicine and premixed herbs becoming popular, some customers still prefer the traditional approach,” Sow said.

Barber Pang Chong Look, 81, and his wife Ong Siew Suan, 71, have operated their shop for 55 years.

“I rented the shop for RM500 monthly before I bought it in 1995. Customers know our services well. A haircut, including shaving, takes 15 minutes, and I have kept the price at RM10 for years. This salon is a place for locals to gather and reflect while having a haircut,” said Pang.

Fried-noodles seller Kong Yoke Hong, 86, started selling noodles at 10sen per packet and now it is RM1.50. He and his wife Chin Chui Ngo, 81, have run their roadside stall since 1970.

With age catching up, Kong is contemplating retirement.

“It is tiring to operate from 9am to 4pm. I now sell only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Residents say they will miss my cooking if I stop, but I may have to retire soon,” Kong shared.

Hawker Mazliza Abdul Kadir, 53, who has lived in Rifle Range since 1978, started her food stall 12 years ago. She delights in serving customers of all races.

“Rifle Range was part of the government’s plan to provide housing, and today it still serves many residents.

“There is harmony here, and I hope the area and amenities will be upgraded to further improve living conditions,” said Mazliza.

Single mother K. Vimala, 45, appreciates the convenience of living in Rifle Range since moving in 13 years ago.

“There are clinics, sundry shops, eateries, barbers, a market and a school nearby.

“My children can easily find meals while I am at work, and feel safe in a neighbourhood where neighbours look after each other.

“If all residents maintain cleanliness, it would be a wonderful place to live,” Vimala said. — By LO TERN CHERN