Leung Yuen-to, 55, has fond memories of the days he lived among the prostitutes and drug addicts of the Kowloon Walled City; From Kowloon City to Tuen Mun Fare: $282.60
I used to live in the Kowloon Walled City, which was a notorious nest of drug divans, criminal hideouts, vice dens and even cheap, unlicensed dentists. I grew up there as a child and I felt quite safe when I lived there, although outsiders thought it was a very dangerous place. Kowloon Walled City was in fact a very friendly neighbourhood.
It was true there were many prostitutes, but they were all very friendly and nice to children. I still remember playing games with them when I was a child. Prostitutes are also human beings and I believe they are just as normal as us; the only difference is that most people in society despise their profession.
Many drug addicts lived in the Kowloon Walled City so they would not be caught by police. They never stole things from us; they only stole things from people who lived outside the walled city. They all made a living by stealing things so they could have money to buy drugs.
Although the walled city residents were all very friendly and nice, the environment inside was filthy and dark. Rubbish piling up and dirty water dripping were common sights.
I moved out of the Kowloon Walled City 13 years ago and it was also the first time I was interviewed by the South China Morning Post. I cannot believe that after 13 years I have another chance to be interviewed by the Post. I still have that newspaper clipping at home.
Many government officials, including some who flew from Britain, visited my new home after my family moved out of the walled city. We were rehoused at a public housing estate near the walled city. Our flat was an example for the colonial government to brag about what good it had done to improve the living conditions of residents of the walled city.