KL residents say local plan ignores their concerns

The Star

6 days ago

THE soon-to-be gazetted Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (KLLP2040) continues to draw criticism from stakeholders who say it does not address their concerns.
KLLP2040 will come into force on June 11, according to the Federal Government Gazette dated May 28 published by the Attorney General's Chambers.
It contains written statements detailing objectives and proposals for developments, land use, socioeconomic planning and traffic management in the capital.
Kuala Lumpur Residents Action for Sustainable Develop­ment Association chairman Tan Booi Charn said the group was concerned about land previously meant for community use turning into development zones.
Tan: Land designated for community use has been turned into development zones.
She pointed to Lot 481440 in Taman Danau Desa, previously reserved for a playground.
'The community submitted 1,000 objections to Kuala Lum­pur City Hall (DBKL) but their pleas fell on deaf ears.
'Following enquiries, they were informed that the land title had changed and the plan must be adjusted accordingly,' she said.
She added that some city lots had their plot ratios increased to accommodate potential future redevelopments.
Another point of contention was flood retention ponds in Taman Desa, Taman Wahyu and Kampung Bohol turned into development land, said Tan.
She said this contravened principles outlined in Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040 that retention ponds should remain untouched.
Tan estimated that only 13% of public objections were taken into account in the final draft of KLLP2040.
'We are disappointed because the public spent lots of time and effort preparing presentations and submitting objections.'
Save Kuala Lumpur chairman Datuk M. Ali called for another round of engagements for DBKL to explain why feedback was not heeded.
'There have been severe short­falls in the overall process of KLLP2040, which warrants rectifications,' he said.
Ali said KLLP2040 failed to provide adequate safeguards for the capital's 52 water retention ponds.
'This is despite a directive from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the ponds to be restored to their original status,' he said.
Naidu: KLLP2040 seems to side with developers and landowners rather than communities.
Brickfields Rukun Tetangga chairman SKK Naidu said many suggestions raised during engagements with DBKL were not implemented, especially with regard to green areas and development density.
'The final KLLP2040 seems to side with developers and landowners rather than communities,' he noted.
KLLP2040 was adopted in accordance with Sections 16 and 17 of Federal Territory (Plan­ning) Act 1982 (Act 267).
Copies can be downloaded from DBKL's website, or inspected or purchased during office hours at DBKL Urban Plan­ning Department at Menara DBKL 1 from June 11.
For details, visit ppkl.dbkl.gov.my