a day ago
‘No' to Kg Bkt Lanjan high-rise
The site of the proposed 27-storey condominium at Jalan Penchala Indah, Kampung Bukit Lanjan, in the centre with ongoing construction of the 35-storey project on the left. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star
RESIDENTS of Kampung Bukit Lanjan, Kuala Lumpur and surrounding neighbourhoods are objecting to a proposed 27-storey apartment project at Lot 3119 Jalan Penchala Indah.
This marks the second time in recent years the community has opposed a hillside construction in the area.
Next to the proposed site, situated on Malay reserve land, is a 35-storey project under construction.
The latest high-rise came to light in January when a public notice was placed at the site.
Residents claimed they have not been officially informed and learned about it only during their daily commute.
Mohamed Ali: There have been two landslides not far from the site.
According to the notice, the development will have 154 units.
The site is located on a narrow, elevated section of Jalan Penchala Indah, just uphill from Residensi The Trees and Residensi Armani.
Objections have been filed by residents of Residensi The Trees, Residensi Armani, Kampung Bukit Lanjan and heritage advocacy group Anak Jati Penchala.
Each group submitted petitions to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Segambut MP's office and issued a joint statement on May 10.
'There have already been two landslides this year not far from where the site is,' said Kampung Bukit Lanjan resident Mohamed Ali Noordin.
He said the authorities should prioritise preserving the area's character.
'Kampung Bukit Lanjan is one of the last Malay reserve areas in the city,' he told StarMetro, adding that road infrastructure was already at breaking point.
'Almost every single high-rise project has the issue of cars parked outside because there are not enough parking bays.
Abdul Halim is disappointed with DBKL's lack of engagement with residents.
In their joint statement, the four groups cited inconsistencies with Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040 (KLSP 2040), as well as flood and landslide risks, road capacity issues and erosion of the village's identity.
'It is clearly stated in the plan that village areas and existing communities should be safeguarded,' said Residensi The Trees Management Corporation chairman Mohamad Sazali Samjis.
'Even without the proposed construction, the infrastructure is struggling, the drainage system cannot keep up with the volume of rainfall,' said Sazali.
A public engagement session on May 11 was held by a consultant appointed by the developer, but residents said DBKL officials were not present.
'Every resident who attended the meeting strongly objected to the project,' said Kampung Bukit Lanjan Residents Association chairman Abdul Halim Halid.
Minutes of the meeting, he said, has yet to be shared.
'They said they would circulate the minutes, but it has been a month and we have received nothing.'
He expressed disappointment with DBKL's lack of engagement with residents.
Abdul Halim noted that the project notice listed no identifiable name of the developer.
DBKL had not responded to StarMetro's queries at press time.
