An overhead view of the houses at Pinggir Zaaba (right) and the MRT track running over the Damansara-Puchong Highway.
COMPLAINTS of noise pollution by residents of Pinggir Zaaba in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, said to be caused by an ongoing rail project, will be addressed by the highway concessionaire and asset owner.
Lingkaran Trans Kota (Litrak), the concessionaire of Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP), said in a statement that it would hold a joint meeting with Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp), the asset owner of the MRT Kajang Line, and the Department of Environment (DOE) to discuss matters raised by the residents.
Litrak communications head Shah Rizal Mohamed Fawzi assured that their concerns over the noise level would be addressed.
MRT Corp, in a separate statement, said a team was sent to inspect the site at Pinggir Zaaba on March 3.
“The site inspection revealed that the trains of the MRT Kajang Line running along the elevated track at the location complied with the permitted noise levels set by the authorities,” it said.
The team, however, noticed that the ambient noise at the said location was at a much higher level.
“Notwithstanding the above findings, we will continue to work closely with the operator to ensure the trains and tracks of the line are well-maintained,” it said, adding that it would extend its full cooperation to find a solution.
On March 2, StarMetro had highlighted the issue in its article titled “Din from traffic, trains affecting TTDI residents”.
Those living near the LDP and MRT tracks said the noise was akin to a vacuum cleaner.
Resident Mohd Idris Hassan, a retired army personnel, was happy that their concern was being looked at by the authorities.
“If Litrak and MRT Corp can solve this, it will reflect very well on them, not only as transport providers and highway operators but as entities that truly have the people’s interest at heart,” he said.
He added that the residents hoped to arrive at a win-win settlement through negotiation.
As these bodies already have the advantage of qualified expertise to carry out the environmental impact assessment required for the building of the overhead MRT track and the LDP, Mohd Idris said they should know what to do to effectively reduce the noise and vibration levels.
Another resident Saleh Mohammed said they had been complaining about the noise and vibration since 2018.
“They have had four years to deliberate on the solution. But all this while, it seems like our complaints have been cast aside,” said Saleh.
He added that the answer they usually got was that the noise was at a permissible level set by the DOE.
“The best way for these bodies to arrive at a realistic conclusion is to stay at Pinggir Zaaba for one week and experience the noise of traffic for themselves,” suggested Saleh.
Saleh said they were not asking for compensation but a firm decision on noise mitigation measures so they could live in a peaceful environment.
He also suggested that the residents be included in the meetings to give their input.
Former chairman of Rukun Tetangga SS20 Damansara Utama, Eileen Thong, 76, who spoke on behalf of residents at Jalan SS20/10, Petaling Jaya, said regardless of the permissible noise level test results, the stress they experienced daily was affecting them.
An overhead view of the houses at Pinggir Zaaba (right) and the MRT track running over the Damansara-Puchong Highway.
Pinggir Zaaba residents, some of whom can been seen here working on their Kebun Kita community garden at Jalan SS20/10 want to attend meetings to be held between Litrak, MRTC and DOE.
