TENSION is brewing among residents near Bukit Dinding in Kuala Lumpur as they are unhappy with the developer’s and the authorities’ response to concerns about a proposed development at the hill.
The lush landscape, popular as a recreational venue among locals, is located on the border between Setiawangsa and Wangsa Maju in Kuala Lumpur.
After news broke out last month that two blocks of 26-storey condominiums will be built there, residents in the area set up social media accounts and put up banners opposing the project.
Lodging Heights 1 condominium resident Fatimah Nagoor, 65, said the development would bring more traffic into the area and the road would not be able to cope with the increase in volume.
“We were informed that the developer will use the narrow Jalan 1/27c during construction, which will inconvenience residents.
“There are many housing areas here and heavy vehicles plying our neighbourhood roads will affect us badly,” she said.
Wazuri 1 Residents Association chairman Syahrom Jumali, 42, said Bukit Dinding was not strong enough to support the proposed buildings.
He expressed concern that his condominium, located behind the hill, would be at risk if the development went ahead.
“There is a stream at the hill, which could weaken the soil structure. We often see landslips after downpours.
“We are worried that if this project is allowed, more developments will take place here in future,” Syahrom added.
On Sept 26, Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah said 25% of the site must be maintained as a green area.
He also stressed that no works should take place until engagement sessions with residents were finalised, although no deadline had been given.
On Oct 18, residents lodged a police report against the developer for allegedly misleading them about the project.
They claimed that the developer used an outdated environmental impact assessment (EIA) report from 2017, which was only valid for two years.
Fatimah said a meeting with the developer on Sept 15 failed to dispel residents’ fears about the project.
“Many things were poorly explained and the residents were left with more questions instead,” she added.
Syahrom said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) should take charge and moderate these engagement sessions to ensure transparency.
Meanwhile, a group of fitness enthusiasts called “NRG”, consisting of some 60 members, have been exercising regularly at Bukit Dinding.
Suparman Samsuddin, 38, who heads the group, said they would meet every Wednesday to hike up the hill and enjoy the scenery.
“The site is the perfect ground to train for long-distance running. On weekends, many families also come to enjoy the greenery.
“This hill is one the few green lungs left and must be preserved. Further developments will disrupt the ecosystem of the hill,” he said.
The developer Nova Pesona Sdn Bhd, in response, said its land had been designated for residential use since 1983.
In a statement to StarMetro, the company said the development was also gazetted under the then Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020.
“The 52.5ha parcel is only part of Bukit Dinding and does not constitute the entire hill. There are other lots with different owners,” it said.
On concerns over the soil integrity, Nova Pesona said it was normal for groundwater to exist in natural slopes.
It said drains were installed to capture and release stormwater, adding it would comply with the guidelines from the Public Works Department to ensure safety.
