(Front row, from left) Booi Charn, Zahir and Kok Wai at the launch of Kuala Lumpur Residents Action for Sustainable Development Association (KLRA SD).
KUALA Lumpur MPs are calling on the authorities to disclose all applications for development orders (DOs) to allow stakeholders to provide their input and ensure transparency.
Wangsa Maju MP Zahir Hassan said the request was raised during a meeting between the MPs and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) officials.
“It was raised at a previous meeting but DBKL said the matter was under review as certain laws need to be studied.
“We hope this request will be granted as MPs and residents will then get a chance to give input on upcoming development projects.”
Zahir added that the move would also help ensure development plans in the capital proceed smoothly.
“Often, residents find out about a project only after a DO has been issued. This complicates matters for them, developers and buyers,” he said, adding that DBKL would need to pay a hefty penalty if it retracted a DO.
Applications for DOs are reviewed and approved by a DBKL planning committee, which is chaired by the mayor.
Zahir said this after the launch of Kuala Lumpur Residents Action for Sustainable Develop-ment Association (KLRA+SD) at IWK@Eco Park in Pantai Dalam.
The association, which comprises residents’ associations, local non-profits and higher education institutions, is meant to be a platform for city folk to voice their concerns on development and infrastructure issues.
KLRA+SD committee member Jonson Chong welcomed the proposal to disclose DO applications as it would give residents a say.
He cited the proposed development in Bukit Dinding in Setiawangsa, which he said was approved without proper engagement with residents.
KLRA+SD chairman Tan Booi Charn said the current method of developers placing signboards at construction sites to inform residents was inadequate.
“Sometimes, these signboards are not visible so residents are caught off-guard when a new development takes place.
“MPs also often get blamed for supposedly not speaking up about a project.
“The proposal will allow MPs to be proactive and improve communication with residents.”
Non-profit Friends of Bukit Dinding chairman Adrihazim Abdul Rashid hopes the proposal will improve public participation on development issues.
“Residents are often unaware of the technical requirements involved such as the social and environmental impact studies.”
Also at the launch were Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai and Federal Territory Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation director Ummi Kalthum Shuib.
