Bukit Kiara park closure postponed

THE closure of Taman Persekutuan Bukit Kiara in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), Kuala Lumpur, for an upgrading project has been postponed following requests from stakeholders.

The decision was announced by Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) director Mohd Azmin Hussin during an engagement with National Landscape Department (JLN) and stakeholder representatives.

The project to desilt the park’s pond and river as well as improve its infrastructure, estimated to cost RM6mil, commenced on May 28.

Azmin said the project had been expected to take 18 months or until November 2025 and required the park to be closed for the entire period as a safety precaution.

“The contractor had planned to close the park beginning June 10.

“However, due to the concerns raised by the stakeholders, especially on the project’s impact on the surroundings, we have decided to postpone the closure of the park pending a town hall session to be held soon with all stakeholders,” he told StarMetro after the session at Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) Segambut branch office in TTDI.

Numerous residents had voiced their suggestions as well as dissatisfaction regarding the park’s closure.

Their concerns included the lack of prior notice about the closure, which would force residents and students from nearby schools to go to a park farther away for their recreational and exercise needs.

They also complained about the collapsed suspension bridge in the park that was not addressed by the project, insufficient toilet facilities, and an office building that has been abandoned.

“We hope that there can be a clear communication between us and the agency,” said TTDI resident S. Somu, who also brought up the lack of replies to emails he had sent to the authorities.

TTDI Residents Association chairman Abdul Jabar Ahmad Junid also echoed Somu’s requests for clearer communication and also raised his concerns on the lack of parking spaces.

“The route that the lorries will take will add to congestion along the residential area’s packed and narrow roads.

“An estimated 700 vehicles use this road, especially during peak hours,” said SK TTDI 2 headmistress Serimashayu Abdul Majid.

“I think the collapsed bridge’s repairs should be included in the plan instead of making it into a separate project,” said Friends of Bukit Kiara treasurer Chong Fook King.

Following the announcement of the postponement, JLN federal parks division director Fauzana Abdullah agreed to hold more public engagement sessions to hear the suggestions of TTDI residents. — By JOSHUA YAP