Residents want an open space along Jalan Jinjang in Jinjang Utara, Kuala Lumpur, to be retained as a green lung.
Community activist Yee Poh Ping expressed concerns that the paving of the green space was an indication that it would be used for commercial purposes.
“Contractors have recently been seen laying tarmac.
“I was made to understand that a company has rented the land for three years from the Department of Director-General of Lands and Mines (JKPTG),” Yee told a press conference at the site.
He also showed StarMetro a JKPTG letter of approval to the private company stating that the land could be used for storing new or used cars and festive items.
Parts of the ground have been paved and several tents erected.
“The open space, located behind an abandoned car storage area along Jalan Jinjang, used to be a green area.
“It served as a football field but was temporarily closed for the building of drains in flood mitigation projects, and later for construction of MRT lines.
“After the completion of the MRT lines, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) did not ensure that the area remained a green lung,” said Yee.
Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) complaints and welfare bureau (central) head Lee Hoi Eng also said the land should remain a green lung.
“People used to play sepak takraw and football here.
“Public land should not be rented out for commercial purposes,” he said.
