StarMetro’s report on May 9.
AMPANG Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) has dismissed claims that earthworks on a slope in Taman Sering Ukay near Bukit Antarabangsa is a precursor to a commercial project.
In a statement to StarMetro, MPAJ said the work was only to stabilise the slope.
“There has been no application or proposal for further developments,” it said, adding that the earthworks were to reduce risks of soil erosion.
MPAJ was responding to a May 9 report titled “Development near Bukit Antarabangsa worrying” in which residents raised concerns about earthworks on an incline next to their neighbourhood.
They were concerned that this could disturb soil integrity and wanted to know if bigger projects would be coming up there.
MPAJ said the state committee for developments on environmentally sensitive areas, had on March 1, 2023, issued approval for the works after its application was reviewed by various technical agencies.
“Approval was issued only to address the risks of slope instability and to improve soil integrity.
“No social and traffic impact assessments were carried out as the works do not involve any developments,” it said, adding it was expected to be completed by April next year.
MPAJ said slopes at the site were below safety requirements suggested by Public Works Department’s (JKR) guideline.
“Works need to be carried out to flatten the slopes in accordance with JKR’s guideline,” it said.
In response to concerns about a pond there, MPAJ said it was an on-site detention pond.
“It is to collect water run-off before it flows into existing drainage.
“The developer is required to ensure it is always in good condition.”
The council stressed that meetings were held every three months for residents to discuss concerns about the work.
“MPAJ is carrying out regular inspections at the site to ensure works are carried out in accordance with the terms in the approval,” it added.
