Ukay Perdana folk say earthworks nearby their housing areas are causing noise and pollution. — Filepic
SinCE concerns over earthworks at a slope near their homes have not been addressed, Ukay Perdana residents in Ampang, Selangor, reached out to their elected representative for help.
They raised their fears to Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail during a town hall session that also involved Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) officers and the landowner.
At the meeting, residents from a few neighbourhoods said the project, that began two years ago, had caused dust and soil to enter their homes and was disturbing the peace and quiet.
Rodziah said she was informed by MPAJ that the project involved works to stabilise the surrounding slope.
“I understand that the slopes were considered sensitive and that MPAJ has ordered the landowner to undertake works to stabilise them and improve safety,” she said, adding that no development has been planned there.
Former Taman Sering Ukay Residents Association chairman Brig-Jen (Rtd) Datuk Mohd Arshad Raji said the slopes should remain untouched.
He asked why the hill was being levelled if it was only a slope stabilisation exercise.
“Local authorities should clarify the meaning of slope stabilisation works to prevent confusion.
“The work has affected my house located less than 100m from the project site,” he said.
The issue came to light in a StarMetro report on May 9 which highlighted locals’ complaints and suspicions that a development was being planned there.
In a May 14 report, MPAJ denied that there was a development plan, stressing that there was no proposal or application for that purpose.
It also noted that the work to stabilise the slope was in accordance with Public Works Department’s (JKR) guidelines.
Another resident Dr Mohd Rafick Abd Rahman said cutting down trees could result in weaker soil integrity while increasing risk of flash floods.
Albakri Ali, chairman of Bukit Antarabangsa Taskforce, an association monitoring local environment and developments, meanwhile, was worried that particulates from the site were causing air pollution.
Fellow Bukit Antarabangsa resident Tan Sri Ismail Omar urged MPAJ to ensure that works complied with regulations.
“The council must also clarify what further developments are taking place and if more green areas will be affected,” said the former Inspector-General of Police.
In response, MPAJ deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari said the project was part of an initiative to improve safety at slopes considered risky in Ampang Jaya.
He said MPAJ had, based on a hazard mapping by JKR in 2008, began working to identify slopes in need of maintenance.
“Our focus is on slopes on government land. As for slopes on private lands, MPAJ has asked landowners to do the needful,” he said.
As for the slope in Ukay Perdana, Hasrolnizam said approval was issued to the land owner after review by a technical committee led by MPAJ’s Town and Country Planning Department.
