Over 300 trees were felled on the hill slope adjacent to Jalan Abang Haji Openg in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.
I REFER to the article “Trees felled in Bukit Kiara Park will be replaced” in StarMetro on July 19.
As a long-time resident of Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), I am writing with deep anguish and frustration over the massive destruction that has occurred in Taman Persekutuan Bukit Kiara − ironically carried out by the very agency entrusted with protecting it: National Landscape Department (JLN).
The destruction of over 300 trees on the hill slope adjacent to Jalan Abang Haji Openg in TTDI is nothing short of heartbreaking.
JLN’s justification that many of the felled trees were invasive rubber trees is misleading.
Yes, Bukit Kiara was once a commercial rubber estate, and yes, some of the trees were non-native.
But what about the many other non-invasive species?
Could none of them be preserved?
Why was every single tree removed without exception?
Couldn’t JLN, as an agency that preaches the preservation of biodiversity, have saved some trees and built around them?
Apparently not, because it’s far more convenient for the contractors to work on a completely barren, obstacle-free site.
So instead of planning with nature, JLN chose to plan against it, wiping the hill clean for ease of construction.
And now the residents must live with the consequences; bare slopes, exposed soil, rising temperatures, dust, noise and an ever-present fear of landslides.
Even more distressing is that this environmental desecration occurred without any prior engagement with residents or stakeholders.
The affected community was only informed after the trees were gone.
That is simply unacceptable.
JLN defended its actions by pledging to plant 614 new trees and over 3,700 shrubs.
But anyone who knows trees knows that no number of saplings can immediately replicate the cooling shade, carbon capture, soil stability and biodiversity supported by mature trees.
That will take decades. In the meantime, residents suffer.
The rationale given – that JLN needs a physical presence on-site to manage Bukit Kiara – is not convincing.
There is ample existing office space in the vicinity that could have easily accommodated JLN staff.
There was absolutely no need to build a new four-storey structure at the expense of our already threatened green lung.
What we need now is a clear and committed way forward to restore trust, limit further damage and ensure this never happens again. As such:
1. Early and genuine engagement with major stakeholders must be the norm. The voices of the rakyat, especially those directly affected, must be heard before projects begin – not after bulldozers have done their work.
2. Strict project timelines must be enforced. The current JLN-led upgrade of the Lake Park is already showing signs of stagnation, with days of inactivity and no visible progress. JLN must be present on-site to ensure contractors don’t drag their feet.
3. No more concrete structures in Bukit Kiara. Let this be the last of such buildings. The soul of Bukit Kiara is its nature – not its walls.
4. During the 2.5-year construction phase, all environmental and community safeguards must be observed. These include keeping noise levels within legal limits, preventing soil erosion and landslides, not carrying out work after sunset, and minimising dust pollution.
5. A six-monthly public progress report must be issued. This is essential to keep the community informed, hold contractors accountable and ensure timely completion. The report should detail the percentage of work completed, upcoming phases, issues faced and steps taken. JLN must also continue engaging residents until final handover.
This isn’t just about buildings or trees; it is about public trust, transparency and doing right by future generations.
DR POLA SINGH
Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
The writer is co-founder of Friends of Bukit Kiara
