Broken railings mark neglected walkways near old flats in Kuchai Lama, highlighting how basic facilities have fallen behind rapid development in the area. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
Burst water pipes have become a frustrating routine for residents along Jalan Nyaman 10, in Taman Bukit Indah, Kuala Lumpur, where ageing underground pipes give way several times a year.
The same story plays out in older neighbourhoods such as Taman Seputeh.
In these areas, decades-old pipes struggle to cope with modern water demand, causing frequent leaks, repairs and supply disruptions.
“Much of our water network was built decades ago and simply cannot keep up with today’s usage,” said Seputeh Residents Representative Council Zone 6 chairman Alvin T. Ariaratnam.
Alvin says much of our water network simply cannot keep up with today’s usage.
“As more high-rises and new developments come up, these old pipes are straining badly; it is a matter of time before more bursts and outages follow.”
The strain is also occurring above ground.
Jason Tan, who lives about 5km from his office in Taman Yarl, Jalan Kelang Lama, has to drive to work because there is no reliable public transport or safe pedestrian routes.
Yet his short commute turns into a daily crawl, with more time spent circling for parking and inching through traffic gridlock.
“This is life in Kuala Lumpur. Everything feels near, yet far away,” he said.
These everyday struggles highlight a bigger concern – while sleek new towers keep rising, the city’s supporting infrastructure, from water pipes to walkways, parks, clinics, schools and public transport, have not kept pace.
Without these essentials, residents warn, urban renewal risks delivering poorer quality of life alongside taller buildings.
Joshua says many parts of the city have already reached their carrying capacity.
Kuala Lumpur Residents Action for Sustainable Development Association honorary secretary Joshua Low said he told the Public Accounts Committee on Feb 5 that many parts of the city had already reached their carrying capacity.
“I highlighted Kuchai Lama as a case study.
“Between 2014 and 2024, at least 4,925 high-rise residential units were built along a 2.5km stretch of Jalan Kuchai Lama.
“That alone has added an estimated 10,000 vehicles,” said Joshua, adding that the road’s level of service had also deteriorated drastically.
“We are not against redevelopment, but it must be sustainable.
“If low and mid-rise flats are converted into dense high-rise projects without upgrading public infrastructure, especially roads and public transport, we cannot imagine how severe congestion will become.”
Voicing the same concern is Happy Garden Residents Association honorary secretary Evelyne Low.
“There have been so many high-rise residential projects, but we don’t see additional public amenities and infrastructure.
“For example, despite the huge increase in residents, the number of public schools in our community has remained the same,” she said. — By BAVANI M
