MBPJ has ordered the removal of the fenced area within the park that allows dogs to roam freely. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
A notice to vacate at the fenced dog park within Bandar Utama’s Central Park in Petaling Jaya is leaving regular visitors and pet owners deeply concerned over the park’s future.
Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) issued the notice to developer Bandar Utama City Centre Sdn Bhd, citing “encroachment and unapproved construction activities” that violated Park By-Laws (MBPJ, 2005).
The dog park in Selangor has been a key community meeting spot for pet owners the last 20 years.
The order directs the developer to remove enclosures, fences and signage, and restore the land to its original condition within 14 days.
The deadline is today.
The area was fenced and gated by the developer two decades ago to allow dogs to roam freely within the park.
Among those troubled by the notice is Farah K. from Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.
She walks her licensed rescue dog at the park on Saturday and Sunday evenings.
“I am a new dog owner, and I really enjoy visiting this park.
“It has a multiracial crowd and truly feels like a community gathering spot.
“I have made many friends among the animal-loving community here,” the housewife said.
“In fact, it even attracts visitors who don’t own pets,” she added.
Farah said many people lived in condominiums that did not allow pets, hence the park was an ideal place for them to enjoy the presence of these pet dogs.
“We hope the city council will retain this place,” she added.
Bandar Utama resident Anna Wong, 62, who has been visiting the park for over 20 years, pointed out its unique social value.
“People of all races gather here. Sometimes strangers come up to pet our animals – it is a great conversation starter,” she said, urging authorities to witness for themselves the community bond in the evenings.
Bandar Utama 6 Residents Association chairman Angela Yeo expressed disappointment over the notice.
“This park fosters friendships and is open to everyone.
“We understand MBPJ is taking over, but we urge the city council to retain it as a place for the community to bring their pets,” she said.
Responding to the issue, Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon told StarMetro that a meeting would be held to clarify the matter.
He said the park was slated for upgrades but assured that the public would still be allowed to bring their pets – as long as the animals remain leashed.
“Let me discuss this with my officers to better understand the situation,” he said.
“If this facility has allowed pets for about 20 years, continuing the practice shouldn’t be a problem.
“However, there will be guidelines the public must follow.”
MBPJ Landscape director Dr Badrulzaman Jaafar clarified that the city council was specifically targeting the removal of the fenced area to carry out necessary upgrades, including addressing the stagnant pond as well as improving jogging paths.
While dogs were still allowed in the general park area, he said, they must be on a leash, in accordance with local regulations to ensure public safety.
Proposed guidelines, Badrulzaman said, might also include limiting one dog per person at the park.
